As the winter season fast approaches, we’ve compiled the ultimate itinerary to see out the winter months, from attending some of the hottest events in Greater Manchester to joining a club. Who's up for a Parkrun?
Discover what’s going on below:
Key Dates to Add to Your Calendars
David Hockney: Bigger & Closer (not smaller & further away)
Let David Hockney take you on a personal journey through sixty years of his art in this vibrant…
Barbara Walker
The Whitworth's autumn programme leads with the first-ever survey exhibition and a new…
Chinese New Year in Manchester
Celebrate Chinese New Year in Manchester, as we welcome the Year of The Snake. Featuring…
JMW Turner In Light and Shade
Marking the 250th anniversary of his birth, this exhibition will explore the work and technique…
Bat Out Of Hell
Following a successful UK, Ireland and International tour from 2021 - 2023 the Award-winning Bat Out…
Manchester Film Festival
Grab your tickets now - Manchester Film Festival is BACK, 19 to 29 March 2026! Returning for a 12th…
Join a Club
With a growing interest in club activities and search engines going crazy for book clubs, cooking clubs, and running clubs, we’ve pulled together a list of clubs you can join within the Greater Manchester area:
Start a New Hobby
Altogether Otherwise based over at NOMA is all about ‘Getting comfortable wasting time and being bad at stuff’ so it doesn’t matter if you’re not very good at your new hobby, it’s more about having fun.
They have a range of clubs you can sink your teeth into including gardening, pottery, photography, and much more! Plus, it is all free.
Attend a Cooking Class
Join Vegetarian Society who provide a vibrant selection of vegetarian and vegan workshops, supper clubs, half-day and full-day sessions.
Whether you want to become an expert in vegetarian cookery or learn how to make delicious vegan street food, their flavour-filled experiences make plant-based cooking more exciting and inclusive than ever before.
Join a Running Club
Have you ever just wanted to start running for the fun of it or compete in a half or full marathon? Well, what better way to start your running journey than by joining a club where you can meet like-minded people and kickstart this dream.
There is a range of running clubs within the Greater Manchester area, and to make life easier, head to Manchester’s Half Marathon page where you can use their interactive map to find a local running club or Parkrun near to you.
Meet like-minded people at a Book Club
House of Books & Friends has its own Book Club that runs every month. They hold the book club three times, including one online, so if you can’t make it in person, you can still join in!
Head to their events page to find out more.
Free Things To Do in Manchester
The Whitworth
The Whitworth is proudly part of the University of Manchester and serves as a bridge between the…
Manchester Art Gallery
Manchester Art Gallery has been at the centre of city life for 200 years. From its origins in the…
Manchester Museum
Manchester Museum has been at the heart of the city’s cultural scene for more than 130 years…
Mayfield Park
Open space, sky, trees, the natural meander of the Medlock and increased biodiversity; Manchester…
Castlefield
Castlefield in Manchester, located at the south-west end of Deansgate, is the industrial and Roman…
Science and Industry Museum
Explore 250 years of innovations that started life in Manchester and went on to change the world on…
Discover Manchester's Trendy Neighbourhoods
Discover Manchester's diverse neighbourhoods, each with its own blend of culture, history, and modern living. From the Northern Quarter to Spinningfields, explore the character of each district. Plan your visit to experience the local atmosphere, with cultural spots and community spirit shaping the unique vibe of each neighbourhood.
Don't forget there's more to see than just central Manchester. Hop on a tram or train and visit other quirky areas such as Didsbury Village, Chorlton, Stockport, and Altrincham where you can spend your day charity shopping and visiting an array of independent vendors selling food and drink, homeware, fashion accessories and more!
Visit our Manchester's Neighbourhoods page for more information or you may also like our Ancoats: A comprehensive guide and Independent Guide to Stockport.
Must-see Attractions
Museum of Illusions
Manchester welcomes World-Famous Museum of Illusions to the city! Enter the fascinating world of…
Science and Industry Museum
Explore 250 years of innovations that started life in Manchester and went on to change the world on…
HOME
With five cinema screens, two theatres and an art gallery, HOME is an open and social space for the…
Coronation Street Experience - Step Onto The Iconic Street!
About The Experience Join us for an unforgettable journey as we open the doors to Manchester's…
Aviva Studios
Image Credit: OMA. Courtesy: Factory International. Aviva Studios is a global destination for arts…
Lowry
A magnificent building alongside Salford Quays, inside visitors will find three stunning theatres…
Palace Theatre
The Palace Theatre has been part of Manchester's cultural scene since 1891. Along with its…
Manchester Opera House
The Opera House has been part of Manchester's cultural scene since 1912. Along with its…
East Lancashire Railway
Nestled deep in the heart of the Irwell Valley, the East Lancashire Railway spans 12 miles of…
Z-arts
Z-arts is the UK’s only dedicated arts centre for children and families. A place to express…
Scranchester Food Tours
A truly immersive food tour of Manchester. Your local guide will take you on a multi-stop tour…
Manchester Cathedral
An essential visit in the City sporting a gorgeous interior with the best late medieval woodwork in…
People's History Museum
People’s History Museum (PHM) is the national museum of democracy, telling the story of its…
Victoria Baths
Situated just south of Manchester city centre in Chorlton-on-Medlock, Victoria Baths is one of the…
Chetham's Library
About/History Chetham's is a unique cultural institution in the heart of Manchester combining…
Castlefield Viaduct
NOTE: Closed until Autumn 2026 Statement: “Castlefield Viaduct is currently closed for…
RHS Garden Bridgewater
Reviving the gardens of the historic 156 acre Worsley New Hall estate to create RHS Garden…
Manchester Jewish Museum
Manchester Jewish Museum is common ground; a hospitable place that makes connections by showing and…
Elizabeth Gaskell's House
Elizabeth Gaskell's House is part of the Visit Manchester Pass - giving you entry to iconic…
Shopping and Winter Sales
What better way to bring in the New Year than by heading to the winter sales and grabbing a bargain or two.
Some of our favourite shopping outlets include:
Manchester Arndale
When it comes to shopping in the city centre, Manchester Arndale is the ultimate destination. With…
The Trafford Centre
The Trafford Centre The world-renowned shopping and leisure destination has all the must-have…
Selfridges
Selfridges Exchange Square is located in the heart of the city and offers a luxury shopping…
Additionally, venture down Market Street and explore the shops around St. Ann’s Square and The Royal Exchange. Or if you’re looking for something more independent, have a mooch over to the Northern Quarter and King Street.
Manchester’s best January dining deals are back
Whether you're looking for the best dining deals this January or looking to save a penny or two at your favourite retail stores, we've got you covered.
Head over to our Greater Manchester's best January offers for 2025 blog to find out where you can dine at discounted rates this January.
To discover more all-year-round deals, visit our Special Offers in Manchester page for the latest offers.
Day Trips / Unique Experiences
GM Ringway - Greater Manchester’s walking trail
The GM Ringway is Greater Manchester’s walking trail. Designed around existing…
Mountain Goat Tours
Mountain Goat Tours are thrilled to announce an exciting new collaboration with the historic…
Scranchester Food Tours
A truly immersive food tour of Manchester. Your local guide will take you on a multi-stop tour…
Flavours of Manchester
Flavours of Manchester is a premier Food and Drink Walking Tour company that guides guests through…
The Manchester Floral Bicycle Tour by Blooms & Bicycles
Blooms & Bicycles is a community-based bicycle hire company from Manchester with a difference…
RHS Garden Bridgewater
Reviving the gardens of the historic 156 acre Worsley New Hall estate to create RHS Garden…
Manchester Wine Tours
Manchester Wine Tours are relaxed, three-hour jaunts around Manchester city centre calling at four…
Gulliver's World Resort
With a fantastic selection of rides, attractions and shows to see each day, Gulliver's World…
Food Sorcery, Deansgate Square
Award-Winning Food Sorcery Cookery School & Event Space Located in Manchester City Centre at the…
Whether you’re seeking culture, nightlife, history, or just good fun, there are plenty of things to do in Manchester.
Make your visit one to remember by taking part in the famous GM Ringway, leave the city for the day with Mountain Goat Tours and BusyBus Tours, or book onto one of the endless city tours Manchester has to offer. We've heard Scranchester is perfect for any food and drink lovers looking to explore the city's history even more (while also sampling some of the best food and drink the city has to offer).
Find out more over on our Unique experiences in Manchester page.
And lastly, if you’re looking to escape the city for the day, why not explore some of Greater Manchester’s surrounding boroughs?
Find out about Manchester's districts and discover its diverse boroughs, cultural hubs, and scenic landscapes.
If you head to our Instagram page, you’ll come across our Walk of the Week Highlight that will give you all the inspiration you need. Seize the day and get those walking boots ready!
Additionally, as the Gateway to the North, it's easy to expand your Manchester visit even further with a trip to the beautiful countryside, including the Lake District and the Peak District, and cosmopolitan cities such as Chester, Leeds, Liverpool, Newcastle and York.
Explore Greater Manchester with our guide. Discover its diverse boroughs, cultural hubs, and scenic landscapes. Plan your visit to experience the unique charm of this dynamic region, offering a mix of urban excitement and tranquil escapes. Start your journey and explore the opportunities for…
For more events, visit our What’s On page.
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