Manchester ideas and inspiration

Planning a trip to Manchester? Browse our travel ideas to get some inspiration on what to see and where to visit in the region. Have a look at our list of 'top 5s', download an itinerary or read our famous "101 things to do in Greater Manchester" post on the Visit Manchester blog. If you're planning on staying in Manchester that bit longer then have a look at our day trip and excursion ideas to explore Northern England whilst staying in one of Manchester's top hotels.

The home of football, Manchester is fit to burst with of a number of sporting attractions and events, and with a huge arts and culture scene, it's almost impossible to run out of things to see and do in Greater Manchester. After joining UNESCO's worldwide Creative Cities network as a City of Literature, Manchester's radical literature history has been catapulted into the limelight, with plenty of book-based attractions and events taking place year-round.

With a thriving LGBT scene, including the world famous canal street, LGBT travellers won't be disappointed. If it's rolling hills and beautiful countryside you're seeking, Greater Manchester has it in abundance, with over 500 square miles of inspiring countryside, crisscrossed by historical waterways and dotted with picturesque towns and fascinating attractions that make for great days out of the city.

If you're planning individual or group travel programmes, take a look at our group travel page featuring a whole host of North West attractions. Feeling lucky? Take a look at our competition page, or save some cash with our special offers.

Latest Manchester blogs

What's On in Rochdale This September

From the laughs of the Rochdale Comedy Festival later this month to uncovering hidden gems during Heritage Open Days 2025 – plus a packed programme at Rochdale Town Hall – there’s so much happening in Greater Manchester’s Town of Culture this September. Just last week, Rochdale was transformed into…

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Stockport, Greater Manchester: A Complete Visitor's Guide

Just 8 minutes from Manchester, Stockport is quickly making a name for itself; some are even calling it the " new Berlin ." And it's easy to see why. The town has that perfect mix of old and new. You've got historic spots like the iconic Hat Works Museum and the Air Raid Shelters that offer a glimpse…

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Step Into Nature: Manchester's New CyanLines Routes Revealed

Manchester is about to get a whole lot greener! A bold new project called CyanLines has been launched, with plans to create over 100 miles of connected parks, green spaces, rivers, canals, and even sky-high walkways across the city and beyond. Over the next decade, CyanLines will transform how…

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Rochdale, Greater Manchester: A Complete Visitor's Guide

Rochdale is quickly becoming one to watch. Just 12 minutes by train from Manchester Victoria, this up-and-coming town is making a name for itself with its mix of history, culture, and community spirit. Named Greater Manchester's Town of Culture in April, it's certainly living up to the title. Voted…

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Bury, Greater Manchester: A Complete Visitor's Guide

Looking for a day out with a bit of everything? Bury might just surprise you. Just a short tram ride away from Manchester, this lively town mixes independent markets, brilliant food, rich history, and stunning countryside - all with that classic Northern charm. Famous for its world-renowned Bury…

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Your last chance to discover SUPERMASSIVE

SUPERMASSIVE, the immersive rooftop experience in Manchester’s Mayfield Depot, will be taking a bow in two weeks. After more than two years of tireless creativity and passion, the team behind the groundbreaking debut show has brought something truly unforgettable to Manchester. Perfectly located…

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Game-On: Manchester’s Best Interactive Venues

Looking for a night out in Manchester that’s more than just drinks and a DJ? Manchester is packed with venues that put you right in the game. From escape rooms and life-sized maze challenges to crazy golf, shuffleboard, arcade bars, axe throwing, karaoke, darts, and VR adventures, Manchester has…

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Lowry announces unmissable family favourites

Enjoy unmissable family favourite shows and exhibitions at Salford's iconic theatre that is a cultural beacon, Lowry. Lowry has been spreading the joy of art and creativity for 25 years. As a charity, Lowry puts every pound back into fantastic projects across local communities, nurturing young…

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Explore the city with these trails

More ideas

Explore Manchester through the lens of our insightful blog posts. From hidden gems to iconic landmarks, our curated content offers a unique perspective on the city's culture, events, and attractions. Dive into the stories that bring Manchester to life and discover the insider…

Unlock the essence of Manchester and its surrounding regions with our comprehensive guide series. Dive into curated insights, expert recommendations, and detailed itineraries designed to enhance your exploration. From city highlights to hidden gems, our guides offer a holistic…

Explore exclusive offers in Manchester with our guide to special deals and promotions. Discover a variety of discounts, packages, and unique promotions across accommodations, attractions, and dining. Whether you're planning a city break or a leisurely day out, our guide…

Explore curated itineraries for an unforgettable Manchester experience. From hidden gems to iconic landmarks, our guides offer the perfect routes for your visit. Plan your trip with our diverse itineraries.

Ready for an adventure? Uncover exciting contests offering amazing prizes in Manchester. From culture clashes to foodie feasts, find your perfect challenge and unlock unforgettable experiences.

From Parklife to Warehouse Project and Pride to ground-breaking performances in offbeat venues including the White Hotel and Hidden, Manchester is the home of Unmissable Music. 

Immerse yourself in the vibrant arts and culture of Manchester with our curated guide. Explore iconic galleries, captivating exhibitions, and the city's creative pulse. From street art to historic museums, our content celebrates Manchester's diverse cultural landscape…

Escape to the tranquillity of Greater Manchester's countryside with our guide. Discover picturesque landscapes, charming villages, and outdoor adventures just beyond the city limits. Explore walking trails, scenic drives, and hidden gems that showcase the natural beauty of…

Haunt MCR - Delve into the dark histories and spooky secrets of the area whilst also exploring all things alternative, Gothic and goth from across Greater Manchester

Discover Manchester's vibrant LGBTQ+ scene with our guide. Explore inclusive events, diverse venues, and supportive communities that celebrate the city's LGBTQ+ culture. Whether you're a local or visitor, our guide provides insights into the inclusive spirit that…

From Marx and Engels to John Cooper Clarke, Manchester has a radical literary history - and with events such as the Manchester Literature Festival and attractions such as the John Rylands Library and Chetham's Library, there's certainly a lot to explore.

Christmas is a magical time in Greater Manchester and the perfect occasion to combine a short festive break with a spot of Christmas shopping. With hundreds of high street and independent boutique shops to choose from, Greater Manchester attracts visitors from far and wide…

Proud, an audio-visual exhibition, created by Heard Storytelling, to celebrate Manchester’s LGBTQIA+ community.

Dive into the heart of Manchester's sporting scene with our curated sports content. Explore exciting matchday experiences, iconic stadiums, and the city's passion for football and beyond. From historic moments to upcoming fixtures, our content is your gateway to the…

From British TV classics such as Coronation Street, to streaming hits like Fool Me Once, and Hollywood blockbusters including Captain America: The First Avenger and Sherlock Holmes, the city-region has rolled out the red-carpet to the world’s biggest stars. 

The Visit Manchester Pass

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With entry to iconic attractions and access to exclusive discounts across the city, make the most of your time in Manchester with a Visit Manchester Pass.

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Reasons to buy

  • Entry into 12 of Manchester's top attractions including Coronation Street, Manchester City Football Club, RHS Garden Bridgewater & more
  • Over 30 discounts and offers
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