Things to do in Manchester

You're sure to find plenty to do in Manchester.

Museums and Galleries

If you enjoy visiting museums, the Museum of Science and Industry is in Castlefield and it gives a realistic impression of Victorian Manchester, even complete with a Victorian sewer to walk through. There are five listed buildings at the Museum, and plenty more historic edifices in and around the city centre.

The Art Gallery is a grand old building in its own right and home to an excellent collection of Pre-Raphaelite paintings. The Lowry holds the largest collection of Lowry paintings, unsurprising as this was his town of birth, but this is also a major cultural venue showcasing comedy, theatre and dance in two main theatres. The Lowry is a good place to sit back and relax with a drink, admiring the redevelopment of Salford Quays and watching people pass by.

The Imperial War Museum North is a modern, metal building just opposite the Lowry. It will take you on a journey exploring how war affects people's lives and you can learn about fashion while suffering from ration book fatigue and about 1940s fashion, alongside more serious aspects of modern warfare.

Places to Visit

The Coronation Street set and ITV studios are just a couple of minutes stroll away from the Imperial War Museum North and will give you a glimpse of life on this famous soap opera street. The John Rylands Library is another Gothic building with beautiful stained glass windows and vaulted ceilings and is well worth a tour if you enjoy looking at architecture and town planning.

Tour the Football Clubs

When football's a real passion you can't beat a city with two football clubs and both United and City have museums and tours to give you a real feel for the history of football in this city.

City Shopping

The Trafford Centre is shopping at its finest and a real leisure opportunity for visitors. The shopping centre has over 200 major stores and features the first Selfridges to be opened outside of London. You can have a complete day out when you visit the Trafford Centre, as the 20 screen cinema, over 50 restaurants and diners and Sea Life and Legoland centres will keep all family members amused.