What to do in Manchester on a cultural weekend
If you’ve booked yourself a room and prepared yourself for a road trip, train ride or flight but you’re not quite sure what to do in Manchester – then this post is for you.
With so much to do in the regenerated ‘Northern powerhouse’, it’s often tricky to pick and choose between each museum, gallery or cultural highlight. On my first visit through to my most recent, I’ve always planned an itinerary or at least had a list of all the things I want to do in Manchester. I find it helps me to make the most of my time, come away feeling like I’ve achieved something over the weekend and most importantly, recharged my creativity. Because it’s important, right? Sitting at a desk 9 to 5 can get a little glum sometimes, so it’s nice to get away, explore and absorb something new.
So, without delay, here’s my top seven suggestions for what to do in Manchester for a taste of its enduring culture…
John Rylands Library
Located in Deansgate, it’s definitely worth setting aside at least an hour to walk around this beautiful Victorian neo-Gothic building – I honestly had to pick my jaw off the floor. Designed in memory of her husband, Enriqueta Augustina Rylands built a stand-out part of Manchester’s streetscape that reflected the arts and crafts movement of the time.
Highlight: The opulent reading room – don’t forget to bring a camera. It reminded me of the castle in Beauty and the Beast.
Salford Lads’ Club
In the Salford area of Manchester, this iconic club has been working with young people since 1903 to engage them in a range of communal activities. It also became the sleeve of The Smiths’ album ‘The Queen Is Dead’, which means it’s now visited by thousands of fans each year, including me!
Highlight: Visit on one of the club’s open days and you’ll be able to take a peek inside The Smiths Room.
Afflecks
This indoor market in Manchester’s Northern Quarter is crammed with 73 indie stalls, record shops and niche boutiques that sell a range of alternative and vintage items. The building itself was once a department store called Afflecks and Brown, which is where it got its name.
Highlight: You must seek out the Retro Games Shop, Pop Boutique and the Rubber Plantation. The last one is a laugh in itself, you’ll see why.
People’s History Museum
Without a doubt, this is one of my favourite museums in the world. It’s a dedicated space to the history of the UK’s working people, a living piece of history documenting work, home and leisure over the last 200 years. You’ll want to spend between 2-3 hours here taking it all in.
Highlight: The radicalism, women’s suffrage and banners sections. The museum holds one of the largest collections of political banners in the world and spends a lot of time conserving them. Great if you’re an art or textiles student/fan.
Alan Turing Memorial
In the heart of Manchester’s city centre in Sackville Park is a subtle but heart-warming memorial to Alan Turing, England’s Father of Computer Science. He’s a little tricky to find when you’re just wandering around but as a gay icon, it’s apt that he’s close to the city’s Canal Street, Manchester’s gay village.
Highlight: You can sit with Alan on his bench and ponder his magnificent achievements.
Museum of Science and Industry
Devoted to scientific, technological and industrial developments, in this extensive museum you’ll be able to see original locomotives, iconic aircraft, beautiful textiles and restored factory machinery. It made me feel like I’d gone back in time during my visit, which took a good few hours, so leave enough time.
Highlight: Go on a bank holiday to take a ride on a historic steam train. The museum itself is situated on the site of the world’s first railway station.
North Tea Power
Owned by Wayne and Jane, North Tea Power is hands down my favourite independent coffee shop in the city’s Northern Quarter. Serving the best hand-crafted coffee and loose leaf tea around, this relatively hidden gem is the perfect spot to unwind with an independent magazine, readily available for your perusal.
Highlight: Try the delicious ham and cheese toastie, it’ll be the best one you’ve ever tasted. If you’ve still got room, attempt a slice of the iced lemon cake.
If you were asked ‘what to do in Manchester’ – what would you recommend?
Leave us your suggestions in the comments…
22 Comments
Tanja (the Red phone box travels)
very useful post, thanks! I’d like to visit Manchester one day:) #citytripping
Keri
Thanks Tanja! Lou’s a regular, but I’m yet to visit myself. it sounds like there’s lots of culture there!
Louise
Go for it, Tanja! you won’t regret it x
Clare (Suitcases and Sandcastles)
What a great post! I love the mix of cultural activities you’ve listed – most of which I hadn’t heard of. That library sounds magnificent and the People’s History Museum looks fascinating, particularly now, with so many protests going on around the world. #citytripping
Keri
Thanks Clare! I have to say I was surprised by how cultural the city sounds, Lou’s post has really made me want to visit – especially that library!
Louise
Thanks, Clare. That’s no problem. I love finding new and exciting places to visit – not just the usual touristy spots. That museum has never been more relevant, as you say x
Wandermust mummy
I ❤️ Mosi! Not been to the library but looks beautiful #citytripping
Keri
How does it compare to London’s Science Museum then?
Louise
They’re funded by the same group, in fact, the MOSI is more popular 😉
Keri
Ooh really? Very interesting….
Louise
You must go to John Rylands – it’s so beautiful! It felt like walking the corridors of Hogwarts 🙂 Lou
Tracy McConnachie Collins
Great list of things to see and do in Manchester- will pin so I can consult on my next visit to the city. #citytrippng
Keri
Thanks Tracy and enjoy your next trip! x
Louise
That’s fab, Tracy. Let me know if you want any other tips 🙂 Lou
Catherine's Cultural Wednesdays
Great list, I really want to see those banners. #citytripping
Louise
They absolutely blew me away – the craftmanship and colour in that one room was mind-blowing! Let alone the historical points behind each one x
Corey with fifi + hop
Such a cool list – the Lads’ club and the market sound especially fun. #citytripping
Louise
Thanks so much! If you ever get the chance, you should visit. Salford Lads Club was a special moment for me being a massive Smiths fan 🙂 Lou
Cathy (Mummytravels)
So many places I have yet to visit in Manchester. I think I spent most of my last weekend there wandering around the Northern Quarter- it’s a very long time since I was last in Afflecks! A good incentive to go back and plenty of new ideas. Thanks for linking up with #citytripping
Clare
I love Manchester- so much to do. I lived there for 16 years including my uni days. I still work there! I absolutely feel the same about the People’s History Museum – it’s a hugely significant place, I think. And I love the MOSI. Ashamed to say I’ve never been in the John Rylands library, I must rectify that soon!
Elizabeth (Wander Mum)
Fantastic list! The People’s Museum sounds very interesting and the library looks amazing. I haven’t been to Manchester in ages! In fact, this last time I went was for a rock concert and barely saw any of the city. I’d like to check out Salford Quays area too. Thanks god linking up #citytripping
Ahila
Manchester United was about the only thing I heard about the city so it was very interesting to read your post, particularly as a friend suggested we visit the city next time I am in England. The museum of science and industry and the people’s museum sound fascinating #CityTripping