manchester

Hello, manchester

Known as the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution, Manchester is a city of music, football, and cutting-edge culture. Its rich history meets modern creativity in iconic architecture, bustling markets, world-class museums, and a nightlife that keeps the city humming. From red-brick mills to world-famous football grounds, Manchester buzzes with history, culture, and creativity.

Best things to do in manchester

Plenty of things to do and see

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Standedge Tunnel & Visitor Centre

Hard hats at the ready! Standedge Tunnel is Britain's longest, deepest, and highest canal tunnel, hidden deep beneath the beautiful Pennine countryside. One of the seven wonders of the local waterways, this must-see attraction is located in Marsden, a charming Yorkshire village. A great day out for all the family, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Discover the history of Standedge in the visitor centre, which is free to enter. Learn the stories of the folk who built and navigated this tremendous tunnel. Meanwhile, the kids will be kept occupied in the indoor soft play area and the outdoor adventure play area! Feeling peckish? You’ll find the wonderful Watersedge Café in the old Tunnel End cottages. Enjoy a cup of tea and a slice of cake or visit for lunch on a lovely summer’s day by the canal. You may even see the resident ducks, Jemima and Duncan, float past the picnic tables.

Chester Zoo

Chester Zoo is home to over 21,000 endangered and exotic animals based in beautiful, award-winning gardens and is the nearest large zoo to Manchester. With over 500 different animal species in their 125 acres, visitors are sure to have an adventure discovering and learning about the amazing wildlife. Conservation and education are at the heart of everything at Chester Zoo. They are committed to providing the highest standards of care for their animals as well as protecting native and international wildlife. Their team of expert and knowledgeable staff work hard to prevent extinction and are passionate about connecting visitors to the natural world. Chester Zoo has a variety of tours and hands-on experiences, as well as daily animal talks to guarantee a day full of animal adventure. Stop for a snack at one of their many restaurants, cafes, and kiosks, including their recently refurbished contemporary British pub, The Oakfield. It's a huge zoo, but there are plenty of options for getting around, including the Zoofari Monorail and the Lazy River Boat Trip on the Islands. Don’t forget to stop in at the gift shop on your way out for a souvenir of your trip.

East Lancashire Railway

With a storied history stretching back to the beginning of the Industrial Revolution, the East Lancashire Railway is the steam-powered heart of the Irwell Valley, pumping goods and people around the region for nearly 200 years! The line runs for 12 miles through scenic Lancastrian Landscapes, from beautiful rural panoramas and postcard pretty villages to bustling Victorian towns and cotton mill-dotted horizons. Each station offers something unique, from historical Heywood to relaxing Rawtenstall, scenic Summerseat, and bustling Bury. Make the trip from Grandparent to Grandchild on a journey that spans generations on this heritage railway.

City Centre Cruises

City Centre Cruises offers a relaxed way to see Manchester from the water, gliding along its historic canals past former mills, red-brick warehouses and modern waterfront developments. Trips range from simple sightseeing cruises to afternoon teas, Sunday lunches and evening buffet sailings, all taken at an easy pace that lets you soak in the city’s industrial heritage from a different angle.

Best things to do in manchester

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