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Things to do in Manchester

Our most recommended things to do in Manchester

Etihad Stadium: Manchester City Stadium and Museum Tour

1. Etihad Stadium: Manchester City Stadium and Museum Tour

Walk in the footsteps of your favorite players on this behind-the-scenes guided tour of the Etihad Stadium. Take a look at the state-of-the-art new player facilities of the revamped stadium and club. From arrival to pre-match preparations, and from the big match to their post-match media obligations, gain a true understanding of the journey that players take on a match day. Follow your guide who will bring each corner of the stadium to life with interesting stories, facts, and anecdotes. There are plenty of new areas to visit this season, including the brand new player facilities and the introduction of The Tunnel Club – the first of its kind in world football.

Old Trafford: Manchester United Museum and Stadium Tour

2. Old Trafford: Manchester United Museum and Stadium Tour

Connect with sport's history with this tour of the Manchester United Museum and the Old Trafford Stadium. Learn about the club's history and achievements as you explore the museum. Take a tour of Old Trafford and sit in your favorite player's seat in the dressing room. Visit the museum to see fascinating club memorabilia and interactive exhibits. Experience the thrill of strolling through the players’ tunnel towards the pitch. Sit in the dugout and try planning your game tactics as Sir Alex Ferguson did for many years. See the press room where the manager makes his statement after each home gam. Visit the VIP room that has hosted big names over the years, including celebrities and many former players. Receive a personalized certificate to commemorate your visit to Old Trafford.

Manchester: Canal & River Cruise

3. Manchester: Canal & River Cruise

See Manchester from another perspective on a scenic canal cruise. Make your way along the Manchester Ship Canal and River Irwell, admiring some of the city's key sights including Manchester United's home ground and the historic Stephenson's Railway Bridge. Board the cruise in central Manchester and embark on a trip to the heart of Manchester's old docklands and the center of the city. See sights from the modern Media City, now home to the BBC and the new home of ITV's Coronation Street, to the imposing Old Trafford football stadium and George Stephenson’s railway bridge from 1830. Pass by the first of the 120-meter-long locks of the Manchester Ship Canal, admiring the impressive Imperial War Museum and old Pomona Docks before heading into the heart of Manchester along the River Irwell. During the cruise, listen to commentary that describes the history of the Manchester Ship Canal. Learn about the industries that made the city one of the powerhouses of Europe in the 19th century and hear about the exciting future that's currently being built.

Manchester: National Football Museum Admission Ticket

4. Manchester: National Football Museum Admission Ticket

Your ticket includes admission to all four floors of the museum. On the ground floor, have your photo taken with our FA Cup and Premier League trophies and enjoy the latest pop-up art exhibition. Level 1 is where you'll discover the must-see memorabilia — look out for the trophy won by England in 1966. You'll also uncover some fascinating history, like in England on the World Stage, which looks at the ups and downs of the England team. Level 1 is also the meeting point for guided tours. On Level 2, you'll find all the interactive challenges including Penalty Shootout. Temporary exhibitions on Level 3 change twice a year and take an in-depth look at soccer through art, photography, and technology.

Manchester: Coronation Street Tour

5. Manchester: Coronation Street Tour

Explore the sensational external sets at MediaCityUK on a guided tour taking in Coronation Street, Rosamund Street, and the newly extended Victoria Street. This is your chance to step onto the largest working television lot in the country and be immersed in the familiar surroundings of the Rovers Return, Roys Rolls, Underworld, and The Kabin.  Wander through Weatherfield on a fully guided tour of the working set. Recall stories from yesteryear, hear filming secrets, take selfies on the street and follow in the footsteps of your favorite characters down those Coronation Street cobbles. Once you arrive at Dock 10, Media City, you will be welcomed by your guide. Head across to the external set of Coronation Street.  The tour will last about one hour, the guide will be there to let you know the history of the famous street as well as an insight into the filming of the most iconic British soap opera.

From Manchester: Lake District and Windermere

6. From Manchester: Lake District and Windermere

Depart from Manchester in the morning and head straight for the lovely Lake District. Stop first at Bowness, situated on the shores of Lake Windermere. Take some free time to stroll along the lake, opt for a scenic cruise, or wander around the town and admire the sublime views.  Travel around the southern tip of Windermere toward Coniston Water. Take in views of this lake before arriving in the picturesque village of Hawkshead. This is where poet William Wordsworth attended grammar school.  After exploring the quaint village, take the narrow country roads north towards Grasmere, a place Wordsworth described as "the loveliest spot that man hath found."  There's free time to visit Wordsworth's Dove Cottage, taste the legendary gingerbread, or enjoy the peace and tranquility of the Wordsworth Daffodil Garden by the River Rothy.  We then take in spectacular views of Ullswater Lake as we head along country roads to its southern shores before returning to Manchester in the early evening.

Manchester: City Bus Tour

7. Manchester: City Bus Tour

Explore the birthplace of the industrial revolution aboard the hop-on and hop-off sightseeing bus in Manchester and learn more about the city's contribution to science, politics, music, arts and sport. Hop-on and off at any of the 15 stops on a route that has been carefully planned to include key sights such as Manchester Town Hall, the National Football Museum, the Museum of Science and Industry and Manchester United Football Club. Hop-off at Salford Quays to visit the famous Lowry art gallery and Imperial War Museum North in the stunning building by Daniel Libeskind. Discover the new media hub where the BBC and ITV have located their TV studios, and avail of the canal-side shops and restaurants. 

From Manchester: North Wales, Snowdonia, and Chester Tour

8. From Manchester: North Wales, Snowdonia, and Chester Tour

The tour leaves Manchester in the morning and heads straight for the border of Wales. Conwy is the first stop of the day, one of the most picture-perfect harbor towns in the world. Here you can see a castle perched by the sea, the world's smallest house, and lots of cute restaurants serving up the best fish and chips. Venture along the winding, scenic roads of the Snowdonia National Park before arriving in Betws-Y-Coed. This quaint town is known as the gateway to Snowdonia and is famous for its alpine trees and cozy cafes. Chester is your next stop. This is one of England’s most historic towns and there is plenty to do here. It's advised to go straight to the ancient cathedral and learn about its remarkable past.

Manchester: Salford Quays River Cruise

9. Manchester: Salford Quays River Cruise

Discover a different side of Manchester on a cruise along the city's historic waterway. Departing from the former docks at Salford Quays, sail past the striking architecture of the modern developments now dominating the area. Enjoy the views of the city from the comfort of the cabin or from the back deck. Enjoy live commentary onboard from the skipper who describes many of the sights along the trip as well as the history of the waterway which helped to transform Manchester into the industrial powerhouse of Europe.

Manchester: Urban Axe Throwing Experience

10. Manchester: Urban Axe Throwing Experience

Experience the thrill of axe throwing against the backdrop of a pumping soundtrack in urban Manchester. Benefit from the skills of professional instructors and toss some steel around in the heart of the city. Pick a spot in one of 10 lanes and size up your two targets. Let your instructor show you the basics. Aim for the bullseye and feel the thrill as your axe hits the target. Unwind with some drinks at the on-site bar after your experience.

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Frequently asked questions about Manchester

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The best day trips and excursions from Manchester are:

Windermere

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Other Sightseeing Options in Manchester

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What people are saying about Manchester

Overall rating

4.6 / 5

based on 6,030 reviews

We took our 10 year old City fan for the tour today and cannot praise this tour highly enough. We had guides Chris and Ian who were both superb. They were funny, friendly and exceptionally knowledgeable and passionate about the stadium, the team and the club overall. Both guides were also incredibly attentive to all the children in the tour group ensuring they were given chances to ask questions if they wanted to but mostly to get involved in all aspects of the tour. There were some really fun things the children were able to do but I wouldn’t want to spoil that for others by saying what they did. Suffice it to say you will love this tour. We can’t thank Ian and Chris enough we had an amazing time ⚽️

What an amazing fun pack experience. We went as a couple but soon became part of a group of 8. It was absolutely great, our tutor was wonderful and we all cheered each other on. Superb. I would highly recommend this experience.

Great tour, beautiful scenery and great information from the your guide Clive. Extremely enjoyable tour and very comfortable to have a day long tour where all location information is sorted for you.

Very enjoyable day with beautiful scenery and picturesque towns along the way.Clive our driver was great with his knowledge of history and tips for things to do at each stop.A great day out

It was a very exciting day. We had an excellent guide/ driver. There was ample time to explore in several places.