Things to do & places to visit in Greater Manchester, United Kingdom

Greater Manchester #9 destination in United Kingdom 2023. The average rating score is 4.49 based on 84.6k traveler reviews, of 38 attractions. Timezone: Europe/London, current date and time: Monday, May 06, 2024, 11:26.

Greater Manchester Weather Statistics view more »

General weather summary in May

59°F - 43°F

Temperature Highs - Lows

Moderately chilly and breezy

Feels like

26%

Chance of rain

89.0 millimeters

Amount

15.4 mph

Wind speed

80%

Humidity

15.8

Daylight length

5:10 AM

Sunrise

9:01 PM

Sunset

44%

Cloud cover

Jacket

What to wear

Top things to do (29)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 The Crystal Maze LIVE Experience, Manchester (5.393 reviews)
- Fun Experience
Monday: Spent 1-2 hours Game & Entertainment Centers

Located right between the Museum of Science and Industry and the Bonded Warehouse on the St John’s Development, The Crystal Maze LIVE Experience is the ultimate team experience. Book online today and find out whether your team is good enough to make our leader boards! It’s the oh-so-popular 90s TV show brought to genuinely immersive, 3D life. More importantly, it’s a brilliant excuse to run around wildly, shout yourselves hoarse, solve all sorts of problems and challenges and, best of all, celebrate in some wacky satin bomber jackets. All this, with your friends – who could ask for anything more? See more..
5.0 Chill Factore (1.975 reviews)
- 5 Hour Adult Beginner Ski Day
Monday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Ski & Snowboard Areas • Game & Entertainment Centers • Shopping Malls

Chill Factorᵉ, near the Trafford Centre, is packed with fun things to do for the whole family. We’re home to the longest real snow slope in the UK. And what says fun more than real snow – and lots of it? From sledging and sliding to ski & snowboard lessons and private tuition, we’ve got something for everyone. There’s even The Lodge Bar & Kitchen overlooking the slopes for the less active, so you can sit back, enjoy a coffee, and watch the excitement unfold. See more..
5.0 Free Manchester Walking Tours (1.906 reviews)
- A wonderful tour of Manchesters' past and present by Mike Prescott :)
Monday: 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM City Tours • Historical & Heritage Tours • Walking Tours

It was our first time visiting Manchester, what a lively city with wonderful and friendly people. Our tour guide was Mike Prescott, he was amazing, in fact incredible, as a native Mancunian Mike was extremely informative and very animated, an absolute pleasure. Our tour lasted over 3 hours and I wanted it to carry on, we were having too much fun. We highly recommend this tour to anyone who would like to see and hear about the history and culture of this great city. See more..
5.0 Escape Hunt Manchester (1.883 reviews)
- Blackbeard's Treasure: THE BEST TIME
Monday: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Escape Games

Experience the most exciting escape rooms in Manchester. Escape Hunt Manchester features 5-star rated escape rooms, a luxury lounge and VIP amenities. Get locked in and let the adrenaline flow as you race against time to crack the clues and escape the room. Great fun for groups, team building, corporate events, families or a night out with friends. Our expert staff can help you create an exciting and memorable birthday party, group event, company away day and more. Escape Hunt is the global leader in escape room games with locations worldwide. Book online and step up to the challenge at Escape Hunt Manchester. See more..
5.0 Virtual Hideout Manchester (1.533 reviews)
- An absolutely brilliant experience!
Monday: 10:30 AM - 7:30 PM Spent 1-2 hours Game & Entertainment Centers

Virtual Hideout is a virtual reality gaming centre located in the heart of Manchester. We offer room scale VR with over 100 different games and experiences. Our VR hosts will tailor the sessions to your gaming needs, ensuring you get the most out of your sessions :) See more..
5.0 Whistle Punks Urban Axe Throwing (1.253 reviews)
- Axes and Pizza
Monday: Spent 1-2 hours Game & Entertainment Centers

We think Whistle Punks Urban Axe Throwing is the most satisfying and social day or night out you’ll ever have. And we’ve tried a few. You’ll be slinging axes side by side against your friends or colleagues, hitting bulls-eyes and cheering on your mates. All backed up with great music and atmosphere and a chance to socialise between throws. Our experienced throwing coaches will get your throwing like a pro in no time. Then once you’ve got the hang of it we’ll take you and your group through a tournament until the king or queen of axes is crowned. Check out our covid safety info: https://whistlepunks.com/covid-safety/ See more..
5.0 The Spirit of Manchester Distillery (407 reviews)
- Perfect!
Monday: Spent 1-2 hours Distilleries

Welcome to the beautiful Spirit of Manchester Distillery, the home of Manchester Gin. We offer tours of our distillery, which include guided tastings of our full range, as well as the ultimate Gin-Making Experience. Discover your palate, the botanicals that define your favourite gins, and then craft your own bottle to take home using your own still. To view all our experiences and book online, please use the following link: https://spiritofmanchester.checkfront.co.uk/reserve/ See more..
5.0 Simulator Adventures (324 reviews)
- Great flying experience - 10/10
Monday: Spent 1-2 hours Game & Entertainment Centers

Simulator Adventures is a flight simulation business offering customers the chance to fly a full motion Airbus A320 flight simulator. With a qualified A320 pilot by your side we can recreate almost any flight scenario. You can choose from a worldwide database of airports and and we have specific airport modelling for most of the UK airfields in addition to some of the most challenging airports in the World including Sint Maarten, Innsbruck, Corfu & Kai Tak. You can select from either 30/45/60/90 & 120 minute slots. Why not give us a go and test your flying skills ? See more..
5.0 Stockport Gin (181 reviews)
- Excellent gin experience
Monday: Distillery Tours

This was a fun gin experience - excellent host making perfect G&T’s whilst telling us history & info on gin in general & Stockport Gin’s beginnings. It was a good group of people & questions encouraged…we got wittier as the drinks progressed, of course . Would recommend to anyone who enjoys a great classic gin & well worth the price See more..
4.5 Science and Industry Museum (8.160 reviews)
- Excellent Power Up Gaming Exhibition
Monday: Spent 1-2 hours Science Museums • Children's Museums

The Science and Industry Museum sits in the heart of Manchester, the world's first industrial city. It houses the world's oldest surviving passenger railway station and the world's first railway warehouse from 1830, which are located at the end of the museum site. On a visit to the museum, you will see amazing objects and learn about the men and women whose ideas changed the world forever. Daily demonstrations bring the museum's world class collection of textile and industrial machinery to life. There are interactive exhibits to explore and a regular programme of changing exhibitions to enjoy. See more..
4.5 Old Trafford (6.518 reviews) from $695.90
- Amazing stadium tour at an amazing stadium
Monday: 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Arenas & Stadiums

Visitors can experience the club's history and go behind the scenes with the Manchester United Museum and Stadium Tour. The Museum covers an unrivaled depth of history & the 80 minute guided Stadium Tour allows visitors walk in the footsteps of legends, calling at the players' dressing room, before walking out of the tunnel towards the hallowed turf. Visitors can take their seat in the Managers' chair in the dugout and imagine the roar of the crowd on a match day. Additionally, visitors can have a bite to eat at the Manchester United Red Cafe. Visitors from all over the world are welcome to Old Trafford, and audio guides, souvenir guides and guided tours are available in a range of languages. We're committed to giving the same great experience to all visitors, so the tour of Old Trafford is fully accessible to wheelchair users, and the Museum has a lift to allow access to all 3 floors. Whether you're a Manchester United fan or not, a visit to Old Trafford stadium is a day to remember. See more..
4.5 The John Rylands Library (5.555 reviews)
- A must do in Manchester!
Monday: Spent 2-3 hours Libraries

Welcome to The John Rylands Library, one of the world's finest collections of rare books and manuscripts. The John Rylands Library is part of The University of Manchester. Please note that we open at 12noon on Mondays and Sundays See more..
4.5 Etihad Stadium (5.118 reviews) from $273.68
- Awesome Stadium Tour in Etihad
Monday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Arenas & Stadiums

The new Manchester City Stadium Tour brings the magic of City to life, like never before. Visit the changing rooms, walk down the players’ tunnel out onto pitchside and sit next to Pep Guardiola in the press conference room. Highlights include: • Field questions with a virtual Pep Guardiola in the Press Conference • Feel what it’s like to walk down the famous glass players tunnel • See what happens on matchday in the Home Team dressing room, with a new immersive audio-visual show The new Manchester City Stadium Tour is the most immersive tour experience in Premier League football. Expertly guided through the behind the scenes areas of the Stadium by our City Tour Guides, each area will be brought to life. This is more than a stadium tour, this unique experience brings the magic of City to life! Tours are translated into different languages using the latest state of the art media guides. Languages include French, German, Italian, Mandarin, Spanish, Korean, Arabic, and Portuguese. See more..
4.5 National Football Museum (3.844 reviews)
- Family trip
Monday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Speciality Museums

The world's biggest and best football museum is open seven days a week in Manchester city centre. Here, you will discover how football became the game of our lives, following the stories through fascinating objects and exhibitions. Unearth the game's origins, relive the FA Cup fairytales and explore the different aspects and issues that make the game such an integral part of our culture and society. Chart the fortunes of our national teams in our new display, England on the World Stage, and see the country's footballing crown jewels: the ball from the 1966 World Cup Final, Geoff Hurst's iconic shirt and the Jules Rimet Trophy, still gleaming in its new case! Get in the game with a host of fun interactive challenges, from penalty-taking and shot-stopping to match commentary, and check out the latest changing exhibitions on the ground floor and in our Score Gallery. See more..
4.5 The Trafford Centre (3.357 reviews)
- Christmas birthday treat
Monday: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM Shopping Malls

The Trafford Centre is world-renowned as one of biggest and most exciting shopping and leisure destinations in the UK, consisting of more than 200 shops, over 60 restaurants, cafes and bars and an array of exciting leisure venues - all under one spectacular roof. Whether you're looking for the latest must-have brands or all your high street favourites, a delicious meal or a day out with all the family, you'll find it all at The Trafford Centre. Highlights include SEALIFE, LEGOLAND Discovery Centre and a two-storey Primark store at Barton Square; the first Selfridges outside of London, a flagship Next store, John Lewis, Zara, Victoria's Secret and many more. See more..
4.5 The Lowry (3.139 reviews)
- It's free but worth donating a few pounds if you can.
Monday: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Art Galleries • Theaters

Situated on the waterside at the heart of The Quays, The Lowry is a stunning, award-winning building housing two vibrant theatres, a studio space, relaxing art galleries, cafés, bars, a restaurant and souvenir gift shop. With a huge variety of performances, The Lowry's Lyric and Quays Theatres offer a wealth of fabulous entertainment, including West End musicals, the very best in drama, live bands, famous comedians, plus world-class dance and opera. Gallery entry is free and you can enjoy the work of one of the nation's favourite artists, LS Lowry, in changing exhibitions of his work. At the same time, experience work by artists of local, national and international renown to compliment our Lowry exhibitions. With family fun throughout the building, guided tours, the Meet Mr Lowry film, plus participatory activity for all ages, The Lowry is a great day out. See more..
4.5 Imperial War Museum North (2.853 reviews)
- Imperial War Museum – bringing war stories to life
Monday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Speciality Museums • History Museums

Purpose-built to tell powerful stories of over a century of conflict, IWM North makes full use of its extraordinary exhibition space to deliver a moving and immersive experience. See more..
4.5 Dunham Massey Hall & Gardens (2.457 reviews)
- Always Lovely To Visit
Monday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Historic Sites • Parks

If the weather is good I prefer to walk our dog here in an open green space. Volunteers and staff always pleasant. Dogs are allowed in the garden from 12pm, something to figure in if wanting to do this with your pet. Always check if visiting and wanting to take a tour of the house as its not always open like today 8 September. Would recommend asking for extra hot milk if having a cappuccino, had a couple that have been 'warm'. See more..
4.5 The Manchester Museum (2.259 reviews)
- Stunning
Monday: Speciality Museums

Manchester Museum is home to an array of treasures from the natural world and the many cultures it is home to. Highlights include a T.rex, fossils, live amphibians and reptiles. You can handle objects from the collection, take part in hands-on activities or enjoy a cup of coffee in our 3rd floor café. See more..
4.5 Manchester Art Gallery (2.195 reviews)
- Joyous return to cultural life.
Monday: Spent 1-2 hours Art Galleries

From our historical collections to international contemporary art, we aim to bring fresh perspectives, encourage conversation and spark debate. Explore our collections of fine art, spanning six centuries and including many major modern and contemporary pieces. We are famous for 19th century British paintings, particularly our outstanding collection of Pre-Raphaelite works. Our decorative arts collections showcase the artistry, tastes and techniques of every era and culture, from ancient civilizations to today’s designer makers. Our collections of ceramics, silver, glass, furniture and costume are especially fine. We constantly renew and update our collections displays so you should discover something new every time you visit. And, we're free to visit! See more..
4.5 Manchester Cathedral (1.426 reviews)
- Visit included the Sunday sermon.
Monday: 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings • Religious Sites

Manchester Cathedral has been centre stage in its city’s history for nearly 600 years. In 1421 Henry V signed a royal charter granting permission for a collegiate church to be built. In 1847 a new Manchester diocese was created and this historic church became a Cathedral. The doors are open 7 days a week and the admission is free. Do not miss one of the most interesting churches in the land at the heart of one of the most exciting cities on Earth. See more..
4.5 Bury Market (1.205 reviews)
- Great Place To Go
Monday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Flea & Street Markets

A large Multi-Award Winning Market located at the heart of Bury. The Market has over 350 stalls open every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. Winner of many Awards including NABMA's Market Attraction of the year in 2009,2012 & 2015, Bury Market is a great venue for day visitors either on its own or as part of a visit to Bury's other attractions. See more..
4.5 People's History Museum (1.190 reviews)
- Great experience and a big lesson
Monday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Speciality Museums • Children's Museums • History Museums

The People's History Museum (PHM) is the national museum of democracy, telling the story of its development in Britain: past, present and future. The museum provides opportunities for people of all ages to learn about, be inspired by and get involved in ideas worth fighting for; ideas such as equality, social justice, co-operation, and a fair world for all. PHM offers a powerful annual programme exploring the past, present and future. See more..
4.5 Manchester Central Library (1.127 reviews)
- The most impressive building, a must see!
Monday: 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks • Libraries

This place is absolutely one of the best places to visit......and it's a library so not an obvious go to tourist destination. The place is easy access through out and has two cafe areas to eat and drink, which are reasonably priced as well. It's a working library full of people exploring archives and undertaking research so quiet is the order of the day. Our Nan who was an archivist there told us to visit the 1st floor reading room. Well it's just so amazing the splendour can't be easily described. This Domed building oozes calm, quiet intellectual though. So efficient is the room at conveying the slightest sound it's been "granted" no noise, no talking status and it soon became clear why. The slightest sound is extrapolated and bounced around the Dome for all to hear, no secret is safe! See more..
4.5 Royal Exchange Theatre (1.098 reviews)
- Lovely building and performance
Monday: 9:30 AM - 11:30 PM Spent 2-3 hours Theaters

We believe theatre is for everyone, and we're passionate about proving it. For almost forty years the Royal Exchange Theatre has been a hub of superb storytelling for Manchester and the UK, and there are even more exciting times ahead! We are an award-winning producing house, commissioning, creating and supporting work that is ambitious in ideas, form and scale. We sit at the centre of a fast-paced, expanding global city with audiences and communities placed firmly at the heart of everything we do. Our “brave and bold” programming, both on and off our stages, has been critically acclaimed and celebrated for its originality, relevance and artistic risk. From our iconic theatre-in-the-round we have established an international reputation for bringing the most powerful stories to life, resulting in multiple awards for new writing with 125 world premieres. See more..
4.5 Smithills Open Farm (1.048 reviews)
- Great day out for all the family
Monday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Farms

Great day out for all the family, lots of different animals from meerkats to Alpacas to Cows to snakes. My son particularly enjoyed feeding the donkeys on the tractor ride (although I feel £1.50 is a bit steep in price for this when you’ve already paid to get into the farm, it would have been better if the ride was a bit longer and you could see other animals). We also enjoyed the pets corner especially meeting baby Penguin the Alpaca. The milking demonstration was really interesting. We ate in the cafe, the food was nice and reasonably priced, if you’d rather take your own food then there were plenty of benches under cover to use. We had some of the ice cream made at the farm which was really good too. We will definitely be back. See more..
4.5 Hollingworth Lake (896 reviews)
- Lovely Winter Walk
Bodies of Water

Walked round anti-clockwise from Beach Pub. Lovely walk on a crisp sunny winter’s midweek day with few people about. First half better than second, which was largely along the road. There’s a café half way round. Great views of the moors throughout the walk. Beware parking at the pub. The machine only gives out 1 hour tickets, despite saying you could get 3. Have a coffee in the pub and you get 2 hours free. See more..
4.5 Haigh Woodland Park (776 reviews)
- Great for walkers and for the kids!
Spent More than 3 hours Parks

Haigh Woodland Park is the jewel in Wigan's crown of green spaces - and it's transforming into a one-of-a-kind attraction for families across the north west. Wigan Council and Inspiring healthy lifestyles are spending millions of pounds making this the most beautiful and activity-packed park in the region. See more..
4.5 MediaCityUK (719 reviews)
- Oasis in Manchester
Monday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Points of Interest & Landmarks

There is never a dull day at MediaCityUK. Atmosphere is central to the MediaCityUK ethos and with a host of cultural and sporting attractions, cinemas, world class events, shopping, an abundance of bars and restaurants and a diversity of people living and working here - atmosphere is certainly something that is never lacking. MediaCityUK is Manchester's newest destination and we love working with our neighbours and business brands to bring innovative events and activities to our community. See more..
4.5 Greater Manchester Police Museum (644 reviews)
- Unbelievably friendly and informative volunteers and staff
Monday: Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums

Come and visit our 1879 Police Station, complete with original cells & charge office! Upstairs we have a 1895 Magistrates Court as well displays of equipment, vehicles and evidence and on the ground floor. We are open every Tuesday for drop in visits, and Wednesday, Thursday and Friday by appointment for group visits. During the school holidays we also aim to open on Thursdays. See more..