Places to stay in Manchester

Five free things to do in Manchester

Countryside in the city

Heaton Park covers over 600 acres of Manchester, and is a great place to relax in the city. As well as the picturesque views of the city and the Pennines, you can enjoy woodland walks, relaxed boat rides and cycling routes.

Enjoy music

Manchester is home to some of the most talented young musicians in the country, learning their art at the Royal Northern College of Music. For a music fix, you can sit in on the concerts free of charge either in the concert hall or in the beautiful confines of St Ann's Church.

Museums

For history buffs, there are few better places to visit than Manchester. The Imperial War Museum North, the Lowry, the Museum of Science and Industry, the National Football Museum, the People's History Museum and the Whitworth Art Gallery all offer free entry and a wealth of interesting exhibits.

History in action

The inner-city conservation area of Castlefield is a great place to see some truly historical sites. It was home to the Roman fort which gave Manchester its name, as well as the first industrial canal terminus and the first passenger railway station.

Ancient reading

The John Rylands Library is home to many ancient manuscripts and books, and has just enjoyed a substantial refurbishment which enhances the stunning old architecture.

For history, music and fun, head to Manchester

The industrial revolution transformed Manchester from a small market town to the heartland of Britain's textile industry, and since then Manchester has continued to grow and develop into a thoroughly modern, multicultural metropolis.

The list of things to see and do in Manchester is endless; there is an array of museums, bars, restaurants, nightclubs and shops to cater for any taste and pocket, while the opportunities to enjoy top sporting action and a thriving music scene which has produced many of Britain's most revered musicians are the best you will find anywhere in the UK outside of London.