Manchester is a huge city, offering lots to do and see. Why not explore Salford Quays, or visit Manchester's Art Gallery? There are so many attractions and places to discover.
The Palace Hotel in Manchester has changed its name to the Principal Hotel. It is originally known as the Refuge Assurance Building or Refuge Building, with a history dating back to 1890.
The hotel is Manchester’s well known hotel for business travel and city breaks, with Oxford Road Station and only a 10 minute walk from Manchester Piccadilly, it’s great for business travellers who are commuting to and from work and clients.
With the Principal Hotel’s clock tower and stunning architecture, it is an unmissable landmark. The hotel is in the heart of the city and has many attractions nearby, perfect for city breaks.
Address
Oxford Street
Manchester
M60 7HA
Contact details
0161 288 1111
www.phcompany.com/principal/manchester-hotel
2. Salford Quays
Salford Quays is Manchester’s unique waterfront, where you can enjoy world class entertainment, food and drink and leisure facilities. It is the perfect weekend break or afternoon out with friends or family.
There are many attractions, including a Helen Hansen Water Sports Centre, Lowry Outlet, Mersey Ferries, Pier Eight restaurant and much more! Also before you go, be sure to check what events are on, as there are many that take place throughout the year.
It was previously the site of Manchester Docks and became one of the first and largest regeneration projects in England, since the closure of the 1982 dockyards.
Salford Quays is located just 15 minutes by tram from Manchester city centre, making it an ideal place to commute to.
Address
Salford
Manchester
England
Contact details
0161 276 0601
www.thequays.org.uk
3. The Printworks Manchester
The Printworks in Manchester is a redesigned printworks, which includes many places to eat and drink, a cinema and a gym. It’s a great weekend or night out with friends, with so many places to go to.
It is situated in the heart of Manchester city, surrounded by many attractions and places to stay – why not make a weekend of it and go sightseeing around the city too?
Discover Manchester’s architecture, or take a look around the city’s shops. There is plenty to discover and enjoy.
Opening times
All of The Printworks venues have their own opening hours. View website for more information
Monday – Thursday: 06:00 - 02:00
Friday: 06:00 - 04:00
Saturday: 07:00 - 04:00
Sunday: 08:00 - 02:00
Address
The Printworks Management Suite
27 Withy Grove
Manchester
M4 2BS
Contact details
0161 829 8000
www.theprintworks.com
4. Manchester Art Gallery
Manchester Art Gallery is formally known as Manchester City Art Gallery and is a publicly owned art museum on Moslet Street in the heart of Manchester.
There are many exhibitions and events that take place such as music, family events, workshops and many more. It’s a great place to visit with friends and family, where you can look at all of the art collections in your own time and offers young children to get involved with art and crafts. The art gallery also is great for educational school trips and college visits.
The gallery has various collections developed over 200 years including over 25,000 objects of fine art, craft and design, costume and more. The art gallery collection contains nearly 13,000 of items including, sculpture, drawing, and paintings.
There is also an onsite gallery café, where you can enjoy a warm drink and even some cake!
“Art, coffee and cake – enjoy!” TripAdvisor review
Opening times
Monday – Sunday: 10am – 5pm
Including Bank Holidays
Late night opening on Thursday until 9pm
Prices
Free entry
Address
Manchester Art Gallery
Mosley Street
Manchester
M2 3JL
Contact details
0161 235 8888
www.manchesterartgallery.org
5. Town Hall Manchester
The Town Hall in Manchester is one of the most iconic and historic buildings in the city. Manchester’s Town Hall is situated in the heart of the city and is a Grade 1 building that has easy transport links, with every amenity around it.
It has also been featured on TV in Sherlock Holmes, House of Cards, BBC’s Antique Roadshow and other popular shows.
The Town Hall is a beautiful place to visit with friends and family. Why not take a walk around and have a relaxing coffee or tea in the onsite café? There is plenty to see in Manchester, just make sure to bring a camera!
Address
The Town Hall Manchester
Albert Square
Manchester
Contact details
0161 827 7661
www.thetownhallmcr.co.uk
If your children love skating and skateboarding, Projekts is the place to be! The skate park welcomes rides of skateboards, scooters, inclines and BMX’s and also beginners who have yet to try any of them!
Your children can take part in weekend lessons every week and before you know it, they will be pro’s already! At Projekts, they also offer private lessons and group and party bookings. There are many features in the park to try, no matter what skill you are.
Projekts is situated under the Mancunian Way flyover, on the A6, next to the Piccadilly Station and Apollo Theatre.
Opening hours
Opening hours are subject to change. Please call the attraction directly to avoid disappointment.
Pricing
From £3.00 for one hour
Address
97 London Road
Manchester
Greater Manchester
M1 2PG
England
Contact details
0161 276 0951
www.projektsmcr.com
2. CBBC Tour at MediaCityUK
Let your children embrace their imagination with a CBBC Tour! CBBC is famous for much loved programmes including Blue Peter and Newsround. While at the CBBC tour your children will get to experience behind the scenes in the studio whilst enjoying fun and interactive tours.
The tours in the studio are extremely popular and they last around one hour and 30 minutes. Remember to bring a camera, as there are so many photo opportunities, plus you won’t forget the day your children visit the CBBC studios! It may be the start of their career…
Pricing
Adult: £11.75
Concession: £10.75
Student: £10.25
Children (under 18): £7.75
Family ticket (2 adults + 2 children/1 adult + 3 children): £34.25
Ymust pre-book this tour, so see the link for more details.
Group rates are available.
Address
BBC
MediaCityUK
Salford
Greater Manchester
M50 2EQ
England
01732 427770
www.bbc.co.uk/showsandtours/tours/cbbc
3. Vertical Chill Ice Wall Manchester
Discover the Vertical Chill Ice Wall in Manchester, it’s a great place for adventurers. Vertical Chill is the coldest place in Manchester, at a chilling -12°C!
Everyone will be assessed by staff to see if they are fit and strong enough to climb. Over 50’s and under 16’s will need to check before booking on 0161 837 6140.
When arriving at Vertical Chill, you will be given clothing and equipment and then you’ll be able to enjoy and have fun! It’s best suited to teenagers and above due to health and safety restrictions.
Opening hours
Monday through Saturday 09:30 - 16:30
Sunday 11:30 - 16:30
Booking advised.
Pricing
Learn to Ice Climb
Individual: £40 (Lessons are available with a qualified guide)
Climb & Hire
Individual: £30 (For experienced climbers, includes equipment & supervision)
Turn Up and Climb
Individual: £20 (For experienced climbers, includes supervision/belaying - but no equipment)
Address
130 Deansgate
Manchester
Greater Manchester
M3 2QS
England
Contact details
0161 837 6140
www.vertical-chill.com/location-manchester
4. Manchester Bus Tours
The tour lasts around 2 hours and it will take you to the main sites in the city centre. Discover the world’s first passenger railway station in Castlefield and see the world’s first computer that was ever created! – The kids will love it! The tour even shows you the new location for Coronation Street – Perfect for Corrie fans!If you’re planning to come to Manchester, why not treat the family to a Manchester Bus Tour? You can see all the great historic sights of Manchester in a double decker bus, as well as enjoying the city’s architecture.
Opening times
Tours run on selected dates year round (primarily Saturdays) but with occasional special events scheduled so be sure to check their full listing online
Please note this tour currently runs on Saturdays and some bank holidays but do check before.
Prices
Adult £17.50
Child £10
Seniors £15
Family £45
Address
Chorlton Street
Manchester
Greater Manchester
M1 3LD
England
Contact details
0800 288 8746
www.manchesterbustours.co.uk
5. Rock Over Climbing
If your children are new to climbing, they will learn everything at Rock Over Climbing. There is a soft play centre for younger children, which is a great introduction climbing and the outdoors.Do your children love climbing when they are on holiday, or at the weekends? Take them to Rock Over Climbing – They’ll love it!
While the children are having fun and playing with their friends, the parents can sit back and relax on the sofas while they explore!
Opening times
Soft Play and Adventure Zone
Monday to Sunday 10:00 - 18:00
Bouldering
Monday to Friday 10:00 - 22:00
Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holidays 10:00 - 20:00
Prices
Climbing
Adults: £9.00
Concessions: £8.00
Child (5-13): £5.50
*Discounted prices if you are a registered climber*
Soft Play
Under 1's: Free
Over 1's: £3.50
Address
Clarence Hatworks
45 Julia Street
Manchester
Greater Manchester
M3 1LN
England
Contact details
0161 288 1218
www.rockoverclimbing.co.uk
Top 5 restaurants
On your visit to Manchester, don't miss out on dinner at one of these delicious restaurants.
1. Tattu
www.tattu.co.uk/manchester
0161 819 2060
Tattu Restaurant and Bar
Gartside Street
3 Hardman Square
Spinningfields
Manchester
M3 3EB
2. Asha's
www.ashasrestaurant.co.uk
0161 832 5309
47 Peter Street
Manchester
M2 3NG
3. Hawksmoor Manchester
www.thehawksmoor.com
0161 836 6980
184-186 Deansgate
Manchester
M3 3WB
4. Le Delicatezze Di Bruno
0161 231 8349
564 Ashton New Road
M11 4RP
Manchester
5. Federal Cafe and Bar
www.federalcafe.co.uk
0161 425 0974
9 Nicholas Croft
M4 1EY
Manchester