There is no shortage of amazing places to visit and things to do in Greater Manchester. We have stunning parks and gardens, incredible theaters and captivating museums.
In the bustling city center there is always something to do, while each district is home to hidden gems just waiting to be discovered. That’s not to mention all the beautiful countryside that surrounds us too.
In light of English Tourism Week, we’ve rounded up some of the best places you can visit in Greater Manchester. From RHS Bridgewater to Marple Locks, there is something for everyone.
Manchester’s tea rooms among the most Instagrammable in the world
RHS Bridgewater
This garden is on the former site of Worsley New Hall in Salford, which has been transformed into one of the largest horticultural projects in Europe in recent years. With a series of garden spaces including The Chinese Streamside Garden, Paradise and Kitchen Gardens, as well as a woodland play area and welcome building, it’s a peaceful and beautiful space to explore.
Victoria Baths
Located in the Chorlton-on-Medlock area of Manchester, this Grade II listed Edwardian Turkish bath and pool complex is a true hidden gem. The baths opened to the public in 1906 but closed in 1993 before a major multi-million dollar restoration project began in 2007.
Open from March to November, the building is transformed in the spring for SpringFest, which sees it host music, art exhibits, activities, and a variety of food and drink.
Museum of Science and Industry
As Manchester was the world’s first industrial city, it is only fair that we should mention the Museum of Science and Industry. It has a variety of exhibitions and events that explore the history of the city, as well as new technologies.
If you haven’t already, be sure to check out the Turn It Up: The Power of Music exhibit before it ends in mid-May.
mayfield park
Manchester’s newest public park, its first in 100 years, opened last September, making this its first spring and summer season. The 6.5 acre park features green spaces, play areas, jogging and cycling routes, steps and particularly striking vantage points of the Medlock River, it will be a great place to visit on a bright sunny day.
the lowry
Just a short tram ride from the city center, The Lowry is a cultural hub where you can see plays, musicals, comedy and much more. With three performance spaces, this year the venue will host a series of award-winning shows and West End hits, from Everybody’s Talking About Jamie and Mother Goose to Life of Pi.
Chetham Library
Chetham Library is truly a place straight out of Harry Potter. It is believed to be the oldest public library in the English-speaking world. The impressive building dates from 1421, while furnishings and fittings date back to 1654. Filled with old books and dark paneled rooms, it’s just one of Manchester’s many historic libraries, with the John Ryland Victorian Gothic Library and Portico Library which are also worth it. Visit when in the city center.
castlefield viaduct
Perhaps one of the most interesting parks in Manchester, the Castlefield Viaduct is a park that stretches along a Grade II listed Victorian viaduct. It was initially opened for a 12-month trial, but is expected to remain open until December 2024 if plans are approved. Described as an ‘urban park’, the green space celebrates Castlefield’s industrial heritage, and a section of land has also been left untouched, to give visitors a glimpse of how nature has reclaimed the space since the site closed in the 1960s.
Manchester Museum
After a , the Manchester Museum opened its doors to the public once more in February. It features new exhibits and spaces including a South Asian Gallery, in association with the British Museum, a new Lee Kai Hung Chinese Culture Gallery, a new Dinosaurs exhibit and a successful Golden Mummies of Egypt exhibit.
marble locks
If you’re looking for a lovely canalside walk, Marple Locks is well worth a look. What makes it stand out in Greater Manchester’s long list of great places to walk is the fully-functioning series of locks – 16 in all – an impressive feat of engineering. Surrounded by beautiful scenery, as you head towards Romiley you will come across the Marple Aqueduct, the highest canal aqueduct in England with impressive stone arches.
international factory
One for your journal, Factory International is a new arts center opening in June. Planned and operated by the same team behind the world famous Manchester International Festival, the vast new building will create a ‘signature cultural space’ for the city on the edge of Old Granada Studios. The extraordinary spaceship-like structure, visible from Quay Street and Liverpool Road, stands on the banks of the River Irwell and will form the centerpiece of the 2023 Manchester International Festival from June 29 to July 26.
For more information on the latest What’s On news, click here.
READ NEXT: