There’s no shortage of incredible places to visit and things to do in Greater Manchester. We’ve got stunning parks and gardens, amazing theatres and captivating museums.
In the bustling city centre there’s always something going on, while every borough is home to hidden gems just waiting to be discovered. That’s not to mention all the gorgeous countryside which 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’s something for everyone.
READ MORE:
RHS Bridgewater
This garden sits on the former site of Worsley New Hall in Salford, which was transformed in one of the largest horticultural projects undertaken in Europe in recent years. Featuring a number 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 tranquil and beautiful space to explore.
Victoria Baths
Nestled in the Chorlton-on-Medlock area of Manchester, this Grade II-listed Edwardian swimming pool and Turkish Baths complex is a proper hidden gem. The baths opened to the public in 1906, but it was closed in 1993 before a major, multimillion-pound restoration project began in 2007.
Open from March to November, the building is transformed in spring for SpringFest, which sees it host music, art exhibitions, activities and a range of food and drink.
Science and Industry Museum
As Manchester was the world’s first industrial city, it’s only right that we should mention the Science and Industry Museum. It features a range of exhibitions and events exploring the city’s history, as well as new technologies.
If you haven't already, make sure to visit the Turn It Up: The Power of Music exhibition before its comes to a close in mid-May.
Mayfield Park
Manchester’s newest public park - its first in 100 years - opened its gates last September, so this will be its first spring and summer season. The 6.5 acre park boasts green spaces, play areas, cycling and running routes, stepping stones and particularly striking vantage spots of the river Medlock, it will be a great spot to head to on a bright, sunny day.
The Lowry
Only a short tram ride away from the city centre, The Lowry is a cultural hub where you can catch theatre, musicals, comedy and more. Featuring three performance spaces, this year will see the venue host a number of award-winning shows and West End hits from Everybody's Talking About Jamie and Mother Goose to Life of Pi.
Chetham’s Library
Chetham’s Library is truly a place out of Harry Potter. It’s believed to be the oldest public library in the English-speaking world. The stunning building dates back to 1421 while the furniture and fittings date back to 1654. Filled with ancient books and dark, panelled rooms, it's just one of Manchester's many historic libraries, with the Victorian Gothic John Ryland Library and Portico Library also well worth a visit when in the city centre.
Castlefield Viaduct
Perhaps one of Manchester’s most interesting parks, the Castlefield Viaduct is a skyline park stretching across a Grade II listed Victorian viaduct. It initially opened for a 12-month trial, but its expected to remain open until December 2024 if plans are approved. Described as an "urban park", the green space celebrates the industrial heritage of Castlefield, and a section of land has also been left untouched, to give visitors a sense of how nature has reclaimed the space since the site closed in the 1960s.
Manchester Museum
Following a huge £15million transformation project, Manchester Museum opened its doors to the public once more in February. It features new exhibitions and spaces including a South Asia Gallery - in partnership with the British Museum - a new Lee Kai Hung Chinese Culture Gallery, a brand new Dinosaur display and a blockbuster Golden Mummies of Egypt exhibition.
Marple Locks
If you’re looking for a beautiful canalside walk to do, Marple Locks is certainly worth checking out. What makes it stand out in Greater Manchester's long list of great walking locations is the series of fully-operating locks - 16 in total - an impressive feat of engineering. Surrounded by beautiful countryside, as you head towards Romiley you’ll come across the Marple Aqueduct, the highest canal aqueduct in England which features breathtaking stone archways.
Factory International
One for your diary, Factory International is a new arts centre opening in June. Programmed and operated by the same team behind the world-famous Manchester International Festival, the vast new building will create a "landmark cultural space" for the city at the edge of the Old Granada Studios. The extraordinary spaceship-like structure, visible from Quay Street and Liverpool Road, sits on the banks of the River Irwell and will form the centrepiece of the 2023 Manchester International Festival from June 29 to July 26.
For more of the latest What's On news, click here.
READ NEXT:
- Award-winning Greater Manchester chippy named among the best in the UK
- The Greater Manchester farmers' market named among best in the UK
- The National Trust properties you can visit for free this month - all you need is a lottery ticket
- RHS Garden Bridgewater extends free entry for Salford residents until 2024
- Blackpool Pleasure Beach responds after guests complain about ‘banned’ items
