It’s that time of the year again.
Hopeless romantics are ordering in flowers, chocolates and teddies for their partners to express their unwavering devotion this Valentine's Day.
But where is best to celebrate your love with someone special — or to kick-start a new romance — in Manchester city centre?
While the city might not evoke quite the same romantic imagery as Venice, or Paris, it does have some beautiful spots. There are places where you can go for a romantic stroll, grab a fancy drink, or just watch the world go by with the one you love.
READ MORE: Best free things to do in Manchester in 2023
So here are seven romantic spots in Manchester city centre to head to this Valentine’s Day — where’s your favourite? Have we missed one? Tell us in the comments.
Castlefield Bridge
Take in a slice of Venetian waterway wonder on the canals. Castlefield Bridge connects one side of the neighbourhood to the area, which is bisected by various canals.
From here, you can wander over to Salford Quays, if you so wish, or walk towards Oxford Street in town. There are also plenty of bars around if you want to grab a drink or a bite to eat — plus the Saul Hay Gallery to take in some art.
What’s more, the bridge provides some fantastic views of the city’s skyline, and also there are a smattering of love locks around. It’s free to wander around, and can be as long or as short as you like.
Cloud23
One of the most impressive aspects of the skyline around Castlefield is the looming Beetham Tower. Completed in 2006, it was once Manchester’s tallest building.
It also features the Cloud23 cocktail bar and lounge, which has impressive views of the city. As the name suggests, it’s 23 storeys up, so the perfect place to witness a winter’s sunset.
You could also make a night of it by staying in the Hilton Hotel inside the tower. With it being situated on Deansgate, there’s plenty to do and see just a short walk away.
St John’s Gardens
Just off Deansgate is St John’s Gardens. A small park, it is an oasis of green in the hubbub of the city.
This is the best place for couples who want a low-key celebration, but one which is right for them. You can take a small walk around the gardens, or sit and chat on one of its benches.
St John’s also has a sizeable pigeon population, so you can feed them, too. Nothing says romance like a bit of pigeon feeding after all. If it's unseasonably warm you could even have a picnic.
Castlefield Viaduct (after February 18)
The viaduct is now home to the National Trust’s park in the skies. It’s free to visit, but only opens the Saturday after Valentine’s Day.
When it does re-open, you can either take a guided tour or pop up from 1pm for as long as you like. It’s packed full of flora and fauna, including some community gardens.
One of those is from a group called Sow The City, which has installed a pond to provide a space for reflection. There’s also an inside space, should you get chilly.
20 Stories
This is another bar with jaw-dropping views across town. 20 Stories is, confusingly, on the 19th floor of No.1 Spinningfields.
The bar/restaurant has an outdoor terrace with geo-desic pods to keep you warm. It also has brilliant views over the city, especially looking over the ever-changing skyline.
It’s a great place if you feel like being fancy, and want to watch the world go by. The sunset over Manchester will look best from here.
Mayfield Park
Last Valentine’s Day, Mayfield Park wasn’t open to the public — so if you get your skates on, you could be one of the first couples in on the big day. It features the Medlock running through it, so you’ll have some tranquillity.
But — and this is one for couples with kids — it’s got a really, really good play area. Seven slides are a delight for little ones, especially the one which goes over the river.
That means you can leave them playing and have a heart-to-heart, all while marvelling at the life you have built together. There are also loads of places to eat and drink next door in Escape to Freight Island.
New Islington Marina
Not too far away and a similar idea, New Islington Marina is a great place to watch the world go by with loved ones. Narrowboats form a lovely back drop to wander around Cotton Field Park.
It’s got some wonderful cafes and restaurants, too. Pollen makes lovely coffee, Cask is perfect for beer-lovers, and Flawd has some of the best food available in the city.
The brilliant thing about the Marina is that it’s yours to enjoy. Spend five minutes or five hours there, you’ll be pleased you went.
Read more of today's top stories here.
READ NEXT:
Lap dancing club is allowed to stay open despite claims it makes Manchester look 'seedy'
The restaurants and bars opening in Manchester this February
- The Rolls-Royce of pies and the warmest welcome at the UK's best pub, just an hour from Manchester
The plans for a Deep South-inspired 'dive bar' in the Northern Quarter
