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Manchester is one of the most exciting places to visit in the UK. Bursting with character and full of unforgettable experiences, there’s something for everyone to enjoy, whether you’re looking for culture, sport, nightlife, family-friendly adventures or just good fun.

Feel the buzz of this vibrant city, the famous music scene, iconic football teams, revolutionary history and trend-setting neighbourhoods. Explore the unique and independent bars, restaurants, shops, theatres and museums that Manchester has to offer. Celebrate together with unmissable events taking place throughout the year, guaranteed to create treasured memories.

Discover more and start planning your trip.

 

Visit Manchester’s Christmas markets

Manchester's Christmas markets are a short distance from Manchester Piccadilly railway station. They’re open until 22 December with stalls at different locations across the city. You’ll find festive food and drink, plenty of opportunities for Christmas shopping and festive light trails. Also, perhaps a visit to Santa’s Grotto or a trip to the ice-rink in Cathedral Gardens?

 

Trains to Manchester

Manchester is one of the most well-connected cities in the UK, and we run services to and from the city from various different destinations, including Cardiff, Chester and more. It’s easy to reach Manchester by train.  You can even save up to half the price on train journeys to Manchester with our Advance tickets. We have a range of discounts available when you buy your tickets with us if you have a railcard. Buy your train tickets to Manchester with us online or on our app today. We don’t charge booking fees. Find some of our most popular routes to Manchester below:

 
 

 

Why visit Manchester?

Manchester is home to some of the best shopping around, so you can browse without a browser and enjoy some retail therapy without any technical glitches.

Just a short walk from Manchester Piccadilly or Manchester Oxford Road is Manchester Arndale, an indoor shopping centre that boasts a huge selection of exciting shops from the leading high street names. Looking for something a little more up market? A short walk from Manchester Piccadilly and you’ll arrive at The Royal Exchange Manchester; an eclectic collection of luxury retailers, premium high street brands and best in class independent boutique shops.

 

Must see attractions in Manchester

  • LEGOLAND® Discovery Centre, unleash your creativity with ten build and play zones, three rides and a 4D cinema. All adults must be accompanied by a child U18.
  • Old Trafford museum and stadium, explore the Manchester United dressing room, head down the players’ tunnel to the pitch and take the manager’s seat in the dugout.
  • The Manchester City Stadium tour, walk in the footsteps of your favourite players with this fascinating behind-the-scenes tour of the Etihad Stadium.
  • Science and Industry Museum, be inspired by ideas that have changed the world - past and present - on the site of the world’s first inter-city railway terminus.
  • Corn Exchange, enjoy flavours from around the world in newly renovated Edwardian splendour - these bars and restaurants are the city’s gastronomical highlights.

 

How to spend a weekend in Manchester

With loads to see and do in a relatively compact area, Manchester’s perfect for a weekend city break or family getaway. Choose a section of the city and go explore.

The city centre is bursting with galleries, museums and music venues, not to mention great shopping, pubs and restaurants. Shopaholics can hit the designer stores on King’s Street and Exchange Square. For culture vultures, Manchester Art Gallery has a fabulous collection of fine art, decorative art and costume. Take the kids to the Manchester Museum - it’s free and has over four million objects spanning dinosaur skeletons and Ancient Egyptian artefacts to technology and the environment. Or head to the National Football Museum for more than 140,000 football-related items, a kids' discovery zone and skills-testing simulators.

The Northern Quarter holds a treasure trove of vintage and independent shops, vibrant street art, trendy bars and restaurants, and buzzing music venues. World famous Afflecks Palace has four floors of independent designers and traders. While the Manchester Craft and Design Centre houses artists' studios selling the best local design, jewellery, bags and accessories in a restored Victorian fish and poultry market. For a lively night out, the area is full of live music venues showcasing local and international bands.

Salford Quays, the northern home of the BBC, is just a short tram ride from the city centre. Grab a bargain at the Lowry Outlet with up to 70% off high street and designer clothes. Then relax at one of the many riverside bars and restaurants. Explore the iconic Imperial War Museum North for immersive and unsettling stories of war; it’s the first building in the UK designed by internationally-acclaimed architect Daniel Libeskind. Just across the river, Corrie fans can walk the cobbled streets on a tour of the original filming location. Finish your day at The Lowry and enjoy theatre, opera, musicals, dance, music, comedy or visual art at this world-class arts centre on the waterfront.

Looking for more inspiration? Check out this itinerary, packed with suggestions and ideas for things to do: 72 hours in Manchester

 

  • *Terms and conditions
    • *Average percentage saved by customers between 01/01/2022 and 31/12/2022 when buying undiscounted TfW Advance tickets compared to the cheapest undiscounted TfW priced Anytime single ticket for the same journey, available on the day of travel, was 51%. Advance fares are subject to availability. National Rail Conditions of travel apply.
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