Must Do Things to Do in Manchester!

Manchester is one of my favourite cities in the UK, particularly due to its lively fun atmosphere, and vast range of shops and bars, I will say there is always something that draws me back there. Today I have 4 recommended ways you could spend an afternoon in this lively city to help you make the most of your time there.  

1.If music is your passion, then this is the perfect way to spend an afternoon. A notable proportion of famous UK musicians are known to hail from Manchester, so if you are a fan of The Smiths, Joy Division, New Order or James like me then I would definitely recommend the Manchester Music walking tour 

If you didn’t manage to get tickets for Oasis like most of us then that’s ok, don’t look back in anger. If it’s any consolation, this tour includes the exact spot the Gallagher brothers had an iconic photoshoot that you could replicate if you wanted to! You’d also encounter the former home of Factory Records, the record label founded in 1978 that gave us works from Joy Division, New Order and James, most notably.  

Another significant location you’d encounter is the Salford Lads club, aka the location on the cover of the Smiths The Queen is Dead cover! Frankly, Mr Shankly I can’t guarantee you’ll see a Vicar in a tutu on your venture, but you’ll get some cool photos out of it for sure. 

2) Canal Street 

You’d be hard pressed to find a better place to party than Canal Street. Many a time I’ve staggered up those streets at ridiculous hours in the morning, the selection of clubs and bars on canal street cannot be easily beaten. An area of Manchester that’s known for its inclusive welcoming nature and for its spot as the beating heart of the Gay Village and synonymous with LGBTQ+ history, as early as the 1950s.  

You’ll be enamoured by the vibrant mix of bars, clubs and drag events. Canal Street opens you with welcome arms and you are sure to have good time wherever you end up, I can’t guarantee you’ll remember it all the next morning though. 

3)  Whisky Tasting

For those who might think whisky is just something to pour into a glass and sip thoughtfully, our own  Manchester Whisky tasting experience offers a rather more involved way to spend an afternoon. It is sure to give you an insider’s peek into the ways and wiles of Whiskey production. The tour begins with a welcome drink, courtesy of the distillery’s own New Make spirit.  

A Whisky tasting session is included, whereby you get to taste the tipple at each stage of production, while learning about the making process in its entirety from grain selection to ageing. All in all, an interactive hands on way of learning about the whisky industry, and a fabulous way to spend an afternoon in Manchester for fans of the drink that may be interested in learning about its history (or just consuming the beverage in a fun, interactive setting).  

4 Afflecks Palace 

I can’t conclude a Manchester recommendations list without mentioning Afflecks, AKA the place where most of my money ends up being spent whenever I’m in Manchester! Established in 1982, it possesses a hive of creativity and individuality quite unlike anywhere else in the UK, with anywhere up to 60 independent stalls sporting a range of wares and vastly differing styles open at any one time!  

There are many places to choose from in the UK for small independent and unique finds, but my personal allegiance is forever in Manchester with Afflecks. Located in the Northern quarter you can’t miss it, just opposite the Bird and Blend tea shop is the main entrance, but there are a couple of others dotted around the building.  

Lucy