Experience Manchester  

Manchester’s central location, coupled with excellent transport links, makes it one of the most accessible cities in the UK. So it’s just as well it knows how to open its arms to welcome group visitors. Here our Deputy Editor Stacey Wright spends a weekend in the dynamic city and explores the best of what’s on offer.  

If you’re planning a group trip to Manchester, one of the first things you need to consider is a place to stay, and with so many hotels to choose from, you’re guaranteed to find one to suit your group’s needs. Standing proud in the heart of the city, The Midland Hotel is one of the most famous and historic landmarks in Manchester. Situated close to the shopping areas, it’s the ideal base to explore the retail side of Manchester. For a more relaxing haven away from the busy shopping centre, The Lowry Hotel, with its contemporary design would be your ideal choice. And for those who want to see the best of Manchester, opt for the Jurys Inn Manchester, which is within easy reach of the city’s most thriving attractions. The staff are friendly and welcoming, while the hotel is spacious and comfortable, making it suitable for groups of any size.  

Once you’ve settled on a place to stay, it’s time to decide on which of Manchester’s many attractions you’d like to visit. During the day there’s a whole host of activities to enjoy. You could take a morning trip to the Manchester Art Gallery, and discover their internationally renowned collection of paintings, sculptures and decorative art objects, which are best observed on one of their themed tours. Then in the afternoon, take a tram to The Quays, where there’s plenty for your group to enjoy. Visit the Imperial War Museum North, which offers special exhibitions, live performances, and an audio-visual show. You can then stroll across the bridge to The Lowry for a tour of the building, where the informed assistants will introduce your group to the current exhibition and help you to understand the works of LS Lowry. Up-and-coming exhibitions include, Myth of the North from 30 June to 4 November, and Jerwood Contemporary Painters from 30 June to 23 September. Whilst at The Quays, you may also like to visit the Lowry Outlet Mall for some retail shopping, and get some great discounts on famous brands. Further retail therapy can be found on Market Street, or at Manchester Arndale, which are both situated in the city centre.  

And with so many daytime activities on offer, don’t be fooled into thinking that’s where the fun stops, as Manchester really comes alive after dark. The Palace Theatre and Opera House, are two of the most prestigious theatres outside of the West End, and are ideal for an evening out with your group. They have played host to the premiere UK tours of musicals such as The Phantom of the Opera, Miss Saigon, and The Producer, and more recently, the productions of Blood Brothers and Cats. The theatres also provide group packages, discounts, tours, and invites to special group events and launches. Another option for your group is indulging in Manchester’s restaurant scene. You’ll be pleased to know there is plenty of choice as Manchester boasts 30 different nationalities of the finest cuisine including, Chinese, Indian, Turkish, Greek, Spanish, Thai, and French. Visit Chinatown to sample food from the Far East, Sam’s Chophouse or sister venue Mr. Thomas’s Chophouse for a taste of Manchester, or for the ultimate night-cap, try Manchester235, a stylish gaming, dining and live music venue, serving the very best in British cuisine. To finish the evening, you might like to stop off for a drink at one of Manchester’s many bars. Deansgate Locks offers a canal side location with bars including, the Comedy Store, Fat Cat Café, Loaf, Baa Bar and Sugar Lounge, while the Northern Quarter is home to independent bars such as Odd Bar, Centro, Bluu and Night and Day. There are also many traditional pubs scattered around the city if you fancy a more homely feel.  

With so many places to visit in Manchester, you’ll be pleased to learn there are many pick-up and drop-off points throughout Manchester - both day and night - making it easy to get to know the city, and even easier to get around. And if you wanted to, you could even combine a city break with the countryside, as just twenty minutes from the city centre your group can discover breathtaking scenery, historic houses, and the heritage of Greater Manchester – giving you the best of both worlds. So whether you’re after history, culture, shopping, or theatre, Manchester makes the perfect groups destination. To find out more about any of the places mentioned, please contact Marketing Manchester on the details below.  

0161 2371010  

0161 749 1717/18  

Just south of Manchester you’ll find Staircase House - a unique restoration project set in the heart of Stockport. This interactive attraction invites you to smell, touch, and listen as you explore 1460 to WWll. A guided tour for your group is also available, bringing you the best bits of the house, and the story of the restoration from knowledgeable guides. There’s also the state-of-the-art audio tour, which includes commentary from those who worked on the 10-year restoration. To book a tour, visit their website or give them a ring on the number below.  

0161 480 1460  

Also in Stockport, you might like to visit the Hat Works Museum - the UK’s only museum dedicated to the hatting industry and headwear. They have just unveiled their latest exhibition, Playing to the Tune! - which runs until 22 July - and looks at how music has influenced fashion and tradition within headwear through the decades. Entry is free and there are fun activities for all group visitors. For more information contact Hat Works on the details below.  

0845 833 0975  

To finish off your visit to Stockport, take a trip round Bramall Hall – one of England’s finest treasures. They offer a range of group tours including a free flow tour, which enables you to explore the hall at your own pace. Or for something different, you might like to try an evening Victorian Costumed Tour complete with light refreshments served in the Victorian kitchen. Tours are available all year round, with evening and weekend tours by request.  

0845 833 0974  

If you’re heading North of Manchester, then Burnley is an ideal place to take your group as it offers a wide choice of attractions. You can take a fascinating look at their industrial past at Queen Street Mill Textile Museum and the Weavers’ Triangle Visitor Centre, where visitors can take a step into yesteryear. You’ll also find a garden centre, boat trips, markets, plus two historic houses - Towneley Hall and Gawthorpe Hall – set in their own grounds with stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Special group packages are available.  

0870 44 200 47