As the days grow shorter and there’s a wintry chill in the air, there’s no better time to enjoy the warm glow of a historic pub.
Whether it’s meeting friends and family in a beautiful historic building or taking time out from the hustle and bustle near a roaring log fire, these atmospheric properties, at the heart of local life, connect us to our communities past and present.
Manchester Heritage Pub Walking Trail
In celebration of historic pubs, Historic England have created a walking route through the heart of Manchester, which we hope will whet your appetite for the local heritage that surrounds us.
Whether you’re home for Christmas or staying with family or friends, it’s a great time to get out and explore the history around you.
The curated historic pub trail will help you discover the unique charm of listed buildings in Manchester that are currently (or were once) used as public houses.
Our route around Princess Street and Portland Street in Manchester highlights six historic pubs, including the Circus Tavern, one of the oldest pubs in Manchester and one of the smallest pubs in the country; the Vine Inn, with its striking frontage of green glazed tiles and stained glass windows; and The Bank, originally built in 1803 to house the Portico Library and retaining many of its original features.
Marie Smallwood, Head of Advice North at Historic England, said:
“Manchester’s historic pubs have been part of the fabric of our great city’s life, and at the heart of communities, for generations. Christmas is a wonderful opportunity to discover and explore some of the remarkable listed public houses in your local area, where seasonal greetings carry down the centuries. We’d love to see your experiences of the beautiful buildings on these heritage trails and to hear your memories of your favourite historic pub.”
