Only 2 hours by train from London is Manchester. Being so close makes it an excellent weekend getaway destination for locals and visitors.
Just like being able to maximise gains with high yields at your favourite casino, you want to maximise your time in Manchester over a weekend. To give you some assistance, we’ve broken it down into categories. Sports lovers, couples, foodies, culture buffs and LGBTQI+ visitors, there’s something here for all of you.
Manchester for Sports Lovers
What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the name Manchester? That’s right, football and its team, Manchester United (Man Utd)! Even if you’re not their fan, experiencing a game on their home turf is worth the admission ticket.
Man Utd has some of the most ardent supporters in the game, and watching them is almost as much fun as the game itself. If your team happens to be playing, you’re in for an adrenaline rush.
Manchester United’s home games are at Old Trafford Stadium, and all the match details are on the team’s website.
Off Season or No Scheduled Game
If there’s no game scheduled for the weekend, you’re still in Manchester; all isn’t lost. Take a guided tour of Old Trafford and the Manchester United Museum. You’ll even get a peek into the dressing room.
The sports lover’s weekend isn’t complete without a visit to the National Football Museum. The game’s history in Manchester is on display in an interactive setting.
Manchester for Couples
You don’t have to be a football lover to spend an enjoyable weekend in Manchester, as it’s a very romantic city. Here are some options for you:
Wander or Cruise the Canals
Manchester has over 15 kilometres of canals, and wandering along the towpaths hand-in-hand is an enjoyable way to spend time together. If all that walking sounds too much, hop on one of the many canal boats and go for a tour. It’s not quite the same as a gondola ride in Venice, but it’s close.
Get a Couple’s Massage
Why not pamper yourselves at one of the many day spas across the city? A couple’s massage is a beautiful way to relax and spend quality, quiet time together.
Spas can be found at many 5-star hotels, in shopping malls, or on some local streets. It’s best to book in advance to avoid being disappointed.
Indoor Skiing and Snowboarding
For the more adventurous couples, head to Chill Factore in the Beyond Shopping Centre at Trafford Park. When it opened in 2009, it had the widest indoor ski slope in the world — the one in Dubai now holds that title.
Ski or snowboard down the hill or climb the rock wall. There’s nothing like a bit of adrenaline to keep a couple engaged with each other.
Manchester for Foodies
A weekend in Manchester wouldn’t be complete without sampling some local food and beverage. While there are way too many options to try in one weekend, narrow it down to your cuisine favourites or must-tries.
Champagne Lifestyle at Harvey Nichols
One of the most iconic stores in the UK is Harvey Nichols. While the Manchester branch in the downtown area isn’t as large as the Knightsbridge flagship store, the top-floor brasserie is still worth visiting. With views across the city, you can sip champagne and experience life like the rich do!
Manchester Cat Cafe
For a unique experience, visit the Manchester Cat Cafe. What could be cuter than sipping on your favourite beverage while cute kittens play around your feet or sit in your lap?
Rather than charge per beverage, you’re charged per every 5 minutes that you choose to spend with the cats. During that time, unlimited hot and cold drinks are complimentary (snacks are extra).
Manchester for History Buffs
History buffs will find plenty of culture in Manchester. Founded as a city in 1853, almost 200 years of history are on display if you know where to look.
The Manchester History Museum was revamped in 2023 and features many exhibits. Explore ancient Egyptian and Southeast Asian cultures, and then move on to modern-day Britain and its struggles.
Manchester has a vibrant art scene, and the art galleries cover everything from classic artists like Van Gogh, Turner, and William Blake to modern-day edgy and alternative creators.
For readers, a trip to the John Rylands Library needs to be added to their weekend itinerary. The grand reading hall has some severe Harry Potter vibes, and there’s ancient Egyptian papyrus and loads of other books and documents waiting to be explored.
Manchester for the LGBTQI+
Manchester is a popular destination for LGBTQI people from all over the world. The dedicated Gay Village is located on Canal Street.
Take a seat next to a figurine of Alan Turing at the memorial in his name. He is often referred to as the pioneer of modern computing, and he contributed a lot to society, including a way to break the code the Germans used during WWII. Unfortunately, anyone who doesn’t know his story will be appalled at the way this hero was treated purely because he was gay.
At night, the bars and clubs draw revellers in for a night of fun and entertainment.
Manchester is Waiting for You
If you’re in the UK and have a spare weekend, consider heading to Manchester. Home of Manchester United, sports fans will find plenty to see and do.
Couples can stroll along the canals or pamper themselves in one of the many day spas. Foodies will be in heaven as they can indulge in whatever culinary delights they can imagine. Culture vultures will find so much to pack into the weekend that they’ll have to make savvy choices.
What are you waiting for? It’s time to book your trip to Manchester!
