Manchester, a city throbbing and brimming with its culture, music, and world-class football clubs has more to offer than just the usual tourist attractions.
And if you’re to explore the city to its depth then the offbeat locations we are going to talk about in this blog are going to help you make the most out of your time in the city.
So, without wasting any of your time, let’s get started!
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Victoria Baths
Activities: Guided tours, swimming (on special open days), photography
Cost: £8 for adults, £6 for concessions, free for children under 16
Special Feature: Beautiful Edwardian architecture and restored Turkish Baths
First, is a historic Grade II listed building that’s at the heart of the city. This place was opened in 1906 and was originally a bathhouse and laundry. It’s adorned with stunning stained glass, terracotta tiles, and mosaic floors.
Visitors can take tours along with guides to learn about its history and the restoration that’s underway. And on special days you’re even allowed to take a dip in the pool!
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The Pankhurst Centre
Activities: Museum visits, educational programs
Cost: Free (donations appreciated)
Special Feature: The former home of Emmeline Pankhurst, a leader of the suffragette movement
If you’re the kind of person who feels deeply for women’s voting rights and the women’s suffrage movement, then the Pankhurst Centre is the place for you. This place echoes the struggle for these Nobel causes.
The energy of this place instils in you, a deep respect for justice. For the ones interested in Sociology and History, this is a must-visit.
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Manchester Climbing Centre
Activities: Indoor rock climbing, bouldering, climbing courses
Cost: £10 for a day pass, additional costs for equipment hire and courses
Special Feature: Located in a converted church
Next up, for the adventure seekers we have a Climbing Centre that offers an exciting experience in a unique way.
So, this is situated in a church that’s been converted into a centre that provides facilities for all types of climbers, be they beginners or experts. We’d say that it’s a great way to challenge your fitness levels and get out of your student accommodation.
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Ordsall Hall
Activities: Historical tours, garden walks, ghost hunting tours
Cost: Free entry (charges apply for special events)
Special Feature: Haunted mediaeval hall with beautiful gardens
Perhaps the oldest attraction on our list is the hall that was commissioned over 750 years ago. It is a Tudor Mansion with a rich history and plenty of tales of hauntings.
And because of this reason, the hall offers regular tours and special ghost-hunting events for those willing to scare themselves off. Also, the gardens are a relief from the city’s hustle and bustle.
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John Rylands Library
Activities: Library tours, exhibitions, reading and study spaces
Cost: Free entry
Special Feature: Neo-Gothic architecture and rare book collections
Now, if you’ve grown up fantasising about magic and Gothic life, then this library is a must-visit for you.
And interestingly, this library is a part of the University of Manchester which boasts stunning neo-Gothic architecture and houses and has some of the rarest books and manuscripts in the world. Even an hour spent here will be worth so much.
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Chetham’s Library
Activities: Guided tours, exploring the historic reading room
Cost: £6 for adults, £5 for concessions (Student discounts applicable too)
Special Feature: Oldest public library in the English-speaking world
Now, if we talk of something really vintage then Chetham’s library which was established in the year 1653, is the oldest public library in the English-speaking world. Not only that, but the mediaeval building itself is a sight to behold.
As the study ground of Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels, you can feel their presence here and bring the scholarly energy back to your student accommodation in Manchester.
Conclusion
Even though Manchester is famous for its iconic landmarks and cultural institutions, these offbeat locations offer a peek into the city’s rich and diverse colours. Then be it the historic architecture or adventure obstacles, the city carries all its hues pretty elegantly. So, don’t do much, set off!
