Things to do in Manchester

Connect with sport's history with this tour of the Manchester United Museum and the Old Trafford Stadium. Learn about the club's history and achievements as you explore the museum. Take a tour of Old Trafford and sit in your favorite player's seat in the dressing room. Visit the museum to see fascinating club memorabilia and interactive exhibits. Experience the thrill of strolling through the players’ tunnel towards the pitch. Sit in the dugout and try planning your game tactics as Sir Alex Ferguson did for many years. See the press room where the manager makes his statement after each home gam. Visit the VIP room that has hosted big names over the years, including celebrities and many former players. Receive a personalized certificate to commemorate your visit to Old Trafford.

See Manchester from another perspective on a scenic canal cruise. Make your way along the Manchester Ship Canal and River Irwell, admiring some of the city's key sights including Manchester United's home ground and the historic Stephenson's Railway Bridge. Board the cruise in central Manchester and embark on a trip to the heart of Manchester's old docklands and the center of the city. See sights from the modern Media City, now home to the BBC and the new home of ITV's Coronation Street, to the imposing Old Trafford football stadium and George Stephenson’s railway bridge from 1830. Pass by the first of the 120-meter-long locks of the Manchester Ship Canal, admiring the impressive Imperial War Museum and old Pomona Docks before heading into the heart of Manchester along the River Irwell. During the cruise, listen to commentary that describes the history of the Manchester Ship Canal. Learn about the industries that made the city one of the powerhouses of Europe in the 19th century and hear about the exciting future that's currently being built.

Walk in the footsteps of your favorite players on this behind-the-scenes guided tour of the Etihad Stadium. Take a look at the state-of-the-art new player facilities of the revamped stadium and club. From arrival to pre-match preparations, and from the big match to their post-match media obligations, gain a true understanding of the journey that players take on a match day. Follow your guide who will bring each corner of the stadium to life with interesting stories, facts, and anecdotes. There are plenty of new areas to visit this season, including the brand new player facilities and the introduction of The Tunnel Club – the first of its kind in world football.

Your ticket includes admission to all four floors of the museum. On the ground floor, have your photo taken with our FA Cup and Premier League trophies and enjoy the latest pop-up art exhibition. Level 1 is where you'll discover the must-see memorabilia — look out for the trophy won by England in 1966. You'll also uncover some fascinating history, like in England on the World Stage, which looks at the ups and downs of the England team. Level 1 is also the meeting point for guided tours. On Level 2, you'll find all the interactive challenges including Penalty Shootout. Temporary exhibitions on Level 3 change twice a year and take an in-depth look at soccer through art, photography, and technology.

Explore the sensational external sets at MediaCityUK on a guided tour taking in Coronation Street, Rosamund Street, and the newly extended Victoria Street. This is your chance to step onto the largest working television lot in the country and be immersed in the familiar surroundings of the Rovers Return, Roys Rolls, Underworld, and The Kabin.  Wander through Weatherfield on a fully guided tour of the working set. Recall stories from yesteryear, hear filming secrets, take selfies on the street and follow in the footsteps of your favorite characters down those Coronation Street cobbles. Once you arrive at Dock 10, Media City, you will be welcomed by your guide. Head across to the external set of Coronation Street.  The tour will last about one hour, the guide will be there to let you know the history of the famous street as well as an insight into the filming of the most iconic British soap opera.

Explore the birthplace of the industrial revolution aboard the hop-on and hop-off sightseeing bus in Manchester and learn more about the city's contribution to science, politics, music, arts and sport. Hop-on and off at any of the 15 stops on a route that has been carefully planned to include key sights such as Manchester Town Hall, the National Football Museum, the Museum of Science and Industry and Manchester United Football Club. Hop-off at Salford Quays to visit the famous Lowry art gallery and Imperial War Museum North in the stunning building by Daniel Libeskind. Discover the new media hub where the BBC and ITV have located their TV studios, and avail of the canal-side shops and restaurants. 

Gain access to the home of the Premier League Champions with this exclusive combined tour of the Etihad Stadium and City Football Academy. Step into these iconic Manchester landmarks for a 360-degree look at the life of a Manchester City footballer. Become completely immersed in Manchester City history via a cinema experience and interact with team manager Pep Guardiola in the press room using the latest technology. Take in the training facilities and get an understanding of how players prepare themselves for a big match. Enjoy a fully guided journey culminating with a trip around the Etihad Stadium, home of the men's and women’s teams and the world-class youth set-up. Watch each area of the stadium come to life with interesting stories, facts, and anecdotes.

Depart from Manchester in the morning and head straight for the lovely Lake District. Stop first at Bowness, situated on the shores of Lake Windermere. Take some free time to stroll along the lake, opt for a scenic cruise, or wander around the town and admire the sublime views.  Travel around the southern tip of Windermere toward Coniston Water. Take in views of this lake before arriving in the picturesque village of Hawkshead. This is where poet William Wordsworth attended grammar school.  After exploring the quaint village, take the narrow country roads north towards Grasmere, a place Wordsworth described as "the loveliest spot that man hath found."  There's free time to visit Wordsworth's Dove Cottage, taste the legendary gingerbread, or enjoy the peace and tranquility of the Wordsworth Daffodil Garden by the River Rothy.  We then take in spectacular views of Ullswater Lake as we head along country roads to its southern shores before returning to Manchester in the early evening.

Dive into an amazing underwater world at SEA LIFE Manchester and get up close and to thousands of creatures including magnificent sharks, enchanting jellyfish and meet Ernie and Cammy, the resident giant green sea turtles. Take a fascinating journey from the coast to the ocean's depths through 11 themed zones including the amazing Ocean Tunnel, where you can soak up the view from the sea bed, surrounded by tropical creatures swimming overhead. Venture deep into the worlds underwater cave system in the Rocky Hideout area, where little ones can explore mini caves and immersive tank displays to get up close to some weird and wonderful species. Experience the lair of the Japanese Spider Crabs, these fantastic creatures of the deep measure an unbelievable 3 meters claw to claw. Find out how it feels to touch a starfish and other creatures living in the interactive rockpool experience. Visit Turtle Beach, an interactive and unique 3D projection experience that navigates you through the life cycle of a sea turtle, from egg to the sea.

The tour leaves Manchester in the morning and heads straight for the border of Wales. Conwy is the first stop of the day, one of the most picture-perfect harbor towns in the world. Here you can see a castle perched by the sea, the world's smallest house, and lots of cute restaurants serving up the best fish and chips. Venture along the winding, scenic roads of the Snowdonia National Park before arriving in Betws-Y-Coed. This quaint town is known as the gateway to Snowdonia and is famous for its alpine trees and cozy cafes. Chester is your next stop. This is one of England’s most historic towns and there is plenty to do here. It's advised to go straight to the ancient cathedral and learn about its remarkable past.