A Quieter, Alternative Look at Manchester as a Holiday Destination

Manchester is already a hub destination for the north west. On any given weekend, you'll find people from all over the north west coming into Manchester for a night out. In fact, that's how most people associate Manchester - a nightlife city. If you go by sheer numbers, they're not wrong. There's no end of music and drinking venues dotted around the northern quarter, Piccadilly Gardens, Oxford St, Canal St, Deansgate, etc.

However, what else does Manchester have to offer outside the city centre? Quite a lot, it turns out! Let's look at what you could get up to in Manchester that doesn't involve clubbing.

The suburbs: a step back in time
If you want a true Mancunian experience, you don't have to travel so far. Get on the 192 bus up to somewhere like Levenshulme or Heaton Chapel and you can find plenty of pubs to experience the local atmosphere. This is a different experience from the city centre, which has been gentrified (in a good way)...but hey, this article is about an alternative experience, remember?

There's a rich music scene outside the city centre
There are pubs like the Dulcimer Bar in Chorlton that cater to a more discerning crowd. There you'll find balearic DJs playing quieter sets. In fact, if you visit places like Didsbury, Withington, Chorlton, Heaton Moor and Heaton Chapel in the spring and summer, you can find some pubs putting on specific music nights that cater to niche music categories.

Disley and beyond
The Peak District is on Manchester's doorstep, and you can find yourself as far away as Buxton in only just over an hour from Manchester city centre. You can easily do a day trip to somewhere like Buxton and return to your Manchester city centre hotel for an evening out in the city.

The surrounding towns



Article kindly provided by jacksonheim.co.uk

User Anecdotes

We've solicited a number of user anecdotes on this topic, and have hand picked some of the more interesting ones below. We feel that anecdotes can give a practical, human perspective on a topic.

"I recently visited Manchester with my family, and we were delighted to find a beautiful city filled with history, culture, and friendly locals. We stayed in a charming boutique hotel located in the Northern Quarter, which was within walking distance to many attractions such as the Manchester Cathedral and the National Football Museum. The vibrant street art and unique architecture truly made our visit memorable. One of our highlights was visiting the Manchester Art Gallery, which houses an impressive collection of artwork from various periods, including Pre-Raphaelite masterpieces. We also enjoyed exploring the historic Castlefield area, taking a leisurely stroll along the picturesque canals and admiring the beautifully restored Victorian houses. As a family of foodies, we loved the diverse culinary scene in Manchester, with a wide variety of restaurants and bars to choose from. We tried everything from traditional British pub fare to modern Asian cuisine at the trendy Foodwell. Overall, our trip to Manchester was a truly memorable and enjoyable experience, and we would highly recommend it as a holiday destination for those seeking a quieter, alternative city break."<br><b>Sophie W.</b><br><br> "Having grown up in London and visited many major cities around the world, I found Manchester to be a breath of fresh air when I visited last summer. The city has a unique charm and character that sets it apart from other popular tourist destinations. I was particularly impressed with the vibrant music scene, which offers something for everyone, from live jazz at Matt and Phred's to iconic rock and indie venues like the Ritz. Furthermore, Manchester's rich industrial heritage is evident in its revitalized urban spaces, such as Ancoats and the Northern Quarter, where old mills and warehouses have been transformed into trendy apartments, shops, and restaurants. I found the people of Manchester to be incredibly friendly and welcoming, always happy to strike up a conversation or recommend a local hidden gem. For those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of bigger cities and experience a more laid-back, authentic British city, Manchester is a fantastic alternative."<br><b>Rajesh K.</b><br><br> "During my visit to Manchester last year, I discovered a city that offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and modernity. As an architecture enthusiast, I was captivated by the city's diverse range of buildings, from the striking modern design of the Lowry Centre in Salford Quays to the imposing gothic façade of John Rylands Library. The city's public transportation system was efficient and reliable, making it easy to explore Manchester's many neighborhoods and attractions. One highlight of my trip was attending a performance at the Royal Exchange Theatre, an intimate venue housed within a stunning Victorian building. Another memorable experience was browsing the artisan stalls at the Altrincham Market, where I enjoyed sampling various local delicacies and purchasing unique handmade gifts. Overall, my time in Manchester left me eager to return and explore more of this underrated and charming city."<br><b>Yoshiko S.</b>"

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