Self Guided Walks Around Manchester
These walks need no booking. The centre is flat, and routes join up easily. Pack a waterproof.
Castlefield loop
Begin at Deansgate-Castlefield on the Metrolink. See the Roman fort gateway, walk down to the canal basin and cross Merchants Bridge, then climb to Castlefield Viaduct (free, Wednesday to Sunday, 10:00 to 17:00). Keep to the towpath.
The radical route
- Peterloo Memorial, Peter Street, marking 16 August 1819.
- People’s History Museum at Spinningfields (free, closed Tuesday).
- Pankhurst Centre, Nelson Street (Thursday and Sunday, 11:00 to 16:00).
Aim for a Thursday or Sunday so that all three are open.
Northern Quarter
Stevenson Square, Dale Street and Tib Street have murals, record shops and independent cafes. It is a few minutes from Piccadilly Gardens.
Around the cathedral
Walk from Victoria station to Manchester Cathedral and Chetham’s Library on Long Millgate. The Glade of Light, remembering the 22 people killed at the Arena in 2017, lies between them, so pass through quietly. Chetham’s is entered only on a pre-booked tour.
Canal Street and Sackville Gardens
The Alan Turing Memorial and the Beacon of Hope sit in Sackville Gardens beside the Gay Village.
The Quays
Ride the tram to Salford Quays. Stroll between the Lowry and the Imperial War Museum North along flat, open waterfront.
Music sites
The Haçienda stood on Whitworth Street West until 2002. A plaque marks it. Salford Lads Club, on Coronation Street in Salford, is the Smiths album cover building and still a youth club, so ask on its website before visiting.
Weather and timing
Rain arrives quickly, so choose routes with a museum stop that can double as shelter. Summer evenings leave plenty of light for the Castlefield loop, while winter days need an earlier start. Check opening days before you set out, since several stops close on a Monday or Tuesday.
Getting to the start points
Deansgate-Castlefield, Victoria and Piccadilly all have Metrolink stops, and most routes start within a few minutes of one. Tap in on the platform reader before boarding, and check the zone fare for the Quays, which lies in zone 2.
Useful notes
- Free Bus routes 1 and 2 run city centre loops at no charge.
- Pair a long walk with a coffee stop in the Northern Quarter.
- Guided versions of some routes are listed on GetYourGuide .
Read more: landmarks and memorials and seeing the city by bus .
Opening details: Pankhurst Museum , People’s History Museum and Salford Lads Club .