If you’re planning a trip to Manchester but need to watch your spending, don’t worry – we’ve got you covered! Check out the list of the top 7 places to visit in Manchester for free!
Manchester is known for its rich industrial past, famous music scene, and top-notch shopping. It’s no wonder it’s one of the most famous cities in the UK to visit. But you don’t have to spend much money to enjoy it.
There’s something for everyone, from exciting museums to the beautiful outdoors in parks.
Whether your visit to Manchester is today, tomorrow, next Sunday, or in six months, our guide to free attractions in the city will assist you in planning the perfect trip.
7 Best Free Must-Visit Attractions in Manchester
Explore our top seven must-visit attractions in Manchester:
1. Museum of Science and Industry
Discover the Museum of Science and Industry (MoSI) in Manchester for free! It’s one of the city’s most prominent museums and has something exciting for everyone. Learn about Manchester’s important technological role, from the Industrial Revolution to today’s media world.
At MoSI, you can see how things were made in a 19th-century cotton mill, find out how a Victorian sewer worked, and check out some fantastic steam-powered machines. The museum also has special exhibits like mobile science labs from Antarctica and a look into the human brain.
With unique galleries and hands-on displays, the museum is a great place to explore inventions and innovations from the past and present. You’ll see trains, printing machines, and even the world’s first computer. If you’re into science, this is the perfect spot to see some of the most incredible inventions from around the globe.
If you’re going there in a large group, it’s best to opt for a minibus hire in Manchester for comfortable travelling.
Location: Liverpool Rd, Manchester M3 4FP
2. Heaton Park
Heaton Park, situated just outside the city centre, provides a delightful escape from the constant hustle of Manchester. Covering more than 600 acres, Heaton Park stands as the largest municipal park in Europe. The park provides many attractions, including a golf course, tennis courts, a boating lake, an animal farm, ornamental gardens, an adventure playground, trams, a flat green Bowling Green, and more.
Whether you opt for a picnic by the lake, a stroll through woodlands and gardens, or let the kids play at the playground, Heaton Park is a fantastic destination. Best of all, it’s completely free to visit.
Location: Middleton Rd, Higher Blackley M25 2SW
3. Manchester Art Gallery
The Manchester Art Gallery is not just about old paintings; they blend the old and new in extraordinary ways. Welcoming art enthusiasts for nearly 200 years, it offers a diverse experience with works from the 18th and 19th centuries to contemporary pieces – and it’s always free to visit! Beyond traditional paintings, the gallery features permanent displays ranging from fine art to modern pop-art creations.
If you’re a fan of classic paintings, the Manchester Art Gallery is a must-visit, showcasing an impressive permanent collection of pre-raphaelite artworks. Despite perceiving institutions as impersonal, this gallery stays vibrant with ever-changing contemporary exhibitions. It also hosts various events, from tours and talks to creative activities for kids and adults.
Location: Mosley St, Manchester M2 3JL
4. Imperial War Museum North
In Trafford Park, right by the Manchester Ship Canal, you’ll find the Imperial War Museum North – one of Manchester’s most exciting museums. The Imperial War Museum North is in a remarkable aluminium building created by Daniel Libeskind. The exhibition guides visitors through the wars and conflicts Britain has participated in throughout the 20th century, commencing with World War I.
This museum is not just about displaying military stuff – its stunning design alone is worth a visit. The exhibitions tell powerful stories about how war impacts people worldwide, from those living through it to communities dealing with the aftermath. It’s not only for military enthusiasts; it offers a reflective and engaging experience for the whole family.
Location: Trafford Wharf Rd, Trafford Park, Stretford, Manchester M17 1TZ
5. The National Football Museum
Explore The National Football Museum, a must-visit attraction for football fans. It takes you on a tour spanning 150 years of the sport, featuring photography exhibitions showcasing memorable moments. Personal accounts add a personal touch, and interactive exhibits bring
the games to life. Even if you’re not into football, it offers interesting insights from a historical and social perspective – and you might score points if your companion is a football fan!
Location: Urbis Building, Cathedral Gardens, Todd St, City Centre, Manchester M4 3BG
6. Chetham’s Library
A visit to Manchester is incomplete without stopping at Chetham’s Library, the oldest public library in the English-speaking world.
Established in 1653, this library boasts an impressive collection of 100,000 printed books and numerous manuscripts and texts from mediaeval history.
Here, you can sit at a table where Karl Marx, along with various philosophers, scholars, and researchers, frequently studied. Conveniently across from the National Football Museum, entry to Chetham’s Library is free.
Location: Long Millgate, Manchester M3 1SB
7. Runway Visitor Park
The Runway Visitor Park near Manchester Airport is an excellent spot for plane-watching. Manchester Airport is busy, with about 600 aircraft movements daily, providing plenty to see. The park offers a close view of the airfield and opportunities to learn about aviation. You can explore various aircraft and even board some. While the park is free, parking has a fee, and there’s an option to pay for activities like a Concorde tour.
Location: Sunbank Lane, Altrincham WA15 8XQ
Final Words
Experience the best of Manchester without spending a penny! From the fascinating Museum of Science and Industry to the peaceful Heaton Park, various free attractions exist. Delve into art at the Manchester Art Gallery, ponder history at the Imperial War Museum North, and immerse yourself in football culture at the National Football Museum.
Don’t forget to visit the historic Chetham’s Library and enjoy plane-watching at the Runway Visitor Park. Manchester offers a budget-friendly adventure through its rich cultural and recreational offerings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is Manchester most famous for?
Ans: Manchester is famous for being the ‘Music Capital’ of the UK. It’s a city with a strong music history that has significantly influenced music worldwide.
Q2: Can you quickly walk around Manchester?
Ans: Manchester stands out as a highly walkable city. The city centre is compact, filled with history, independent shops, and top-notch museums, making it convenient to see everything quickly.
Q3: Why do people visit Manchester?
Ans: With its rich history in science, culture, music, and sports, Manchester has something for everyone. That’s why millions worldwide choose to visit for various reasons.
Q4: When is the best time to explore Manchester?
Ans: The ideal time to visit Manchester is from June to August when the weather is pleasant and plenty of events are happening around the city.
Q5: Is Heaton Park the largest park in Europe?
Ans: It’s the largest park in Greater Manchester and the biggest municipal park in Europe.