Manchester

Tours

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 from Salford Quays and 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.

Immerse yourself in the City story on the Manchester City Stadium Tour. Visit areas of the Stadium not usually available to the public. Using the latest technology, dreams come true as you and your loved ones sit and interact with Pep Guardiola in the press room. Immerse yourself in the City Story as you walk out of the glass players' tunnel, sit in the seats in the dug outs and soak up the views of the stadium from pitchside! There is a surprise at every turn! The Stadium and Club Tour begins as you enter at the South of the stadium via M-Gate. You will be greeted by your professional tour guide who will take you on a 75-minute tour of the Etihad Stadium and provide you with insights and anecdotes. Your behind-the-scenes tour at the home of the Treble winners includes an exclusive look at the home team dressing room, where you can take selfie a selfie with your favourite players shirt, walk down the tunnel to the sound of the Etihad Stadium crowd. Then go pitch-side and sit in the mangers seat in the dugouts. You can then pose for a photo and field questions with a virtual Pep Guardiola in the press conference room. Tour guests also receive an exclusive 10% discount at the CityStore against full price purchases.

Your ticket includes admission to all four floors of the museum for a self-guided visit. On the ground floor, see the various 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 the meeting point for guided tours, and you can join these free tours at 11am and 2pm as part of your ticket. 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 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. 

You leave Manchester and head straight for the border of Wales. Your first stop of the day is Conwy. This must be one of the most picture-perfect harbour towns in the world. You can see a castle* perched by the sea, the ‘world’s smallest house’, and lots of cute restaurants boasting the best fish and chips. You venture along the winding, scenic roads of the Snowdonia National Park before you arrive in Betws-Y-Coed. This quaint town is known as the gateway to Snowdonia and is famous for its alpine trees and cosy cafes. Chester is your next stop. This is one of England’s most historic towns, which means there are a lot of things to do here. We advise you to go straight to the ancient cathedral and learn about its remarkable past.

Step into the iconic world of Coronation Street with our exclusive 90-minute guided tour. Follow in the footsteps of your favourite characters as our expert tour guides lead you through the authentic exterior set of Weatherfield. Wander down the cobbled streets and explore legendary locations like the Rovers Return and Roy’s Rolls. Take the reins and forge your own path as you delve into the cobbled streets with your 25-minute free roam period. Strike a pose, take selfies, and capture memories outside famous sets including Street Cars and Prima Doner. Our brand new Coronation Street Exhibition offers an exclusive opportunity to venture beyond the cobbles and into the heart of the drama. Prepare to be awestruck as you step into meticulously crafted replica sets of iconic landmarks like Roy’s Rolls and the legendary Rovers Return. You’ll find a fascinating display of costumes and props that have become part of Coronation Street’s legacy – including Deirdre Barlow’s iconic glasses! Please allow up to 2 hours and 30 minutes for the full experience.

Discover the wonderful scenery of the Lake District on a guided tour from Manchester. Enjoy a scenic boat cruise on Lake Windermere, with visits to the charming villages of Bowness, Hawkshead, and Grasmere. Depart from Manchester by bus and travel to the first stop of the day at Bowness. Explore this charming lakeside town, before embarking on a leisurely cruise on Lake Windermere. Then, travel around the southern tip of Windermere and towards Coniston Water. Enjoy the views of this body of water before arriving in the picturesque conservation village of Hawkshead, where famed poet William Wordsworth attended grammar school. Head through the narrow country lanes north towards Grasmere, which Wordsworth described as “the loveliest spot that man hath found”. Take some free time to visit Wordsworth’s Dove Cottage, taste the legendary gingerbread, or enjoy the serenity of the Wordsworth Daffodil Garden by the River Rothy. Continue to the southern shore of Ullswater Lake for a final photo stop. Then, relax on the return journey to Manchester, arriving back in the city center in the early evening.

Leave bustling Manchester behind and set off to the lush Peak District on an unforgettable day trip. Discover the region of wild peaks, rugged moorlands, and pretty time-worn cottages and delve into its fascinating history.  After departing Manchester, make a stop in Eyam, a village that faced unimaginable adversity when the plague broke out in 1666. Uncover a story of solidarity and strength before traveling onward to Bakewell. Take in the picturesque beauty of this quaint town, home of one of England’s most famous desserts, the Bakewell Pudding. As you journey towards Monsal Head, see an old rail line viaduct emerge from the green hills to create a unique vista. Marvel at this gorgeous structure and learn about its impressive history. Continue to Castleton, a charming old town that attracts travelers from all over the world for its traditional English charm. Wander the streets, enjoy a beautiful view up a valley, and learn its history at an insightful information center.  You will also have a chance to go on an optional visit to the Peak’s Cavern. As you gaze at this impressive cave with its large natural entrance, hear about its outrageous nickname, how it used to be a hideout for robbers, and how it sometimes acts as a concert venue. After a day of delicious treats, spectacular views, and poignant history, you travel back to Manchester and arrive in the late afternoon.

Experience a delicious and unforgettable meal at Manchester’s temple of rock, the Hard Rock Cafe. Take your pick of set price menus with special prices available for group visits. Choose from gold, diamond or platinum options and make this a rocking dinner you won’t soon forget! Gold Menu (2-course): Choice of main course - • Original Legendary burger (black Angus steak) • Moving Mountains burger (vegan) • Grilled chicken sandwich • Twisted mac, chicken, and cheese pasta • Grilled chicken caesar salad • Tupelo chicken tenders Dessert - • Brownie Choice of beverage - • One soft drink, coffee, or tea Diamond Menu (3-course):  Starter - • Fresh salad Choice of main course - • Original Legendary burger (black Angus steak) • Moving Mountains burger (vegan) • Smoked BBQ combo • Grilled salmon • Twisted mac, chicken, and cheese pasta • Steak salad • BBQ chicken Dessert - • Chocolate cake Choice of one beverage -  • One soft drink, coffee, or tea

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.