Manchester is brim-full of interesting places to see and things to do - but with the cost of living crisis showing no sign of abating many people are looking to enjoy themselves while also giving the wallet something of a break.
Fortunately that is not a problem in our city either, with lots of Manchester’s biggest attractions allowing visitors in for free.
We’ve been taking a look at some of the most popular places to go without having to hand over an entry fee. And while the latest visitor figures for Manchester’s tourist attractions are only from 2019 and therefore pre-date the Covid-19 pandemic, we think the list still contains some excellent choices for a day out that won’t break the bank.
So whether you want to explore the richness of the world of arts and culture with a tour around a museum or art gallery, enjoy an interactive hands-on day out with the family or think about more recent and modern history, here are nine suggestions for free things to do in Manchester.
5. Whitworth Art Gallery
Located on Oxford Road, the Whitworth Art Gallery has a massive collection of over 60,000 pieces of fine art, contemporary art and textiles, spanning centuries of artistic brilliance. Photo: Marketing Manchester Photo: Marketing Manchester
6. Manchester Museum
Visitors were queuing down Oxford Road to see the new-look Manchester Museum when it recently opened after a multi-million pound revamp, with stunning exhibitions including a gallery devoted to the South East Asian community’s lived experience and another on Chinese culture. Photo: Manchester Museum Photo: Manchester Museum
7. Runway Visitor Park at Manchester Airport
If you never got the chance to experience a Concorde flight, you can at least take a look at one now at Manchester Airport’s Runway Visitor Park. The Runway Park also has a cafe and picnic area where you can watch the planes take off and land, as well as check out all the park’s retired planes and enjoy a ride in a flight simulator. It’s free if you arrive using active travel or public transport but you will have to pay to park the car. (Credit: Manchester Airport Group) Photo: Manchester Airport Group
8. Manchester Cathedral
Manchester Cathedral has over 600 years of history and the place of worship offers a space for thoughtful reflection amid the hustle and bustle of the modern city. Credit: Gary M. Prior/Getty Images Photo: Getty Images