Top Manchester Cultural Tours

Swap the hustle and bustle of Manchester for a scenic day trip to the Lake District. Instead of waiting around for public transport, enjoy the convenience of having transport included. Travel with ease between sites in a comfortable Mercedes mini-coach, and tick off Bowness-on-Windermere, Coniston Water, Hawkshead, Grasmere, and the Heritage City of Lancaster in a day.

This is an excellent choice for travelers with limited time. Go on a whistle-stop walking tour of Manchester’s main attractions such as Piccadilly Gardens, Chinatown, the Vimto Sculpture, the Alan Turing Memorial, the Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester Cathedral, and much more. Exploring the city with a guide means you won’t have to worry about getting lost, and you’ll hear entertaining stories along the way.

If you love the freedom of independent travel but don’t fancy driving 4.5 hours or more over unfamiliar roads, then this affordable day trip by comfortable Mercedes mini-coach is perfect for you. Enjoy stops at Conwy, famed for its 13th-century castle, Chester, with its Roman ruins and historic cathedral, and Betws-y-Coed, the gateway to beautiful Snowdonia National Park: you choose what to do.

Take an adventure into the rolling green hills of Derbyshire, famously some of the most picturesque in the whole of England. See traditional farming villages and towns with their cobbled streets and plenty of dry stone walls — not to mention a generous helping of historic myths and legends courtesy of your guide. View the hills of the Peak District, and see Monsal Headstone Viaduct.

Swap the hustle and bustle of central Manchester for a more peaceful sightseeing option—a scenic river cruise on a dutch sightseeing vessel. It’s a great way to see multiple top landmarks without being stuck in the middle of crowds. Glide past Manchester Ship Canal, and access great views of Media City, Old Trafford, the Imperial War Museum, and more.

Whether you’re visiting Manchester for its musical heritage or its footballing legacy, this walking tour will fill you in on all the juicy secrets the city has to share. See famous streets and sets from TV and film on your way to visit places of historical importance—from women’s rights to ending slavery. If you’re into football, learn about how Manchester began the Premier League, and if you’re more of a music fan, see where live acts started out.

Save yourself four hours or more of left-side driving and enjoy all the benefits of a licensed guide when you book this great-value North Wales sightseeing tour. See highlights including the pretty seaside town of Llandudno, historic Conwy Castle (entrance at own expense), Swallow Falls, the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and cute little Betws-y-Coed, the area’s fairytale capital. Hidden roads and routes make Snowdonia National Park even more beautiful than you’d expect.

Treat your taste buds to a trip to the much-loved Hard Rock Cafe in Manchester’s iconic Printworks. Classic American cooking and an unrivalled collection of music memorabilia await you at the Hard Rock Cafe Manchester. Choose from a 2- or 3-course menu and tuck into tasty dishes such as the classic cheeseburger, ribs and barbecue chicken. Both options come with a dessert and a drink of your choice (soda, tea or coffee).

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, England’s Lake District lies around 1.5 hours north of Manchester and is incredibly slow to explore without your own wheels. Skip the expense of self-drive when you book this fun tour, with a professional driver/guide to narrate. Stop at a neolithic stone circle, a gingerbread store, and more—there’s even a scenic hike.

See the best of Manchester, learn all about its history—and explore totally independently, without worries of crowds—on this private, self-led audio tour. Upon booking, download the app to your smartphone and use when, and as often, as you’d like, for up to three weeks. You’ll see neighborhoods and landmarks like Chinatown, the Royal Corn Exchange, Manchester Cathedral, and much more, and will learn behind-the-scenes stories from the audio narration.

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Lake District National Park with ease on a day trip that lets you skip the hassle of car hire. Rather than keeping your eyes on the road, you’ll be free to admire some of Britain’s best-loved landscapes as you’re transported between sights in climate-controlled comfort.

See Manchester your way, your style—but with a local’s expertise—when you book this 100% personalized private custom tour. Perhaps you’re a football fan, looking to experience Old Trafford; perhaps you enjoy hip artsy hangouts such as Castlefield; or perhaps the Northern Quarter is more your speed. Whatever suits you, your guide will build the perfect itinerary for the duration you’ve chosen: pay as you go for attractions, food and transport.

Discover Chatsworth House—a sanctuary of art, beauty, and hospitality. Marvel at a rich collection spanning 4,000 years, featuring masterpieces from Rembrandt to Egyptian sculpture. With over 25 rooms to explore, the choice is yours. As you immerse yourself in art, don't forget to lift your gaze to the stunning surroundings of the Peak District National Park in this one day tour from Manchester.

Manchester has long been at the forefront of the LGBTQ movement. Tap into its pioneering vibe and visit locations forever associated with its LGBTQ history and culture on this walking tour. With an LGBTQ-history graduate as guide, visit the iconic haunts of the Gay Village before exploring the über-cool Northern Quarter. A great way to connect with Manchester’s LGBTQ culture and get the inside scoop on its LGBTQ scene.

Manchester’s Northern Quarter wasn’t always the hip hangout it is today. Explore social justice, the counterculture, gentrification, and how public art turned the area around on this sustainable, thoughtful walking tour that includes a 10% profit donation to local causes. You’ll discover a ceramic art trail that helped transform the area, contemporary street art, and off-the-path film locations and can ask for tips on where to eat and more.

Manchester is considered England’s music capital, but exploring independently means missing its hidden musical heritage. On this tour, follow in the footsteps of famous Manchester bands like the Buzzcocks, Joy Division, and The Smiths with your guide. Discover iconic locations including the Free Trade Hall, Oldham Street, and Piccadilly Records, stop for refreshments in historic pubs and live music venues, and find out what puts Manchester on Britain’s music map.

Experience the highlights of northern England’s Peak District and Yorkshire Dales minus any transport or accommodation hassles on this small-group 3-day tour from Manchester. Free from any worries about driving, trains, or buses, simply relax and admire the scenery as you head for Chatsworth House, York, Fountains Abbey, Goathland, and other must-sees. Two nights’ bed-and-breakfast or 3-star hotel accommodation are included.

Embark on a Manchester music walking tour for an immersive odyssey through the city's unparalleled musical heritage. See the locations of iconic venues, tracing the footsteps of legendary bands like The Smiths and Oasis. Dive into diverse neighborhoods that birthed movements, feeling the pulse of Madchester in the Northern Quarter. Uncover hidden stories and insights from passionate guides, connecting intimately with the city's cultural tapestry. This tour isn't just about music; it's a rhythmic exploration of Manchester's soul, an unforgettable experience for anyone seeking to absorb the beats and melodies that have resonated globally from this vibrant urban landscape.

Discover Manchester with a private guide, and enjoy a tour that’s tailor-made to you. Pick your own departure time, meeting point, and duration, then build an itinerary with a Mancunian guide whose interests match your own. Admission tickets to Manchester attractions are at your own expense, but these can be arranged in advance via your guide.

Visit castles and national parks, and discover some of Wales’ top scenery, on this seamless, 3-day tour from Manchester. On the first morning, hop aboard your top-of-the-range, 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach and head across the border into Wales—explore Conwy Castle, Snowdonia National Park, and more. On the second day, visit Brecon Beacons National Park, charming coastal villages, and elegant castles; and on the third day, stop at Harlech Castle before crossing the border and exploring Chester and its cathedral. B&b (or hotel) accommodation, transit, admission fees and guided tours are included.

There's more to Manchester than soccer. One of England's most important cities, it was once a global textile hub and played a major role in the Industrial Revolution. Discover its secrets on a walking tour led by a professional guide, just for your group. You'll hit highlights such as Chinatown, Piccadilly Gardens, Manchester Cathedral, and the Royal Exchange Theatre—your guide can also tailor your tour to suit your group's interests.

If you’d like to explore Manchester at your own pace, without being stuck in a group, then this self-guided tour is your perfect option. After downloading an app on your smartphone, gain access to 48 hours’ worth of content to learn about the city’s highlights, as well as its hidden secrets. Sights showcased include the Whitworth Art Gallery, The John Rylands Library, and the Imperial War Museum North.

Get to know the city through the eyes of a local guide. With our private walking tours, you'll skip the mundane historical tours and experience the city through the eyes of a real local. Our local guides are passionate about their city and eager to share their knowledge and insights. The will offer an authentic and personal experience. By the end of the tour, you will feel comfortable navigating the city and confident that you have all the information you need to make the most of your stay. Private walking tour for just you and your group. Get a deeper insight into Manchester life than possible alone. See Manchester through the eyes of a local and discover its hidden gems.