Mentioned by Atlas Obscura
29 Cool and Unusual Things to Do in Manchester
"A treasured monument and attraction in Warrington, Walton Hall is a Jacobean Revival mansion, built in the 1830s for Sir Gilbert Greenall, an MP who had a 45-year career at the House of Commons. The house has been owned by the council since 1941 and hosts chamber music concerts and can be hired out for weddings and other events. Immediately outside the house is a formal garden, while there are ample facilities for families in the park."
"Seconds on foot from the futuristic architecture of Salford Quays is a splendid Tudor mansion, home to the Radclyffe family for 300 years. The surviving parts of Ordsall Hall are built on two ranges around a courtyard knot garden, the south dating to the 15th century, and the west range completed in 1639. These both incorporate older elements dating back 750 years."
"The seat of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Salford is among the largest Catholic places of worship in the North of England. The diocese, one of the first to be founded in England since the Reformation 300 years earlier, was set up in 1850 while the building was completed in 1848. The architect was Matthew Ellison Hadfield, who designed several Roman Catholic churches in the mid-19th century, all in the Gothic Revival style."
"You may recognise The Salford Lads’ Club from the famous cover of The Smiths’ hugely popular 1986 album The Queen is Dead, with a bouffant-haired Morrissey and co stood outside its doors. Now you’re in Manchester, you’d be silly not to venture out to this same spot for a Smiths selfie with your fellow travellers. A popular venue for Manc-music fans; head inside to learn more about the band and to buy exclusive merchandise."
"This one is a bit of a trek from the Manchester city center (we went here as part of a private black cab taxi tour of the city), but it is a must-visit spot for music fans. Devotees of The Smiths come from all over the world to recreate their famous photo take in front of the Salford Lads Club for the inside sleeve of their 1986 album, The Queen is Dead. Go have your own Morrissey moment!"
"Located in Salford (Greater Manchester), Salford Lads Club became famous in 1986 when it was featured on the cover of the Smith’s album The Queen is Dead. Manchester is known for its music scene. It boasted some of the most famous rock bands in England and the Smiths are one of them!"
"An interactive journey back in time, the Stockport Air Raid Shelters offers a glimpse into how people lived during the wartime blitz. Explore the labyrinth of tunnels filled with displays, posters, recreated living and sleeping areas, and a bunker, all accompanied by an audio guide highlighting the cultural, political, and social aspects living in the shelters. I Opening Times: Tuesday-Friday 1-5pm, Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday 11am-5pm."
"The Stockport Air Raid Shelters are a jolting walk back in time near Manchester. Located about 6 miles from the main Manchester area and in great Manchester, this place is an interesting, short excursion from the city Centre. The place will transport you into a dark time- the Britain of the 1940s during the war."
"Stockport Air Raid Shelters, Great Underbank, Stockport, Cheshire, SK1 1NE - Visit now. Stockport museums are beginning a phased reopening of their sites. The first to re-open were Bramall Hall and Stockport Air Raid Shelters."
"Discover the fascinating history of Adlington Hall as you tour The Great Hall, the chapel, oak-panelled dining room, the Minstrel’s Gallery, the number 10 bedroom, and more. Alongside the Great Organ, visitors can enjoy the original furniture, paintings, and décor of the building, or wander the gardens, attempt the maze, or enjoy a slice of homemade cake and a cup of tea in the tea room. I Opening Times: Public open days run on Sundays and Bank Holidays during April and September."
"A tremendous mixture of styles, Adlington Hall was founded at the end of the 15th century and then reworked in the 18th century. So while the north and east facades have romantic black and white timber framing the south and west wings are brick built, with a solemn Palladian portico. Adlington is hired out for weddings, but on Sundays between April and October the house and gardens are open to visitors."
"You can walk along the canal, through the Castlefield Urban Heritage Park on your way to the Museum of Science and Industry. Castlefield Urban Heritage Park. Admire the old industrial buildings, soak up the atmosphere of the canal, and see how Manchester used to be in years gone by."
"Tucked away underneath the Olive Tree Brasserie, Elià is a trendy cocktail bar with a warm and chic atmosphere. The bar features 2 for 1 cocktail nights and regularly has live music and DJs to provide a soundtrack to your night, including indie and acoustic musicians. Sip on a classic cocktail or choose something creative and new, Elià is the place t..."
"Experience a taste of the Mediterranean at Olive Tree Brasserie. The restaurant's laid back atmosphere is perfect for an evening of indulging in vegan and vegetarian starters, mains, and even desserts!"
"One of Manchester’s most beautiful spots for Japanese food, subterranean venue Australasia is much-loved for its incredible Australian dishes, infused with Japanese and Indonesian influences. Think oysters, Sashimi and Tempura dishes – with Teriyaki beef rump dishes, octopus and many more fresh fish offerings. The menu is absolutely huge, with a wide variety of Nigiri, Tempura, Sashimi and California Rolls to choose from if sushi’s what you’re after."
"Since opening in 2011, Australasia has become one of the city’s favourite restaurants - known for being the restaurant concealed down a flight of stairs. It's a place of relaxed elegance with an impressive menu offering Indonesian and Japanese influences. Statistics: @australasia_mcr - 21k followers / #australasiamanchester - 1,469 posts"
"This stylish subterranean restaurant in Spinningfields has long been a mecca for Manchester’s elite. Known for its splendid cocktails and sushi plates, this Valentine’s the restaurant will also have a special sharing dessert Valentine’s Bento Box for couples to split between them."
"Hidden behind a curtain in a corner of the grand lobby of the Midland Hotel, there’s more than a feel of Alice in Wonderland as you are transported through mirrored doors into the dining room of The French. Soft grey and sage green tones give everything a muted luxurious feel and there are two huge cylindrical chandeliers which throw light back and forth via the mirrored panelling around the room. Chef Adam Reid’s cooking is inventive and playful but executed with real precision and flair."
"If gorgeous food, a fine dining experience and an environment steeped in history are your thing, then make The French your next restaurant of choice. Based within Manchester’s grand Midland Hotel, The French became one of the first UK restaurants to be awarded the honour of a Michelin-star. Since reopening in 2013, and again undergoing refurbishment in 2016, the restaurant has made rapid progress towards once again becoming one of the finest eating destinations in the country."
"Set in the iconic Midland Hotel, the cosy booths, stylish décor and relaxed atmosphere of The French by Simon Rogan makes for an opulent date night. Worthy of any special occasion, quality food is at the heart of this operation with meticulously crafted tasting menus. The French’s absent Michelin star is well documented, but the infamous missing star isn’t all bad - diners can experience Michelin standard food without the waiting lists and price tag."