Manchester is a city full of history and offers a number of attractions that appeal to tourists. From a world-class football stadium to eye-popping Victorian museums, there’s something for just about everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re looking at staying in a hotel for a few days or settling down for longer in one of the many serviced apartments in Manchester, it’s worth ticking off the bigger landmarks early on in your stay.
But what if you’d prefer to venture off the beaten track? For those willing to do a little bit of exploration, there are a few hidden gems in Manchester. If you’re planning a post-lockdown trip around the city, consider some of the locations we’ll run through here!
Elizabeth Gaskell’s House
Elizabeth Gaskell was among the most influential novelists in Victorian England. The city of Manchester greatly influenced her writing, with the industrialisation and stratified class structure both informing her work. The house was recently under expensive renovation. Now is a great way to glean an insight into just what life was like for her.
St Mary’s Church
This is the oldest catholic church in the country, with a lifespan that extends all the way back to the late 18th century. Nowadays, it’s home to some of Norman Adam’s 20th-century artwork. St Mary’s Church is located in the centre of the city, just down Tasle Alley, across the road from Albert Square.
Sculpture Hall Café
While Manchester’s town hall might be among the finest examples of gothic architecture anywhere in the country, you could hardly call it a hidden gem. With that said, there’s an attraction within an attraction that many people miss. Inside the town hall is a tearoom set into a hall of sculptures. It’s the perfect place to unwind for the afternoon, beneath the shelter of some of the most impressive interiors anywhere in the city.
Ancoats Peepholes
In the northern section of the city centre, you’ll find the Ancoats. Once part of an industrial district, it’s now being gradually gentrified into a desirable residential area. Dotted around this part of the city you’ll find a string of tiny brass-ringed spyholes. Looking through them you’ll be able to see hidden artworks. There are ten to discover, so be sure to track them all down – gems don’t get much more hidden than this!
St John’s Gardens
There’s no shortage of green space in Manchester, but this quaint little spot is an ideal place to unwind for a few moments, and, being as it’s just a stone’s throw from the Museum of Science and Industry, it’s easy to squeeze into the day’s itinerary.
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