What are the Best Hidden Gems in Manchester?

by | Oct 29, 2022 | Destinations, Europe, Travel Bucket Lists, UK

Manchester is known as the music capital of the United Kingdom. This is true because Manchester is very rich in terms of musical culture which has influenced music internationally. Just like many other metropolitan cities in the world, Manchester has a lot of places to explore. Many of them that you should pay a visit to are the hidden gems in Manchester that will give you a good impression of the city of Manchester. Check them out in this blog.

Where to explore in Manchester?

  1. Castlefield
  2. Ancoats
  3. John Rylands Library
  4. Chetham’s Library
  5. Parthian Climbing Center
  6. Whitworth Park
  7. Heaton Park
  8. Victoria Baths
  9. Science and Industry Museum
  10. The Portico Library

Castlefield

Castlefield hidden gems in manchester
Copyright: Matthew Waring

Castlefield is one of the hidden gems in Manchester that is perfect for those looking for a place to hang out at local pubs. During the summer, you can enjoy the almighty sunny days by sitting outside of those pubs. Besides, the picturesque canal and the air of the Northern countryside give you a blast of relaxing a little bit from the hustle and bustle of city life. flower-decked canal boats in this area today. However, only a few people come to this place, which is a perfect place to find calmness.

Ancoats

ancoats hidden gems in manchester
Copyright: Wikimedia Commons

Ancoats is a local neighborhood that was once home to a bunch of storehouses from the cotton era. Nowadays, the location has a lot of new bars and restaurants, which offer eclectic options of food, a drinking scene, and beautiful pavements by the canals and the old factories. The restaurants in Ancoats are very diverse. You can find Japanese tea houses, Scandinavian restaurants, and Mexican eateries.

John Rylands Library

john rylands library hidden gems in manchester
Copyright: Wikimedia Commons

Strategically located in the middle of the city center, the John Rylands Library offers you an impressive structure building that always attracts passerby’s attention.  It is much more interesting to look closer at its impressive exhibition of religious artifacts and valuable displays of books and expositions. Interestingly, with its Victorian Gothic architecture, the library looks more like a cathedral or a castle rather than a library. 

Chetham’s Library

chetham's library
Copyright: Wikimedia Commons

Chetham’s Library is the next hidden gem in Manchester that you should not miss visiting. This library was built in the 14th century and has survived many obstacles over history. Historically speaking, Chetham’s library was the first public English-speaking library in the globe that offered education for poor children. So, if you love history, literature, public, and education, Chetham’s Library is the place for you to dwell in between those subjects.

The Portico Library

the portico library hidden gems in manchester
Copyright: The Portico Library

After John Rylands Library and Chetham’s Library, now let us go to the Portico Library. This library was built between 1802 and 1806 with touches of Greek revival style in its building. The building still retains its magnificent interior. Inside the library, you can find thousands of books from 19th-century English literature. So, if you want to read your favorite books, this place is one of the best-hidden gems in Manchester to go to. 

Parthian Climbing Centre

parthian climbing center hidden gems in manchester
Copyright: Parthian Climbing Center Manchester

This is probably one of the most unique places you can visit while you are in Manchester. Parthian Climbing Center is a climbing center that is set inside a former church. So, while you are climbing those walls, you can see the gorgeous and divine interiors of the church. Awesome, right? That is why it really looks like a hidden gem among many other places. Besides, there are many classes you can take. You can take the beginner class if you are not familiar with climbing. 

Whitworth Park

Whitworth Park
Copyright: Wikimedia Commons

Do you want to enjoy a gorgeous view of the green area in Manchester? Whitworth Park is worth visiting. There is a park and a gallery around the park which are famous places among students from the university around to spend time having lunches and breaks during classes. Besides, there is a set of artwork in this park, making it interesting to spend time with friends and family. So, why do not you go have a picnic with your friends in Whitworth Park?

Heaton Park

heaton park
Copyright: bryan priestley

Besides Whitworth Park, you can also enjoy Heaton Park. Heaton Park is one of the beautiful hidden gems in Manchester. It has a lot to offer. You can find a plethora of historical landmarks and buildings which are genuinely amazing. There is also an animal center that is home to farm animals and exotic animals such as peacocks and alpacas. Occasionally, there are open-air theaters, concerts, marathons, and many other fun activities conducted in this green space.

Victoria Baths

victoria baths hidden gems in manchester
Copyright: Wikimedia Commons

Victoria Baths is probably one of the most historical places in Manchester. Why? The bath is a listed Edwardian swimming arena and Turkish Baths complex which was open to the public in 1906. However, the bath was closed in 1993. Now, the restoration is currently undergoing since 2007 for this bath. Because of its magnificent architecture, many various events have used this place for particular purposes such as film festivals, vintage fairs, and fiction readings. 

Science and Industry Museum

science and industry museum hidden gems in manchester
Copyright: Science and Industry Museum

As the world’s first industrial city, Manchester has its name prevalent to the industrial revolution. Therefore, this city has this Science and Industry Museum where you can learn about significant discoveries and innovations which influence the development of science and technology. There are a lot of exhibitions showing these artifacts inside the museum. Moreover, this museum also conducts seminars, talks, and science shows where visitors can participate actively.


So, are you ready to go and explore the beautiful hidden gems in Manchester? Do not worry about the itinerary. JoinMyTrip has a perfect itinerary guided by our fun, dedicated TripLeaders that will accompany you and other fellow like-minded travelers to start your adventure in Manchester, UK, and beyond! So, let’s book a trip with JoinMyTrip, now!

Welcome to JoinMyTrip

At JoinMyTrip, we bring together travelers from around the world.

Find your next small group travel adventure to unique destinations with JoinMyTrip.

subscribe now and get a €20 discount

Categories