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While we feel the Manchester weather often gets an unfair rap, we can’t deny that we do have some rainy days here in the city. But we like to think that these are just an excellent opportunity to experience some of our incredible indoor attractions.
So, what are some of the best attractions to visit in Manchester if the weather is on the wet side?
This is something of an overlooked gem in Manchester’s cultural landscape. It’s Britain’s national museum of democracy, which explores how democracy evolved in the UK in the past, what’s happening now and where it might head in the future.
The main exhibits in this museum relate to people and movements throughout history who have stood up and fought for ideas that benefit everyone. The likes of social justice, equality and various international solidarity campaigns all feature.
You’ll also find some fascinating personal papers from prominent political figures among the museum's collections, in addition to political posters and materials used by trade unions and other groups that have called for and protested for change throughout the years.
You’ll find this fascinating museum on Left Bank and Bridge Street, near Spinningfields.
You can’t escape the beautiful game when you’re in Manchester – with both Manchester United and Manchester City football clubs located here. But, of course, this museum isn’t just about the two most famous teams in the city.
It is actually home to not just the UK’s, but the world’s biggest public collection of objects and archives related to football.
Among the most famous items you can see on display are the oldest surviving FA Cup trophy, the laws of the game of football dating from 1863 and the first-ever international football jersey in the world.
You can also see more recent additions to the collection, like Mary Earps’ goalkeeper gloves.
And then there’s the Hall of Fame, with inductees spanning the men’s and women’s game. Steph Houghton, Vincent Kompany and Barry Davies are among the familiar names you’ll find here.
If you’re a football fan, this is one attraction you don’t want to miss. It’s located in the Cathedral Gardens, just behind the Arndale Centre and the Printworks.
Not all the best rainy day attractions in Manchester are museums though. Afflecks is a cultural icon in the city centre and the perfect place to find a mix of shops, cultural heritage and food and drink spots – all under cover.
Located on the edge of the Northern Quarter, Afflecks is a quirky emporium of a wide range of independent local businesses, where you can pick up everything from art work to new clothes and plenty in between.
There’s a shop dedicated to Star Wars, a plant seller and a whole host of fashion boutiques. You’ll also find tattoo parlours, barbers and even tarot readers in the iconic building.
And, of course, then there’s the food and drink – grab a pizza from Crazy Pedro’s, sip a bubble tea at the quirky Animaid Cafe or have a drink in the Oasis-themed Definitely Maybe bar in Afflecks’ basement.
On a rainy day, there’s nothing better than hiding out inside a cozy restaurant, or enjoying a drink in one of the city’s many incredible pubs or bars. But with so many great establishments in Manchester, it can be hard to know where to start.
That’s where our Manchester food tours come in – we can take you to some of the city’s best spots and teach you more about Manchester’s innovation, culture and heritage along the way.
In fact, our Inspiration, Innovation & Intellect tour ticks all these boxes and more, introducing you to the innovators and revolutionaries who have helped shape not only Manchester, but the whole world over the centuries.
But this is also about the flavours you can experience here, so we’ll share some of the city’s top foodie innovations and make sure you get a taste of the real Manchester during your time. While this is a walking tour, you’ll have plenty of time to dry off at the stops we make along the way.
If innovation is what interests you, the Science and Industry Museum should be on your list of places to visit. Through its exhibitions and collections, you can learn about Manchester’s innovative spirit and how inventions from this part of the country shaped the world we live in today.
There are exhibits about the textile industry alongside a temporary collection of items from Stephen Hawking’s office, providing a unique insight into this fascinating man’s life.
