Manchester Audio Guide: England's First Industrial City

Manchester , United Kingdom

Manchester Audio Guide: England's First Industrial City

Active

1h - 1h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

wagger through four distinct neighbourhoods and see 400 years of reinvention on this self-guided audio tour.
Experience the magic of GPS playback on this immersive stroll through Manchester. Journey into the
heart of Manchester and get to know some of its distinct and dynamic neighbourhoods, including
Chinatown, Gay Village, Northern Quarter and Ancoats. Each area has a unique look, feel, and
story. On this walking tour, Iâ€™ll share them with you. Iâ€™ll show you how Englandâ€™s
first industrial city has grown and become a master of reinvention. As you weave your
way through the cityâ€™s neighbourhoods, youâ€™ll hear about a man who ended up inspiring a
cocktail while inventing a drink to replace alcohol, and about the tragedy of computer scientist
Alan Turing, who spent a few years in the city. Iâ€™ll also show you an
artwork dedicated to a dream about pets, tell you how Pizza created some of the
most desirable housing in the United Kingdom, and point out Newtonâ€™s Apple

Available options

Manchester Audio Guide: England's First Industrial City

What's included

Get unlimited, lifetime use of this tour, before your booking date and after it

The virtual playback option, so you can listen to this tour like an audiobook from anywhere

Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata

Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour

Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1 Pass by

Begin your tour with the striking architecture of this iconic library, representing the city's rich history
and cultural heritage.

Experience the eclectic atmosphere of this vibrant area, known for its street art, boutique shops, and
lively bars.

Pass by the colorful and bustling Chinatown, offering authentic Chinese cuisine and a lively cultural experience.

Visit the memorial dedicated to the renowned computer scientist and war hero, Alan Turing.

Walk through the heart of Manchester's LGBTQ+ community, known for its vibrant nightlife and inclusive atmosphere.

Marvel at this iconic library that has been a cornerstone of Manchester's intellectual and cultural life
for over two centuries.

Explore the first industrial suburb, now revitalized with trendy housing, restaurants, and cultural venues.

Visit this former produce market turned food hall, offering a variety of culinary delights.

Wander through these gardens featuring Queen Victoria's Statue and the statue of the Duke of Wellington.

Take in the artistic vibe of this square, a hub for street art and creative expression.

Discover this unique venue showcasing local artisans' work, offering a glimpse into Manchester's creative heart.

What's not included

Smartphones and headphones (please bring your own)

Entry fees to museums or attractions mentioned en route

Available languages

Audio guide

Written guide

Important information

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

The tour starts at Manchester Central Library, St Peter's Square. To get there by public transport, take the Metrolink to St Peter's Square, which is the centre of the Metrolink system.

Important notes

VOICEMAP CODE 
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Please check your email at the address you provided when you made this booking. You've been sent an eight character code you'll need to redeem your tour.

This code can be used by every member of your party. If you've booked for three people, for example, three people can download this tour using the same code.

DOWNLOAD INSTRUCTIONS
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1. Once you've received your code, please follow these steps:
2. Install the VoiceMap Audio Tours mobile app
3. Create an account
4. Select Tour Codes from the menu, then select Enter Codes
5. Enter your code then select Download Now

PLEASE NOTE 
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You can download the tour at any time, before or after your booking date. It’s best to download the tour before you set off for the starting point.

This tour follows a set route and includes turn-by-turn directions. It works best if you start it in the right place and follow the directions from one location to the next.

When the download completes, you’ll see a screen with a photo of the starting point and directions to it. The red start button will become active when you are at the starting point.

Remember to bring your own headphones, unless you have booked a driving tour.

SUPPORT 
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For technical support and other queries, please email support@voicemap.me

About Manchester

Manchester is a vibrant city in North West England known for its rich industrial heritage, world-class football, and thriving cultural scene. From historic architecture to cutting-edge contemporary art, Manchester offers a dynamic blend of tradition and modernity.

Top Attractions

Manchester Cathedral

A stunning example of Gothic architecture, Manchester Cathedral is a must-visit for its historical significance and beautiful stained glass windows.

Historical 1-2 hours Free (donations welcome)

Science and Industry Museum

This museum showcases Manchester's rich industrial heritage with interactive exhibits and historical artifacts.

Museum 2-3 hours Free (donations welcome)

Old Trafford

Home to Manchester United Football Club, Old Trafford is a must-visit for football fans.

Sports 2-4 hours (depending on the tour and match schedule) Varies depending on the tour or match ticket

John Rylands Library

A stunning neo-Gothic building housing a vast collection of rare books and manuscripts.

Historical 1-2 hours Free (donations welcome)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Black Pudding

A type of blood sausage made from pork blood, oatmeal, and spices. It's often served as part of a traditional English breakfast.

Breakfast Contains pork and is not suitable for vegetarians or vegans.

Manchester Tart

A traditional British dessert made with a pastry base, jam, custard, and coconut.

Dessert Contains dairy and is not suitable for vegans.

Pie and Mash

A classic British dish consisting of a savory pie filled with meat and gravy, served with mashed potatoes and onion gravy.

Lunch/Dinner Contains meat and is not suitable for vegetarians or vegans.

Popular Activities

Hiking in the Peak District Cycling along the Bridgewater Canal Spa day at The Lowry Hotel Afternoon tea at The Midland Hotel Visiting museums and galleries Attending a theater performance Boat tours along the Manchester Ship Canal Ice skating at Manchester Cathedral

Best Time to Visit

June to August

Summer is the peak tourist season with warm weather and numerous outdoor festivals and events. The city is lively with many cultural activities and sports events.

15-22°C 59-72°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: English
English: Widely spoken

Currency

British Pound (GBP)

Time Zone

GMT (UTC+0) or BST (UTC+1) during daylight saving time

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Manchester is generally safe for tourists, with a low crime rate compared to other major UK cities. However, as with any city, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to ensure your safety.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Be cautious when using ATMs, especially at night
• Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services

Getting there

By air

Manchester Airport • 14 km (8.7 miles) from city center

By train

Manchester Piccadilly, Manchester Victoria

By bus

Manchester Coach Station, National Express stops around the city

Getting around

Public transport

The Metrolink tram system is efficient and covers most of the city's major attractions. It's a convenient way to get around.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Bolt

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Northern Quarter Castlefield Spinningfields Ancoats

Day trips

Chester

35 km (22 miles) • Full day

A charming medieval city with a rich history and beautiful architecture. Chester is known for its Roman walls, historic buildings, and shopping streets.

Liverpool

50 km (31 miles) • Full day

A vibrant city with a rich musical heritage, Liverpool is home to the Beatles and a wealth of cultural attractions.

Peak District

40 km (25 miles) • Full day

The UK's first national park, the Peak District offers stunning landscapes, hiking trails, and charming villages.

Festivals

Manchester Pride • Late August Manchester International Festival • Biennial (every two years, typically in July) Christmas Markets • Late November to mid-December

Pro tips

Use the Metrolink tram system for easy and affordable travel around the city
Visit the city's museums and galleries on free entry days or during special events
Explore the city's street art and graffiti in the Northern Quarter and Ancoats
Take a day trip to the nearby Peak District for hiking and outdoor activities
Try local specialties such as black pudding, Manchester tart, and pie and mash