Private Manchester Northern Quarter Walking Tour

Manchester , United Kingdom

Private Manchester Northern Quarter Walking Tour

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

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Take the city at your own pace and discover Manchester on an exclusive private tour, with your own local, expert guide.

Discover Manchester’s quirky Northern Quarter on this 1.5 hour small group walking tour through the city’s most creative neighbourhood. With a local guide, step back in time and explore lots of iconic streets filled with street art, and iconic buildings that showcase the Northern Quarter's spirit.

Along the way you’ll uncover hidden histories, striking architecture, and stories of radical protest, music legends and creativity that still shape Manchester.

The tour includes:

Iconic Street Art - discover Manchester's artists
Local Independent Shops - uncover the stories of local independent shops
Stevenson Square – from suffragettes to cobblestones
The Daily Express Building – an Art Deco landmark
Oldham Street & Band on the Wall – radical politics and music heritage
Plus plenty of hidden gems you’d never find on your own!

Available options

Small Group (1-6 people)

Group size

Large Group Size (7-15 people)

Group size

What's included

Local guide fee

Detailed itinerary

Meet your guide outside the iconic Fred Aldous shop in Stevenson Square. Here, learn about the history of the Northern Quarter, and the context of it within wider Manchester. Fred Aldous is an independent shop with a long history, uncover its secrets here.

Stop on Tariff Street to uncover your first pieces of iconic Manchester street art. Learn about the context of street art in the city, and see a couple of commissioned murals, as well as some graffiti.

Stop on Faraday Street, seeing the Police Museum on the way. The iconic Paste Up Wonderwall is an amazing sight to see, learn all about it at this stop.

Stop on Little Lever St and Lever St, seeing some more iconic pieces of Manchester street art. You'll also see some exceptional examples of old 18th century merchant houses here, and the iconic Express Building, designed by Sir Owen Williams.

Pass by the iconic Frog and Bucket Comedy Club, and some more political pieces of art. See the Band on the Wall, an iconic comedy venue in the city. Then see the iconic Andy Bourke Mural, along with even more murals!

What's not included

All sites seen from the outside, no entrances required

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

Please meet your guide outside Fred Aldous. Your guide will be wearing a bright orange jacket.

Important notes

Please show your confirmation to the guide on arrival

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