Itinerary idea: a day of world-firsts, food and football in Manchester

Manchester has a proud history of politics, world-first science, and has seen a recent explosion in food and drink and cultural attractions.

With excellent connectivity to Manchester Airport, four city centre train stations and within easy reach of two National Parks, there’s so much for groups to discover in the historic and trailblazing city.

In this itinerary, we head to the centre of the city to explore its cultural heritage, famous sporting teams, growing food and drink scene, and group-friendly attractions.

Here’s what you could pack into a day…

10am: Kickstart your day with a trip to Manchester City Football Club on a stadium tour. Explore the famous Etihad Stadium with a behind-the-scenes look at the pitch, training areas, and player changing rooms. These stadium tours are offered for private groups, and can also be booked as a VIP experience, or opportunity to have a tour with a former player.

Alternatively, visit RHS Garden Bridgewater, a beautiful garden project taking over 156 acres of the historic Worsley New Hall, and features one of the largest walled gardens in the UK. Here you’ll find the Chinese Streamside Garden, woodland, and kitchen planting, as well as a visitor centre, shop, and café.

1pm: Return to the city and stop for lunch at Dishoom, and experience one of their special Lunchtime Feasts – perfect for groups, and set in the beautiful surroundings of Manchester Hall, with nods to its Freemasonry heritage.

3pm: Delve into the industrial heritage of Manchester, which was the world’s first industrial city and once known as ‘Cottonopolis’ for its vast cotton mills. Uncover the story of how Manchester inventions changed the world at the Science and Industry Museum – which has a variety of steam engine machines, plus a replica of the world’s first computer – The Manchester Baby.

5.30pm: After stepping back in time, fast forward to become a star of one of the 90’s most popular TV-shows with The Crystal Maze Live Experience. Perfect for large groups, this interactive challenge will see players take part in games to test their skills, and finally, take on the infamous Crystal Dome itself.

Evening: After enjoying dinner at Peter Street Kitchen (for delicious Japanese and Mexican fusion dishes), those who want to keep the party atmosphere going can head to Manchester Gin for a guided tour of its modern distillery set underneath the iconic railway arches.

Those looking to stay over can head to The Edwardian hotel which is one of the most iconic buildings in Manchester. Once home to the Free Trade Hall, it has been both a political meeting house and an infamous music venue, hosting the likes of The Rolling Stones and Bob Dylan. The history of the building is preserved, whilst modern 5-star rooms offer convenience just off St. Peter’s Square.