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Discover these hidden gems in Manchester

tram in Manchester, UK Photo: Hala AlGhanim / unsplash

Music, football and engineering – 3 things that are synonymous with Manchester. But the best thing is, there’s so much more! When it comes to discovering Manchester, there really is something for everyone. While many of Manchester’s most attractive locations are well documented, there’s a tonne of hidden gems that even locals may not be aware of. Here are 10 Manchester hidden gems that you simply must discover!

1. Greater Manchester Police Museum

A must for any budding historian, the Greater Manchester Police Museum will transport you back to the 19th century where you’ll find original cells and the charge office that date back to 1879. The museum is also home to an 1895 Magistrates Court which is perfect for educating yourself.

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2. The Washhouse

When it comes to Manchester hidden gems, it doesn’t get much more hidden than The Washhouse. Locals will tell you that the secret is well and truly out, but visitors would be forgiven for walking straight past this old laundrette.

What looks like a place to get your laundry cleaned is actually a hidden cocktail bar serving up quirky drinks. Be warned, pre-booking is essential to ensure you get past the decoy storefront, but it’s so worth it for one of the coolest nightlife spots in the UK.

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3. Chetham’s Library

If you find yourself in Manchester, it’d be rude not to visit Britain’s oldest surviving library. Located in the heart of the city centre, Chetham’s Library has existed since 1653, but even more impressive is the fact that the building itself was built way back in 1421.

The library’s historic architecture will leave you feeling like you’re walking the walls of a Harry Potter set. In fact, it’s no surprise that the building has been used as a filming location for several top movies including The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes.

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4. Sifters Record Shop

Another location that epitomises the Manchester hidden gem, this tiny record shop located in Burnage will be of particular interest to fans of Manchester’s most famous music band, Oasis. 

That’s because it was once frequented by a young Noel and Liam Gallagher. If Oasis fans are thinking the name rings a bell, they may have heard it mentioned in the song Shakermaker: “Mister Sifter sold me songs when I was just sixteen now he stops at traffic lights but only when they’re green.”

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5. The Stone Roses Tour

It’d be unfair to talk about Oasis without mentioning Manchester’s other famous musical sons. For fans of The Stone Roses, it’s definitely worth checking out The Stone Roses Tour which will take fans on a journey of the band’s success.

Stops include Granada Studios where the band made their TV debut and International 1 which was the location of their first Manchester gig. 

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6. Peveril of the Peak

You could argue that this historic pub’s unique exterior makes it anything but hidden, but isolated away from Manchester’s main nightlife streets means it’d be an easy one to miss for those who aren’t familiar with the area.

The iconic watering hole is particularly popular with those who enjoy seeking out paranormal activity due to the local rumour that the pub is inhabited by an old landlord who refuses to go away.

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7. Sackville Gardens

Dotted between the city’s skyscrapers are a handful of green spaces that make the perfect setting for a summer picnic. Sackville Gardens is a personal favourite of Mancunians and the area comes alive during summer with unwinding students and young professionals enjoying an early dart.

For visitors, the main attractions include a memorial to Alan Turing, an English mathematician who helped crack the Enigma code in the Second World War, the Beacon of Hope sculpture and famous nearby gay village, Canal Street.

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8. Quarry Bank

Many visitors to Manchester are interested in Manchester’s industrial past, and there’s a whole host of things to do centred around the Industrial Revolution. The pick of the bunch goes to Quarry Bank, a National Trust property that was built at the beginning of Manchester’s Industrial Revolution. 

The location was once home to one of the world’s largest cotton mills with its own workers’ village and 400-acre estate making Quarry Bank the perfect place for historians looking to learn about Manchester’s industrial history as well as couples seeking a romantic stroll.

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9. Fat Pat’s

You might be surprised to see a sandwich shop on a list of Manchester’s hidden gems but don’t judge until you’ve had one! And to be fair, it doesn’t get more hidden than a restaurant dishing out five-star sandwiches out of a small window down a back alley.

Fat Pat’s signature offerings include the highly popular Philly Cheesesteak and their Hot Honey fried Chicken sub.

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10. Museum of Transport

As already mentioned, Manchester’s industrial conquests are impressive to say the least. So it may come as no surprise to learn that the city has made an enormous contribution to the industry of transportation. Manchester’s transportation honours include the first purpose-built canal, the first passenger railway and the first bus service in Britain.

You can explore these credentials further at the Museum of Transport which houses historic vehicles from coaches to trams. Speaking of trams, you may want to use Manchester’s city centre car parks before discovering the city via Manchetser’s extensive tram network to avoid the city’s congested roads. 

If you’re travelling through England with Contiki, make the most of your stop off in Manchester by visiting as many of these hidden gems as possible – we dare you. Manchester’s efficient transport links and array of hidden gems make it a must-visit city if you get the chance!

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