Cheap things to do in Manchester

The Garden House encourages wellbeing through the natural environment. This family attraction in Stockport is a charitable organisation and a calming space where you can meet animals like pigs, alpacas, ponies, and donkeys, as well as enjoy a sensory garden and lots of space for a walk. Entry fees are cheap, and kids under three years old can go for free.

It's free to visit Manchester Cathedral, but you're also welcome to make a donation. This imposing Gothic building has been at the heart of the city for centuries. Today, it attracts countless visitors, holds daily church services, and hosts a wide array of different events. Visit to explore its dramatic architecture, stained glass windows, and serene atmosphere.

It's all about competitive socialising at Urban Playground, an impressive and modern entertainment complex. Groups of all sizes are welcome, and so are kids. You can take on The Cube or play mini-golf here, with nine holes of mini-golf coming in at a budget-friendly price. Food and drinks are also available at this stylish destination.

Dog Bowl serves food, craft beer, and cocktails but also offers bowling and arcade games for extra fun. You only need to buy a drink to have a go on the consoles and you can book a bowling lane for an affordable price. The venue is large, vibrant, and bursting with colour.

Taking place once a month at Ducie Street Warehouse, Indieflicks is a unique film festival screening quality short films - the audience votes for their favourite at the end of the night. Tickets are affordable and as well as watching the films, there are filmmakers and special guests on hand to answer your questions. Drinks and food are also available.

Point Blank is the UK's first simulation shooting range, and prices are reasonable at both peak and off-peak times. Added to that, this venue does happy hours that make drinks budget-friendly too. Whilst you're here, you'll get your own shooting range where you can compete with pals, plus a dedicated host to help you get the hang of it. 

A trendy and modern destination for games, food, and drinks, Lane7 offers a range of activities at various price points. Budget-friendly options include karaoke and bowling, giving you plenty of fun without breaking the bank. This distinctive space is splattered with graffiti and neon, creating a cool environment in which to hang out.

Bolton Steam Museum is free but accepts donations, making it an ideal option for a cheap and interesting day out. This museum houses the biggest collection of working mill engines in Europe and is based in the cotton store of a former mill. There are regular steam days where you can see these engines in action.

You can enjoy carefree fun at Bingo Balls. This is Manchester's adult ball pit, where you're free to frolic like a five-year-old. It's a trendy contemporary space with a buzzy vibe, featuring a huge ball pit, bingo on Fridays, music from DJs and entertainers, and food and drinks as well. All kinds of parties and events are welcome here.

Twenty Twenty Two centres around playing ping pong, with tables for hire for 30 minutes or an hour. Both options come in at a cheap price for some affordable fun and games. You can enjoy a drink from the bar here as well. The venue is spacious and lively, with fuss-free decor and colourful artwork.

At Junkyard Golf Club, you can take on nine holes of golf on some of the craziest courses you've ever seen. Games are affordable here, plus drinks and snacks are served to keep you going. This is a vibrant destination that's full of fun, plus the golf courses have all kinds of tricks and surprises.

An award-winning destination for comedy, Frog and Bucket Comedy Club has seen acts like Peter Kay and Jason Manford grace the stage. Up-and-coming and established acts perform here. Prices vary, but if you're on a budget, check out the Beat the Frog nights, where the audience has the power to send acts off the stage. Food and drinks are also served.

Salford Watersports Centre runs a range of aquatic activities for all ages including kayaking, paddleboarding, and open-water swimming, as well as offering coaching and intro sessions. Open-water swimming is ideal if you're looking for a cheap outdoor activity in Manchester, with sessions open for those aged 12+.

Head to Rochdale to play mini-golf at Puttstars. This lively and vibrant place is fun for the whole family. There are three nine-hole courses, including an option suited to kids as well as more advanced courses. On-site, there's also a colourful amusement arcade, a bar, and a diner that serves pizza and meals for children.

Learn to cycle or just ride your bike in a safe environment at Tameside Cycle Circuit. This circuit is a purpose-built and fully enclosed 1km track that's free from traffic. Prices are budget-friendly, and spectators are also welcome. Kids and adults of all abilities can ride here, and bikes and helmets are available for hire if needed.

Visit Afflecks in the Northern Quarter to support independent local traders. It's free to visit, and you'll find plenty of budget-friendly buys. More than 60 eclectic traders can be found here in a bohemian and maze-like building, ranging from fashion, jewellery, and records to trading cards, collectibles, and crystals. Food and drink vendors are also on-site.

You can watch cult films for an affordable price with Cultplex. This cinema screens a variety of much-loved films in a bustling and down-to-earth setting. Many other events also take place here, ranging from film-themed pub quizzes to markets and music events that celebrate classic film scores. Memberships are also available.

Visit Stockport Air Raid Shelters to immerse yourself in local history. This affordable museum consists of an underground network of air raid shelters from World War II spanning almost one mile. Audio guides and visual displays show you what life was like in 1940s Britain, plus you can buy souvenirs in the gift shop.

All ages can splash about and have fun at Hyde Leisure Pool, which features bubble beds, wave machines, and a thrilling water slide. It's a fun destination for a family day out but also offers adult swimming lessons, lane swimming, and fun swimming sessions for kids. There's an on-site gym and a café to kick back in, too.

Located near Altrincham, Dunham Massey is a 17th-century National Trust property. The building is packed with history, but you can also explore a 300-acre deer park, a water-powered mill, a moat, and attractive gardens ideal for walking or picnics. The venue also has a café, a restaurant, and a gift shop.

At Dino Falls Adventure Golf, people of all ages and abilities can try out a fun mini-golf course. There are two imaginative 18-hole courses here, complete with lots of photo opportunities. It's an ideal spot for any occasion, from dates and family days out to team-building activities. There's a bar and kitchen with views of the course, too.

See comedy for a cheap price at the award-winning XS Malarkey Comedy Club. This non-profit venture, run by passionate comedy fans, has been running weekly events since 1997. It showcases a diverse range of comic talent, and regular attendees can get a membership to take advantage of even lower ticket prices.