Free things to do in Manchester

Find out more about Manchester's rich industrial and scientific history at the Science and Industry Museum, a free-to-visit attraction in Castlefield. The museum focuses on innovations that have changed the world, from the Industrial Revolution up to today. Exhibitions and activities for all ages are on here, including things during the school holidays.

Part of the University of Manchester, The John Rylands Research Institute and Library is based in a Grade I-listed purpose-built building with dramatic neo-Gothic architecture. It houses one of world's leading collections of rare books, archives, and manuscripts, and is a popular visitor attraction. You can study here or admire the building for free.

Manchester Cathedral has stood in the heart of the city for centuries. Visit to check out its ornate Gothic architecture and stained glass windows, as well as its peaceful ambience. It's free to visit but donations are accepted. Daily church services and a host of different events also take place here from bible study to concerts and markets.

Visit Fletcher Moss Park to stroll amongst beautiful gardens and parkland in Didsbury. The park has a lengthy history and today you can visit to see a wide variety of plants, trees, flowers, and wildlife. Come along to walk or relax, join activities like trails and organised walks, or check out the tennis courts and tea room.

If you're a visitor or newcomer to Manchester, or you want to find out more about your city, a tour with Free Manchester Walking Tours is a great free activity. Tours run every day and are led by an experienced local guide. You don't need to book and can just turn up on the day; the meeting point is the Alan Turing Memorial in Sackville Gardens.

Mayfield Park opened in 2022 and is a 6.5 acre public park in the middle of the city. This modern space has almost 150 trees, thousands of plants, and has the River Medlock running through it. There are a number of landscaped areas including a quiet contemplation area, plus there's a play zone with six slides to try out.

A free and publicly-owned gallery in the city centre, Manchester Art Gallery believes creativity is a positive force. The museum holds over 46,000 pieces of art and costume, and its collection is constantly growing. A varied range of thought-provoking exhibitions are shown here, as well as tours and creative workshops.

A vibrant indoor market in the Northern Quarter, Afflecks is a popular attraction for locals and visitors. More than 60 independent traders are gathered at this bohemian and labyrinth-like venue, offering something for everyone. This is the place to go for alternative fashion, jewellery, crystals, and art, but it's just as fun to browse as to buy.

Started by two jazz musicians, Matt & Phred's is a much-loved jazz club in Manchester. Gigs are on every day in this intimate space, with some shows being completely free of charge – we encourage you to buy a drink if you drop in though. Genres include jazz, funk, soul, and big band.

A unique attraction in the city centre, Castlefield Viaduct is a Victorian viaduct that's been transformed into a leafy sky garden with great views. The National Trust runs free guided tours of this peaceful spot every morning, but you're also welcome to just turn up and explore at your own pace. It's a relaxing historical destination.

There's lots to discover at Salford Museum & Art Gallery, which is arguably best-known for its reconstruction of a 19th century Salford street, Lark Hill Place. Aside from that, this large venue has a local history library and several galleries of historical and contemporary art and artefacts. It's a family-friendly destination that runs various events and activities.

Head to the airport to spend time at Runway Visitor Park. Metres away from the runway on a raised viewing platform, you can see planes take off and land, with live commentary at weekends. There's lots of room for picnics and relaxing, plus a play area for kids. It's free to visit but you need to pay for parking and for attractions like flight simulators.

The Portico Library has a historic collection of over 250,000 books and archives spanning 450 years. It also hosts free exhibitions and has its own bookshop and café. The library is located in a grand building from the early 1800s and is free to visit for research or to see exhibitions and use the shop and café, but memberships are available.

Located in Salford, Ordsall Hall is a stately home with expansive gardens. The attraction is free to visit and allows you to discover more about the Tudor period. There are interactive elements and various activities that bring history to life, plus the venue has a seasonal open-air theatre, a shop, and a café. It's rumoured to be haunted too.

Based in the centre of Oldham, Gallery Oldham is a popular local museum and art gallery that's free to visit. You can check out four spacious galleries of work by local artists, as well as permanent displays from the museum's large collection. A variety of inspiring events take place, too, like talks, life drawing classes, and activities for children.

Located in the south of Manchester, Whitworth Park is an expansive green space that covers 18 acres. It's home to various types of wildlife, has The Whitworth art gallery on-site, and has student accommodation for the University of Manchester. There's a small play area for kids too, plus trees, large lawns, and a peaceful atmosphere.

Check out Castlefield Gallery for the cutting-edge of contemporary art in Manchester. This gallery runs a range of diverse exhibitions with various themes, as well as being a valuable resource for local artists working to build their careers. Artist development events, curator tours, and student takeovers are also on regularly here.

Kids will love a day out at Heaton Park Animal Centre and parents will love it because it's a completely free activity. Based in old stables, you can see a variety of farm animals like ducks, chickens, pigs, and goats, plus more exotic creatures like alpacas, peacocks, and a tortoise. The adjacent park is also home to cattle, horses, and donkeys.

Stretching from Salford Quays to Bacup in Lancashire, Irwell Sculpture Trail features more than 70 3D artworks and stretches over more than 30 miles. Work by local, national, and international artists can be seen here. It's free and open all hours, plus you can explore at your own pace and see as much or as little as you want.

Based in a former police station in the Northern Quarter, Greater Manchester Police Museum & Archives is a free museum dedicated to policing in Greater Manchester. Visit the cells and a court room and check out displays about uniforms and police transport. The museum is compact but also houses a gift shop and runs various activities.

The Laughięnda Comedy Club runs weekly in the heart of Manchester and is completely free to attend. This award-winning comedy club sees comedians testing new material and gives a platform to new talent. It's a simple spot but you're promised plenty of laughs, with a different line-up of comedians on every week.

There's an interesting and unexpected sight in the middle of Manchester - Mamucium Roman Fort Reconstruction. This landmark shows you what Manchester might have looked like 2,000 years ago through reconstructed gates and original foundations that are still visible today. It's free to visit and open around the clock.

The Pankhurst Centre is based at 62 Nelson Street, which was once the home of suffragette leader Emmeline Pankhurst and her daughters. This museum reveals more about their lives and how they started the movement that gave British women the right to vote. It's also the headquarters of Manchester Women's Aid.

The People's History Museum tells the story of British democracy and the lives of working people. It's housed in a listed former hydraulic pumping station. An eclectic collection of historic and contemporary artefacts are on display here from political posters and trade union material to ceramics and personal items. Tours, events, and activities are on regularly too.

Aviva Studios is a modern theatre housed in a dramatic waterside building. Lots of cultural events take place here, including plenty of things that you can join for free. Expect activities like performances, festivals, talks and discussions, workshops, and exhibitions. On-site there are several eateries and a shop as well.