If you’re planning on taking a holiday, then this list of the best things to do in Manchester this summer is sure to inspire you. The warmer months bring new life to the city, and festival artists and market traders replace the football crowds and university students.
No matter your interests, you’re sure to make some incredible memories in this bustling metropolis. Whether your vibe is lounging in the sun or exploring the streets, you'll have a plethora of options to choose from. Why not book a summer hotel in Manchester to see this lively city take on a fresh burst of energy?
What are the best things to do in Manchester this summer?
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Summer sports
For fans of football and cricket
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The football season might be over but warm summer days mean cricket and hours on the terraces at Emirates Old Trafford cricket ground, home of Lancashire County Cricket Club since 1864. Camp out in the shade of the pavilion for days during an international test match or catch a high-speed twenty20 evening game under the floodlights.
Football fans can relive the game with a tour of Manchester United’s Old Trafford stadium, fondly nicknamed the 'Theatre of Dreams'. Follow United legends’ footsteps through the players’ tunnel into the changing rooms and imagine the tension in the manager’s dug-out. You should also check out Sportcity to the east of the city centre for contemporary stadium architecture.
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Summer festivals
Festive celebrations take over the streets
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If you love a festive atmosphere, you’ll be pleased to know that Manchester is awash with celebrations in the summer. July’s Manchester International Festival sees scores of innovative art installations, thought-provoking drama pieces and breath-taking music take over venues across the city. The Town Hall becomes a hive of family activity with kids’ performers and circus acts.
Parklife, Manchester’s biggest music festival, brings together music of all genres at Heaton Park in June, while foodies flock to Festa Italiana to celebrate Manchester’s Italian roots in June. Flamboyant carnival floats and raucous street parties contrast with a silent candlelit vigil during August’s huge LGBTQ+ event, Manchester Pride. Whichever festival you choose, make sure you find a Manchester hotel close by.
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Pub gardens
Sunny afternoons and balmy evenings with a pint or 2
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Beer gardens fill up Manchester’s sleepy canalside corners during warm summer evenings. After-work crowds gather for barbeques and beers on the patio at Dukes 92 on the Rochdale Canal. The White Lion is a traditional British pub overlooking the ruins of the Castlefield Roman fort with low prices and hearty food.
Canal Street draws the gay community over its footbridges to waterfront bars like Via and The Brewers, which host drag artists and guest DJs. For a refreshing drink after taking in some culture, try The Lowry arts centre’s terraces at Salford Quays. Back in the city centre, the bold, green-tiled, grade II-listed Peveril of the Peak pub serves real ale and is rumoured to be haunted.
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Manchester's parks
A selection of idyllic green spaces
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Hop on the Metrolink tram to Heaton Park just north of the city centre for open-air performances of Shakespeare. The walled garden opens its gates for fragrant horticultural fairs and summer bedding plants are on sale in the old kitchen gardens.
Alternatively, for a true metropolitan green space, head to Whitworth Park on Oxford Road and join city dwellers, academics and dog walkers on its beautiful tree-lined walkways. Traverse Manchester by following the Rochdale Canal, which you can pick up near Piccadilly Station. Amble along the towpath past the sleepy locks, low bridges and barges. Make sure you take sunscreen and plenty of water with you.
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Sunny markets
A range of specialist summer markets
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The height of summer draws the best specialist traders to the city centre. Smokey cheeses, game and fish are available at the Real Food Market in Piccadilly Gardens all summer long so why not purchase a few delicacies and have yourself a picnic on the lawns? This lively hub is also the location for the Piccadilly Gardens Flower Market where you can buy summer blooms at their best.
Rainbow-coloured stalls are bursting with clothing and jewellery and street performers entertain the masses in the Gay Village enclave during August’s Pride Market. Food market enthusiasts should head to the Arndale Market for international dishes including dim sum, authentic poutine and African-Caribbean cuisine.