Historical Manchester

Travel to Manchester

Arrive at your hotel in Altrincham and drop your bags in time to depart by coach at 12:30pm.

At 1:30 pm meet your guide outside the Town Hall in Albert Square for your introductory panoramic tour of Manchester. You can expect to see famous sights such as the Manchester Town Hall, the Central Library, the stunning John Rylands Library, the ‘Hidden Gem’ church, the Britannia Hotel (the city’s most spectacular cotton warehouse) and much more.

Greater Manchester Police museum, Astley Hall & Haworth Art Gallery

This morning explore the Greater Manchester Police museum, housed in an 1879 Police station. The museum boasts a wide collection of archive material and objects relating to the history of policing in the Greater Manchester and guest even have the chance to dress up into police uniforms and have their fingerprints taken.

In the afternoon visit Astley Hall in Lancashire and enjoy a voyage into the past. Housed within an historic house surrounded by beautiful gardens, this museum gives visitors the rare opportunity to experience life in an English country house during the Tudor and early Stuart period.

Before returning to your hotel, do not miss your chance to see Tiffany glass’ largest collection in Europe at the Haworth Art Gallery. This internationally renowned collection consists of over 140 items including glass tiles, vases and mosaics.

Rochdale Pioneers, Greater Manchester Fire Service Museum, Whitworth Art Gallery & Elizabeth Gaskell’s House

Your first stop today is at the Rochdale Pioneers museum, described as the birthplace of the modern co-operative movement, where on 21 December 1844 the Rochdale Equitable Pioneers Society opened their store selling pure food at fair prices and honest weights and measures. Then, visit the Greater Manchester Fire Service Museum to discover the story of fire fighting through a superb collection of old fire-fighting equipment eloquently explained.

In the afternoon stop at Whitworth Art Gallery, home to some of the UK’s finest collections of art and design including modern and historic fine art, prints, textiles and a rare collection of wallpapers. End the day exploring Elizabeth Gaskell’s House, former home of the famous author and her family.

Day at leisure

Today enjoy a free day. Why not hop on the tram to the city centre and explore some of the main attractions such as the National Football Museum, the Museum of Science & Industry, Manchester Art Gallery or the people’s history museum.

You may choose to visit Chetham’s Library, the oldest public library in the English-speaking world housed in a fascinating medieval building in Manchester City Centre. One of the most interesting features is a desk used by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels in an alcove in the Reading Room.

If you prefer to explore the local area instead, do not miss a stop at Altrincham’s Market where you can find beautiful handmade items and enjoy fabulous food in a relaxing atmosphere.

Imperial War Museum North, Lowry Gallery and the Quays

After breakfast explore the vibrant Salford Quays, just 15 minutes tram from Manchester city centre. Visit the Imperial War Museum North, a fascinating museum showing the impact of conflict on people’s lives. Don’t miss a visit to the Lowry, a theatre and gallery complex displaying many L.S. Lowry’s masterpieces representing scenes of industrial North West England. Say goodbye to Manchester and Salford and return home.