Owais Crawford
Manchester Airport is a great gateway to the city of Manchester and its surroundings, with plenty of attractions, art, and live music to indulge in. The city centre is approximately eight miles from the airport, and visitors can explore the traditional institutions, such as the Science and Industry Museum, the People's History Museum, and the Manchester Art Gallery. For those looking for more experimental scenes, the Lowry, Home, and the Castlefield Gallery are worth checking out. Football fans can take a tour of the iconic stadium, and nature lovers can visit the Lake District National Park, less than two hours away by train. Closer to the airport, the White Peak Alpaca Farm offers a chance to get up close with adorable alpacas, while the Runway Visitor Park provides airport-adjacent entertainment. Manchester Airport also boasts a variety of dining options, from chain restaurants to hidden gems, ensuring a delicious pre-flight experience.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Distance of Manchester City Centre from the airport | 8 miles |
| Places to eat | Giraffe, Frankie & Benny's, Soho Coffee, The Grain Loft, Pot Kettle Black, Trattoria Milano, Bar MCR, The Bridgewater Exchange, PizzaLuxe, Warpchic Manchester Airport, Romper Pub |
| Luggage storage | Stasher |
| Attractions | Lake District National Park, Football stadium, People's History Museum, Imperial War Museum North, Manchester Art Gallery, LEGOLAND Discovery Centre, The Arndale Centre, White Peak Alpaca Farm |
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What You'll Learn
Visit the Lake District National Park
If you're looking for things to do around Manchester Airport, the Lake District National Park is a must-visit. With its stunning scenery, it's one of the most attractive places in the United Kingdom. The good news is that it's easily accessible from the airport, so you can spend less time travelling and more time exploring the beautiful countryside.
There are several ways to get to the Lake District from Manchester Airport. You can take a direct train from the airport to Oxenholme Lake District, which takes around 1 hour and 25 minutes. From there, you can catch connecting trains to Kendal, Keswick, Windermere, and Penrith. Alternatively, you can opt for a bus tour from the airport or hire a car to explore the area at your own pace. The drive typically takes around 1 hour and 20 minutes via the M61 and M6.
Once you're in the Lake District, there's plenty to explore. If you enjoy water activities, consider taking a cruise on Windermere Lake, Ullswater, Coniston, or Derwentwater. These lakes offer passenger boats with multiple stops, allowing you to hop on and off and explore the surrounding areas. You can also rent electric and mountain bikes to cycle around the lakes and enjoy the scenery at a leisurely pace.
The Lake District is also a walker's paradise. It offers a range of walking trails, from gentle guided walks to more challenging hikes. 'Miles without Stiles' is a collection of 50 easy-access routes suitable for those looking for a relaxed stroll. If you're feeling more adventurous, you can explore remote trails and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
The Lake District National Park has something for everyone, whether you're looking for a relaxing cruise on the lakes, a scenic bike ride, or a tranquil walk through the countryside. So, when visiting Manchester Airport, make sure to set aside some time to explore this beautiful national park.
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Explore the city's art galleries
Manchester is a city steeped in art and culture, with a plethora of galleries to explore. The Manchester Art Gallery, housed in three connected buildings, including a Grade I listed structure designed by Sir Charles Barry, is a must-see. This publicly owned art museum boasts a collection of over 25,000 objects, including more than 2,000 oil paintings, 3,000 watercolours, 250 sculptures, and 1,000 prints. Entry is free, and it's open six days a week, making it an accessible and enticing prospect. The gallery is known for its impressive collection of Victorian art, especially Pre-Raphaelite works, and you can also see pieces by French Impressionist Pierre Adolphe Valette, who painted Manchester's foggy streets.
For a more modern experience, the Whitworth Art Gallery, refurbished in 2015, offers a sublime mix of old and new. The gallery extends into Whitworth Park, with floor-to-ceiling windows and a unique, floating café. The Rogue Artists' Studios, formerly based in the city centre, now operate from a former school building with the help of the City Council and Arts Council England. They open their doors during studio events, providing a rare glimpse of artists at work.
Gallery Oldham, a combination of a gallery, museum, and archive, is another excellent option for art enthusiasts. It showcases photography, geology, and decorative art from around the globe, with free workshops for children. The Castlefield Gallery, part of the city's more experimental art scene, is also worth a visit.
Manchester City Galleries also manage venues such as the Gallery of Costume, Heaton Hall, and Wythenshawe Hall, offering a diverse range of artistic experiences for visitors to enjoy.
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Tour a football stadium
Manchester is a city steeped in football history, with two of the biggest clubs in the world calling it home. If you're a football fan, a tour of one of these stadiums is a must.
Old Trafford Stadium
The Old Trafford Stadium Tour & Museum offers visitors an unparalleled experience, delving into the rich history and achievements of Manchester United. You'll get to walk in the footsteps of legends, exploring the stadium and learning about the captivating stories that have unfolded there. The award-winning museum also gives you access to the trophy cabinet, dressing rooms, pitch-side photo opportunities, and more. The tour typically lasts between 70 to 90 minutes and is wheelchair accessible.
Etihad Stadium
For fans of Manchester City, a tour of the Etihad Stadium is a chance to go behind the scenes and witness the inner workings of the club. You'll get to visit key areas such as the first-team dressing room, the glass players' tunnel, and the press conference room. Additionally, you can take a buggy ride across the Nexen Bridge to the City Football Academy, enjoy panoramic views of the pitch from a Platinum Box, and even get a Pep's-eye view of the stadium from the dugouts.
Both stadiums are easily accessible from Manchester Airport, with the city centre just eight miles away. So, whether you're a Red Devil or a Citizen, a football stadium tour is a perfect way to immerse yourself in the passion and heritage of the beautiful game.
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Check out the People's History Museum
If you're looking for things to do around Manchester Airport, the city centre is approximately eight miles away and has a lot to offer. One notable attraction is the People's History Museum, which is the national museum of democracy and the labour movement in Britain. Housed in a Grade II-listed former Edwardian hydraulic pumping station, the museum is an architectural marvel designed by Manchester Corporation city architect Henry Price.
The People's History Museum is dedicated to telling the story of democracy and workers' rights in Britain, past, present, and future. It explores the radical stories of people coming together to fight for ideas worth believing in and empowers visitors to make a change for a fairer world. The museum's collection includes an array of objects, photographs, posters, cartoons, badges, and tokens that bring the history of social and political activism to life. With over 400 trade union and political banners, it boasts the largest banner collection globally, and visitors can witness banner conservation in the Textile Conservation studio.
The museum also houses the Labour History Archive and Study Centre, an important repository of material relating to the history of working people in Britain. This archive includes the records of the Labour Party, the former Communist Party of Great Britain, the cooperative movement, and the Department for Work and Pensions. The People's History Museum is committed to making its collections relevant to contemporary issues through projects like "Play Your Part."
In addition to its historical and political significance, the People's History Museum offers a family-friendly experience with workshops and activities suitable for both children and adults. Visitors can also enjoy the museum's cafe and shop, making it a well-rounded cultural experience in the heart of Manchester. The museum is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm, except on Tuesdays and select dates around Christmas and New Year.
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Eat at Romper Pub or Bar MCR in the airport
If you're looking for a place to eat and drink near Manchester Airport, consider the Romper Pub or Bar MCR. Both offer a unique dining experience and are conveniently located for travellers.
Romper Pub
The Romper Pub is a charming, whitewashed, slate-tiled former coaching inn tucked away on an old country lane on the edge of Altrincham, just 6 miles from Tatton Park. It offers a warm and inviting ambience, with a traditional inn setting. The menu features seasonal dishes and comfort food, perfect for a relaxing meal with friends or family. The pub also welcomes well-behaved dogs in selected areas, including their beautiful gardens, making it a great option for unwinding after a long walk in the nearby countryside.
Bar MCR
Bar MCR, located in Manchester Airport Terminal 1, offers a stylish and modern dining experience. With its light and airy atmosphere, it's the perfect spot to relax and unwind before your flight. The bar offers a wide range of craft beers, wines, spirits, and cocktails, ensuring there's something for every taste. The global-inspired menu features small plates and wholesome favourites, accommodating those seeking a quick bite or a heartier meal. Whether you're craving a traditional English breakfast or a more exotic dish, Bar MCR has you covered. Their opening hours may vary, so it's always good to check before you go.
Both the Romper Pub and Bar MCR offer unique dining experiences, showcasing the diversity of culinary options near Manchester Airport. Whether you're looking for a cosy pub setting or a stylish airport lounge, these establishments are sure to satisfy your appetite and provide a memorable start or end to your travels.
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Frequently asked questions
Manchester City Centre is approximately eight miles from the airport, so you can easily head into the city and explore. There are plenty of attractions, art, and live music to indulge in. You can visit the Science and Industry Museum, the Manchester Art Gallery, or the People's History Museum. If you're travelling with kids, you could visit the LEGOLAND Discovery Centre. If you're looking for food and drinks, you can visit Romper Pub, which serves meals at logical prices in a cosy setting.
Manchester Airport has a variety of restaurants and cafes. At Terminal 1, you can find The Grain Loft, which serves pub classics and burgers, and Pot Kettle Black, which offers pastries and coffee. Terminal 2 has Trattoria Milano for Italian food and Giraffe for global flavours. Terminal 3 has The Bridgewater Exchange, the first airside microbrewery in the UK, and PizzaLuxe for pizza.
You can use a service like Stasher, which provides a network of secure luggage storage locations near Manchester Airport.
Wythenshawe Park is a beautiful park located in South Manchester with wildflower meadows, gardens, woodlands, and sports facilities. The Lake District National Park is also under 2 hours away by train from Manchester Airport.
