IHG® has just launched a new summer sale at their Manchester hotels where guests can benefit from up to 20% off when you book before 7th September for stays up until the end of December.

Along with this, IHG has partnered with Virgin Trains to provide the same discount so you can enjoy Manchester for less.

To celebrate the summer sale, IHG has revealed the top 20 things to see, do and eat so guests can get the most from their weekend break in the city. Energetic, diverse and bursting with culture, Manchester is one of the country’s must-see places and perfect for a city break with the family, a group of friends or your other half.

Manchester Top 20 List

EAT AND DRINK

Mackie Mayor, Eagle Street – Located on the edge of Manchester’s Northern Quarter, this Grade II listed market building hosts an array of food vendors for a fun and varied dining experience

Tattu, Hardman Square- Experience luxury, modern Chinese dining combined with decadent interiors at Tattu. As well as plenty of ambiance, the dishes here are works of art.

Slattery, Bury New Road – Treat yourself at the award-winning confectioners and chocolatiers situated in North Manchester. This family company has been going for 200 years.

ART AND CULTURE

HOME, Tony Wilson Place – One of the city’s most-loved arts organisations, HOME is a gallery, theatre, cinema, café, bar and book shop all under one roof.

Manchester Craft and Design Centre, Oak Street – Buy and browse contemporary visual art and craft and design in an old Victorian fish market. Explore stalls selling jewellery, ceramics, prints, sculpture and more.

Caribbean Carnival of Manchester, Alexandra Park (11 – 12 August) – Manchester Carnival has brought Caribbean culture to the forefront annually for over 40 years, and is the North West’s largest celebration of Caribbean music and carnival arts.

Chetham’s Library, Long Millgate – Book lovers can wander through the oldest public library in the English-speaking world.

MUSIC

Manchester Pride Big Weekend, Canal Street (24 – 27 August) – Held at Manchester’s world famous Gay Village, this music festival celebrates the LGBT life and campaign for greater equality. Don’t miss the Manchester Pride Parade on the streets of the City Centre and The Candlelit Vigil in Sackville Park.

Manchester Folk Festival, HOME, Tony Wilson Place (18- 21 October) – The only festival dedicated to promoting and supporting new English folk and acoustic music returns to Manchester for a weekend – 18 – 21 October.

Gorilla, Whitworth Street West – A bar, kitchen, live music venue and club space is situated under the railway tracks offering an authentic and gritty venue synonymous with Manchester’s famous music scene.

MUSEUMS AND HISTORY

Museum of Science and Industry, Liverpool Road – Kids of all ages will love to explore this museum filled with plenty of interactive activities.

Ordsall Hall, Ordsall Lane- Salford’s Grade 1 listed Tudor manor house, surrounded by beautiful landscape gardens, dating back over 600 years.

The Pankhurst Centre, Nelson Street – The Pankhurst Centre was the home of Emmeline Pankhurst, who led the Suffragette campaign. Steeped in political history, this is well worth a wander.

SHOPPING

Intu Trafford Centre, Regent Crescent – Free parking, three big department stores and a huge collection of high street stores. The centre itself is also pretty spectacular.

Makers Market, Spinningfields and Northern Quarter – Taking place on the second Sunday of the month in locations across the city, the perfect place to explore during a weekend getaway, this market showcases the best in food, drink, arts and crafts from the local area.

Piccadilly Records, Oldham Street – Since opening in 1978, Piccadilly Records has become one of the world’s best independent record shops.

PLAY AND SPORT

Clue HQ, Sheffield Street – If you’re visiting the city in a group, why not give yourselves a challenge with Clue HQ? The escape room style game will see players in a room solving puzzles, riddles and using strategies to get out.

Playfactore, Trafford Way – This is a great indoor family entertainment arena providing a complete day out for families, perfect come rain or shine.

Whistle Punks’ Axe Throwing – For a night out with a difference head down to the Great Northern Warehouse where Whistle Punks will show you the ropes at throwing axes at targets.

Junkyard Golf Club, First Street – Crazy golf courses made from pre-loved junk for friends to enjoy a drink or two and let their competitive side come out.

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