Manchester Cathedral

Manchester Cathedral showing religious aspects, heritage architecture and a city
Manchester Cathedral which includes religious aspects and a city
Manchester Cathedral
Manchester Cathedral featuring a city, heritage architecture and street scenes
Manchester Cathedral which includes religious aspects and a church or cathedral as well as an individual male


This religious and historic site tells the story of the wars, terrorist bombs and other unforgettable history that shaped the city centre you see today.

An essential stop for anyone interested in architecture and history is the iconic Manchester Cathedral. The interior features the best examples of medieval woodwork in northern England. Carved details in the quire and ceiling are intricate and full of life, while the more modern stained-glass windows tell the story of the destruction of the cathedral, and the city itself.The original building dates back to 1215 and was the Parish Church of Manchester. Baron Robert Greslet, Lord of the Manor of Manchester, had the church built next to his residence. Many current features are the result of renovations made centuries later. The building was badly damaged by a bomb during World War II, and all of the ancient windows were destroyed. The Fire Window in the Regiment Chapel depicts this destruction. The cathedral was restored all over again after it was damaged by an IRA bombing in 1996.Today, the church is still in use and is part of a Church of England diocese. The building is open daily to the public, except during ongoing restorations and special services. Have a coffee at the popular on-site café, attend a service or listen to the choir. Many people simply take a walk around to admire the cathedral’s interior. If you are interested in religious heritage, take the free daily guided tour. You can also purchase an Architectural Guide from the welcome desk to learn all about the design and history. Outside, look for the Hanging Ditch Bridge it’s the oldest structure in Manchester. Spot the carved stone gargoyles and a golden Madonna, then step inside to gaze up to see the carvings of “musical angels” from the 15th century. Under the quire seats are the 16th-century wooden carvings known as Misericords.Manchester Cathedral is a short walk from Victoria train station and there is ample parking available for a fee at the Manchester Arena (MEN), next to Victoria Station. Check the cathedral’s website or call the cathedral office before your visit to confirm whether it will be open.

Tours & day trips

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Food, drink & nightlife

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Popular places to visit


Top Hotel Deals

Holiday Inn Express Manchester City Centre Arena by IHG

Holiday Inn Express Manchester City Centre Arena by IHG

3 out of 5
Goadsby St Off Swan St, Manchester, England
Holiday Inn Express Manchester City Centre Arena by IHG
Manchester Marriott Hotel Piccadilly

Manchester Marriott Hotel Piccadilly

4 out of 5
London Road, Manchester, England
Manchester Marriott Hotel Piccadilly
The Alan

The Alan

4 out of 5
18 Princess Street, Manchester, England
The Alan
The Edwardian Manchester, A Radisson Collection Hotel

The Edwardian Manchester, A Radisson Collection Hotel

5 out of 5
Free Trade Hall Peter Street, Manchester, England
The Edwardian Manchester, A Radisson Collection Hotel
voco Manchester City Centre by IHG

voco Manchester City Centre by IHG

4 out of 5
59 Portland St, Manchester, England
voco Manchester City Centre by IHG
Britannia Hotel Manchester

Britannia Hotel Manchester

3 out of 5
35 Portland Street, Manchester, England
Britannia Hotel Manchester
Britannia Sachas Hotel

Britannia Sachas Hotel

3 out of 5
Tib Street, Back Piccadilly, Manchester, England
Britannia Sachas Hotel
Radisson Hotel Manchester City Centre, A Verified Net Zero Hotel

Radisson Hotel Manchester City Centre, A Verified Net Zero Hotel

4 out of 5
4 Cheetham Hill Road, Manchester, England
Radisson Hotel Manchester City Centre, A Verified Net Zero Hotel
Leonardo Hotel Manchester Central

Leonardo Hotel Manchester Central

4 out of 5
56 Great Bridgewater Street, Manchester, England
Leonardo Hotel Manchester Central
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Manchester Cathedral

Near Manchester Cathedral, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities including theatre performances, art exhibitions, and shopping. A notable feature is the adjoining visitor centre, which provides essential information and resources for exploring the cathedral and its surroundings. This blend of culture and convenience makes it an ideal spot for tourists looking to immerse themselves in Manchester's rich heritage.

Shopping

For a delightful shopping experience near Manchester Cathedral, explore Affleck's Palace, just 644m away, offering unique finds. Deansgate Locks, 1.3km away, is perfect for dining and shopping. If you're up for a drive, the Trafford Centre, 6.4km away, boasts extensive retail and entertainment options.

Recreation

At Old Trafford, immerse yourself in the electric atmosphere of a sports stadium, just 3.2km from the cathedral. For music lovers, Manchester Academy offers vibrant concerts 3.2km away. Alternatively, enjoy a day of relaxation and outdoor fun at Northenden Golf Course, located 8.0km from the cathedral.

Adventure

The Crystal Maze LIVE Experience, located 1.1km from Manchester Cathedral, offers a thrilling interactive adventure through themed zones filled with challenges. For adrenaline seekers, the UK Bungee Club's 160ft Bungee Jump, 3.2km away, promises an exhilarating freefall. Chill FactorE, 8.0km away, invites you to enjoy indoor skiing and snow sports.

Nightlife

Experience Manchester's vibrant nightlife near the Cathedral with a show at the O2 Apollo, just 1.6km away, offering a mix of culture and romance. For a cinematic escape, enjoy Printworks, a mere 161m away, or catch a performance at the Manchester Opera House, 805m away.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Manchester Cathedral

Manchester Cathedral and its surroundings offer a delightful blend of cultural experiences, urban parks, and historic streets, making it a perfect destination for travellers seeking family-friendly activities. Explore the rich heritage of the area while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere that combines the charm of the church with the liveliness of the city.

  • AO Arena: Located a mere 322m from Manchester Cathedral, AO Arena is a premier venue known for its electrifying atmosphere. Hosting major concerts and sporting events, it offers visitors a taste of Manchester's vibrant entertainment scene.
  • Deansgate: Also 322m away, Deansgate is one of Manchester's most famous streets, bustling with shops, restaurants, and bars. Experience the lively city vibes as you stroll along, taking in the modern architecture alongside historic buildings.
  • Salford Quays: Situated 3.2km from the Cathedral, Salford Quays is a dynamic waterfront area known for its cultural attractions, including the Lowry and MediaCityUK. Enjoy stunning views and a variety of dining options in this thriving neighbourhood.

Best time to go to Manchester Cathedral

The best time to visit Manchester Cathedral can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Manchester Cathedral falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Manchester Cathedral falls in January, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January39.0°F (3.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
February39.9°F (4.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March42.6°F (5.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April46.9°F (8.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
May52.2°F (11.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
June57.7°F (14.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly High
July60.6°F (15.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
August60.1°F (15.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
September56.5°F (13.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
October51.3°F (10.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
November45.0°F (7.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
December40.8°F (4.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Manchester Cathedral

To save money during your visit to Manchester Cathedral, consider travelling in the cheaper months of January, February, and August, with Mondays being the least expensive days for accommodation. Use Expedia's search tool to filter options by budget and preferences, and look for Eco-certified hotels for sustainable choices. Combining your hotel, flights, and activities in a package deal can offer significant savings. Additionally, explore free activities around the cathedral and utilise affordable public transport options to navigate the city efficiently.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Manchester Cathedral are January to February and August, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June and October to November, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Manchester Cathedral is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Manchester Cathedral is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, preferred location, and the type of accommodation you desire. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that are currently available. To find the most economical options and offers, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at Manchester Cathedral with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.

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