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A person standing in front of a historic building with a sign that reads 'CHETSMAN'S HOUSE.' 1
A cobblestone square with people walking, historic buildings, and a statue. 2
A canal with buildings on either side, a bridge in the distance, and a few pedestrians. 3
A bronze statue of a man holding a globe on his shoulders. 4
A clock tower with a pointed spire and a clock face. 5

Guided Walking Tour of How Manchester Invented the Modern World

By Manchester History Tour
Free cancellation available
The previous price was €29 and current price is €23 per adult
See tickets

Features

  • Free cancellation available
  • 4h
  • Mobile voucher
  • Instant confirmation

Overview

Uncover the captivating storey of how Manchester transformed from an obscure village into the birthplace of the modern world. This engaging walking tour explores the city's rich industrial history, taking you past significant landmarks like the world's first factory and the historic cotton mills and canals of Ancoats. With insights drawn from 45 years of journalism, experience the hidden influences that shaped today's societal discourse. The tour concludes in the stylish St Ann's Square, and suitable for most fitness levels, it offers a mix of history and storytelling that makes Manchester's past come alive.

  • 5-star rated walking tour led by an experienced guide
  • Explore Manchester's industrial landmarks and hidden history
  • Tailored walking options available for all fitness levels
  • Regular weekly walks and bespoke private tours offered

Activity location

  • Robert Owen Statue
    • 1 Balloon Street
    • M4 4BE, Manchester, United Kingdom

Meeting/Redemption Point

  • Chetham's Library
    • Long Millgate
    • M3 1SB, Manchester, England, United Kingdom

Check availability

Guided Walking Tour of How Manchester Invented the Modern World

  • Activity duration is 4 hours4h
    4h
  • English
Language options: English
Starting time: 10:00
Price details
€28.89
€23.11 x 1 Adult€23.11
Total
The previous price was €28.89 and current price is €23.11
20% off
Until Thu, 18 Jun

What's included, what's not

  • What's includedWhat's included
    My spoken presentation and guide
  • What's excludedWhat's excluded
    everything else!

Know before you book

  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transport options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travellers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travellers
  • Not recommended for travellers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • In accordance with EU regulations about consumer rights, activities services are not subject to the right of withdrawal. Supplier cancellation policy will apply.

Activity itinerary

Chetham's Library (Pass by)

This is Manchester's oldest building- 1421- Inside the second floor alcove Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels researched their theories of Communism! Here I give an overview of the tour, what people will see and learn, and a quick overview of Manchester before the Industrial revolution. Also health and safety advice.

Robert Owen Statue

  • 3m
At the statue of Robert Owen I describe his legacy as the father of the Co-operative movement and emphasis that the process of industrialisation produced many ideas. This was one of the first

Balloon Street

  • 3m
Off Balloon Street one of the world's first hot air balloon flights happened. I discuss why not all inventions are significant. In fact before late 18th century Manchester, most made no economic difference at all.

CIS tower

  • 5m
The site where the industrial revolution took physical form is now mere rubble. Once the world's first factory stood here. Why is there no evidence of such a momentous place. I explain. You'll be stunned!

Northern Quarter

  • 3m
On Thomas Street stands an unassuming but rare house. Built in 1785 its façade has never been altered, making it unique in Manchester and rare in the UK. More, we know who lived here in the late 18th and 19th centuries giving a fascinating insight to Manchester away from smokey factories!

Tib Street

  • 2m
One of Manchester's oldest streets. It used to be a river. It is still there deep beneath us. IT has a strong connection to animals!

Great Ancoats Street

  • 2m
Our first stop on this street is New Cross. For centuries where workers came to protest and riot over bread, the vote and mechanisation. Like London's Speaker's Corner, but with added violence.

The Crown & Kettle

  • 2m
One of Manchester's oldest pub's. It was crucial to the development of banking and insurance infrastructure in the city.. the back rooms where deals were made remains!

Anita Street

  • 3m
In 1851 this was probably the most densely populated place on the planet. Friedrich Engels gave a vivid descriptions of it in his key work Conditions of the Working Class in England. What is there now? Why is it called Anita Street?

Cutting Room Square

  • 4m
Drink, alcoholism and the temperance movement in the Industrial Revolution: Why beer made sense and pubs were vital. Also a strange tale about ice cream

Rochdale Canal Tow Path

  • 3m
The Rochdale canal was a game changer. Connecting Manchester to the east and west coasts. From now on it becomes the commercial capital of the industrial revolution, as manufacturing moves away

CitiPark Dale Street

  • 2m
Piccadilly Basin was once the goods in, goods out yard to the world. It connected canals to the railways. Today it features the city's oldest warehouse a beautifully restored building featuring some clever engineering

Port Street

  • 3m
On Port Street in a late 18th century cottage just like five surviving examples the Industrial Revolution's greatest Engineer established his workshop...who was he?

Portland Street

  • 2m
In 1853 the Watts building opened and it remains one of the most stunning buildings in the city. I'll explain why

The Athenaeum

  • 3m
The Athenaeum and its sister building the Manchester Art Gallery; where great art and thought collided, and a the plot hatched for (possibly) the greatest art exhibition of all time!

St Peters Square

  • 5m
St Peter's Square where the fight for the vote is bookended by two memorials- to a massacre and a brilliant woman!

Albert Square

  • 3m
Civic power and pride represented in architecture -the iconic Manchester Town Hall

King Street

  • 3m
Manchester's 'power street' where politics, money...and shopping meet!

St. Ann's Square

  • 3m
Decline and fall - why the Royal Exchange represents both the beginning and end of Manchester's industrial revolution epic. Also conclusion and farewell!

Location

Activity location

  • LOB_ACTIVITIESLOB_ACTIVITIES
    Robert Owen Statue
    • 1 Balloon Street
    • M4 4BE, Manchester, United Kingdom

Meeting/Redemption Point

  • PEOPLEPEOPLE
    Chetham's Library
    • Long Millgate
    • M3 1SB, Manchester, England, United Kingdom

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