A New Year’s Day Tour

Demi Sheridan, Editorial Assistant

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A New Year's Day Tour

1 January 2026
Date
Time
Session Features
01 Jan 2026
10:00 am-11:30 am

Always double check opening hours with the venue before making a special visit.

Jonathan Schofield Walking Tours
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Start the new year with a fresh look at Manchester. This New Year’s Day walking tour with local expert tour guide Jonathan Schofield is the perfect way to say goodbye to the old and welcome the new. You will wander through Manchester city centre and explore the history and stories that have shaped it. 

Setting off from the Arch in Chinatown, the tour threads through the streets that reveal Manchester at different moments in its life. Manchester is well known for its beginnings, for its periods of rapid industrial growth, resilience and ambition. You will reflect on where the city has been and flow between eras while keeping an eye on what the future might hold.

There is no one story, one building, or one moment in history that defines this city for all that it is. That is why this tour presents an overview of significant features from the past, present and future. See how they overlap in the everyday streets of the city centre. 

Towering building, high rise apartments and area renovations that launched us forward into the modern day

The past may be the beautiful architectural landmarks filled with history and anecdotes that created Manchester’s rich personality. The present being the towering building, high rise apartments and area renovations that launched us forward into the modern day. 

And the future being the most exciting question of all, will Manchester stay a mix of old and new? Will the rich heritage remain in years to come or be devoured by the inevitable passing of time and modern day architecture? 

It starts with a simple walk on New Year’s Day.

Where to go near A New Year’s Day Tour

Deansgate
Restaurant
Podium

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Tai Wu
Manchester
Restaurant
Tai Wu

Long-standing, trend-swerving Chinese restaurant on Manchester’s Upper Brook Street, with a reputation for authentic dim sum and traditional Cantonese cuisine.

Manchester
Food hall
BAB Korean Food

A highlight of Manchester’s K-Food space, Bab Korean Food serves up authentic, well-made dishes at the Kargo MKT food hall in MediaCity.

Dimitri's
Castlefield
Restaurant
Dimitri’s

Longstanding Greek taverna Dimtri’s delivers traditional, fuss-free Greek food, aimed at everyone from courting couples to multi-generational families in Manchester.

Kong's NQ
Manchester
Restaurant
Kong’s NQ

Kong’s isn’t like other chicken shops. This much-loved Northern Quarter restaurant is all about high-grade ingredients and expert preparation.

Castlefield
Restaurant
Trading Route

Trading Route serves up time-honoured Sunday grub, in a modern Manchester setting. Worth a visit for the expertly-curated soundtrack alone.

Side view of mixed race business colleagues sitting and watching presentation with audience and clapping hands
Theatre
Burnley Youth Theatre

Burnley Youth Theatre is a vibrant youth arts organisation based at our purpose built venue in Burnley, Pennine Lancashire.

Bar pub 3
Leeds
Restaurant
Arcadia Ale House

Arcadia Ale house is a sports bar located in the Headingly area of Leeds with a range of drinks offers throughout the week.

Restaurant
Leeds
Restaurant
Pasta Romagna

Pasta Romagna is a family owned, independent restaurant in the heart of the city centre. Bringing you homestyle Italian cuisine since 1982.

wine bar 2
Leeds
Restaurant
Farrands

Farrands is an independent bar located in the heart of Leeds city centre, specialising in a range of fine wine, beer and specialist cocktails.

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