Deansgate, Manchester

Creative Tourist

Last Updated 22 August 2018

The busy thoroughfare of Deansgate runs through Castlefield, joining the dots between it, Spinningfields and Manchester’s Cathedral Quarter at the opposite end. Deansgate is home to Manchester landmark the Beetham Tower (169-metres tall, it hums in high winds), gothic masterpiece the John Rylands Library and a good number of restaurants and bars.

The John Rylands Library is a breathtaking red sandstone building; founded by Enriqueta Rylands in memory of her husband John Rylands, it was took ten years to build and was opened to public readers on 1 January 1990. The library houses a collection that includes preserved papyrus fragments, the letters of local author Elizabeth Gaskell and an original Gutenberg Bible – as well as hosting an engaging programme of changing exhibitions.

At the other end of the cultural spectrum, and beneath the Deansgate Metrolink station, is Deansgate Locks, inevitably popular with throngs of weekend revellers. Alternatively, there’s the less raucous atmosphere at The Knott or Atlas Bar, nestled under the iron railway bridge. Or, if you’re feeling flush, the Hilton’s Cloud 23 bar on the 23rd floor of the Beetham Tower serves cocktails with an unparalleled view across the city.

Discover our top picks

11–20 July 2019, from £10

MIF19: Tao of Glass at The Royal Exchange Theatre

Philip Glass and Phelim McDermo explore life, loss and the question: Where does true inspiration come from?

Theatre 6–10 August 2019, from £13.00

Amélie The Musical at Manchester Opera House

Enchanting, witty and gorgeous, boasting huge public and critical acclaim, the story of Amélie translates beautifully for the stage.

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Exhibitions 10–13 October 2019, from £5.50

Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair 2019 at Upper Campfield Market

For anyone with even a passing interest in the beauty of the handmade or artful design, the annual award-winning Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair (GNCCF) in Manchester is the place to head this October.

Theatre 18 April–23 May 2020, from £10.00

West Side Story at the Royal Exchange

Powerful and fast-paced and heart-breaking, we’re thrilled to hear that West Side Story will return to the Royal Exchange next spring.

Theatre 20 February–17 May 2020, from £19.95

Back To The Future The Musical at Manchester Opera House

Turn your flux capacitor on and set your destination to the Manchester Opera House in the year 2020. Your future depends on it.

Summer Season of fun at the Museum of Science and Industry

Exhibitions 20 July–1 September 2019, FREE

Summer Season of Fun at the Science and Industry Museum

Head to the Science and Industry Museum this summer for daily family shows, fun activities and events, whatever the weather.

Enjoy surprising science with our experiment packed Science Showdown and experience the sights and sounds of the Textiles Mills at a historic working machinery demonstration.

Aviva Investors Manchester Art Fair 2018

Exhibitions 11–13 October 2019, from £5

Manchester Art Fair 2019 at Manchester Central

Introducing: Manchester Art Fair 2018. The North’s largest art fair returns this October with its largest offering yet and under a proud new title.

Theatre 17 January–18 July 2019, from £5

Royal Exchange Backstage Tour

Join one of the Royal Exchange’s passionate volunteers as they take you through the underbelly of this working theatre. Experience first hand the hard work and amount of people that go into putting on one of the theatre’s productions as well as seeing the props and costumes from some of your favourite shows.