Tours and Activities in Manchester and the North

Carmel Smickersgill, Tours & Activities Editor

Spring has sprung (kind of), and we cannot wait to throw ourselves into some new experiences with more tours and activities.

Throughout March (and perfectly timed for St Patrick’s Day), you can take yourself on an artistic tour of Manchester with the Irish Nation Art Trail. Set out to discover a series of mosaic portraits, featuring some of the most influential Irish people, by the prolific Mancunian artist Mark Kennedy. From Oscar Wilde to some lesser-known heroes, such as the boxer Katie Taylor, you’ll find MK’s work dotted right across the city in free-to-access arts venues, restaurants, bookshops and libraries.

And, for something different, how about learning to make sushi with the Leeds Cookery School or getting to grips with ensemble theatre-making at the National Football Museum? Meanwhile, those looking for a more relaxing time should check out the aromatherapeutic workshops with Cedar.

Spring also sees the launch of MACFEST, a large-scale celebration of Muslim arts across several venues in the north of England.

Scroll down to find out more, alongside some other top picks of tours and activities, and break away from your normal.

Our top picks

The Irish Nation Art Trail

The Irish Nation at Koffee Pot, Manchester, Until 31 March 2024, free entry - Visit now

Explore 17 portraits of influential Irish people throughout Manchester this March with the Irish Nation.

Irish Nation Art Trail
Image courtesy of David Oates.

Aromatherapy Candle Making at Form Lifestyle Store

Aromatherapy Candle Making at Form Lifestyle Store, Manchester, Until 27 April 2024, from £50.00 - Book now

Be guided through the process of making your own scented candle by Lizzy from Cedar, with her years of experience and expertise. 

A tray on a wooden table. On the tray there is equipment for candle making such as scent strip, beakers, thermometer, wick and container.
Image courtesy of Cedar Apothecary.

Sushi Making with Leeds Cookery School

Hands on sushi making at Leeds Kirkgate Market, Leeds, 6 April 2024, from £105.00 - Book now

Explore Japan’s most popular cuisine with the expert chefs of Leeds Cookery School at Kirkgate Market. 

Sushi rolls with chopsticks
Leeds Cookery School

MACFEST – Muslim Arts & Culture Festival

MACFEST - Muslim Arts & Culture Festival at The Whitworth, Manchester, Until 15 July 2024, free entry - Visit now

Celebrate Muslim culture, fight islamophobia and experience some top-notch art at MACFEST. Most of the events are free too.

Turkish dancers performing at MACFEST 2024
Image courtesy of MACFEST/ Qaisa Shahraz

Hot Prospects: Ensemble Theatre-Making at the National Football Museum

Hot Prospects: Ensemble Theatre-Making at National Football Museum, Manchester, 25 March 2024, free entry - Find Out More

Explore the world of theatre-making and build your confidence as a creative and performer in this workshop with Alistair Wilkinson.

Hot Prospects: Ensemble Theatre-Making at the National Football Museum
Alistair Wilkinson will lead the Ensemble Theatre Making session. Image courtesy of Amit and Naroop.

Leeds Heritage Pub & Brewery Tour

Leeds Heritage Pub & Brewery Tour at The Tetley, Until 24 August 2024, from £35.00 - Book now

Take a journey through 300 years of pub and brewing history in Leeds, with a heritage Pub and brewery tour. 

Whitelock's Ale House
Image supplied by Leeds Inspired

Morning Yoga at Band on the Wall

Yoga at Band on the Wall, Manchester, 25 March 2024, from £5 - Book now

Band on the wall are starting the week right with affordable Monday morning yoga sessions with Dolores McGowan.

Image supplied by Band on the Wall

The Skyliner: Modern History of the Northern Quarter Tour

The Modern History of the Northern Quarter at Shudehill Metrolink Station, Manchester, Until 13 April 2024, from £9 - Book now

By far one of Manchester’s most knowledgable guides when it comes to the intersection of place, people, politics and art. Join Skyliner for an exploration of the Northern Quarter’s past and present.

skyliner
Hayley Flynn

Whitworth Art Gallery Tours

Whitworth Art Gallery Daily Tour at The Whitworth, Manchester, Until 31 July 2024, free entry - Visit now

Take a closer look at the Whitworth Art Gallery’s collection and architecture with free gallery tours.

Free Daily Tours, the Whitworth.

Sí Manchester Daily Tour

Discover Manchester at Piccadilly Gardens, Manchester, Until 31 December 2024, free entry - Visit now

Sí Manchester’s daily tour is a brilliant way to get an overview of the city with tours running in both English and Spanish.

Sí Manchester Daily Tour

Golden Voices at Band on the Wall

Golden Voices at Band on the Wall at Band on the Wall, Manchester and online, Until 27 March 2024, from £5.00 - Book now

One of Band on the Wall’s excellent singing groups, Golden Voices is a friendly performing choir for the over 50’s.

Image courtesy of Band on the Wall.

Cocktail Tasting Masterclass at The Botanist

Cocktail Tasting Masterclasses at The Botanist at The Botanist, Manchester, Until 31 July 2024, from £39.95 - Book now

Get hands on with unexpected flavours and plant based mixology at The Botanist.

Ian Jones

Indian Food Tour of Leeds

Indian Food Tour of Leeds, Until 1 June 2024, from £65.00 - Book now

Eat your way through some of the best South Asian cuisine in the North of England with the Indian Food Tour of Leeds.

via Leeds Inspired

White Water Rafting in the Lake District

White Water Rafting in the North Lakes at Penrith Town Centre, Cumbria, Until 31 May 2024, from £59.00 - Book now

Join Lake District White Water Rafting for an unforgettable aquatic experience in both the North and South Lakes. 

Photo by Athena

More activity events

Until
ActivityManchester
Sí Manchester Daily Tour

Sí Manchester’s daily tour is a brilliant way to get an overview of the city with tours running in both English and Spanish.

free entry
life drawing
Until
ActivityManchester
Life Drawing Manchester

Whether you have never put pencil to paper or have been honing your artistic skills for years, Bee Creative studio runs life drawing sessions for people of all abilities.

from £10
Until
ActivityManchester
DJ Gym at Hatch

Learn some DJ and production skills with DJ Gym Manchester, based in the culturally infused surrounds of Hatch.

from £269
Until
ActivityLiverpool
Old Dock Tours, Liverpool

The Old Dock tour is a treat for younger and older visitors alike, fans of Liverpool’s maritime past, and anybody curious about local history.

£8.50 with concessions
ActivityManchester
Beyond the Music 2024

Hear directly from the people powering the music industry in both Manchester and the UK, as well as witnessing some of the North’s upcoming talent at Beyond the Music.

from £16.75
Easter Holidays in Manchester and the North
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Take me there

Tours and Activities in Manchester and the North

HOME Manchester
Manchester
Theatre
HOME Manchester

Now back open with a packed schedule of events and things to do, HOME Manchester is one of the city’s leading hubs for arts and culture.

The Dukes, Lancaster
Lancaster
Theatre
The Dukes

Lancashire’s only producing theatre hosts exciting seasons of work featuring new writing and the classics in a converted church in central Lancaster. The Dukes is also a cinema, hosts gigs, talks and other special events, run a youth theatre and is a popular all day cafe bar.

Photo of people going through Cornerhouse's front doors
Manchester
Cinema
Cornerhouse

Cornerhouse on Oxford Street was an independent cinema, gallery, restaurant, bookshop – oh yes, and also a Manchester institution. It has now closed it’s doors, relocated and reinvented itself as HOME.

Ilkley
Cinema
Ilkley Cinema

Ilkley Cinema combines relaxed and sociable spaces, state of the art screening technology, and a great programme of indies.

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Teenage Dads
Music in Manchester and the North

Fresh concert seasons, forward-thinking festivals and a revolving door of amazing gigs. Things are looking bright as spring comes into view.