Spinningfields, Manchester

Creative Tourist

Spinningfields is Manchester’s realm of glass and steel, where global corporations have their headquarters. It’s also become a real culinary hotspot: you can find modern tapas at Ibérica, innovative Chinese food at Tattu and even a pub in a 16th century hop kiln (called the Oast House), which has an impressive selection of beers and an attendant, fire-warmed teepee in the frosty months. In the winter, Spinningfields hosts a Christmas ice-rink and markets; in summer, Hardman Square becomes the site for pop-up activities including film screenings and mini golf.

Spinningfields is also home to its fair share of historic buildings. On the banks of the Irwell, the People’s History Museum is part Grade II-listed hydraulic pump house, part weathered-steel exhibition centre, and tells the story of the 200-year march towards British democracy. It has all the more resonance because of its location here in Manchester, the birthplace of Socialism, the British Labour Party, and universal suffrage. The area also boasts the architectural and cultural gem that is the John Rylands Library, one of the finest neo-Gothic buildings in Europe, and home to some incredibly rare texts.

Behind Spinningfields is the Old Granada Studios, the headquarters of Granada Television from 1956-2013, and host to Coronation Street, Brideshead Revisited and The Beatles’ first TV performance.

Our top picks

People’s History Museum (PHM)

People’s History Museum (PHM), Left Bank, Spinningfields, Manchester, M3 3ER - Visit now

People’s History Museum, home of ‘ideas worth fighting for’, is the only museum in the UK dedicated to the history of British democracy. The family-friendly museum houses approximately 1,500 objects, including the largest collection of trade union and other political banners in the world. It’s also host to a programme of special exhibitions, and a lively series of events

People's History Museum Manchester
Image © People’s History Museum

Halloween at Tattu Manchester

Halloween at Tattu Manchester, Gartside Street, 3 Hardman Square, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M3 3EB - Visit now

Tattu is at the forefront when it comes to taste, ideas and that all-important wow factor. A new menu here is always a cause for celebration and its new dishes are all about the cherry blossom – a nod to both the eye-catching tree that stands tall in the main dining area and the upcoming season of rebirth and fresh flavours.

John Rylands Research Institute and Library

John Rylands Research Institute and Library, 150 Deansgate, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M3 3EH - Visit now

Opened in 1990, this stunning neo-Gothic building was commissioned by a grieving widow, Enriqueta Rylands, in memory of her husband, a man of religious conviction, a philanthropist of Victorian ambition and a remarkably successful textiles manufacturer. Inside you’ll find rare texts including preserved papyrus fragments, the letters of local author Elizabeth Gaskell and an original Gutenberg Bible.

Magic bowls event. Image shows The historic Reading Room in John Rylands Library
Image courtesy of John Rylands Library.

The Oast House

The Oast House, The Avenue Courtyard
Spinningfields, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M3 3AY - Visit now

From drying hops to pulling pints,  The Oast House Manchester’s longest serving pop-up providing an excellent range of beers and a variety of brilliant live music. The vernacular architecture, so strikingly displaced, is certainly a sight worth seeing. Ultimately, The Oast House’s best asset comes from where its life began: it’s all about the beer.

Old Granada Studios

Old Granada Studios, Quay St, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M3 3HN

Manchester’s old Granada Studios is an iconic piece of the city’s history and home to Sidney Bernstein’s television empire.  It’s a space that revives memories of busy television productions and of behind-the-scenes glamour – of Coronation Street, Brideshead Revisited and Seven Up! Granada studios is the reminder of a television diet that fed generations.

20 Stories

20 Stories, No. 1 Spinningfields, 1 Hardman Square, Manchester, M3 3EB - Visit now

20 Stories is widely known as one of Manchester’s most attractive bars and restaurants with jaw-dropping views over the city skyline, which becomes more like Singapore with every visit. As great as the food and cocktails are, it’s the experience that makes it a must-visit.

The Ivy Spinningfields

The Ivy Spinningfields, The Pavilion, Byrom Street, Spinningfields, Manchester, M3 3HG - Visit now

The Ivy is the iconic centrepiece of Spinningfields. Everything here screams luxury, from the nature-themed architecture outside to the relaxing and eccentric interior, with those spacious long sofas ideal for kicking back and absorbing the romantic atmosphere while you dine.

The Ivy Manchester

Everyman Manchester St John’s

Everyman Manchester St John’s, ABC Building, 23 Quay Street, Manchester, M3 4AS - Visit now

The Everyman Manchester St John’s is a comfortable boutique venue designed for luxury moviegoing. There’s a full bar menu, hot food and snacks on offer within a swish seated bar area.

Everyman Manchester
Blake Ezra

Science and Industry Museum

Science and Industry Museum, Liverpool Road, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M3 4FP - Visit now

Just a couple of minutes’ walk from Spinningfields, the Science and Industry Museum pairs its historic site with a dynamic, contemporary science programme dedicated to inspiring visitors through revolutionary, world-changing ideas.

Image courtesy of Science and Industry Museum.

Australasia

Australasia, The Avenue, Spinningfields, Manchester, M3 3AP - Visit now

It’s hard to fault Australasia. It’s modern, sleek and spacious, with well-informed, engaging staff who know the menu inside and out. And while it’s probably not a place to casually drop by – it’s more of a special occasion destination – the atmosphere is warm and welcoming, with a refreshing lack of snootiness.

More Spinningfields events

Horrible Histories: Awful Egyptians
FamiliesCity Centre
Horrible Histories: Awful Egyptians

So it’s time to prepare yourselves for an amazing show with Horrible Histories live on stage! Using actors and eye-popping 3D special effects, these astounding shows are guaranteed to thrill you and your children.

from £15.00

Where to go in Manchester

Stow
City Centre
Restaurant
Stow

Stow is a new fire-based restaurant on Bridge Street in Manchester, from the team behind Trof.

Merseyway is built on giant stilts over the river Mersey – hence the name! It was one of the first shopping centres to open in 1965 and was refurbished in 1995. Merseyway are proud of their heritage and their role in continuing to attract visitors to Stockport. They strive to live up to the brand promise “famous brands, fabulously close”.
Manchester
Merseyway Shopping Centre

Merseyway is built on giant stilts over the river Mersey – hence the name! It was one of the first shopping centres to open in 1965 and was refurbished in 1995. Merseyway are proud of their heritage and their role in continuing to attract visitors to Stockport. They strive to live up to the brand promise “famous brands, fabulously close”.

Millington Hall Farm
Altrincham
Event venue
Millington Hall Farm

Millington Hall Farm is a one of a kind destination offering field to fork dining alongside learning experiences that will stay with you long after your visit.

Giant Crab SEA LIFE Manchester
Manchester
Tourist Attraction
SEA LIFE Manchester

Perfect for families, dive into the stories of the oceans’ most fascinating residents, including clownfish, stingrays, sharks and sea turtles.

Off the Square
Manchester
Restaurant
Off The Square

Set in the beating heart of Manchester’s Northern Quarter, Off The Square is state-of-the-art music and events space that plays host to live gigs as well as club nights.

Louis Restaurant
Manchester
Restaurant
Louis Restaurant

A Rat Pack-style restaurant with of live music and upscale Italian-American dining, and strictly no phones.

Manchester
Restaurant
Niwa Yakitori

Charcoal grill yakitori supper club held in a beautiful Tokyo-style backstreet cafe in the North Quarter.

Manchester Visitor Guides

Manchester Restaurant Deals

Manchester's restaurants are bending over backwards to create deals that take the sting out of eating out. Here are the best of the bunch for January.

People enjoying drinking in Altrincham
Things to Do in Altrincham

Plan a day out down Altrincham way, and you’ll soon find that one day isn’t nearly enough. Getting there is easy on the tram, or how about cycling along the...

Bars in Manchester

The best new bars in Manchester, plus some old favourites for good measure.

Tasting Menus in The North

Looking for the finest luxury multi-course restaurants in Manchester? Look no further. We've picked out the very best tasting menus in the city - just make sure you have deep pockets.

Photo of the Halle orchestra at Bridgewater
Music Venues in Manchester

Manchester is still a great place to watch new and innovative music – so here’s a guide to where to watch the best live music in the city.

Sunday Roasts in Manchester

Looking for the finest roast dinners in Manchester? Look no further. We've picked out the very best Sunday dinners in the city.

Federal Cafe Bar
Breakfast in Manchester

Manchester is strong with the breakfast force, and has some impressive form where brunch is concerned. Here’s our pick of the city’s morning glories.

Spotlight on

Things to do in Blackpool

Fancy a festive day trip? Explore our guide to Blackpool and build yourself an itinerary featuring attractions, galleries, restaurants and more.

Take me there

Culture Guides

Music in the North

Warm, intimate storytelling is the thread connecting our new picks, which include a number of brilliant folk artists.

A sculpture of a dark brown dog looks to the right, hanging out of its middle and the back are what appears to be its insides (in cream) spilling out.
Exhibitions in the North

From genre-defying art film to vibrant embroidery and Surrealist sculpture, check out the best winter exhibitions to see right now.

A man is dressed as an Elf in a decorated department store.
Cinema in the North

Get ready for animated classics, Muppet mayhem and a whole host of New York movies -- it's Christmas time in the cinema.

Theatre in Manchester and the North
Theatre in the North

From contemporary dance to ballet classics, and cult rock ‘n’ roll musicals to new writing, our theatre guide spans the festive season and beyond.

Raver Tots at Escape to Freight Island
Family things to do in the North

As we move into festive season, Manchester and the North is packed with fun events and activities for families, both indoors and outdoors.