Walking Tours in Manchester by Jonathan Schofield

Johnny James, Managing Editor

With its rich industrial past, iconic architecture and vibrant arts scene, Manchester is a city that begs to be explored step by step. It’s the only way to truly connect with the place. But one better than strolling solo is to book onto a walking tour, led by a guide who knows the city like the back of their hand.

Enter Jonathan Schofield, Manchester’s top walking tour provider and a registered Blue Badge Guide since 1996. What Jonathan and his team don’t know about this city isn’t worth knowing, and the mix of information and entertainment they bring is pitch perfect.

Led by a knowledgeable and experienced tour guide, you’ll get closer to the sights, sounds, and feel of the city. You’ll also uncover more than meets the eye. After all, this is a city of stories. Of people who shattered convention. Of ideas that changed the world. Of workers, of thinkers, of dreamers.

The walking tours below will place you at the heart of these stories, while Jonathan Schofield and his team bring them to vivid life. Some take place in the city centre, others leafy suburbs, and there are even a few walks near Manchester, for those wishing to nip beyond the city limits.

Whether you’re a history buff, culture enthusiast, or just looking to uncover the soul of Manchester, these Manchester walking tours are the perfect way to get to know the city a whole lot better.

Our top picks

The Manchester Music Walkabout

The Manchester Music Walkabout at The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester, Until 6 December 2025, from £25.00 - Book now

Manchester’s famous musical legacy comes to life in this walking tour around the city, which will take you from the 1960s to the present day as you tread in the footsteps of everyone from Joy Division to Oasis.

Walking Tour Stock imagery
istock.com - Iryna Melnyk

The Manchester Pub Walkabout

The Manchester Pub Walkabout at Manchester Central Library, Manchester, Until 6 December 2025, from £25.00 - Book now

Stagger across three hundred years of Manchester’s drinking history in one of the city’s most fun-loving walking tours, packed with fascinating stories, brilliantly bizarre facts and hilarious fun and games.

Bars
Band on the Wall

The Kimpton Clocktower Tour

The Kimpton Clocktower Tour at Kimpton Clocktower Hotel, Manchester, 24 May 2025, from £20 - Book now

Explore the incredible history behind one of Britain’s grandest and most storied commercial buildings while getting exclusive access to hidden spaces full of original features.

jonathan schofield giving tour
jonathanschofieldtours.com

Secrets of The University of Manchester with Interior Visits

Secrets of The University of Manchester with Interior Visits at The University of Manchester, Manchester, Until 9 October 2025, from £20.00 - Book now

Epic architecture, hidden green spaces and ideas that changed the world. The University of Manchester is home to some incredible stories, and this walking tour places you at the heart of them.

The University of Manchester
The University of Manchester

Secrets of Ancoats and New Islington

Secrets of Ancoats and New Islington, Until 12 July 2025, from £20.00 - Book now

From years spent languishing in post-industrial decline to being crowned one of ‘the coolest neighbourhoods in the world’ in the blink of an eye. What’s the story here?

Cutting Room Square
JJ.

Secrets of Chapel Street, Salford

Secrets of Chapel Street, Salford at Manchester Cathedral, Manchester, 26 April 2025, from £20.00 - Book now

At the centre of Salford you’ll find Chapel Street and Greengate, areas that have come vibrantly to life in recent years. But they’re also packed with a history of pioneering achievement in art, architecture and absurdity.

The Kings Arms - Bloom Street
Jonathan Schofield

Chetham’s Medieval Buildings

Chetham's Medieval Buildings at Chetham’s Library, Manchester, 7 May–10 September 2025, from £20.00 - Book now

With a history stretching back to the 1420s, Chetham’s Library and the surrounding school are among the most venerable buildings in the North West. Exploring their interiors is a rare privilege, and one granted to Jonathan Schofield Tours.

After Hours at Chetham's Library
Chetham's Library

More Jonathan Schofield Walking Tours

Photo of the exterior of the Palace Hotel
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Hotels in Manchester

To make life easy when it comes to booking your stay, here’s our guide to Manchester's best hotels.

Take me there

More things to do in Manchester

Sextile
MusicManchester
Sextile at The White Hotel

From sunny Los Angeles to deepest darkest Salford, electronic punk duo Sextile head to their spiritual home of The White Hotel.

from £16.00
GROVE
MusicManchester
Sounds From The Other City

One of the country’s foremost festivals showcasing new and emerging talent, Sounds From The Other City is back over Early May Bank Holiday.

from £30
Ego Death
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Hidden Bars in Manchester

Manchester's best secret, hidden and hard to find bars - here's our guide.

Take me there
Image by Jonathan Schofield.
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Tours and Activities in the North

We've got many a good time in store this month as we round up the best walking tours, cultural classes and makers markets in the land.

Take me there

Culture guides

  • A woman sits in a car with hands holding the steering wheel.
    Cinema in the North

    Vintage Alfred Hitchcock and a family friendly film festival are amongst our highlights this May.

  • Sextile
    Music in the North

    Electronic music features heavily in our latest round-up of gig highlights across Manchester, Leeds and Liverpool.

  • Laura Ellen Bacon, Into Being, 2025. Photo © India Hobson, courtesy Yorkshire Sculpture Park
    Exhibitions in the North

    Willow weaving, textile collages, digital arts and ecology - all this and more in our exhibition top picks this month

  • Image by Jonathan Schofield.
    Tours and Activities in the North

    We've got many a good time in store this month as we round up the best walking tours, cultural classes and makers markets in the land.

  • Theatre in Manchester and the North
    Theatre in the North

    Dynamic dance, party-performance, high-energy stand-up and a site-specific show set in a pub. All this and more in our newest theatre guide.

  • Okechukwu Nzelu
    Literature Events in the North

    If it's inspiring, inclusive events and avant-garde, experimental afternoons you're after, look no further than live literature this spring – we've got you covered.

  • Classical Music in the North

    Read our latest highlights from the live classical music offer in Manchester and the North, taking in a number of the region's most cherished orchestral forces and venues.

Hotels in Manchester

ABode Manchester
Manchester
Hotel
ABode Manchester

ABode Manchester is a boutique hotel. With a signature restaurant and bar. Conveniently situated Near Piccadilly Station.

Manchester
Hotel
Hatters Hostel Newton Street

A hostel in Manchester’s Northern Quarter. Ideally located just minutes away from Piccadilly train station, the hostel offers guest free breakfast and Wi-Fi. Beneath the hostel sit Hold Fast Bar, a Jules Verne inspired bar which stays open late.

Velvet Hotel
Canal Street
Hotel
Velvet Hotel

Elegantly designed and packed with character, Velvet Hotel is a 4* boutique hotel on Canal Street, the heart of Manchester’s famous Gay Village.

Manchester
Hotel
Dakota Manchester

Dakota is a top tier luxury hotel near Piccadilly Station, featuring the largest suite in Manchester, a Champagne Room and Cigar Garden.