1.4 million strong workforce
Considered the UK’s second city after London, Manchester has a lot going for it. With a 1.4 million-strong workforce, the city generates £56 billion GVA every single year; and is home to over half a million people.
Manchester is such an exciting place to be right now – the city has grown massively, but is still undergoing a tonne of investment, which is clear to see with the ever-growing number of apartment blocks being built.
With some of the biggest media and digital brands located in Manchester (hello, Media City!), this sector alone employs over 63,000 people.
So, whether your passion lies in content, social media, SEO, PPC, PR or any other form of digital marketing; you can be sure that there are no end of opportunities in Manchester.
To get you started, take a look at our top 10 agencies in Manchester that promise excellent career progression – and a lot of fun along the way!
From annual conferences to monthly meet-ups, there are several events in Manchester that enable you to meet like-minded people, and enhance your digital marketing knowledge.
The true alternative to London, Manchester offers just as many exciting things to do, but with a cost of living that’s much more affordable – in fact, it’s 150% cheaper than London. Plus, it beats Edinburgh, Birmingham and Cardiff when it comes to cost, too!
Average cost of a one bed flat (monthly rent)
£659.38 (city centre)
£562 (outside city centre)
Average monthly commuting costs
£64
Monthly gym membership
£26.10
Average cost of a meal at an inexpensive restaurant
£12
Average cost of a cappuccino
£2.66
Average cost of 0.5l beer
£4
*stats from Numbeo
27 Peter Street, Manchester, M2 5QR
Enjoy some of the finest German delights in all of Manchester, at Alberts Schloss’ cook haus and bier palace.
Head over in the day and feast upon the freshly baked breads and pretzels prepared at the on-site bakery. Alternatively, in the evening you can enjoy an evening of beer, cocktails and dancing on the tablets.
Alberts Schloss hosts several events and live music every week, which you can find out more online. Rest assured whenever it is that you visit, it’ll be wunderbar.
Where? 27 Peter Street, Manchester, M2 5QR
Cost: Free entry
Website: albertsschloss.co.uk
7 Trafford Way, Trafford City, Manchester, M41 7JA
No longer do you have to wait until your next holiday abroad to get on the slopes, as Manchester is home to Chill Factore – the UK’s longest indoor ski slope!
Whether you are an avid snowsports fan or have never tried it before, Manchester’s Chill Factore has something for everyone. They offer lessons in both skiing and snowboarding for all levels, or if you just want to “chill” out with your friends then you can go in the Snow Park where you can sledge and slide down the slopes.
If you fancy something more unique, you could try airboarding and snowscooting! The taster sessions are at a very reasonable price so we definitely recommend giving it a try.
Where? 7 Trafford Way, Trafford City, Manchester, M41 7JA
Cost: £12.50 snow park pass
Website: chillfactore.com
Old Granada Studios, Lower Byrom Street, Manchester, M3 3JE
Ever fancied being part of the hit 90s tv show Crystal Maze? Now’s your chance!
Located in the heart of Manchester, you can test yourselves in a series of mental and physical challenges to collect crystals.
Once you have completed a series of team challenges in the four different zones (Aztec, Industrial, Futuristic and Medieval), you and your friends get to enter the famous Crystal Dome to collect as many tokens as you can.
The Crystal Maze Live Experience is an action packed adventure for you and your friends that will be both silly and fun, but make sure you book ahead as this is a very popular attraction.
Where? Old Granada Studios, Lower Byrom Street, Manchester, M3 3JE
Cost: £30
Website: the-crystal-maze.com
Stevenson Square, Manchester, M1 1DN
Located right in the heart of Manchester’s Northern Quarter, Dusk Til Pawn can actually be rather difficult to find, because, well… it looks like a pawn shop.
But look past the exterior and head inside, and you’ll find a bar that’s home to possibly some of the best drinks in Manchester.
Once you’ve drunk all you can at this prohibition style bar, see if you can find the door that connects to neighbouring hipster haunt, NoHo.
Where? Stevenson Square, Manchester, M1 1DN
Cost: Free entry
Website: dusktilpawn.co.uk
Rakewood Road, Littleborough, Rochdale, Greater Manchester, OL15 0AQ
Hollingworth Lake is a beautiful 118 acre lake set against Blackstone Edge, a stunning place to visit full of wildlife and nature trails.
It is a place for both a leisurely afternoon as well as an adventurous day out with the range of activities they offer. On the water you can do some windsurfing, powerboating, sailing or kayaking. Or if you prefer to be on land then you can try mountain biking or walking through nature trails.
It’s the perfect escape from the bustling city centre to spend some time back in nature.
Where? Rakewood Road, Littleborough, Rochdale, Greater Manchester, OL15 0AQ
Cost: Free entry
Website: link4life.org
2 First St, Manchester M15 4RP
Created from an assortment of random recycled items including bathtubs and cars, this is not your average crazy golf course!
There are three different courses ranging from a circus freak show, a UV scrapyard and a tropical madness.
Whilst you putt away in this quirky setting, they also serve food and drink that will throw you back to your childhood. Think red party cups and fairground treats!
Watch out for events they host throughout the year like their Halloween party or the Glitter Ball, just look on their website for more details.
Where? 2 First St, Manchester M15 4RP
Cost: £9.50 per course
Website: junkyardgolfclub.co.uk
Mosley Street, Manchester, M2 3JL
Dating back to 1823, even the architecture of this gallery is incredible.
Its three floors hold over 2,000 items up to six centuries old, as well as highly modern pieces that are designed to provoke discussion around modern issues.
To help you know where to start, the gallery offers highlight tours of the best bits four days a week, but look on the website for which exhibitions are on as the art scene is so dynamic there!
They also run events such as ‘Art with Mindfulness’ and art discussions, which are often based around current exhibitions.
Where? Mosley Street, Manchester, M2 3JL
Cost: Free entry
Website: manchesterartgallery.org
Sir Matt Busby Way, Stretford, Manchester, M16 0RA
Old Trafford is the UK’s largest club football stadium and is an iconic feature for all football fans.
For Manchester United fans it is like home, and with a stadium tour, you get to look behind the scenes of it all.
Learn all about the history of the club in the museums and story like no other. In the tour you get to go in the manager’s seat, go inside the player’s dressing rooms and get a chance to walk through the tunnel to the pitch like a professional football player.
It’s such good value too, as the ticket lasts for a whole year with unlimited visits!
Where? Sir Matt Busby Way, Stretford, Manchester, M16 0RA
Cost: £25
Website: manutd.com
46 Sackville St, Manchester, M1 3WF
Step into a world of madness as you dine in this Alice in Wonderland themed tea room. Here you can taste exotic teas, with unique flavours from lotus flower to chocolate.
Enjoy the selection of homemade cakes that are so delicious they will make the Queen of Hearts jealous. Each is made fresh with flavours chosen by the expert chefs to provide the ultimate afternoon tea experience.
Richmond Tea Rooms also host some adult themed events throughout the year, such as a burlesque night and a Mad Hatters tea party, so head on over for a night sure to be filled with adventure!
Where? 46 Sackville St, Manchester, M1 3WF
Cost: Free entry
Website: richmondtearooms.com
49 – 51 Thomas Street Northern Quarter, Manchester, M4 1NA
Cane and Grain boast three amazing areas for all your different tastes.
Transport yourself to the Caribbean by going upstairs to the tiki bar, or throw yourself back in time to the 80s’ skate scene downstairs in the rib joint. If you’re feeling adventurous, try and find the elusive Science & Industry Bar…
If you would like to have a go at being the ultimate mixologist yourself, why not try one of their masterclasses where you will be taught how to master the perfect serve.
Where? 49 – 51 Thomas Street Northern Quarter, Manchester, M4 1NA
Cost: Free entry
Website: caneandgrain.co.uk
53-55 Thomas St, Manchester, M4 1NA
Located in the heart of Manchester’s Northern Quarter, Teacup kitchen pride themselves on their tea collection; from a builders brew to an exotic hibiscus flower tea, they’ve got it sorted!
Once all the tea tasting has worked up an appetite, they can provide you with a delicious brunch or some cake. A selection of interesting flavours that will have you coming back to try more every time – our personal favourite is the rainbow cake.
Not only do they know how to do tea, they also offer refreshing smoothies, juices and cocktails to quench your thirst.
Where? 53-55 Thomas St, Manchester, M4 1NA
Cost: Free entry, £4-£5 for each tea and cake
Website: teacupandcakes.com
The University of Manchester, 150 Deansgate, Manchester, M3 3EH
Despite being a functioning library as part of the University of Manchester, this Victorian Gothic building is so beautiful it looks more like a cathedral.
Inside, you can admire the architecture or look at some of the magnificent collections they have – it is a history lover’s dream! The John Rylands Library is home to the oldest piece of the New Testament, known as the St John Fragment, as well as medieval manuscripts that date back to 1476.
It is open to the public seven days a week so there is no excuse to not see this incredible part of Manchester.
Where? The University of Manchester, 150 Deansgate, Manchester, M3 3EH
Cost: Free entry
Website: library.manchester.ac.uk
Pier Eight, The Quays, Salford, Greater Manchester, M50 3AZ
Home to one of the largest L.S. Lowry collections in the world and the largest stage outside of London, The Lowry has an amazing visual and performing arts scene.
Enjoy some of the new and traditional artwork in the galleries, or watch a performance in the most popular cultural venue in the North West. It is a place that’s full to the brim with creativity!
They also offer many opportunities to get involved, with regular life drawing classes and even flamenco workshops, you can learn something new.
Where? Pier Eight, The Quays, Salford, Greater Manchester, M50 3AZ
Cost: Free entry to most galleries
Website: thelowry.com
19 Shudehill, Manchester, M4 2AF
The Washhouse has taken the term “secret bar” to the extreme, and we love them for it.
The front of the bar is an unassuming laundrette, complete with washing machines. In fact, there’s nothing that would make you think there’s more that meets the eye.
But, locate the phone and give them a call, and you’ll soon be transported through the giant washing machine (it all sounds very Narnia-like), into the bar.
This is one place you’ll need to book ahead, but it’s somewhere you should definitely visit while living in Manchester, even if it’s just for the experience!
Where? 19 Shudehill, Manchester, M4 2AF
Cost: Free entry
Website: the-washhouse.co.uk
Hathersage Rd, Manchester, M13 0FE
Dating back to 1906, this elegant and intricate bath house still stands in the centre of Manchester, almost as good as new.
Complete with stained glass windows and glazed tiles, the now Grade II listed building was deemed a ‘Water Palace’.
While the swimming pools and Turkish baths have been closed since 1993 (awaiting restoration), you can join a weekly Wednesday tour at 2pm to learn about the history of the baths.
The baths are a hot spot for the arts as it is a unique space to use. They support artist proposals and development and run a busy programme of arts activities for the public to get involved, as well as a range of events from film screenings to theatrical performances.
Where? Hathersage Rd, Manchester, M13 0FE
Cost: £7 for a tour
Website: victoriabaths.org.uk