Manchester, a metropolitan city in the Northwest, has a lot to be proud of. Its enduring and electrifying music scene, its fierce football rivalries, its scientific and technological breakthroughs, its pivotal social-justice movements, and Vimto! (Head to the Monument to Vimto statue; we promise it’s worth it).
Whether you’ve made this city your home or you’re looking to visit for the first time, Manchester is an endless pool of attractions, food, shopping, and culture – explore it all with CrossCountry.
Train tickets to Manchester
The history of the railway and the city of Manchester are closely intertwined. Back in 1830, Manchester became the terminus for the world’s first steam-powered inter-city railway, the Liverpool & Manchester Railway. This momentous innovation propelled Manchester into the future, enabling the city to earn its title as the ‘world’s first industrial city’.
Today, you can hop on-board trains to Manchester from all corners of the UK, with CrossCountry offering services from cities like Birmingham and Bristol. CrossCountry services train to Manchester Piccadilly, the ideal hub for some of the city’s top attraction.
We recommend booking an Advance Ticket before you travel, meaning you can leave all the spontaneity to your city adventure. We also have a range of other ticket types that may work for you, however you like to travel.
Travelling to university in Manchester? You could be missing out on a 1/3 off travel with a 16-25 Railcard, saving you hundreds in the long run. And there are plenty more ways you can save, check if you’re eligible for a range of Railcards with CrossCountry or find out other ways to get cheap rail tickets.
Popular Routes to Manchester
Manchester is a fantastic city, so it’s no surprise that it’s one of our most popular destinations. CrossCountry provides direct routes from many stations all over the UK to Manchester Piccadilly. Below, we’ve outlined some of our most popular routes.
FAQs
Yes, there are four train stations in Manchester city centre:
All stations are centrally located with plenty of amenities close by. All stations are in easy reach of one another via taxi, public transport or walking, if you wish.
All four stations are close to the hustle and bustle. Manchester Piccadilly is only a short walk from the Central Retail District as well as the trendy Northern Quarter, meaning there’s plenty to explore near the station. Victoria is located next to the Arndale Shopping Centre, Deansgate close to the fun nightlife and canals, and Oxford Road is located perfectly for both universities.
Manchester Airport is around 9 miles from the city centre, and can be accessed directly via train services running from Deansgate, Oxford Road and Piccadilly stations, with journeys taking under 30-minutes. Bus services are also available, as well as a private taxi or black cab.
Experience Manchester
Places to eat in Manchester
Manchester has established itself as one of the most exciting and diverse places to eat. There’s a delectable selection of restaurants, coffee shops, cafes, street food stands, gastropubs, and more – whatever your vibe is, there’s something to suit it.
For a Michelin star experience, head to Skof for a creative take on modern British cuisine. Set in an old drapery warehouse, it’s a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the industrial history of Manchester while appreciating the bright future of the food scene here. Alternatively, take a walk to the Northern Quarter for a table at TNQ, you’ll get the gourmet experience at an affordable price. Their menu traverses the British Isles, from Shetland mussels to Lancashire beef to a medley of award-winning British cheeses.
Manchester also boasts thousands of great coffee spots. Head to the quaint suburb of Didsbury for Art of Tea, St Peter’s Square for Atrium Coffee, or the Northern Quarter for Idle Hands. Around any corner in the city, you’re sure to find a talented barista who can craft that perfect velvety espresso.
If you can’t quite decide, Manchester is well stocked with food halls and markets that offer the best cooking from cultures around the world. Mackie Mayor is located in the restored Smithfield Market and is sure to have something you fancy, whether that’s ramen, tacos, or glazed doughnuts.
Places to stay in Manchester
Manchester is a great place to spend a few days, and it has both budget-friendly and luxury accommodation options. The Edwardian is a five-star hotel located on Peter Street, set in the former free trade hall, the neoclassical building is the perfect place to enjoy a comfortable night's stay in Manchester with easy access to attractions.
Alternatively, for something a little different and fun, head to BrewDog’s DogHouse on Fountain Street. You can enjoy their in-house taproom, a rooftop bar serving tacos, and even a built-in beer fridge in your shower!
Scattered throughout the city are hundreds of hotels where you can a comfortable night's rest at a great price. Alongside some of the well-known chain hotels is Hotel Football. Located right outside Old Trafford, Hotel Football is the ultimate destination for both Manchester United fans and people keen to see the city from a convenient location – a great place to visit with kids.
Please note: CrossCountry is unable to support with any hotel related queries or booking requests. For further information, please contact the hotels mentioned directly.
Heritage and culture in Manchester
Walking among Manchester’s old brick warehouses and mills, many bearing a patina from decades of coal burning, it’s easy to get lost in the city’s industrial past. The memories and achievements of this era still exist in iconic sites like Castlefield and John Rylands Library and from that heritage, a rich culture has been built.
People all over the world have made their home in Manchester, meaning that the culture in Manchester is diverse. For example, the city boasts the largest Jewish community in the UK outside of London. Additionally, you can head to Chinatown around Faulkner Street to experience a medley of restaurants, markets, and cultural events.
The city loves to celebrate diversity and culture with a range of annual festivals. Head to Manchester in the summer to enjoy the Manchester International Festival, a one-stop shop for theatre, music, and art from creators all over the globe. There’s also the Caribbean Carnival in August, a family-friendly event that uplifts community values, heritage, and music.
For those interested in art and history, it’s easy to spend hours wandering around Manchester Art Gallery’s beautiful fine art collection. And, for some evening entertainment, catch a live comedy show or music gig at venues like Band On The Wall or the O2 Ritz.
Shopping in Manchester
The shopping opportunities in Manchester are endless. Visiting for high-street staples? Head to the Manchester Arndale or the Trafford Centre and browse your favourite fashion brands, homeware shops, department stores, and more. Continue your shopping spree at the Northern Quarter, home to quirky gift shops, vintage clothes shops, record stores, and welcoming local businesses.
There are also boutique shopping districts like Spinningfields and New Cathedral Street, where you can enjoy luxury stores such as Louis Vuitton, Hugo Boss, and Harvey Nichols. However you like to shop, Manchester’s busy and beautiful streets will have something for anyone.
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