Holiday homes & rentals in Manchester

Once the powerhouse of the Industrial Revolution, Manchester is a vibrant, modern city, and an unmissable destination in northern England. Considered to be England’s second city, Manchester is a thriving metropolis that combines culture, nightlife, shopping and events to create an exciting all-round destination. Here you’ll find delicious food from all over the world, top-class sporting events, living history and much more.

The birthplace of iconic artists, musicians, and world-class footballers, it has a unique charm that draws in people from all over the world. Check-in to a chic apartment hotel and get ready to explore this famous city. Highlights include the Museum of Science and Industry, as well as the vibrant Curry Mile and Chinatown areas. With a Manchester holiday accommodation or apartment, you can place yourself right in the thick of the action of this exhilarating city.

How to get to Manchester

Whether you are travelling to Manchester for business or pleasure, arriving at your apartment hotel or cabin is very straight forward. Make your way by car, plane or train to enjoy everything this dynamic city has to offer.

By plane: The busy Manchester airport processes over 300 flights a day to and from domestic and international destinations.

By train: Inter-city train links connect Manchester to major UK cities, including London, Birmingham, Leeds and Glasgow. From London, there are around 46 trains a day.

By car: Manchester can be reached from London or the North via the M1 or the M6, with a journey time of around four hours.

What to eat on your holiday in Manchester

Manchester is a wonderland for fans of fine food. Any apartment hotel or holiday rental in the city will be surrounded by gourmet restaurants, hole-in-the-wall eateries and small, local places that are big on flavour.

If you have even a slight appreciation of curry then you must visit the Curry Mile, an 800-metre stretch of Wimslow Road that is home to masses of Indian and Middle Eastern restaurants. How you’ll settle on one place to eat is anybody’s guess, but the general standard here is high so whatever you choose, you’re unlikely to be disappointed.

You can also venture to Chinatown, a great destination in its own right. Alongside stores, stalls and a vibrant atmosphere, you’ll find many top-notch Chinese restaurants.

If you’re more into ritzy fine dining, the city boasts a range of delectable options. The French, run by Simon Rogan, is arguably one of the best restaurants in the country. Meanwhile, Manchester House is a sophisticated nod to all things local, and serves up some of the best fine-dining cuisine around.

Manchester weather: what to expect

Manchester has a tendency to be a little rainy and overcast, so you should come prepared with an umbrella and waterproof clothing just in case. However, don’t let the rain-sodden reputation scare you. Most of Manchester's top attractions and activities are safely indoors.

Spring and summer do bring brighter days, though it’s only occasionally bright enough to whip out the suntan lotion.

Manchester's top sights

Rent a holiday apartment in Manchester and you'll find something for just about everyone, from sports lovers to foodies and history buffs. Start your trip at The Museum of Science and Industry, a hands-on museum that details the progress of technology and its impact on the world. It is located in an old railway station, which makes it doubly interesting as an attraction.

Even if you don’t support the team, it’s worth visiting Manchester United’s stadium, Old Trafford. This treasure trove of football memories is an undeniable Manchester landmark. Take a stadium tour to see how things operate behind the scenes, or stop by the museum and take a trip through United’s rich history of domestic and European conquests.

Culture vultures can get their fix at Manchester Art Gallery, a world-renowned institution that is home to one of the UK’s largest art collections. Lowry, Turner, Renoir and Constable are just four of the acclaimed artists whose works hang in the gallery.

Holidays in Manchester With Kids

Discover all that Manchester has to offer from a family holiday letting in this lively city; play with Lego, visit interactive museums, and see marine life. Holiday rentals in Manchester tend to be spacious, modern flats near the centre of the city and close to the main attractions at the heart of the action. If you require a bit more space or if you are looking for peace and quiet on your holiday, there are plenty of homes for rent in the suburbs.

Legoland Discovery Centre is housed indoors making it the perfect place to enjoy in any weather. The Duplo Farm section is ideal for small children and includes a fun play area and rides. Older kids can get a Legoland drivers license, watch movies in the 4D cinema, and get inspiration from looking at miniature Lego versions of famous buildings in Miniland.

Right next door to Legoland, you will find the Manchester Sea Life Centre. Walk through glass tunnels to admire the myriad sea life in the tanks including cow nose rays, giant green sea turtles, and Japanese spider crabs. Learn about the conservation initiatives run by the aquarium on a VIP tour or go on an undersea walk in the ray tank using scuba gear for a unique experience.

The Museum of Science and Technology shows the history of Manchester's industrial past in a fun and interactive way. There are demonstrations, experiments, play areas, and colourful displays explaining the exhibitis in a way that everyone can understand. On the second floor, kids can do a range of fun experiments and look at the displays of aeroplanes and old steam engines.

CBBC programs are filmed in Media City and no trip to Manchester with children would be complete without a guided tour of the studio. Young children will get to see where their favourite TV shows are filmed and interact with some of the characters. The tour lets children have a go at presenting the news on camera and you can take a copy home with you.

Nightlife in Manchester

Manchester's nightlife is somewhat legendary across the UK. Pioneering the famous 'Madchester' scene of the 1990s, the city has always had its finger on the country's cultural pulse. From traditional pubs to cocktail bars to nightclubs of every genre, it is a city to suit all tastes.

The Northern Quarter Covered in street art and populated by vintage shops and artisan bars, the Northern Quarter is Manchester’s creative heart. It is a paradise for visitors with craft beer bars, microbreweries, and traditional pubs that provide a warming log cabin vibe in the winter. There are also numerous live music venues dotted across this historic area, including famous joints like the Night and Day Cafe, and Band on the Wall.​​​​​​

Canal Street At the centre of Manchester’s celebrated Gay Village, Canal Street caters to all members of the LGBTQ community. The Village is part of the city’s social heritage and has a range of famous bars and clubs, such as G-A-Y, Tribeca, and New York-New York. There is never a dull moment on Canal Street, with events taking place every night of the week.

Warehouse Project Manchester's best-known electronic club night, this series of events runs every autumn, culminating with a final blowout on New Year's Day. See legendary DJs like Bicep, Seth Troxler and Richie Hawtin and party into the morning.

Deansgate Locks If you’re looking for a night out to suit all tastes, then head to Deansgate Locks. One of Manchester’s trendy hotspots, you will find popular cocktail bars such as Revolution, and Baa Bar here. Nearby there are also traditional pubs, such as The Briton’s Protection. You can even enjoy a laugh at The Comedy Store.

What to do in the wider Manchester area

A Manchester holiday rental allows you to sit back and unwind, with the hubbub of the city on hand but at a peaceful distance. Earn your evening downtime by going for a hike in the Peak District, situated just 21 kilometers from the city centre. Hiking trails range from hour-long strolls to epic 90km treks. Bike rides, caves and various attractions which are fun for the whole family are also located within this national park.

Self-catering in Manchester holiday rentals

You might be tempted by the city's delicious culinary offerings, but Manchester holiday rentals mean you don’t necessarily have to go out whenever you get hungry - it should be easy to cook at home in your holiday apartment. Manchester is such a busy urban area that you’ll never be far from a supermarket or local shop. The Greater Manchester area also has a wide selection of weekly farmers' markets, where you can get the best and freshest in-season vegetables to take back to your Manchester holiday apartment.

Manchester's top cultural attractions

John Rylands Library

Opened in 1900, this library is one of the most beautiful in the country. The special collection here includes medieval documents as well as drafts and letters from prominent local authors.

The Manchester Museum

Don't be fooled by the name. This museum houses an array works of archaeology and anthropology works, including a full size T-Rex skeleton.

Manchester Town Hall

This Victorian, Grade I listed building is situated in Albert Square, and annually boasts a world-famous Christmas market. It sells a range of gifts and food, and has an authentic German atmosphere.

Old Trafford

Home to one of the most successful football teams in the world, at the 'Theatre of Dreams' you can see the stadium where Manchester United made footballing history.

Royal Exchange Theatre

This Grade II listed building is home to one of the city's finest theatre companies. They perform a variety of theatrical shows in the round, so you could catch a brand new play or see a classic.

Frequently Asked Questions