Visit Manchester Cathedral in Manchester City Centre

Manchester Cathedral

This religious and historic site tells the story of the wars, terrorist bombs and other unforgettable history that shaped the city center you see today.

An essential stop for anyone interested in architecture and history is the iconic Manchester Cathedral. The interior features the best examples of medieval woodwork in northern England. Carved details in the quire and ceiling are intricate and full of life, while the more modern stained-glass windows tell the story of the destruction of the cathedral, and the city itself.

The original building dates back to 1215 and was the Parish Church of Manchester. Baron Robert Greslet, Lord of the Manor of Manchester, had the church built next to his residence. Many current features are the result of renovations made centuries later.

The building was badly damaged by a bomb during World War II, and all of the ancient windows were destroyed. The Fire Window in the Regiment Chapel depicts this destruction. The cathedral was restored all over again after it was damaged by an IRA bombing in 1996.

Today, the church is still in use and is part of a Church of England diocese. The building is open daily to the public, except during ongoing restorations and special services. Have a coffee at the popular on-site café, attend a service or listen to the choir. Many people simply take a walk around to admire the cathedral’s interior.

If you are interested in religious heritage, take the free daily guided tour. You can also purchase an Architectural Guide from the welcome desk to learn all about the design and history.

Outside, look for the Hanging Ditch Bridge; it’s the oldest structure in Manchester. Spot the carved stone gargoyles and a golden Madonna, then step inside to gaze up to see the carvings of “musical angels” from the 15th century. Under the quire seats are the 16th-century wooden carvings known as Misericords.

Manchester Cathedral is a short walk from Victoria train station and there is ample parking available for a fee at the Manchester Arena (MEN), next to Victoria Station. Check the cathedral’s website or call the cathedral office before your visit to confirm whether it will be open.

Guide to Exploring around Manchester Cathedral

Manchester Opera House

Catch a show at one of the city’s most interesting and charming venues for concerts, musicals and theater.

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Albert Square

This public gathering place for football victory parades, festivals and a popular European-style Christmas market is surrounded by Victorian architecture.

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MediaCity UK

Home to some of the U.K.’s biggest broadcasters, this precinct is a mix of cultural attractions, shopping, bars and restaurants.

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Piccadilly Gardens

Watch the world go by and take a look at Manchester’s most controversial architecture at the city’s busiest green space and transport hub.

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Manchester City Hall

This impressive Victorian building is home to precious works of art as well as the offices and halls of the City Council.

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St. Peter's Square

Feel the tide of history at this central square, the site of the famous Peterloo Massacre and home to several impressive heritage-listed civic buildings.

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The Lowry Art and Entertainment

This waterside arts complex that bears the name of a famous U.K. artist is home to a world of entertainment such as art exhibits, plays and concerts.

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Castlefield Roman Fort

Step inside the 2,000-year-old Roman fortress where Manchester began. See restored ramparts, an ancient garden and excavated foundation.

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Manchester Art Gallery

Enjoy important British paintings and sculptures, as well as family-friendly activities, at this award-winning and free historic exhibit space.

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Manchester Museum

Home to dinosaurs, mummies and live animals, this free attraction boasts collections of precious artifacts from nearby English locations and faraway cultures.

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Manchester Central Library

Escape the hustle and bustle of the city center and enjoy the excellent resources at one of the most iconic and culturally significant buildings in the city.

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Chetham's Library

Visit this well-preserved medieval building and see books that have been read by kings, queens and political revolutionaries.

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John Rylands Library

Step back in time and admire the large collection of ancient books and manuscripts, as well as the impressive architecture, of this iconic British landmark.

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Museum of Science and Industry

Find out what made Manchester an industrial powerhouse by engaging with the amazing exhibitions on the site of one of the world’s first passenger railway stations.

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Whitworth Art Gallery

This exhibition space located in a city park is a must-see for fans of art and design, and boasts a huge variety of modern and historic prints and textiles.

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Arley Hall And Gardens

Enjoy one of Britain’s finest gardens as well as grand architecture and homemade food at this early Victorian mansion with a rich family history.

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National Football Museum

This free museum is dedicated to one of the world’s most popular sports. It delights fans with a vast collection of football memorabilia and interactive games.

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Salford Quays

Once a major seaport and home to heavy industry, this precinct is now a dynamic cultural and residential area offering shopping, sport, drama and art.

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Old Trafford

Cheer on soccer players during an exhilarating match and tour this 75,000-capacity stadium, home to one of Britain’s greatest soccer teams.

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Imperial War Museum North

This striking building is an award-winning museum with artifacts and exhibitions that cover the main conflicts of the 20th century.

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People’s History Museum

Follow the sometimes tumultuous development of democracy in Britain when you tour this captivating museum set in an old Edwardian pump station.

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Christ Church Moss Side

Tour a 19th-century neo-Gothic church that enchants with its statues, ornamental artwork and architecture.

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Best Lodging Options Near Manchester Cathedral

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INNSiDE by Melia Manchester $80

Per night/room

Sep 27 - Sep 28

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INNSiDE by Melia Manchester

1 First Street, Manchester, England

4.0 out of 5.0 Stars

Located in Manchester City Centre, this hotel is within a 5-minute walk of Deansgate Locks and Bridgewater Hall. Manchester Palace Theatre and Deansgate are also within 10 minutes. Deansgate-Castlefield Station and Manchester Deansgate Station are within a 5-minute walk.

easyHotel Manchester $28

Per night/room

Sep 23 - Sep 24

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easyHotel Manchester

33 Dale Street, Manchester, England

2.0 out of 5.0 Stars

Located in Manchester City Centre, this hotel is within a 5-minute walk of Greater Manchester Police Museum and Piccadilly Gardens. The Gay Village and Canal Street are also within 10 minutes. Picadilly Gardens Station is only a 4-minute walk and Market Street Station is 6 minutes.

CitySuites Aparthotel $110

Per night/room

Sep 21 - Sep 22

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CitySuites Aparthotel

16 Chapel Street, Manchester, England

5.0 out of 5.0 Stars

Located in Manchester City Centre, this luxury aparthotel is within a 10-minute walk of Manchester Cathedral, Printworks, and National Football Museum. Exchange Square and Manchester Arndale are also within 10 minutes. Victoria Station is 6 minutes by foot and Shudehill Station is 9 minutes.

Hotel Gotham

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Hotel Gotham

100 King Street, Manchester, England

5.0 out of 5.0 Stars

Located in Manchester City Centre, this luxury hotel is within a 5-minute walk of Manchester Art Gallery, Piccadilly Gardens, and Manchester Arndale. The Gay Village and Albert Square are also within 10 minutes. Mosley Street Station and Market Street Station are within a 5-minute walk.

Dakota Manchester $148

Per night/room

Oct 21 - Oct 22

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Dakota Manchester

29 Ducie Street, Manchester, England

4.0 out of 5.0 Stars

Located in Manchester City Centre, this hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Canal Street, The Gay Village, and Piccadilly Gardens. Manchester Palace Theatre and Manchester Arndale are also within 15 minutes. Picadilly Station is 6 minutes by foot and Picadilly Gardens Station is 8 minutes.

The Lowry Hotel $150

Per night/room

Sep 27 - Sep 28

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The Lowry Hotel

50 Dearmans Place, Manchester, England

5.0 out of 5.0 Stars

Located in Manchester City Centre, this luxury hotel is within a 15-minute walk of Manchester Arena and Piccadilly Gardens. Manchester Palace Theatre and O2 Apollo Manchester are also within 2 mi (3 km). Manchester Salford Central Station is only a 4-minute walk and Victoria Station is 11 minutes.

Malmaison Manchester $90

Per night/room

Oct 4 - Oct 5

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Malmaison Manchester

1-3 Piccadilly, Manchester, England

4.0 out of 5.0 Stars

Located in Manchester City Centre, this spa hotel is within a 5-minute walk of Canal Street, The Gay Village, and Piccadilly Gardens. Manchester Palace Theatre and Manchester Arndale are also within 15 minutes. Picadilly Station and Picadilly Gardens Station are within a 5-minute walk.

Roomzzz Manchester Corn Exchange $80

Per night/room

Sep 28 - Sep 29

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Roomzzz Manchester Corn Exchange

Corn Exchange, 37 Hanging Ditch, Manchester, England

4.0 out of 5.0 Stars

Located in Manchester City Centre, this aparthotel is steps from Urbis, Printworks, and National Football Museum. Deansgate and Manchester Cathedral are also within 5 minutes. Victoria Station and Shudehill Station are within a 5-minute walk.