Jun 10, 2025

Whitworth Park and Gallery Manchester

Art in the park

""Whitworth Park and Gallery" Manchester has art even outside in the park, with regular exhibitions out in the open. It also has a play park with a zipline!"

I was lucky in college: Whitworth park and art gallery were only a five-minute walk away. We spent many lunchtimes and free periods relaxing in the park or wandering the gallery, and it was great. 

The wonderful thing about the two being beside one another is that even if you don't necessarily go into the actual gallery, you'll still get to see the art in the park, since exhibitions are regularly displayed within the park. 

After a huge refurbishment in 2015, the space within the gallery was doubled ,and the money invested was definitely worth it. There is always something different to see in the gallery and staff are always kind, helpful and informative. The art gallery features historical fine art to contemporary art.

The gallery hosts an extensive and varied collection, so there'll always be something for everyone. 

The park isn't technically a part of the gallery, but it still plays host to many wonderful pieces (such as the one pictured) that usually integrate the art into the park itself.

There's also a great play park with a zip-line which is always a win!

002-building
Art & culture
017-plant-1
Relaxing

About this spot

Oxford Road

£

free

Find your way with 63 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters

Discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Manchester guide.

Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems in Manchester

Platt Fields Park

Urban adult playground

"Platt Fields Park" in Manchester is in the heart of the city's sleep-deprived student district Fallowfield, so believe you me, it's not just for kids...

017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Denise

Tench

Jul 8, 2025

Vimto Monument

Pay homage to an iconic drink

The "Vimto Monument" in Manchester is an oak sculpture carved for a much-loved Manchester-born soft drink made up of blackcurrants, raspberries & grapes.

002-building
Art & culture

by

Denise

Tench

Jul 8, 2025

Sinclair's Oyster Bar

Busy historic hub

"Sinclair's Oyster Bar" has genuine historical significance, sitting in central Manchester since the 16th century. It has plenty of that old pub feeling!

028-beach-bar-1
Bars

by

Denise

Tench

Jul 8, 2025

Ishinki Touchstone

Big gorgeous pebble

"Ishinki Touchstone" in Manchester is an 18-tonne marble scultpure that very pleasingly satisfies my inner marblehead fascination with its smooth curves...

002-building
Art & culture

by

Denise

Tench

Jul 8, 2025

Levenshulme Antiques Village

Antiques & tea

"Levenshulme Antiques Village", a short bus ride from Manchester city centre, is home to a jumble of shops selling vintage and unique items under one roof!

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Denise

Tench

Jul 8, 2025

Elizabeth Gaskell's House

Literary haven

"Elizabeth Gaskell's House" in Manchester is a testament to the history of the north of England. It's an essential stop for any literature pilgrimage...

002-building
Art & culture

by

Denise

Tench

Jul 8, 2025

Cask Bar

Cozy craft beer

"Cask Bar" in Manchester is a hidden gem of a cozy hideout. It's an ideal pit stop for craft beer when wandering around the city. Check out the jukebox!

028-beach-bar-1
Bars

by

Denise

Tench

Jul 8, 2025

Parthian Climbing Centre

Get high in a church

"Manchester Climbing Centre" is in a former church! This building and the setup is mind-blowing for climbing and bouldering - do also check out their cafe!

017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Denise

Tench

Jul 8, 2025

Cloud 23

Glitzy sky bar

"Cloud 23" in Manchester is a bar on the 23rd floor of the Hilton hotel that offers great views, especially in the evening. It's glitzy, but not so pricey.

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Denise

Tench

Jul 8, 2025

Fab Cafe

Retro-lovers' heaven

"Fab Cafe": a Manchester basement filled with retro TV and film merchandise & geek stuff, retro sweets etc. I love that this bar is just so unpretentious!

002-building
Art & culture
028-beach-bar-1
Bars
029-guitar-instrument-1
Music

by

Denise

Tench

Jul 8, 2025

The Foundation Coffee House

Coffee is life

"The Foundation Coffee House" in Manchester stands out by being in airy surroundings, having innovative brews and being a great workplace for freelancers.

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Denise

Tench

Jul 7, 2025

Temple of Convenience

Fall down an ex-toilet

"Temple of Convenience" Manchester for me is a signature bar that personifies its attitude, atmosphere and the personality of the Manchester people.

028-beach-bar-1
Bars

by

Denise

Tench

Jul 7, 2025

Heading to Manchester?

63 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌

... for just €9.99

Heading to Manchester?

0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

63 Insider Tips

✓ Escape the Crowds

✓ Find Spots nearby

✓ Authentic Stories

... for just €9.99

App Download Download our app

City guides by those who know the city in and out!

Our Locals' Favorite Art & culture

Our team loves Manchester

Get to know our other Spotters from Manchester

As featured on:

New-York-Times
the-guardian
mashable
the-sunday-times
false
0
false
54
Filters