Manchester is a vibrant city that offers a wealth of immersive experiences for locals and visitors alike. Whether you’re a cheese lover, a fan of art exhibitions or simply looking for something out of the ordinary, Manchester has plenty to offer. From classical music concerts under candlelight to immersive theatre performances in “prison” that transport you to another world, there’s no shortage of thrilling experiences to enjoy. So here’s a round-up of some fantastic, immersive experiences in Manchester that will make you forget all your sorrows.
1. Decide the verdict in this immersive Jury Experience
You’ve probably watched more times than you can count someone shout “Objection!” during a tense courtroom scene on TV. Wielding the power of legal arguments can be pretty thrilling, to say the least. Now, it’s your chance to experience it firsthand at “The Jury Experience“. With incredible actors and an immersive set that pulls you right into the drama, you’ll step into the courtroom with a mission. Because here’s the best part: amidst a web of testimonies and heated debate, it’s up to you and the audience to deliver the final verdict.
2. Step inside the weird and wonderful world of Alice in Wonderland
Mancs can explore the world of Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland for themselves, with a XR (extended reality) experience at Trafford Palazzo. From April until July, Trafford Palazzo will become the gateway to a new kind of storytelling. Immersia XR: Walking XR Theatre makes its debut as the UK’s first large-scale immersive XR experience, blending cutting-edge technology with iconic tales in an unforgettable walk-through format.
Immersia XR allows audiences of all ages to step inside legendary stories and live them from within. No screens. No controllers. Just you—walking through the story. Visitors can choose from three unforgettable XR adventures, each designed to transport them into a richly detailed story world.
3. Visit the mind-bending Museum of Illusions
Museum of Illusions should definitely be on the cards for a mind-bending day out in Manchester whether it’s with big kids or small ones. The 10,700 sq ft space is filled with “fascinating holograms, mind-bending illusion rooms, and astonishing exhibits intended to trick the mind and puzzle perceptions”. In addition to the museum’s signature, most popular and photo-worthy exhibits, such as the Walk-in Kaleidoscope, Vortex Tunnel, and Infinity Room, visitors will be treated to custom-made installations that celebrate Manchester’s unique culture and heritage.
4. Feel like you’re in The Great British Bake Off tent at The Big Manchester Bake
On your marks, get set, bake! It’s time to roll up your sleeves and don your apron as a fun baking experience has risen up in Manchester. Known as The Big Manchester Bake, the 90-minute concept allows novice and enthusiasts alike to bake off against their friends, family or colleagues in pairs, to be crowned winning bakers.
One of the only immersive baking experiences in Manchester, it is perfect for those looking for a way to celebrate birthdays or hen dos, as well as a team-building activity. The Big Manchester Bake includes a beautiful baking marquee with 12 baking stations, featuring top appliances to bring participants baking creations to life, as well as a stunning cake-inspired cocktail bar.
5. Have a shot at axe throwing at Whistle Punks
Try something new and unexpected and learn to throw axes like a badass. This is the perfect activity to do when life’s got you down. After receiving expert guidance and tips from the pros, it will be your turn to launch the axe at the target and go for a bullseye. Once you get the hang of it, you can even participate in an axe-throwing tournament if you please. Get your friends, colleagues or date and head to Whistle Punks at Great Northern Warehouse to give it a go.
6. Immerse yourself in the magical world of Candlelight
Manchester will be illuminated by a series of Candlelight concerts, all paying tribute to some of the world’s most beloved artists. From iconic artists like Ed Sheeran and ABBA to eerie film scores, these concerts will be played live by incredibly talented musicians in some of Manchester’s best locations.
For ballet aficionados, Candlelight has got you covered. Candlelight is hosting Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker and Vivaldi with Ballet at the Manchester Cathedral. Illuminated by thousands of candles, this splendid interpretation of the composers’ masterpieces will leave you completely entranced. You won’t want to miss it!
7. Serve time at Alcotraz Prison Cocktail Bar
Life is just about to get boozy now that you’re being sentenced to life in Alcotraz. Upon arrival, you’ll be taken in by a notorious bootlegging gang on the inside to smuggle-in liquor to be used to make delicious cocktails. Beware of the sharp-eyed warden, though! The “serving” inmates will deliver a range of tailored cocktails every night based on the liquor you smuggle in and your tastes. This is the only prison you won’t like to make a break for.
8. Walk through L.S. Lowry’s iconic Going to the Match at this free, immersive exhibition
To celebrate its 25th anniversary, The Lowry in Salford is launching a brand new, free, immersive experience of L.S. Lowry’s iconic work Going to the Match from May 3. Developed with world-renowned creative studio Layers of Reality, ‘LOWRY 360’ will fully surround audiences with the sights and sounds of Going to the Match, transporting them into the painting before they experience the original artwork first hand. LOWRY 360 promises to be a powerful journey into the world of football, community, and culture – themes that define both L.S. Lowry’s art and everyday life in Salford.
9. Take on The Cube in real life at Urban Playground
Oh, how we love a game show here in the UK. And The Cube is no exception. If you’ve ever sat there screaming at the telly while a contestant royally messes things up – now’s your chance to show off your skills, once and for all. Located at Urban Playground inside Manchester Arndale, The Cube Live recreates the gameshow IRL for fans to take on – marking the first live experience in the show’s 13-year history. Here you can recreate the gameshow by stepping into the iconic Perspex box with up to seven challenges to choose from (some of which are single or two player games) and test your skill, nerve and determination in order to beat The Cube.
10. Explore portraits of famous faces at this immersive art exhibition
A very special immersive art experience is coming to Salford, which is set to entrench visitors in the world of some of the most recognisable faces in UK history, culture and general everyday life. The National Portrait Gallery and FRAMELESS Creative, the UK’s leading creator of immersive experiences, are bringing the first immersive art experience of a UK national collection, Stories – Brought to Life, to MediaCity in Salford.
Running from May 2 until August 31, the groundbreaking new immersive, cinematic show promises to redefine the gallery experience, with an emotionally charged spectacle that pushes the boundaries of creative storytelling. Featured people include Winston Churchill, Charles Darwin, Queen Elizabeth I, Queen Elizabeth II, Ncuti Gatwa, Audrey Hepburn, Dorothy Hodgkin, Mai, Nelson Mandela, Emmeline Pankhurst, Grayson Perry, Mary Seacole, William Shakespeare, Amy Winehouse, Oscar Wilde, Virginia Woolf and Malala Yousafzai.
11. Experience your favourite movies at these eat-along immersive screenings
Pairing brilliant food with iconic on-screen moments, Taste Film is truly a feast for all the senses. Giving a whole new meaning to ‘watch what you eat’, this is an immersive experience that combines two of life’s greatest joys: food and film. If you’ve ever found yourself wanting to reach out and grab a bite of whatever’s on screen, your interest is about to be piqued.
Mancunians can look forward to some absolute classics taking to the screen: with Chef(2014) and White Chicks(2004) getting the Taste Film treatment. Bite into Booao Buns or delicious Yellow Snow (said no one ever) while watching your favourite monsters battle to find the right door, or sip on a clueless cocktail as you watch the high school drama unfold.
12. Get your game on at NERF Action Xperience
NERF’s first entertainment centre in the UK located at Trafford Palazzo in Manchester, brings with it plenty of immersive experiences with thematic battlegrounds, training activities and a variety of sports games to burn off some of that competitive energy.. It’s fun for all ages so whether you’ve got young kids, fancy a change of pace for date night, or just want to have some fun with friends this giant indoor arena is the one for you.
With five different zones where you can face off against foes (aka friends and family), brush up on your sharpshooter skills and get your blood-pumping playing all sorts of high-energy sports, the adventures and challenges are endless. Plus, after all the fun, you can swing by the on-site restaurant Archie’s for a bite to eat while you reassess your battle plans and plot some future adventures.
13. Answer trivia, sing or race to victory at Spider Box Manchester
Located in Printworks, Spider Box Manchester is a new “next-generation” social entertainment venue offer experiences ranging from immersive music quizzes, live music, karaoke and racing simulators to a tasty food and drink offering. Spider Box has also taken you classic music quiz in your local boozer to another level as players can immerse themselves into their own music quiz panel show housed within Spider Box’s booths.
Spider Box Manchester also features six state of the art racing simulators with wrap-around screens and shakes and shudders as you drive off the track. All budding Lewis Hamilton’s can take on racing challenges on some of the best tracks and circuits in the world at the wheel of some of the fastest cars.