There’s plenty to see in and learn about Manchester, and our walking tour heroes are all on hand to provide comprehensive and trustworthy information. One company offering walking tours is a little bit different, though, as Invisible Manchester exclusively hires expert tour guides who have been affected by homelessness.
Invisible Manchester offers friendly walking tours of Manchester that showcase the city’s historical landmarks and explore the social projects that make the city what it is. The experienced tour guides, all of whom have been affected by homelessness, simply live and breathe the city, and offer their own personal insight into Manchester’s past, present and future, teaching locals and visitors alike the most interesting facts and nuances about the city.
Invisible Manchester walking tours
Ales & Alleyways: Andy’s Stories of Pubs
If you’re looking for a general history tour of Manchester, encompassing all things from specific personal tales to historical facts, then Andy’s tour is for you. As an added bonus, his corny humour will leave you chuckling as you navigate to and from each stop, and you can’t beat a bit of Manc humour, can you?
In the 1980s, Andy and his pals fell in love with Manchester’s bustling nightlife and rock music scene. Today he leads you on a guided tour of Manchester, taking the very same route of his nights out in the 1980s, but this time reflecting on how the venues have played a significant role in shaping Manchester’s history.
🎟️ Find tickets here.
Wonderwalk through Manchester with Nic
This walking tour of Manchester maps the city’s illustrious history of music and art, focusing on the venues and musicians which have helped to shape Manchester’s music scene. ‘Wonderwalk’ is led by Nic, a friendly and entertaining tour guide, who wants you to fall in love with the music of Manchester as he did from an early age.
With every turn Nic will brighten and enlighten you with tales and stories that combine the city’s and his own rich musical experience. You’ll be taken on a journey through the Rave Revolution, sparked by the Haçienda, to the presence of reggae at Thirsty Scholar, and not forgetting the classical opera scene at the Royal Northern College of Music and Bridgewater Hall. The tour champions the legacy of Madchester that will never be lost, but also supports and empowers our smaller venues (which is now more important than ever) that play a huge part in the city’s never-ending, unique music scene.
🎟️ Book here.
We Built This City From Depression
This tour transports you back to a time where Manchester looked very different. ‘We Built This City From Depression’ uncovers the tombstones that the Northern city’s roots have grown over. With each step that Stephen takes, the city’s past starts to live and breathe again, unveiling the cobbled streets and working people that made Manchester what it is today.
Ever wondered why Manchester is proudly associated with the symbol of the bee? From the Great Depression, to the artistic work of Lowry, the Industrial Revolution to the IRA bombing that led to the regeneration of our city. This tour captures the hurdles Manchester has overcome. By sharing the darkness and shadows of Manchester’s past, Stephen’s stories show that there is always light at the end of the tunnel.
🎟️ Tickets available here.
Manchester has such a layered past, all of which makes it the incredible city we now call home, and Invisible Manchester walking tours are the perfect way to discover that history whilst supporting those who have beaten the odds. Read all about Invisible Manchester and book your preferred walking tour on their website.