Whether a born and raised Manc or an adopted one, we know all know rain is never far away in our dear city. However, poor weather doesn’t need to dampen your spirits – or your plans. We’ve got you covered in for things to do in Manchester on a rainy day.
1. Enjoy the comfort of the big screen cinema
Who doesn’t love the cinema? The latest films, popcorn – and an ice blast, of course. It’s a perfect activity for any time of the day. So if showers scupper your plans but you’re not prepared to put them completely off why not head to the cinema? I mean, you’ll be entertained for an hour or two, giving the rain time to pass. Worst case scenario: you’ve just watched a really great film. Best case scenario: you’ve watched a really great film and it’s stopped raining. Making it even more worthwhile is the fact that we can offer you a tasty discount on both Odeon and Vue tickets. Result.
2. Visit Manchester Art Gallery
Take shelter from the rainy day at Manchester Art Gallery. It is in the heart of the city and been at the heart of city life for over 200 years. It boasts an impressive public collection under its care of over 46,000 objects spanning centuries of fine art, craft and more. This has been shaped by the people, not just those in charge of the gallery but by the people of Manchester itself. Besides its impressive collection, it also has several rotating exhibitions and events throughout the year. So, with plenty to dive into, why not spend the day down at the historic space and enjoy all it has to offer? Better yet, it’s entirely free to go to the main gallery collections and exhibition spaces.
3. Add a spark to your concert experience with a Candlelight performance
Keeping with the theme of spectacles, we have Candlelight concerts. This might not be one you’ve thought of before, but trust us, it’s an experience you won’t forget. At a Candlelight concert, you will essentially be getting a tribute performance from a live musician, or musicians, based around a certain artist or theme. Manchester can boast about its huge range of candlelight’s happening this year, so whether you’re a fan of Coldplay or Aretha Franklin, or even movie soundtracks, there’s something for everyone.
4. John Rylands Research Institute – just trust us, it’s not what it sounds like…
If you’re after free things to do in Manchester on a rainy day a visit to the John Rylands Research Institute cannot go amiss. Unless you are studying, or have pretty niche interests, John Rylands probably doesn’t initially come to mind a one of the city’s places to be. However, it should. It is free to access to the public and has so much to offer. As a research institute, it boasts an impressive library that includes some rare collections you would struggle to find anywhere else in the world. It also boasts exhibitions and events across the year for you to enjoy. This all comes housed in a Grade I listed building with exquisite architecture – which, again, you can enjoy entirely for free.
5. Test your judgment at The Jury Experience
The Jury Experience is an immersive live courtroom performance, where you get to decide on the verdict. As you watch the cases presented to you, you will have to weigh up testimonies and evidence in order to decipher fact from fiction. At the end of the show, as juror, you will have to vote what you think the verdict is — guilty or not guilty? With two cases currently on trial, there are multiple chances to test your judgement!
6. Master the art of snow sports at the Chill Factore
Love a little adrenaline? Swap the rainy weather for a day on the slopes – in Manchester! Chill Factore boasts the UK’s longest indoor ski slope and has plenty of activities on offer for those who like to live life on the wild side. Learn to ski or snowboard, or take on one of their mammoth team building activities, including climbing up to their very own summit, building sledges and more.
7. Be bedazzled at Ballet of Lights
If you’re looking for something a little magical on a rainy day in Manchester, Ballet of Lights: Sleeping Beauty is a great option. This reimagined version of the classic fairytale features dancers in glowing costumes that light up the stage as the story unfolds. It’s a cozy indoor plan that feels a bit special, perfect for escaping the rain while enjoying something visually different.
8. Get your skates on and head to a roller rink
9. Visit the mind-bending Museum of Illusions
10. Have a ping pong party at Twenty Twenty Two
Twenty Twenty Two has long attracted in-the-know Mancs when the sun decides to hide away for a while; it is tucked underground, so you can truly escape the dreadful weather. Walk in and be greeted with a welcoming bar surrounded by comfy, socially-laid out Chesterfield sofas – where you can kick back and relax while chatting with friends, before heading into the next room where you can book out a ping pong table for a while and play til your heart’s content.
11. Taste some of the best street food in Manchester at one of the city’s many food halls
12. Polish up your darts skills at Flight Club
Cocktails, pizza and interactive darts: Flight Club in Manchester has a whole lot of fun in store for your next rainy day visit. From ‘Push for Drinks’ buttons at the tables, to a whole host of competitive games to challenge your mates to (as well as various photo-ops!), you’re sure to be in for a good night.
13. Bounce around at this huge indoor inflatable theme park
14. Sip and laugh your way through this comedy forward wine tasting
This laugh-out-loud stand-up show pairs comedy with a guided tasting of six wines from around the world, making it as entertaining as it is educational. An Idiot’s Guide to Wine was created by comedian and wine expert Merrick Watts as a perfect plan for all, whether you know your tannins from your terroir or just enjoy a good glass. Held at New Century, it’s an ideal way to stay warm, dry, and thoroughly amused while the Manchester rain does its thing outside.
15. Get up close to sea creatures at the aquarium
16. Get your game on at the largest arcade in Europe
17. Cozy up to the smooth sound of jazz at this jazz club
What is more soul warming than the beautiful notes of jazz? The Jazz Room is a live show that brings a cozy, speakeasy-style jazz club atmosphere with low lighting, cocktails, and soulful music that fills the iconic Band on the Wall. It’s the kind of plan where you can settle in, forget the weather outside, and just let the music take over.
18. Get competitive with a game of crazy golf
