Make the most of Manchester in the rain.
The sun may be rearing its head occasionally at the moment, but any Manc – born or adopted – knows the rain is never far away. So if you’ve lured your mates over with the promise of fun in the city in the sun, only to have your plans scuppered by the pesky weather, fear not! We’ve got you covered with a host of rainy day-friendly activities.
[Photo: mariapage]
1. Tackle an Escape Room
Breakout offers a number of themed-rooms including Harry Potter fan-favourite Enchanted, which begins in the Wizarding section of the local library, where you find a mysterious book. As you start to thumb through it you are transported to an enchanted forest, filled with a host of weird and wonderful creatures, where you stumble upon a house made of gingerbread and sweets that definitely isn’t a trap.
Should you enter the house or stay away? Will your sweet tooth get the better of you? Can you escape the trap laid out for you, before whatever set it returns to eat you? Find out for yourself. The Escape Room also offers a number of other themes, too, including an old-fashion detective murder mystery, a twisted mad laboratory and so much more. Find out more here.
2. Polish up your darts skills at Flight Club
Cocktails, pizza and interactive darts. Flight Club has a whole lot of fun in store for your 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-opps!), you’re sure to be in for a good night. Find out more here.
3. Master the art of snow sports at the Chill Factore
Love a taste of adrenaline? 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 (or have simply had their skiing holiday cancelled due to COVID!). 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. Find out more.
4. Go axe throwing at Whistle Punks
Perfect for a mates date or work outing, axe throwing is the immensely satisfying and surprisingly social activity that gives you the chance to embrace your inner Viking.
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Experienced throwing instructors will get you throwing like a pro in no time. Then once you’ve got the hang of it they’ll take you and your group through a tournament until the king or queen of axes is crowned. Book your session here.
5. Go to the cinema
Need to hide away from the rain for a little while? Nothing beats a classic day out at the cinema – and Manchester has some seriously cool spots to catch a movie. From the uber-cosy Everyman that’s decked out with plush sofas and offers bar-to-sofa service, to the Printworks super-smart Vue cinema – there’s a cinema for everyone.
6. Play some retro arcade games
NQ64, based on Short Street in Manchester’s Northern Quarter, is home to an underground drinking den where guests can play retro arcade games and classic consoles from their youth while enjoying the beverages of their adulthood. Click here for more information.
7. Perfect your aim at Point Blank Shooting
Offering up games, food and tasty drinks, Point Blank Shooting is a great place to catch-up with mates, with a number of shooting simulation games to play for couples and groups. Chow down on tasty nibbles such buttermilk chicken and nachos, or take advantage of the diverse cocktail menu where you’ll find something for everyone’s tastes. Book it here.
8. Wind down with games and drinks at Roxy Ball Room
Roxy Ball Room is a one-stop destination for fun out of the grim weather, providing a ton of games that’ll keep you entertained for hours. Try your hand at American Pool, start a Ping Pong tournament, beat your friends at Shuffleboard or get lost in a maze of Crazy Golf – all while washing your rain-induced blues away with cocktails and beer. Book a session here.
9. Junkyard Golf
Drink and putt your way through Junkyard Golf’s outrageous and colourful course, with jungle, fairground and scrapyard themes throughout with hilarious little touches to keep you entertained. Choose from either theme for your game, and enjoy cocktails packed with sweets as you compete with your friends for the crazy golf crown (which doesn’t exist, but a little competition never hurt nobody!).
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 and 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. Find out more.
Read more: 10 Things That Are Guaranteed To Infuriate Any Mancunian
Also published on Medium.