
There’s no denying life in the city can be rough, with high rent and constant rain making us mostly miserable (even for friendly Mancs!). Sometimes all we need is a big old cry. As a regular city centre sobber, these are the best places to cry in Manchester next time Gregg’s run out of vegan sausage rolls. Happy sobbing!
1. On a bench in Piccadilly Gardens
One of the easiest places in the city to do anything slightly peculiar, a bench in Piccadilly Gardens is a great spot for having a good old cry. The general public will be too distracted to notice you with the sheer amount of passers-by.
2. Heaton Park
A slightly more scenic place to get in touch with your emotions, there are plenty of spots to have a mighty sob in at Heaton Park. Whether it’s ducks that help the tears flow or just the general sight of greenery, you’re sure to find a nice, quiet spot here. You probably won’t look out of place when Parklife‘s on either – bonus!
3. On the tram
Pick the right tram at peak time (usually towards Ashton Under Lyne from Media City), you’re sure to be able to disguise a decent cry. The commuter time trams are so busy, you’ll likely get the opportunity to bawl your eyes out directly into someone’s backpack that’s conveniently squished against your face – maybe even drying your tears for you, too. There’s always the excuse that they accidentally whacked you in the face if they notice. And with dogs allowed on our trams, you’ll have the perfect emotional support animals all around!
4. Victoria Station
The best station for cancelled train services, Victoria Station is a brilliant spot for when you’re feeling a little teary-eyed. Not only are the platforms super long so you can space yourself away from others, but there are so many train cancellations, you have the perfect excuse of ‘I can’t get home’ to utilise. Cry away, my commuter friends, cry away.
5. Deansgate on a Saturday night
Head out sometime after midnight and you’re sure to see a ton of crying drunks dotted around Deansgate – especially around the Albert’s Schloss side where most people have had one too many already. For inspiration, it’s a common sight to see (mostly) girls crying on the kerb with their heels in hand and mascara down their face – the perfect undercover cry attire. Must have been the gin, right? Hiding in plain sight could be one of the best places to cry in Manchester.
6. New Islington Marina
An exceptional choice for sobbing all year round, New Islington Marina is a pretty little spot with benches and the view of the water to help you channel your emotions. The best part? When you inevitably decide to treat yourself, Pollen Bakery is on hand to provide the baked goods and Cask to provide the pints! We consider this one of the best places to cry in Manchester.
7. The food court at the Trafford Centre
With plenty of tables and fast-food choices close by, the food court at the Trafford Centre is great for drowning your french fries in tears and sorrow before heading into the shopping mall for a bit of retail therapy. In the summer, sobbers can even head outside and cry in the sun, with seating available outside of Five Guys. Perfect.
8. On The M60
With all the road works going on for what appears to be an eternity, the M60 is a great place to head if you have a car, particularly since you’re guaranteed to be there for a while in traffic. You can even play your finest tear-jerking playlist (my personal choice is Purple Rain by Prince on repeat) and belt out some seriously depressing lyrics to accompany your sob-fest. Then, when you’re feeling a bit better, circle round to the Krispy Kreme drive-thru at Trafford before heading home to forget it ever happened. Given the privacy, the motorway can be considered one of the best places to cry in Manchester, just make sure you pull over if you get carried away!
9. Media City
The home of the BBC and ITV up north, MediaCityUK has some great areas for crying in. The green area outside the Beeb is a lovely spot in the summer – especially if you go at Corrie time. The soap is screened daily on the big screen and any crying can be considered as over-enthusiasm for the classic Manchester soap. If you’re feeling extra dramatic, you could also get away with pretending to be a Corrie extra nearby the set. Anyone fancy running lines with me?
10. Under Castlefield Viaduct
Although we’re usually more interested in what’s going on above the newly repurposed Castlefield Viaduct, the shade and s0litude provided by the industrial structure can lend itself to the perfect cry. The canalside location brings an air of calmness to your sob-sesh, with ample options for a post-cry stroll around the weaving canals and locks nearby. You could always then meet a friend for a drink at Dukes 92 or The Wharf, and drown your sorrows or bask in a comfortable social situation. Chin up, chuck!
11. St Ann’s Church
Whether you’re religious or not, a visit to St Ann’s Church can be a truly spiritual experience where crying would not be out of place. The comfort of the beautiful interior of the 1712 church allows for a lengthy solo sit-down, and provides a sanctuary right at the heart of the city. There are also plenty benches outside, including the ‘Jesus the Homeless’ statue tribute to homeless people in the area where you can have a moment of reflection, and the less-trodden St Ann’s Place around the back of the church gives the option to walk and sob – efficient!
12. The Britons Protection pub
Previously subject to a petition to keep it open, The Britons Protection pub feels like the comforting hug you need when you’re craving a cry. Speaking from personal experience, the beer garden envelops visitors with a feeling of safety to discuss and feel whatever they want or need to. The traditional bar is waiting on your return indoors to offer liquid comfort, with an array of cosy pub rooms around the perimeter to continue the tears or pick yourself back up again. Traditional pubs can surprisingly be one of the best places to cry in Manchester.
13. The House of Books and Friends
Arguably, there’s no safer spot for a cry in Manchester than The House of Books and Friends. Inclusive, calm and full of books to distract yourself with, treat yourself to a cuppa and a slice of cake, browse the Brontës and the Byrons, and let those tears go. Plus, let yourself sink into one of their cushty sofas and crack open a tale that’ll pull on the heartstrings – you’ll fit right in.
14. The disco toilet cubicle at Albert’s Schloss
Known for its raucous Bavarian goings-on and top notch food and drink, Albert’s Schloss is also in possession of a rather funky toilet cubicle – in the ladies’ anyway. Although this adds a groovy flare to your night out, it can also be the best place to nip for a little (or large) sob. Head downstairs for some privacy, and into the biggest cubicle – hit the button and let the tears flow. With disco tunes and a rainbow light tunnel, no one will hear your sobs, so you can really go to town, and what’s more, once the tears dry up, you can have a little boogie!