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Are you looking for the best things to do in Manchester for couples? We are here to help!
Wirth so many bars, activities, canals and more, you won’t be surprised to know that there are a lot of activities for couples in Manchester.
Here you will find all sorts of ideas. This includes romantic things to do in Manchester but also fun activities for couples who want to have a fun date.
We also included some unique activities for everyone who’d rather something a bit different!
So, are you ready to discover what the best couples things to do in Manchester are? Let’s get started!
1. Go on a canal cruise
The Manchester Ship Canal is 36 miles long and stretches from the heart of Manchester to the Irish Sea.
It was completed in 1893 so has been a part of Manchester’s history for a long time.
One of the fun things to do in Manchester for couples is a canal cruise. This canal river cruise takes you along both the Ship Canal and the River Irwell.
The tour lasts around 70 minutes, and you will see the old docklands, modern sites like Media City, the famous Old Trafford and the 1830 George Stephenson’s railway bridge.
Along the way, you will learn about the history of the canal and area with an onboard commentary. You can board this cruise from the city centre or Salford Quays.
Alternatively, you can hop aboard the Princess Katherine for an evening of swing and the rat pack.
You will listen to live performances of hits like Sinatra and Bobby Darin for 2 ½ hours and get to take in the views of the city.
2. Pedal Boat in Heaton Park
If you are looking for a nice and romantic outdoor activity in Manchester, head to Heaton Park. There you will find a small lake where you can hire a pedal boat.
You can do so for 30 minutes or an hour and on a sunny day, it’s such a romantic thing to do.
They have two types of pedal boats, one in the shape of a swan, and normal ones.
You can book online or simply show up and book there (though if it’s a sunny Saturday or Sunday, it could be a bit busy).
Once you paid, you can go get your boat and start pedalling away.
It’s very nice and scenic. The lake is quite small but you will for sure have to pedal quite a bit. There are islands in the middle as well as loads of ducks. It’s very pretty.
If you don’t want to actually do the pedalling, you’ll be happy to know they also offer electric boats.
Also, they offer afternoon tea in bubbles just next to the lake, perfect for those looking for a quirky afternoon tea.
READ MORE: 6+ Best Manchester Boat Trips to Book in 2023
3. Have dinner at Mana
Ancoats is one of the coolest and trendiest neighbourhoods in Manchester and it is home to Mana, a high-end Michelin-star modern British restaurant.
Located on Blossom Street, this restaurant is one of the best romantic things to do in Manchester.
There’s just something about high-end, perfectly presented food that oozes romance.
Chef Simon Martin can be seen in the kitchen by diners which adds to the wonderful atmosphere.
You will be served a surprise multi-course menu whether you visit at lunch or dinner.
There’s a big focus here on Simon’s concept of “we live on an island”, therefore food is sourced locally.
Though food is locally sourced, the menu at Mana is influenced by the chef’s travels to Japan and Scandinavia.
With wonderful flavours, perfect presentation, and attentive customer service, there’s nowhere better for a romantic meal.
4. Watch a show at the Royal Exchange Theatre
Manchester’s Royal Exchange Theatre was founded in 1976.
It focuses on brand new drama performances as well as reinvigorated classic productions.
Visiting the Royal Exchange Theatre for one of their productions is one of the best activities for a more cultured date night in Manchester.
The shows on offer are ever changing but recent shows have included “Betty! A Sort of Musical” featuring Silk’s Maxine Peake.
From serious productions to comedies and classics like West Side Story, there’s bound to be something that you’ll be interested in watching.
The theatre is worth visiting in itself, three large glass domes define the space making for a dynamic and unique place to watch a theatre performance.
5. Visit the Manchester Art Gallery
If you are searching for sophisticated activities in Manchester for couples why not head to the Manchester Art Gallery.
The impressive six columned entrance to the Manchester Art Gallery is on Mosley Street.
This art gallery was established in 1823 and has a collection of more than 25,000 items that have been curated over a period of more than 200 years.
Wander around hand-in-hand admiring the gallery’s extensive collection which includes many romantic paintings.
The Pre-Raphaelites collection is one of the galleries’ most impressive.
They have a fascinating costume collection of fashion items dating from the 1600s to the present day.
After all the gazing and admiration of art from different eras why not go for a coffee date at the gallery café?
6. Relax at The Spa at The Midland
This award winning spa is the ultimate place to treat your other half to the relaxation they deserve.
The spa has a sauna, steam room, swimming pool relaxation areas and thermal revitalization spaces.
The Rena spa has a variety of different treatments including facials, body massages, body wraps, manicures, and pedicures.
As well as individual services they also have a number of spa day packages including their Double Up package which is perfect for couples.
READ MORE: 8+ Famous Hotels in Manchester You Should Book
7. Wine Tasting Evening with Manchester Wine School
Manchester Wine School is more than just a school where you can get your wine qualifications. They also offer weekly wine tasting events.
They take place at the Townhouse Hotel on Portland Street (not King Street Townhouse Hotel, just Townhouse Hotel – don’t make the same mistake we did!) on Friday and Saturday evening.
Each of their events is unique and focuses on a different topic. You can find the complete list on their website here.
But basically there are 2 types of tastings. Some that focuses on wines from specific countries such as France, Australia or Italy.
The others are more seasonal and will include different wines and more information about pairings.
For example, at Christmas time they have some champagne tastings as well as Christmas cheese boards and wine pairings.
While it won’t be just the two of you, I still thought it was an amazing thing to do as a couple in Manchester because it’s fun, you learn some things and you taste wine!
8. Walk around Fletcher Moss Botanical Garden
There’s just something so romantic about being surrounded by nature, flowers, and plants.
The Fletcher Moss Botanical Garden is in Didsbury and opened up for public use in 1915.
This botanical garden is lovely, with a variety of paths to walk along.
As well as a variety of plant species there’s also wildlife, often there are cows and a lot of birds are attracted to the flora.
This is a great park for a romantic walk, especially during spring and summer. There is also a café on site where you can grab coffee and sandwiches.
If you are searching for a couple’s date but want to bring the dog, this is a wonderful place to explore.
Though they must be kept on their lead, dogs are welcome and there’s plenty of interesting scenery for them to investigate.
9. Go for a canal walk
There are a ton of canal walks in Manchester and Greater Manchester. If you are searching for something in the city centre though, the Wharf Walk is an excellent choice.
This walk starts in Castlefield and allows you to stroll past pubs, restaurants, and see bits of the city. You can also follow the Bridgewater Way Canal towpath.
For a long walk you can follow the Bridgewater Canal from Castlefield Junction.
A canal walk is ideal for an outdoorsy date or for those who want to get active and head out on a long walk.
10. Visit Castlefield Viaduct
This imposing 330 metre Victorian steel viaduct is being turned into a sky park a little like New York’s Skyline.
The National Trust is currently undertaking a year long transformation project for the viaduct.
There are different sections of the viaduct being left in varying states.
There’s a section which has been left as nature has claimed it since 1969 and then there’s a high horticulture area which features beautiful and varied plant species.
Currently, the viaduct is open for pre-booked guided tours between 11am and 1pm every day apart from Wednesday.
In the afternoons after 1pm you can visit without the ticket.
This is a wonderful new urban space to experience the buzz of the city but also the freshness of beautiful foliage and nature right in the heart of Manchester.
11. Go to HOME
HOME is an arts centre, cinema, and theatre complex on Tony Wilson Place just a short walk away from Deansgate train station.
Also known as the Greater Manchester Arts Centre it’s the place to go for a laugh, educational insight, and art.
HOME features a number of incredible everchanging international contemporary art exhibitions.
There are also two theatres which show many thought provoking theatre pieces.
If you don’t fancy going to the theatre, head to the cinema where they have five screens.
As well as being a place for arts and entertainment, HOME has also become a lovely social space.
With a café, bar, roof terrace and restaurant there are plenty of places to stop off for food and drink.
12. Wine tasting at Grape to Grain
Grape to Grain is a wine merchant and beer cellar in Prestwich offering various wine tasting options.
There are four different ticket options, the 50 ml Taster, 125 ml Glass, 500ml Carafe and the Full Bottle.
It is well worth checking out their website for their different tastings and themes.
From American wines to volcano wines and chardonnay, this is the place to sample and learn more about amazing wines.
The wine connoisseurs at grape and grain are highly professional and knowledgeable and always able to answer any questions you may have.
13. Try Breakout Manchester
Put your cooperation and problem solving skills to the test by getting stuck into challenges and trying to escape.
The Church Street location has the following themed rooms: Cursed Carnival, The Emporium of Magic, Vacancy, Captured, The Detective Agency, Zombie Lab, and Sabotage.
Whilst Newton Street has Immortal, Enchanted, Unsolved, Frankenstein, Crimson Lake Motel, Forsaken, The Vault A and The Vault B.
14. Treasure Hunt in Manchester
This treasure hunt starts with you clicking a web link on your phone.
You will then receive messages from a character Captain Bess, a pirate seeking new members to join her crew.
You will be given an online treasure map and your job to navigate your way through the streets of Manchester searching for clues and answering questions.
If the questions are too difficult simply ask for a hint.
You can go at your own pace as you visit other Manchester attractions. This treasure hunt just adds an injection of fun and intrigue to your wanderings.
The treasure hunt starts outside Manchester Piccadilly station before leading you down canal paths, past hidden gardens and squares.
As you follow the treasure map you will also learn a lot about the history and some fun facts.
15. Watch a movie at Everyman Cinema
Everyman Manchester St. Johns is a wonderful cinema on Quay Street in Spinningfields. This is not just any cinema. This is a boutique cinema!
Gone are the days of individual chairs, you and your date can really relax on plush cinema sofas.
Forget the generic popcorn and pick-n-mix, Everyman Cinema even has a food menu, cocktails and ice cream sundaes.
They’ve got mainstream, independent, and classic films showing throughout the week.
The only problem is you will never want to revert back to the classic cinema experience. This one is just so comfortable!
16. Go to a candlelight concert
The Candlelight Concerts are a series of music concerts supported by the backdrop of thousands of lit candles. They have a classical twist onto modern music.
Just picture yourself and your date listening to the charms of Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran classical version and surrounded by tons of flickering candles.
Many of the Manchester performances are held at the Manchester Cathedral on Victoria Street. This 800 year old grade I listed building only adds to the ambiance of the evening.
17. Go for an afternoon tea
Manchester is positively brimming with afternoon tea locations. For something fun and vibrant there’s the Richmond Tea Rooms along Sackville Street.
They have a unique Alice in Wonderland themed afternoon tea service that features all the classics like scones, and sandwiches but with cocktails and live entertainment.
Or if you are treating your partner why not book afternoon tea at Sunset by Australasia.
Their afternoon tea comes in bento box form, a modern international take on a classic British pastime. Some of their sweet treats include macarons, ice cream and honey cake.
18. Take salsa classes
Is there anything more romantic than learning to dance with your partner?
If you are new to dancing, you might find it a bit daunting but with your partner by your side you can laugh at your two left feet or catch the dancing bug.
La Suerte Dance School offers evening Cuban salsa classes every day of the week. You can sign up for just one class or enrol on a course. They offer 16-week beginner courses that are absolutely fantastic!
READ MORE: 5+ Best Places to Dance Salsa in Manchester
19. Go skiing at Chill Factore
Chill Factore is home to the UK’s longest indoor ski slope.
The slope length is 180 metres with the main slope starting at 40 metres.
Whether you have never hit the slopes before or are a regular but don’t want to head to Europe this is the place to be.
You can try skiing or snowboarding at Chill Factore.
Simply buy a lift pass for 1, 2, 3 or 8 hours or enroll in lessons and you can be dashing down the snowy slopes in no time.
After your skiing or snowboarding session visit the Chill Factore café for a coffee or hot chocolate, it will make you feel like you just stepped off the slopes of Val d’Isère.
20. Fly360 Flight Simulator
Located in the Runway Visitor Park at Manchester airport, the Fly360 Flight Simulator is a great couples activity in Manchester if you want to do something a bit different.
Basically, you will be inside a flight simulator where you are the pilot.
The machine can fit two people which is why it’s ideal for couples.
You will have full control over the joystick and can do whatever you want with your plane, even invert it!
It’s a lot of fun and will give you a good idea of what pilots see and do when they fly a plane.
It’s also important to note that it’s quite cheap (from £6 per person) so it’s perfect for couples on a budget.
Now that you know everything about the best activities and days out for couples in Manchester, it’s time to go and have fun!
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