Manchester · RAINY DAYS

Indoor things to do in Manchester.

A library, a museum or a film can give a wet afternoon a purpose. Start in the centre for architecture and social history, or follow Oxford Road for collections and art.

Editorial illustration: a reading table beside a rain-streaked library window
Illustrative editorial image · Image credits

Choose an area first

John Rylands has a shorter visiting week, while People’s History Museum closes on Tuesdays. For a cinema visit, HOME has a changing programme and timed tickets. Pick the venue first, then make the journey around its opening time.

01

Deansgate · Books & architecture

John Rylands Library

Rare books, exhibition galleries and a remarkable reading room on Deansgate. A small escape from the city outside.

Public visits are free and do not need a booking. Entry is Wednesday to Saturday, 10am–5pm; last entry is 4.40pm.

150 Deansgate, Manchester M3 3EH

02

Oxford Road · Museums

Manchester Museum

Natural history and collections from across the world, on the university's Oxford Road campus.

The museum's galleries are free. Its main temporary exhibition may need a free advance booking.

Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL

03

Oxford Road · Art & galleries

The Whitworth

An art gallery beside Whitworth Park. Build an afternoon around its exhibitions, then leave time for the park.

The gallery offers free entry. Its own visit page carries opening times, family facilities and operational updates.

Oxford Road, Manchester M15 6ER

04

Spinningfields · Museums

People's History Museum

A museum of democracy, protest and the people who shaped political life in Britain.

General entry is free, with donations welcomed. Open 10am–5pm every day except Tuesday.

Left Bank, Spinningfields, Manchester M3 3ER

05

First Street · Film & performance

HOME

Cinema, theatre and visual art at First Street. Start with the programme and choose the kind of evening you want.

The building opens at 10am Monday–Saturday and 11am on Sunday. Cinema and theatre performances have their own tickets and start times.

2 Tony Wilson Place, Manchester M15 4FN

Make it your own day

Oxford Road and Spinningfields make useful starting points. Choose one part of the city for a short outing; save the other for another day.

Use the official programme for temporary exhibitions, closures and any booking requirements. Save a place from its page to keep it on your list.

More things to do in Manchester