Free Manchester Walking Tours
Overview
'Free Manchester Walking Tours' is the original tips-based free walking tour of Manchester, founded in 2015 by Josh, a History MA grad - now run by a small team of Mancunian storytellers.
On this 3-hour “Story of Manchester” tour you’ll see the must-see sights – Town Hall area, Royal Exchange Theatre, John Rylands Library, canals and the Gay Village – plus hidden gems, street art and a statue to a local fruit drink. We show how Manchester went from the world’s first industrial city to a modern home of radical politics, football, science, music and rave culture, using big storytelling, humour and music so it’s fun and easy to follow.
The tour is in English, runs in all weather, and is fully wheelchair accessible. Solo travellers, couples, friends, families and even dogs are all welcome. We also offer LGBT+ and private tours – ask guide for details.
There is no fixed price: at the end you are invited to tip what you feel the tour was worth, according to your budget.
IMPORTANT: please check you are with an official FMWT guide in a blue coat with our compass logo, as there are sometimes imitators.
This activity includes:
- Sackville Garden
- Alan Turing Memorial
- Manchester
- Local Guides
- IRA Bomb
- Coffee Break
- Walking
- Stories
- Vimto
- Architecture
- Raves
- Revolutions
- Street Art
- Hidden Gems
- Recommendations
On arrival
The starting point is the Alan Turing Memorial in Sackville Gardens.
We are 2 mins from the Chorlton Street National Express bus station, 5 mins from Piccadilly Train Station, and 5 mins from Oxford Road Train Station. Sackville Gardens is situated between Canal Street, Whitworth Street, and Sackville Street by Richmond Tea Rooms.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Official guides wear blue coats & the compass-shaped logo! (Double-check our uniform, as there are occasionally impersonators in Sackville Gardens)
Things to note
WHEN DO YOU RUN?
Every Day at 11 am! The tour will last around 3-hours (which includes a break) dependiing how quick we walk and talk!
WHERE DO YOU START?
By the Alan Turing Memorial statue (it's a statue of a man sat down holding an apple)
The Alan Turing Memorial in located in Sackville Gardens, opposite Richmond Tea Rooms near Canal Street. (Postcode M1 3BH)
WHERE DO YOU END?
Usually, Free Manchester Walking Tours ends in Exchange Square, opposite Oyster Pub (the cheapest pint in Manchester!) -
A short walk from the National Football Museum and Victoria Train Station (M3 1BD)
ARE YOU ACCESSIBLE?
We want everyone to come away from our tour with an equal love of the city!
Free Manchester Walking Tours is wheelchair accessible.
If you have other access needs - perhaps hearing/medical - that you think might be good for us to know in advance, then email us or let us know at the start.
Anyone of any age is welcome on Free Manchester Walking Tours, as are pets!
WHAT ELSE SHOULD I KNOW?
Our tours run in ALL weather (seriously...!) so an umbrella, a waterproof coat, and perhaps shoes with a little grip recommended.
Large parties (8+) and schools must could contact us in advance.
WHAT WILL WE DISCOVER?
Political trailblazers, Architectural wonders, Street art and Urban legends, Historical stories, Rave culture, Football giants, Industrial innovation, Musical heroes, and much more...
WHERE WILL WE VISIT?
Manchester Town Hall, National Football Museum, Royal Exchange Theatre, China Town, University of Manchester, Gay Village, Manchester Cathedral, Rochdale Canal, Palace Hotel, Manchester Central Library, John Rylands Library... ANYTHING ELSE I SHOULD KNOW?
Official guides wear blue coats & the compass-shaped logo! (Double-check our uniform, as there are occasionally impersonators in Sackville Gardens)
ARE YOU REALLY FREE?
Free Manchester Walking Tours is an independent tour established by Josh a decade ago. We believe everyone should be able to discover Manchester, no matter what their budget. We receive no financial subsidy or support. We invite visitors to tip at the end of the tour, should they wish to show their appreciation!
CAN I FIND YOU ELSEWHERE? NOTE: On arrival, please ensure you are with an official FMWT guide who will be wearing a BLUE coat, featuring our compass-shaped logo. Unfortunately, we occasionally experience impersonators.
Free Cancellation
You are free to cancel a booking anytime. We kindly remind you to cancel bookings you cannot arrive for. Being reported as absent decreases your customer level points and the benefits you can enjoy.
