Free Manchester Walking Tours

Overview of the tour in Manchester

Every Day. 11 am. Alan Turing Memorial (Sackville Gardens). Just Turn Up.

Manchester's original trip-based walking tour - led by storytellers, History graduates, and most important, by Mancunians!

Discover Manchester's story. On Manchester's original and top-rated free tour, we'll visit the must-see attractions, and also lesser-known hidden gems. Your native English-speaking guides invite you on an entertaining and informative adventure - whether you’re a visitor, or familiar with the city!

Plus there are many fantastic photo opportunities, the chance to meet new people, and our unique list of insider recommendations.

NOTICE: When arriving, douvle-check you are with an official FMWT guide, who will be wearing a blue coat feautring our compass-shaped logo - there are occasinally impersonators.

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!

Join Manchester the original way: on foot, and for free.

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.