The Calendar of Public Walks & Zoom tours
Walks in standard text, Zoom tours in italics
You can purchase gift vouchers for these tours HERE
What guests have said...
1pm Castlefield, St John's and First Street
A stroll through a fascinating part of the city centre pausing at the main sites and some hidden ones as well. This is the area of the city where the earliest industrial artificial waterway in the kingdom meets the oldest passenger railway in the world. It's where Manchester began with the Romans, but it also tells a story of Manchester's present and perhaps its future. As usual lots of information but also lots of fun. There's refreshing treat to conclude. £15. Book here.
Tuesday 27 April
6.30pm Chorlton-cum-Hardy – Zoom tour
Chorlton-cum-Hardy has a rich history and some stirring stories along with some frankly ridiculous ones. This tour traces the history, the buildings (remaining and lost), the music, the literature and the personalities associated with this most mercurial of suburbs. There will be superb images both old and new, lots of laughs and entertainment.
FREE but contributions are very welcome.
Saturday 1 May
3pm Engels & Marx in Manchester
The story of two men and Manchester’s role in creating a world ideology, fascinating, entertaining and important tales of the two Germans in this city. There's a refreshing treat to conclude. £15. Book here.
Tuesday 4 May
6pm Engels & Marx in Manchester: Zoom tour in association with Chetham's Library
There is no place more closely associated with Friedrich Engels' two decades in Manchester than Chetham's Library. This is the story of Engels and Karl Marx and how their experiences in Manchester influenced their ideas and thus the creation of a world ideology. This tour will include fascinating, entertaining and important tales of the two Germans in this city with special emphasis on their visits to Chetham's Library.
FREE but ALL contributions go to Chetham's Library.
Wednesday 5 May
6pm The Manchester Guardian is 200 years old anniversary tour
The Manchester Guardian, now The Guardian, was first published on Saturday 5 May 1821. This tour tells the story of how it came into being amid the turmoil following the Peterloo Massacre, but it will also reveal the story of the city and the 'paper as both grew into international importance. There's refreshing treat to conclude. £15. Book here.
Saturday 8 May
11am The Manchester Guardian is 200 years old anniversary tour
For those who couldn't make the anniversary date on Wednesday, here's another opportunity to take part. The Manchester Guardian, now The Guardian, was first published on Saturday 5 May 1821 and this tour tells the story of how it came into being amid the turmoil following the Peterloo Massacre, but it will also reveal the story of the city and the 'paper as both grew into international importance. There's refreshing treat to conclude. £15. Book here.
3pm Irk Valley & Angel Meadow Tour: The Surprising Manchester Series
Sweet air, scuttlers, cholera, lost churches, the impossible bridge and the improbable hill. This is a popular and exciting tour. £15. Book here.
Tuesday 11 May
6pm Manchester: An Intimate History by Zoom
This is the story of Manchester (and Salford) in twenty Zoom tours and talks. It is an ‘intimate history’ because it will look not just at dates and episodes but explore the people behind the stories.
Part 5 Manchester: An Intimate History
Steam power, slavery and the attack on the Exchange - Years 1780 to 1812
FREE but contributions are very welcome.
Saturday 15 May
3pm The Chorlton Tour: The Surprising Manchester Series
From love stories to murders via pigs and pop music, learn about Chorlton’s fascinating story. There will be some grave digging (so to speak) and a refreshing treat to conclude. £15. Book here.
Tuesday 18 May
6pm Totally, Madly, Brutal. A Zoom tour
Modernism, the International Modern, Streamline Moderne, Brutalism, concrete, glass, steel. With superb imagery this tour takes a look at the pre-war and post-war buildings that have often been derided yet speak also of optimism in design from the Daily Express Building through the CIS Tower to the statement architecture of the Imperial War Museum North. As usual the commentary will be entertaining as well as informative. This tour ties in with BRUTAL, an exhibition exploring similar themes at the superb Saul Hay Gallery in Castlefield which begins on 14 May.
FREE but contributions are very welcome.
Saturday 22 May
11am Discover Manchester
A general tour around Manchester city centre showing off the buildings and telling loads of stories both profound and humorous while describing many of the rich personalities who have graced the city. There's refreshing treat to conclude. £12. Book here.
3pm Manchester Cathedral is 600 years old - today. A Zoom tour
Manchester Cathedral is a beautiful place, a moving place, an exciting place with a rich past, present and future. 22 May is a key moment for the church as this is the 600th anniversary of King Henry V's charter that is the origin of the institution we see today. The Zoom tour will show it off at its best, with superb images and great stories.
FREE but ALL contributions go to Manchester Cathedral Development Trust.
Saturday 29 May
11am Totally, Madly, Brutal
Modernism, the International Modern, Streamline Moderne, Brutalism, concrete, glass, steel, the Manchester Plan of 1945. This tour takes a look at the pre-war and post-war buildings that have often been derided yet speak also of optimism in design including the Daily Express Building, the CIS Tower, Piccadilly Plaza, Manchester's 'Little Brasilia'.
Tuesday 1 June
6pm New Manchester Buildings – the good, the average and the ugly. A Zoom tour
In the last 25 years the central area of Manchester and Salford has been transformed. It is now easily the tallest urban area outside London and it hasn’t finished yet with many more towers are planned. There have also been lots of lower new build across these areas at the same time. But are the buildings any good, will they last, are they something to look up too or are they slums of the future, is there anywhere near enough social housing being built. Join this feisty and opinionated Zoom tour and bring you own opinions.
4pm The Secrets of Altrincham
A fascinating, factual and humorous tour around the historic market town of Altrincham. There's music too. This tour is in association with Altrincham Unlimited, Altrincham's Business Improvement District. Tickets are exclusively available from Eventbrite.
Saturday 12 June
11m Platt Hall, Birch Fields and Chancellors Tour: The Surprising Manchester Series
THIS TOUR HAS MOVED TO THE 17 JULY
Tuesday 15 June
6pm Didsbury – Zoom tour
This tour will bring Didsbury to life – virtually. It will tell the story of the village that became a suburb through cracking images, old and new, and with a sparkling commentary. From an ancient church through civil wars, daft celebrations, music and literature to the posh commuting suburb with its centre of axis moved by the arrival of the railway, there will be lots to reveal. There’s even a Les Dawson joke about Didsbury.
Saturday 19 June
10am The Bicycle Magical Mystery Tour: The Surprising Manchester Series
Three and half hours of fun on a route around the city centre that is full of surprises and full of green spaces.
4pm The Secrets of Altrincham
A fascinating, factual and humorous tour around the historic market town of Altrincham. There's music too. This tour is in association with Altrincham Unlimited, Altrincham's Business Improvement District. Tickets are exclusively available from Eventbrite.
Tuesday 22 June
6pm Manchester: An Intimate History by Zoom
This is the story of Manchester (and Salford) in twenty Zoom tours and talks. It is an ‘intimate history’ because it will look not just at dates and episodes but explore the people behind the stories.
Part 6 Manchester: An Intimate History
The Industrial machine, Peterloo, railways and reform - Years 1812 to 1832
FREE but contributions are very welcome.
Sunday 20 June
11am Discover Manchester
A general tour around Manchester city centre showing off the buildings and telling loads of stories both profound and humorous while describing many of the rich personalities who have graced the city. There's refreshing treat to conclude. £12. Book here.
Tuesday 22 June
6pm New Manchester Buildings – the good, the average and the ugly. A Zoom tour
In the last 25 years the central area of Manchester and Salford has been transformed. It is now easily the tallest urban area outside London and it hasn’t finished yet with many more towers are planned. There have also been lots of lower new build across these areas at the same time. But are the buildings any good, will they last, are they something to look up too or are they slums of the future, is there anywhere near enough social housing being built. Join this feisty and opinionated Zoom tour and bring you own opinions.
FREE but contributions are very welcome.
Saturday 26 June
3pm Whalley Range & Alexandra Park: The Surprising Manchester Series
A stroll around a lovely park with a big history and then a walk through a fascinating suburb. After the tour finishes there'll be a trip to the pub for a recap if guests wish to join.
BETWEEN 1-18 JULY IT'S MANCHESTER INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL AND I WILL BE CONDUCTING A NUMBER OF TOURS FOR THE FESTIVAL WHICH WILL BE ANNOUNCED IN DUE COURSE. Details are here.
Saturday 3 July
6pm The Ghosts of Manchester – spooks guaranteed
A rip-roaring and fascinating tour of the haunted areas of Manchester, finishing in a dark place for a surprise.
Thursday 8 July
6pm The Rollicking Pub walk
A funny and moving excursion around some classic Manchester pub.
Saturday 10 July
6pm The Ghosts of Manchester – spooks guaranteed
A rip-roaring and fascinating tour of the haunted areas of Manchester, finishing in a dark place for a surprise.
Thursday 15 July
6pm The Rollicking Pub walk
A funny and moving excursion around some classic Manchester pub.
Saturday 17 July
11m Platt Hall, Birch Fields and Chancellors Tour: The Surprising Manchester Series
A remarkable set of buildings, remarkable stories, handsome parks and an entertaining tour around some of the more influential districts of Manchester, and as with the bike tour, there is plenty of sweet green space to enjoy.
Saturday 17 July
6pm The Ghosts of Manchester – spooks guaranteed
A rip-roaring and fascinating tour of the haunted areas of Manchester, finishing in a dark place for a surprise.
Tuesday 20 July
6pm Folklore, tall stories and crazy early sport – Zoom tour
This is the stuff of legends you might say. This tour looks at the myths and folktales associated with the Manchester area but also includes some of the madcap games and pastimes people enjoyed from chasing greased pigs, playing clout ear, treacle loaf eating, nude male racing. In superstitious times people worried about spirits, faeries and sprites lurking in canals, under bridges or in leafy dells. This is an amusing excursion into a past where the urban and natural landscape was alive with supernatural and also the people’s playground.
FREE but contributions are very welcome.
Thursday 22 July
6pm The Rollicking Pub walk
A funny and moving excursion around some classic Manchester pub.
Saturday 24 July
10am The Didsbury Tour: The Surprising Manchester Series
From love stories to murders via whole potato-swallowers and eccentric aldermen, learn about Didsbury’s fascinating story. There will be a lovely interior visit and a refreshing treat to conclude. £15. Book here.
3pm Chapel Street & Peel Park: The Surprising Manchester Series
A stroll around a lovely with a big history and then a turn through a fascinating suburb. This tour finishes in a pub.
6pm The Ghosts of Manchester – spooks guaranteed
A rip-roaring and fascinating tour of the haunted areas of Manchester, finishing in a dark place for a surprise.
Sunday 25 July
7am The Secret Tunnels Tour
An early start for a crazy and wet tour under the city streets. This is weather dependent but nonetheless a glorious tour.
Saturday 31 July
3pm The Prestwich Tour: The Surprising Manchester Series
Learn the stirring story of a significant suburb visiting the lovely and ancient St Mary’s Church and hearing tales of the many and various important and interesting residents. This tour finishes in a pub but you don't have to join us. There are easy tram connections.
Sunday 1 August
1pm The Mayfield Abandoned Station tour
A stroll around the spectacular hulk of one the great Manchester abandoned sites
Saturday 14 August
3pm The Quays and MediaCityUK Tour: The Surprising Manchester Series
Two days after the 126th anniversary of the opening of the Manchester Ship Canal, here’s a tour of the life and times of a fascinating part of the city.
Monday 16 August
6pm Peterloo: The Reality & Drama: A Manchester Anniversary Tour
The last chance in the 200th anniversary year to tour the epic & dramatic events in the struggle for democracy.
Saturday 21 August
1pm The Secret of Fairfield Moravian Settlement and area
One of the most delightful surprises across this conurbation of 2.8m people is the hidden corner that is Fairfield Moravian Settlement. If you've never been you'll be fascinated by this atmospheric location.
Tuesday 24 August
6pm Prestwich & Heaton Park - Zoom tour
Prestwich is a fascinating place as its neighbour Heaton Park. This Zoom tour will tell the stories of the pair through wonderful imagery of the past, present and maybe even the future. Prestwich has ancient origins, on the line of a Roman road with one of the most prestigious regional parish churches. It has a rich Victorian and 20th century story to tell as well. Heaton Hall is one of the most important neo-Classical houses in the country while the surrounding estate has stirring story to tell.
FREE but contributions are very welcome.
Sunday 29 August
7am The Secret Tunnels Tour
An early start for a crazy and wet tour under the city streets. This is weather dependent but nonetheless a glorious tour.
Saturday 4 September
12noon Secrets of Rochdale town centre
A tour from the train station past a glorious parish church, the amazing Town Hall and around one of the most significant towns in the UK in terms of the people that make up its story. There will be a visit inside some extraordinary interiors.
6pm The Ghosts of Manchester – spooks guaranteed
A rip-roaring and fascinating tour of the haunted areas of Manchester, finishing in a dark place for a surprise.
Saturday 11 September
3pm Secrets of Ancoats and New Islington
Has any area of the UK been transformed so utterly than this fascinating area of mills, canals, new development and controversy? The answer is no. So join me for a stroll around the most interesting urban story in modern Britain.
Saturday 18 September
3pm The Day the World Got Smaller: A Manchester Anniversary Tour
Three days before the 190th anniversary, this tour looks at the day the Railway Age began in speed, smoke and blood.
6pm The Ghosts of Manchester – spooks guaranteed
A rip-roaring and fascinating tour of the haunted areas of Manchester, finishing in a dark place for a surprise.
Sunday 12 September
1pm Kersal Moor and the River Woods: The Surprising Manchester (and Salford series)
An urban yet rural tour crossing over one of the oldest continuously used sporting grounds in the UK, and one full of curious human stories, a richly populated graveyard and a pretty and antique building.
Saturday 25 September
3pm Bombed and Besieged Manchester at War: A Manchester Anniversary Tour
The Civil War siege of Manchester began in September 1642. This tour covers the siege but other conflicts and outrages since that date plus the surprise 1939 arrival of Picasso’s Guernica.
6pm The Ghosts of Manchester – spooks guaranteed
A rip-roaring and fascinating tour of the haunted areas of Manchester, finishing in a dark place for a surprise.
Saturday 2 October
6pm The Ghosts of Manchester – spooks guaranteed
A rip-roaring and fascinating tour of the haunted areas of Manchester, finishing in a dark place for a surprise.
Saturday 9 October
3pm Suffragettes, Women & the City: A Manchester Anniversary Tour
In October the Suffragettes raised their first ‘Votes for Women’ banner. This was an epic moment in the fight for equal rights, this tour marks that and so many other heroic moments.
6pm The Ghosts of Manchester – spooks guaranteed
A rip-roaring and fascinating tour of the haunted areas of Manchester, finishing in a dark place for a surprise.
Thursday 14 October
6pm The Rollicking Pub walk
A funny and moving excursion around some classic Manchester pub.
Saturday 16 October
6pm The Ghosts of Manchester – spooks guaranteed
A rip-roaring and fascinating tour of the haunted areas of Manchester, finishing in a dark place for a surprise.
Saturday 23 October
3pm The Pan-African Congress, Slavery, and Thomas Clarkson Tour: A Manchester Anniversary Tour
The city was at the heart of the anti-slavery movements in the UK and Empire yet its mainstay product, cotton, was largely slave-picked. Epic history and a contradiction explored.
6pm The Ghosts of Manchester – spooks guaranteed
A rip-roaring and fascinating tour of the haunted areas of Manchester, finishing in a dark place for a surprise.
Sunday 31 October
2pm/4pm/6pm The Ghosts of Manchester – spooks guaranteed
A rip-roaring and fascinating tour of the haunted areas of Manchester, finishing in a dark place for a surprise.
Sunday 28 November
3pm Engels & Marx in Manchester
On the occasion of Friedrich Engels 200th birthday we trace the story of two men and Manchester’s role in creating a world ideology.
More tours will be announced soon
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A stroll through a fascinating part of the city centre pausing at the main sites and some hidden ones as well. This is the area of the city where the earliest industrial artificial waterway in the kingdom meets the oldest passenger railway in the world. It's where Manchester began with the Romans, but it also tells a story of Manchester's present and perhaps its future. As usual lots of information but also lots of fun. There's refreshing treat to conclude. £15. Book here.
Tuesday 27 April
6.30pm Chorlton-cum-Hardy – Zoom tour
Chorlton-cum-Hardy has a rich history and some stirring stories along with some frankly ridiculous ones. This tour traces the history, the buildings (remaining and lost), the music, the literature and the personalities associated with this most mercurial of suburbs. There will be superb images both old and new, lots of laughs and entertainment.
FREE but contributions are very welcome.
Saturday 1 May
3pm Engels & Marx in Manchester
The story of two men and Manchester’s role in creating a world ideology, fascinating, entertaining and important tales of the two Germans in this city. There's a refreshing treat to conclude. £15. Book here.
Tuesday 4 May
6pm Engels & Marx in Manchester: Zoom tour in association with Chetham's Library
There is no place more closely associated with Friedrich Engels' two decades in Manchester than Chetham's Library. This is the story of Engels and Karl Marx and how their experiences in Manchester influenced their ideas and thus the creation of a world ideology. This tour will include fascinating, entertaining and important tales of the two Germans in this city with special emphasis on their visits to Chetham's Library.
FREE but ALL contributions go to Chetham's Library.
Wednesday 5 May
6pm The Manchester Guardian is 200 years old anniversary tour
The Manchester Guardian, now The Guardian, was first published on Saturday 5 May 1821. This tour tells the story of how it came into being amid the turmoil following the Peterloo Massacre, but it will also reveal the story of the city and the 'paper as both grew into international importance. There's refreshing treat to conclude. £15. Book here.
Saturday 8 May
11am The Manchester Guardian is 200 years old anniversary tour
For those who couldn't make the anniversary date on Wednesday, here's another opportunity to take part. The Manchester Guardian, now The Guardian, was first published on Saturday 5 May 1821 and this tour tells the story of how it came into being amid the turmoil following the Peterloo Massacre, but it will also reveal the story of the city and the 'paper as both grew into international importance. There's refreshing treat to conclude. £15. Book here.
3pm Irk Valley & Angel Meadow Tour: The Surprising Manchester Series
Sweet air, scuttlers, cholera, lost churches, the impossible bridge and the improbable hill. This is a popular and exciting tour. £15. Book here.
Tuesday 11 May
6pm Manchester: An Intimate History by Zoom
This is the story of Manchester (and Salford) in twenty Zoom tours and talks. It is an ‘intimate history’ because it will look not just at dates and episodes but explore the people behind the stories.
Part 5 Manchester: An Intimate History
Steam power, slavery and the attack on the Exchange - Years 1780 to 1812
FREE but contributions are very welcome.
Saturday 15 May
3pm The Chorlton Tour: The Surprising Manchester Series
From love stories to murders via pigs and pop music, learn about Chorlton’s fascinating story. There will be some grave digging (so to speak) and a refreshing treat to conclude. £15. Book here.
Tuesday 18 May
6pm Totally, Madly, Brutal. A Zoom tour
Modernism, the International Modern, Streamline Moderne, Brutalism, concrete, glass, steel. With superb imagery this tour takes a look at the pre-war and post-war buildings that have often been derided yet speak also of optimism in design from the Daily Express Building through the CIS Tower to the statement architecture of the Imperial War Museum North. As usual the commentary will be entertaining as well as informative. This tour ties in with BRUTAL, an exhibition exploring similar themes at the superb Saul Hay Gallery in Castlefield which begins on 14 May.
FREE but contributions are very welcome.
Saturday 22 May
11am Discover Manchester
A general tour around Manchester city centre showing off the buildings and telling loads of stories both profound and humorous while describing many of the rich personalities who have graced the city. There's refreshing treat to conclude. £12. Book here.
3pm Manchester Cathedral is 600 years old - today. A Zoom tour
Manchester Cathedral is a beautiful place, a moving place, an exciting place with a rich past, present and future. 22 May is a key moment for the church as this is the 600th anniversary of King Henry V's charter that is the origin of the institution we see today. The Zoom tour will show it off at its best, with superb images and great stories.
FREE but ALL contributions go to Manchester Cathedral Development Trust.
Saturday 29 May
11am Totally, Madly, Brutal
Modernism, the International Modern, Streamline Moderne, Brutalism, concrete, glass, steel, the Manchester Plan of 1945. This tour takes a look at the pre-war and post-war buildings that have often been derided yet speak also of optimism in design including the Daily Express Building, the CIS Tower, Piccadilly Plaza, Manchester's 'Little Brasilia'.
Tuesday 1 June
6pm New Manchester Buildings – the good, the average and the ugly. A Zoom tour
In the last 25 years the central area of Manchester and Salford has been transformed. It is now easily the tallest urban area outside London and it hasn’t finished yet with many more towers are planned. There have also been lots of lower new build across these areas at the same time. But are the buildings any good, will they last, are they something to look up too or are they slums of the future, is there anywhere near enough social housing being built. Join this feisty and opinionated Zoom tour and bring you own opinions.
4pm The Secrets of Altrincham
A fascinating, factual and humorous tour around the historic market town of Altrincham. There's music too. This tour is in association with Altrincham Unlimited, Altrincham's Business Improvement District. Tickets are exclusively available from Eventbrite.
Saturday 12 June
11m Platt Hall, Birch Fields and Chancellors Tour: The Surprising Manchester Series
THIS TOUR HAS MOVED TO THE 17 JULY
Tuesday 15 June
6pm Didsbury – Zoom tour
This tour will bring Didsbury to life – virtually. It will tell the story of the village that became a suburb through cracking images, old and new, and with a sparkling commentary. From an ancient church through civil wars, daft celebrations, music and literature to the posh commuting suburb with its centre of axis moved by the arrival of the railway, there will be lots to reveal. There’s even a Les Dawson joke about Didsbury.
Saturday 19 June
10am The Bicycle Magical Mystery Tour: The Surprising Manchester Series
Three and half hours of fun on a route around the city centre that is full of surprises and full of green spaces.
4pm The Secrets of Altrincham
A fascinating, factual and humorous tour around the historic market town of Altrincham. There's music too. This tour is in association with Altrincham Unlimited, Altrincham's Business Improvement District. Tickets are exclusively available from Eventbrite.
Tuesday 22 June
6pm Manchester: An Intimate History by Zoom
This is the story of Manchester (and Salford) in twenty Zoom tours and talks. It is an ‘intimate history’ because it will look not just at dates and episodes but explore the people behind the stories.
Part 6 Manchester: An Intimate History
The Industrial machine, Peterloo, railways and reform - Years 1812 to 1832
FREE but contributions are very welcome.
Sunday 20 June
11am Discover Manchester
A general tour around Manchester city centre showing off the buildings and telling loads of stories both profound and humorous while describing many of the rich personalities who have graced the city. There's refreshing treat to conclude. £12. Book here.
Tuesday 22 June
6pm New Manchester Buildings – the good, the average and the ugly. A Zoom tour
In the last 25 years the central area of Manchester and Salford has been transformed. It is now easily the tallest urban area outside London and it hasn’t finished yet with many more towers are planned. There have also been lots of lower new build across these areas at the same time. But are the buildings any good, will they last, are they something to look up too or are they slums of the future, is there anywhere near enough social housing being built. Join this feisty and opinionated Zoom tour and bring you own opinions.
FREE but contributions are very welcome.
Saturday 26 June
3pm Whalley Range & Alexandra Park: The Surprising Manchester Series
A stroll around a lovely park with a big history and then a walk through a fascinating suburb. After the tour finishes there'll be a trip to the pub for a recap if guests wish to join.
BETWEEN 1-18 JULY IT'S MANCHESTER INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL AND I WILL BE CONDUCTING A NUMBER OF TOURS FOR THE FESTIVAL WHICH WILL BE ANNOUNCED IN DUE COURSE. Details are here.
Saturday 3 July
6pm The Ghosts of Manchester – spooks guaranteed
A rip-roaring and fascinating tour of the haunted areas of Manchester, finishing in a dark place for a surprise.
Thursday 8 July
6pm The Rollicking Pub walk
A funny and moving excursion around some classic Manchester pub.
Saturday 10 July
6pm The Ghosts of Manchester – spooks guaranteed
A rip-roaring and fascinating tour of the haunted areas of Manchester, finishing in a dark place for a surprise.
Thursday 15 July
6pm The Rollicking Pub walk
A funny and moving excursion around some classic Manchester pub.
Saturday 17 July
11m Platt Hall, Birch Fields and Chancellors Tour: The Surprising Manchester Series
A remarkable set of buildings, remarkable stories, handsome parks and an entertaining tour around some of the more influential districts of Manchester, and as with the bike tour, there is plenty of sweet green space to enjoy.
Saturday 17 July
6pm The Ghosts of Manchester – spooks guaranteed
A rip-roaring and fascinating tour of the haunted areas of Manchester, finishing in a dark place for a surprise.
Tuesday 20 July
6pm Folklore, tall stories and crazy early sport – Zoom tour
This is the stuff of legends you might say. This tour looks at the myths and folktales associated with the Manchester area but also includes some of the madcap games and pastimes people enjoyed from chasing greased pigs, playing clout ear, treacle loaf eating, nude male racing. In superstitious times people worried about spirits, faeries and sprites lurking in canals, under bridges or in leafy dells. This is an amusing excursion into a past where the urban and natural landscape was alive with supernatural and also the people’s playground.
FREE but contributions are very welcome.
Thursday 22 July
6pm The Rollicking Pub walk
A funny and moving excursion around some classic Manchester pub.
Saturday 24 July
10am The Didsbury Tour: The Surprising Manchester Series
From love stories to murders via whole potato-swallowers and eccentric aldermen, learn about Didsbury’s fascinating story. There will be a lovely interior visit and a refreshing treat to conclude. £15. Book here.
3pm Chapel Street & Peel Park: The Surprising Manchester Series
A stroll around a lovely with a big history and then a turn through a fascinating suburb. This tour finishes in a pub.
6pm The Ghosts of Manchester – spooks guaranteed
A rip-roaring and fascinating tour of the haunted areas of Manchester, finishing in a dark place for a surprise.
Sunday 25 July
7am The Secret Tunnels Tour
An early start for a crazy and wet tour under the city streets. This is weather dependent but nonetheless a glorious tour.
Saturday 31 July
3pm The Prestwich Tour: The Surprising Manchester Series
Learn the stirring story of a significant suburb visiting the lovely and ancient St Mary’s Church and hearing tales of the many and various important and interesting residents. This tour finishes in a pub but you don't have to join us. There are easy tram connections.
Sunday 1 August
1pm The Mayfield Abandoned Station tour
A stroll around the spectacular hulk of one the great Manchester abandoned sites
Saturday 14 August
3pm The Quays and MediaCityUK Tour: The Surprising Manchester Series
Two days after the 126th anniversary of the opening of the Manchester Ship Canal, here’s a tour of the life and times of a fascinating part of the city.
Monday 16 August
6pm Peterloo: The Reality & Drama: A Manchester Anniversary Tour
The last chance in the 200th anniversary year to tour the epic & dramatic events in the struggle for democracy.
Saturday 21 August
1pm The Secret of Fairfield Moravian Settlement and area
One of the most delightful surprises across this conurbation of 2.8m people is the hidden corner that is Fairfield Moravian Settlement. If you've never been you'll be fascinated by this atmospheric location.
Tuesday 24 August
6pm Prestwich & Heaton Park - Zoom tour
Prestwich is a fascinating place as its neighbour Heaton Park. This Zoom tour will tell the stories of the pair through wonderful imagery of the past, present and maybe even the future. Prestwich has ancient origins, on the line of a Roman road with one of the most prestigious regional parish churches. It has a rich Victorian and 20th century story to tell as well. Heaton Hall is one of the most important neo-Classical houses in the country while the surrounding estate has stirring story to tell.
FREE but contributions are very welcome.
Sunday 29 August
7am The Secret Tunnels Tour
An early start for a crazy and wet tour under the city streets. This is weather dependent but nonetheless a glorious tour.
Saturday 4 September
12noon Secrets of Rochdale town centre
A tour from the train station past a glorious parish church, the amazing Town Hall and around one of the most significant towns in the UK in terms of the people that make up its story. There will be a visit inside some extraordinary interiors.
6pm The Ghosts of Manchester – spooks guaranteed
A rip-roaring and fascinating tour of the haunted areas of Manchester, finishing in a dark place for a surprise.
Saturday 11 September
3pm Secrets of Ancoats and New Islington
Has any area of the UK been transformed so utterly than this fascinating area of mills, canals, new development and controversy? The answer is no. So join me for a stroll around the most interesting urban story in modern Britain.
Saturday 18 September
3pm The Day the World Got Smaller: A Manchester Anniversary Tour
Three days before the 190th anniversary, this tour looks at the day the Railway Age began in speed, smoke and blood.
6pm The Ghosts of Manchester – spooks guaranteed
A rip-roaring and fascinating tour of the haunted areas of Manchester, finishing in a dark place for a surprise.
Sunday 12 September
1pm Kersal Moor and the River Woods: The Surprising Manchester (and Salford series)
An urban yet rural tour crossing over one of the oldest continuously used sporting grounds in the UK, and one full of curious human stories, a richly populated graveyard and a pretty and antique building.
Saturday 25 September
3pm Bombed and Besieged Manchester at War: A Manchester Anniversary Tour
The Civil War siege of Manchester began in September 1642. This tour covers the siege but other conflicts and outrages since that date plus the surprise 1939 arrival of Picasso’s Guernica.
6pm The Ghosts of Manchester – spooks guaranteed
A rip-roaring and fascinating tour of the haunted areas of Manchester, finishing in a dark place for a surprise.
Saturday 2 October
6pm The Ghosts of Manchester – spooks guaranteed
A rip-roaring and fascinating tour of the haunted areas of Manchester, finishing in a dark place for a surprise.
Saturday 9 October
3pm Suffragettes, Women & the City: A Manchester Anniversary Tour
In October the Suffragettes raised their first ‘Votes for Women’ banner. This was an epic moment in the fight for equal rights, this tour marks that and so many other heroic moments.
6pm The Ghosts of Manchester – spooks guaranteed
A rip-roaring and fascinating tour of the haunted areas of Manchester, finishing in a dark place for a surprise.
Thursday 14 October
6pm The Rollicking Pub walk
A funny and moving excursion around some classic Manchester pub.
Saturday 16 October
6pm The Ghosts of Manchester – spooks guaranteed
A rip-roaring and fascinating tour of the haunted areas of Manchester, finishing in a dark place for a surprise.
Saturday 23 October
3pm The Pan-African Congress, Slavery, and Thomas Clarkson Tour: A Manchester Anniversary Tour
The city was at the heart of the anti-slavery movements in the UK and Empire yet its mainstay product, cotton, was largely slave-picked. Epic history and a contradiction explored.
6pm The Ghosts of Manchester – spooks guaranteed
A rip-roaring and fascinating tour of the haunted areas of Manchester, finishing in a dark place for a surprise.
Sunday 31 October
2pm/4pm/6pm The Ghosts of Manchester – spooks guaranteed
A rip-roaring and fascinating tour of the haunted areas of Manchester, finishing in a dark place for a surprise.
Sunday 28 November
3pm Engels & Marx in Manchester
On the occasion of Friedrich Engels 200th birthday we trace the story of two men and Manchester’s role in creating a world ideology.
More tours will be announced soon
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