The Secrets of Piccadilly Manchester
5pm, 29 July 2026
£10 (weekday afternoon price - usually £20)
Yeah, yeah, it's had a lot of stick but with changes round the corner this part of the city centre has a ridiculously rich story to tell. Presently, there is a consultation out to make it a far better and more amenable space. Besides the grand designs there are also plans to increase policing and maintenance.
This tour takes in some of the best places overground, and indeed underground, in and around Piccadilly Gardens. There is so much to talk about in this area, which has had more dreams and schemes proposed for it than anywhere else in the North West of England.
The tour will be supplemented by images of the many proposals to transform Piccadilly Gardens. Hospitals on stilts, cathedrals, art galleries, you name it, have been drawn up for what is the most misunderstood and controversial public space in the whole of the United Kingdom.
The people associated with the area are extraordinary. The statues and their significance will be explained. This is going to be real voyage of discovery through Piccadilly, the gardens and some of the surrounding streets.
Meet and finish: Mercure Hotel entrance, M1 4PH
Duration: tours last ninety minutes
Fully accessible.
Totally fascinating.
Book ahead to be absolutely certain of a ticket otherwise turn up and pay on the day.
Not all tours will be led by Jonathan Schofield.
Sensible footwear is required and you will have to agree to the terms and conditions of visiting the sites if we go inside a venue as stated by the guide when you turn up. On rare occasions some areas will not be available to visit.
PLEASE CHECK THIS WEBSITE 24 HOURS BEFORE THE TOUR IN CASE A SITUATION ARISES WHICH MAY AFFECT THE TOUR.
This tour takes in some of the best places overground, and indeed underground, in and around Piccadilly Gardens. There is so much to talk about in this area, which has had more dreams and schemes proposed for it than anywhere else in the North West of England.
The tour will be supplemented by images of the many proposals to transform Piccadilly Gardens. Hospitals on stilts, cathedrals, art galleries, you name it, have been drawn up for what is the most misunderstood and controversial public space in the whole of the United Kingdom.
The people associated with the area are extraordinary. The statues and their significance will be explained. This is going to be real voyage of discovery through Piccadilly, the gardens and some of the surrounding streets.
Meet and finish: Mercure Hotel entrance, M1 4PH
Duration: tours last ninety minutes
Fully accessible.
Totally fascinating.
Book ahead to be absolutely certain of a ticket otherwise turn up and pay on the day.
Not all tours will be led by Jonathan Schofield.
Sensible footwear is required and you will have to agree to the terms and conditions of visiting the sites if we go inside a venue as stated by the guide when you turn up. On rare occasions some areas will not be available to visit.
PLEASE CHECK THIS WEBSITE 24 HOURS BEFORE THE TOUR IN CASE A SITUATION ARISES WHICH MAY AFFECT THE TOUR.