Once in a lifetime: Unforgettable moments in Manchester

Manchester never fails to surprise us, and, as the city that split the atom, nor should it really. Home to some of the UK’s most iconic institutions and icons, its innovation and ideas reverberate worldwide. These experiences will ensure you see the best that the city has to offer, as well as providing some truly unforgettable memories.

Manchester City Football Club

Go behind-the-scenes and explore our state-of-the-art new player facilities in the re-vamped Etihad Stadium & Club Tour. Walk in the footsteps of Pep Guardiola and some of the world’s biggest players with this fascinating behind-the-scenes tour and discover the secrets of a spectacular stadium and fascinating club. From their arrival to their pre-match preparations, and from the big match to their post-match media obligations, gain a true understanding of the journey that they take on a matchday. You’ll experience all of this with the help of one of our expert professional Guides, who will bring each area to life with interesting stories, facts and anecdotes. There are plenty of new areas to visit this season, including the brand-new player facilities, including new dressing rooms, warm-up rooms and the introduction of the new glass Tunnel Club – the first of its kind in world football.

Manchester United Legend Tour

Whether you’re a football fanatic or not, a visit to the award-winning Old Trafford Museum is a must when in Manchester. But getting your photo taken with the trophies is only the beginning. Take a Legends Tour of the “Theatre of Dreams” in the company of iconic players from Manchester United’s history, including Denis Irwin, Alex Stepney, Stuart Pearson and Lee Martin. This is quite simply the best way to explore this football club’s fascinating history.

Visit Cloud 23

Take a trip to Cloud 23 and experience the best views in Manchester through floor-to-ceiling windows. Located on the 23^rd floor of Beetham Tower, sip champagne, cocktails and even enjoy Afternoon Tea up in the clouds. Those with a head for heights can even stand on the glass section to see right through to the street below – best before hitting the cocktails.

Take a BBC Tour of MediaCityUK, Salford

Walk in the footsteps of some of your favourite stars of television and radio and take a peek behind the scenes of a whole host of programmes such as Match of the Day, Blue Peter, BBC Breakfast, the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra and many more. In a tour that lasts approximately 1 ½ hours, your guide will take you through the BBC’s North England home and on a fascinating journey through the world of TV and Radio.

Drive a steam train at East Lancashire Railway

The hiss of steam, the roar of a fire, the deep rumble of an engine and the shrill blast of a whistle, no YouTube video or Instagram pic can quite do justice to the inimitable experience of piloting a heritage steam or diesel engine. From the sweat and satisfaction of shovelling coal to the speed and sense of adventure of driving a diesel, it’s time to embark on an adventure like no other! See more

Visit the Science and Industry Museum

A visit to the first industrial city in the world wouldn’t be complete without hearing the deafening noise of working cotton machinery. At the Science and Industry Museum you can see all aspects of the history of Manchester industry, whether it be by standing on the platform of one of the oldest surviving passenger railway stations in the world, or getting involved with the interactive science Experiment centre.