10 things to do in Manchester when it rains!
Published on 11 November 16
As much as we love the city we call home, there’s no denying its rainy reputation! Packing an umbrella every morning (because you never know) and lazy Sunday’s spent indoors are second nature to us Mancunians. Let’s face it, a rainy day in Manchester is inevitable, so here’s 10 fool proof things to do when it does!
1. Catch an art-house flick
So the heavens have opened and that stroll round the park doesn’t look so great anymore. How about an indie movie and popcorn instead? Head to HOME, on the oh-so cool First Street and check out a plethora of films you won’t find at your average cinema.
2. Snuggle up with a good book
There’s nothing like a hot cup of coffee and a slab of cake to melt away the winter blues, paired with a carefully selected hardback from Chapter One in the beating heart of Manchester’s Northern Quarter. Wander round their mixed up bookshelves and discover your new favourite page turner with their eclectic amalgamation of quirky novels and cult classics.
3. Jump around
Staying fit and healthy in the colder months, has never been more fun! Jump Nation is the largest indoor trampoline park in Europe and is located just 5 minutes from The Trafford Centre. Who’s excited
4. Kitten cuddles and cake
Hide away from the cold weather at home watching cat fail videos on loop or keep warm with a pot of tea surrounded by furry friends at Manchester’s Cat Café. A no-brainer, right?
5. Meet you on the lane
Forget the bowling alley in your nearest multiplex, next to the arcade that time forgot and the sweaty burger bar. Manchester is cooler than that. We’re talking after hours cocktails, American sliders and state-of-the art bowling. Go mid-week for only £6.95 at All Star Lanes in the Great Northern Warehouse and take a breather from essay-writing and revision.
Bowling not your thing? How about Junkyard Golf instead? Cocktails in paper cups with umbrellas and crazy golf in a totally Instagrammable neon backdrop - uh, yes please!
6. Get your climb on
Escape the Oxford road corridor and make your student bus pass work for it! Take the 205 bus from Piccadilly Gardens to Manchester Climbing Centre - whether you’re completely new to the sport or a seasoned climber, improve your body, wellbeing and balance with a trip to the centre!
7. Make it out of a Breakout room
It’s raining outside, so what? Do something different, get a group together and escape from Breakout Manchester by solving a series of puzzles and games against the clock!
8. Be proud to be purple!
You don’t need to travel far with both The Whitworth and Manchester Museum located right on campus! Make the most of being a UoM student and check out what’s on at some of the city’s best cultural hubs with weekly events and exhibitions that are sure to keep you entertained.
9. Hit the slopes
This is where your Unirider really proves it worth, catch an X50 from Piccadilly to Trafford.
Head to Chill Factore and give snowboarding, skiing or even extreme sledging a go this winter. Give it a go with a taster session priced around £27.00, so escape the rain and get stuck into the snow!
10. Shop till…it stops!
When in Manchester…go to The Trafford Centre when it rains – this is total holy grail for us Mancunians and with its range of shops, eateries and restaurants, it’s not hard to see why. This year, there’s the Christmas big wheel (the largest in the UK!), a Victorian carousel and food stalls which are sure to give you that warm and fuzzy, Christmassy feeling.