Fun Things To Do Outdoors In Manchester

From cocktails on a cruise to scavenger hunts around the city, these are the best outdoor activities in Manchester. Whether you're looking for alfresco date night ideas or inspiration for a group gathering, the events, venues and experiences here are set to deliver the goods. Read on to uncover our guide to outside antics.

Last edited by Izzah Kazi

Last updated on 26th April 2024




Freight Island

Located in the heart of Mayfield's Depot, Freight Island is a cultural hub for food, drink, and entertainment, with a multi-vendor, multi-dimensional vibe that's perfect for making memories and exploring new possibilities. From summer festivals to bingo and Barbie-themed parties, they're responsible for hosting some of the best outdoor events in the whole of Manchester.

The Manchester Craft Beer Experience

@ Cloudwater Brewery Taproom on Saturday 27th April 2024 and 7 other Saturdays

Outdoor activities in Manchester for adults that also involve drinking pints? We recommend the Manchester Craft Beer Experience. Explore seven different venues, all classed as hidden gems, and learn all about the brewing process while sampling an exciting tipple at each stop. The tour only takes place on one Saturday per month, so you'd better hop to it and book your ticket - which costs just £37.50 for a three and a half-hour outing.

The Manchester Cheese Crawl

@ Richard Cobden Statue, on Every Saturday

If you're after outdoor family activities in Manchester, this quirky walking tour is sure to hit the spot. You fromage fanciers will be crawling the city, searching for the best cheese-based bites to chow down on, all with the help of a handy guide. Tickets cost £25 per person, with plenty of samples included along the way, as well as complimentary bread or crackers and a glass of prosecco.

Rooftop Bars In Manchester

It's not an activity as such, but finding somewhere to perch with a drink outside can be just what the doctor ordered. And if only the sunniest, sky-high spots will do? Our guide to rooftop bars is keeping you in terraces, gardens and tipis, and also offering up outdoor date ideas in Manchester for couples who love a view. Whether it's the bougie SkyLounge At Doubletree or the beautiful 20 Stories, we've got just the thing for you.

Rooftop Yoga & Brunch

@ Doghouse Manchester on Sunday 12th May 2024 and 2 other Sundays

Calling all yoga-loving foodies. Unleash yourself and let the good vibes flow at Doghouse Manchester's Rooftop Yoga and Brunch, a 45-minute vinyasa yoga session led by top instructors. Afterwards, indulge in a drool-worthy brunch, sip on refreshing drinks, soak up the sun, and make some memories. And the best part? It's just £30 per person.

CityDays Manchester

Been searching for 'outdoor activities near me' lately? They don't get much better than CityDays, where you can explore the area's hidden gems while solving escape room-inspired puzzles and games. You'll weave your way through industrial waterways and Roman ruins while trying to crack the code, with tickets starting from just £15 per person. Plus, there's plenty of refreshment stops on your treasure hunt tour.

What's on at GRUB

To spend sunny days outside across the summer months? Check out GRUB. This street food hub has a lineup of events in store, from fizz-fuelled quizzes to sour beer tastings from local breweries and high-energy disco bingo complete with bottomless booze. Tickets to these events start from as little as £1 and whatever you pick, you can always be sure of delicious food and drink nearby.

Manchester Fun Puzzle Treasure Hunt! Single route or double for racing!

@ Manchester Piccadilly Train Station on Various dates from Friday 26th April 2024

If you're wanting to get into the great outdoors, The Manchester Fun Puzzle Treasure Hunt is one of the most fun things to do outdoors in Manchester city centre. You'll be working as a team to solve clues, puzzles and riddles in a city-wide treasure hunt, where you can also discover landmarks and hidden gems along the way. As for your prize? Nab 20% off food and drink at a local pub.

Beer Gardens In Manchester

Offering rays for days, there's no place like a sun-soaked beer garden in Manchester to revel in the summer light. From rooftop oasis to canal-side alfresco bars, we've compiled a list of the best Beer Gardens In Manchester to sip on an ice-cold beer under the blazing sun in style. Just make sure you don't forget your sunscreen. 

Manchester’s Secret Gardens

Looking for fun outdoor activities in Manchester city centre? These secret gardens are a great place to start, whether it's the stunning Parsonage Gardens or the elevated Sky Park that you fancy visiting. Discover some of the best hidden gems, from courtyards to community flower patches; there's even details on where to stop for a meal nearby if you start to feel peckish.

Walks To Do In And Around Manchester

These walks are the ideal pick of things to do on a sunny day in or around Manchester, and a great way to explore more of the local area. Check out the gorgeous green spaces like Peel Park and Tegg's Nose, plus trails that will lead you through Medlock Valley and Middle Black Clough waterfall. Topping it off? We've included pubs to grab a pint and comfort food afterwards.