Fun Things To Do In Manchester If You Don't Drink

Fancy a day out without going heavy on the booze? We've got just the thing for you. This city is home to more alcohol-free activities than ever and our guide is a handpicked selection of the very best. Dry January? Sober October? Whatever your reason for ditching the spirited stuff, check out this list of fun things to do in Manchester when you're not drinking.

🍸🚫  

Explore Manchester's Nine Best Walks

When it comes to free things to do in Manchester if you don't drink, the city is home to some seriously beautiful walks. Ditch the booze and discover waterfront strolls, spot city landmarks, explore country parks or adventure through ancient woodland. Plus, there's some recommendations for dinner, lunch and afternoon tea afterwards.

Manchester Walks | DesignMyNight

Getting out and about just got greener.

Taste Your Way Through Michelin Star Dishes

This city is full of Michelin Guide-worthy restaurants, so of course you're going to want to try a few of them whether heading out for dinner, a date night or special occasion with people who don't drink. From quirky Spanish tapas joints boasting pretty rooftop terraces to high-end haunts serving elevated British classics, there's plenty to get excited about.

Manchester's Michelin Starred Restaurants | DesignMyNight

There's a lot of Michelin-quality restaurants in Manchester that you'll want to explore.

Go For The Bullseye At Flight Club

In need of alternative things to do in Manchester if you don't drink at night? With high-tech oches, fairground decor and piles of pizza, Flight Club Manchester is just the place to be when you're looking for a social twist on the classic game. Tuck into sharing plates in between the multiplayer mayhem, all while the bar whips up alcohol-free cocktails like Watermelon Bliss or Spring Passion.

Flight Club Manchester | DesignMyNight

Beating all your mates at darts? We're all for it.

Gorge On Brunch (Without The Booze)

Not all brunches have to be boozy you know, as our stellar collection of swish restaurants and cool hangouts proves. Say no to the prosecco and opt for a refreshing juice or mocktail, all while chomping on eggs any way you fancy, piles of pancakes and full English spreads at these fabulous brunch restaurants

Brunch Without Booze In Manchester | DesignMyNight

We're opting for a good ol' fashioned cuppa with this brunch at The Ivy.

Enjoy Bottomless Mocktails Alongside Afternoon Tea

Slather your scones in preserve and clotted cream, nibble finger sandwiches and sink your teeth into pastries at Cherry Jam's afternoon tea, all washed down with a choice of tasty shakes or mocktails. You've got 90 minutes to glug as many as you like, before there's a game of musical bingo and plenty of prizes to finish off, great if you're after alcohol-free things to do in Manchester for couples.

Cherry Jam Afternoon Tea Manchester | DesignMyNight

Cherry Jam has sweet treats and alcohol-free concoctions galore.

Nab A Meal At These Manchester Restaurants

Feeling peckish and don't fancy cooking? Support your locals by going to the city's best restaurants. From stacked burgers to celebrity chef-run eateries and those serving Japanese-Mexican fusion, there are plenty of drool-inducing options to explore while you're avoiding the booze. To top it off, all occasions and budgets are covered.

Manchester Restaurant Delivery | DesignMyNight

The money you've saved on booze is sure to pay for a delish meal. 

Burn Rubber With TeamSport

Unleash your inner Toretto to live that fast and furious lifestyle with a go on the tracks at TeamSport. Taking over a subterranean circuit below Manchester Arena, this quirky pick boasts 550 metres of track where speeds can reach up to 40mph. And once you've worked up an appetite? There's pizza, wings and vegan specials for that.

TeamSport Manchester | DesignMyNight

After fun things to do in Manchester for non-drinking adults? Take to this underground track.

Soak Up 0% Beer Thanks To BrewDog

Love the taste of beer, but hate that foggy head feeling the next day? BrewDog has you sorted with a range of 'Tuned' brews that dial down the alcohol without compromising on flavour. There’s the tropical Punk AF, a bitter Nanny State, the zesty Raspberry Blitz and a toffee-tipped Vagabond to wet your whistle, whether you're at the bar or their hotel.

BrewDog Manchester | DesignMyNight

Going dry doesn't have to mean ditching the beer. 

Join The Great Game Outdoor Treasure Hunt

Get your teamwork fix at the Manchester edition of The Great Game Outdoor Treasure Hunt. You'll turn into an adventurer searching for buried treasure as you explore the city's landmarks or secret backstreets, all while solving puzzles, riddles and clues along the way. This alternative afternoon with your pals is made even better by 20% off a pub meal at the end.

The Great Game Outdoor Treasure Hunt Manchester | DesignMyNight

Not your average activity, The Great Game offers up a grand prize.

Explore Urban Playground

Home to Putters and The Cube in Manchester, Urban Playground lets you unleash your inner kid. They've got everything from high-tech crazy golf to a series of competitive games and challenges to test both your mental and physical ability. These immersive games are perfect for couples, friends or family, with a great selection of burgers and refreshing soft drinks available for after.

Urban Playground Manchester | DesignMyNight

Secret things to do in Manchester? Urban Playground has got those.

Go Axe Throwing 

Axe throwing in Manchester is quickly becoming one of the city’s most exciting and unique activities, and there are a few standout spots where you can get in on the action. At Whistle Punks, located in the Northern Quarter, you can throw axes in a high-energy, competitive environment, complete with expert instructors to guide you through the process.

Alternatively, Urban Axe Throwing in Salford offers a similar experience with a focus on fun and camaraderie, whether you're looking to try something new or improve your skills. For something a little different, The Axe House offers a stylish and immersive atmosphere for throwing axes, perfect for a group outing or a night of friendly competition.

An axe in some wood from Whistle Punks in Manchester.

Alcohol doesn't have to be the only thing that gets the chop. 

Play Some Padel

If you're looking for an exciting and social activity in Manchester that doesn't revolve around drinking, padel is the perfect choice. This fast-growing sport combines elements of tennis and squash and is a fantastic way to get active while having fun with friends or family. 

Club Sportif, located near Spinningfields, is one of the premier spots for padel, featuring both indoor and outdoor courts. It's ideal for anyone looking to enjoy a bit of exercise in a social environment without the need for alcohol. Another fantastic venue, Padel Manchester, offers top-notch facilities and a relaxed vibe, making it perfect for those who want to focus on fitness and fun.

Person with padel racket.

Find out what all the racket's about when it comes to this fun sport. 

Hit Up An Arcade

The city's arcades are a perfect choice when it comes to non-alcohol-focused activities. Packed with nostalgic games, modern favourites, and plenty of opportunities for friendly competition, arcades provide an exciting atmosphere that doesn’t revolve around drinking.

One top spot is NQ64 in the Northern Quarter, a vibrant arcade bar that combines retro gaming with a relaxed vibe, making it a great option for a night out that doesn’t need to include drinks. If you’re after a unique experience, DNA VR features a variety of interactive, immersive games that are ideal for groups who fancy getting lost in an alternative world. 

Couple gaming at NQ64 in Manchester.

Shoot'em up at NQ64, with two locations across Manchester.

Like the sound of having alcohol-free fun? Then you'll love this list of Manchester mocktails