Welcome to Manchesters Gay Travel Guide, updated for 2023. A travel guide that gives you the most up-to-date, open and honest opinions of LGBTQ and more in this fantastic city called Manchester! I Moved to Manchester 7 years ago, and now that I am a local, I want to share what this city has to offer the LGBTQ community.
This action-packed guide gives you all the latest information you need to plan a trip and enjoy exploring Manchester’s LGBTQ scene as a gay tourist. Whether you are a tourist from overseas, living in the UK and visiting from out of town for a few days or a local wanting to find something new, exciting and interesting. We hope this guide helps.
Navigating This Guide
Whilst this guide is full of information. Understandably, you might want to skip to a certain section! use the menu buttons below to skip as you please! (We won’t be offended) 😉
LGBTQ+ Manchester
Manchester has so much to offer and is a leader in LGBTQ rights and safety. Manchester is where Emmeline Pankhurst started the women’s rights movement for the UK, allowing women to vote in 1920. It’s also where the famous Enigma codebreaker Alan Turning was from, a true world war national hero. There is so much LGBTQ history in this city I would recommend exploring the city and booking a free walking tour.
… But Is Gay Manchester Safe?
The UK has some of the best UK rights in the world. It’s ranked number 7 in the world by the LGBTQ+ danger rating. As of the end of 2020, it is now mandatory for UK schools to teach about LGBTQ+ families, which is a massive leap forward and will mean the next generation of LGBTQ+ kids will be better educated, along with their families and friends.
Whilst Manchester and the UK are LGBTQ safe. Unfortunately, like anywhere, there are still a few small-minded people that may make drunken comments in passing. If this happens, it’s best to ignore it, continue walking, and not let it ruin your day or night. Anything more than a passing comment, report it and log it as a hate crime to the police.
Regarding other crimes, Manchester is a big city. Always keep an eye on your phone, money and other valuables when you are out. Pickpockets might try to take advantage after a few drinks. (I got my phone taken only a few weeks back. errr) . It’s a big city, and criminals are opportunists after people have had a few drinks. Living in the city is the first time I have had anything stolen from me on a night out! If you need to report a crime in Manchester, it’s 999 for an emergency or 101 for a non-emergency.
How To Get To Manchester
Sometimes the most significant challenge and expense are getting to and from a destination. It’s essential for you to budget your costs and plan the times it will take you to get there. Manchester is located in the northwest of England and has excellent transport links to and from the city and surrounding areas, both internationally and domestically. Planes, trains, and coaches are all well-connected ways to get to and from Manchester. The city of Manchester is also located inside a circular motorway (the M60). Still, I would recommend using public transport if visiting Manchester’s City Centre as parking is expensive and traffic can be a pain.
Check out below how to arrive by flying, including how to get to and from the airport. Coach travel and train travel.
Air Travel
Manchester International Airport serves Greater Manchester and the surrounding area. It’s the 3rd busiest airport in the UK (London Heathrow & London Gatwick coming in at number one and two). Manchester Airport is an international airport and has many flights arriving and departing worldwide. Budget airlines like easyJet and Ryanair have a significant presence connecting people to and from Europe, with flights from just £29. Bargain! Check out Skyscanner to find the cheapest or most direct flights.
Internationally and further afield, it tends to be a little bit more expensive flying to Manchester than London (less competition and choice up north, so the airlines don’t have to compete for the price and passengers as much). Check out if it works out a lot cheaper flying to London. If it is a lot cheaper, maybe consider getting a train or a coach connection, helping you save money, but only if time or schedule is not against you.
Again Skyscanner and The Trainline can help.
Getting To & From The Airport
Manchester Airport has excellent links with both rail and road. During peak times, trains from Manchester Airport to Manchester Piccadilly (one of the main stations in Manchester) run every 7-11 minutes and cost between £3.70 and £4.60 depending on the time of day. The train only takes 15 to 20 minutes, and most have luggage storage racks.
Getting a taxi to and from the airport is also an option. However, you will be charged an extra fee as Manchester airport charges for pick up and set down near the terminal that will be added to your final taxi price. Depending on traffic, it can take 20 minutes to the city centre before rush hour or 45 minutes in rush hour. The taxi will cost around (£20-£25). The National Express coach also calls in at Manchester Airport to take you to other parts of the UK and the city centre. However, you would be better off just using the trains, for the same price as they are quicker. Check out the Manchester Airport website for arrival details.
Coach Travel
By far the cheapest mode of transport, getting you around the UK and the slowest. A coach from London to Manchester will take 5 hours on average. However, as mentioned, it is cheap, and the sooner you book, the cheaper it is typically. A one-way journey costs as little as £5. The good news is the National Express coach station is located in Manchester’s Gay village so that you can be off the coach and into the bars in minutes.
Manchester also has a smaller coach station in Shudehill. Just a few minutes walk from Manchester’s Victoria train station. From here, you will find coaches from operators like Megabus and Flexibus. Fares on Megabus start from £1 and £2.99 on Flexibus.
On longer coach trips, the coach will make stops off at service stations to give the drivers their legal breaks, so trips could be longer.
Train Travel
Manchester City Centre has two main train stations that you are more than likely to arrive at or depart from. Manchester Piccadilly and Manchester Victoria. Travel from London to Manchester is relatively quick, with trains taking a few minutes over the 2-hour mark and departing up to 3 times an hour (every 20 minutes or so). If you always book your tickets in advance. You can save yourself £100’s, buying in advance can cost £30-£45, were on the day and time of travel up to £182! Check out my blog on cheap UK train travel to get the best discounts and deals when travelling by train in the UK.
Manchester also has direct connections to other major cities around the UK, including Liverpool, Leeds, Newcastle, Birmingham, Glasgow, and Edinburgh. Full details can be found on the national rails website. I would also recommend if travelling by train to download the ‘Trainline app’ where you can buy tickets and keep up to date with actual train times and delays.
Direct trains from London Kings Cross to Leeds take around 2 hours and 15 minutes. If booked on the day can cost a whopping £143. But advanced singles can be had for only £25. Trains operate to and from the capital up to 3 times an hour from 6 am till 11 pm.
Downloading The Trainline app on your phone or using the National Rail website is the best way to check train times and get the best prices for trains to and from Leeds to all destinations in the UK. It also gives you real-time information and updates on delays or changes.
Getting Around Manchester
Getting around Manchester is nearly as important as getting to the city! Manchester has some quick and inexpensive ways of getting around the city and the surrounding areas. However, I always find that walking can be the best once in the city, and you stumble across new things!
Train
Manchester has several train stations apart from the main ones mentioned above. Manchester Oxford Road, Deansgate and Salford Central are also central stations inside the city centre.
Bus
Like the trams, Manchester’s bus network is everywhere, again you can check bus times and prices by using the Transport for Greater Manchester website. The prices are about £6 for a day pass, but discounts can be had if buying week passes or using a bus & tram ticket. Another way to get around Manchester by bus is to take the FREE CITY BUSES. Three buses drive around the city and are completely FREE!! Check it out here.
Taxi
Like most big cities, Manchester has plenty of taxis, whilst not the cheapest and sometimes not the quickest, they are good if visiting parts of Manchester outside the city centre. Manchester has a fleet of Black cabs, which you can pick up at taxi ranks around the city, or by using taxi apps like Uber or Gett. If you haven’t used Gett before, download it now and use code “GTRCYAF” for a discount on your first ride.
Tram
If London is the King of the Underground, then Manchester is Queen of the trams! Manchester has several tram lines taking you all over the city. Check out Transport For Greater Manchester for times and tram maps for the city. Prices from £1.90 for an off-peak zone 1 travel day pass.
Going Out-Out In Manchester
If you are looking for a city with a pretty amazing LGBTQ+ nightlife, Manchester is that city of cities within the UK. After months of restrictions and lockdowns, going out is most definitely on the cards, and the bars and clubs can’t wait to welcome you back. Manchester does have something for everyone. From award-winning drag queens and drag shows to underwear and rubber parties with everything in-between. Manchester has it all, and in this travel guide, I am going to give you it all, giving you the bars, dance clubs, cruising clubs, saunas, shops and even a tearoom or two. You will have everything you need to plan a cracking night out in one of the best LGBTQ+ scenes in the UK.
Gay Bars & Clubs
Manchester offers some of the best LGBTQ+ events and themed nights not only in the northwest but in the whole of the UK. Most of the bars are centred in Manchester’s gay village surrounding the famous canal street, which was made famous by Vince, Stuart and Nathan’s TV hit and gay dramas in the 1999 series of Queer as Folk.
There really is a bar, club, party or themed night for everyone, no matter what you are into or where you are from. From themed jock parties and rubber nights to musical theatre, karaoke and quizzes, Manchester’s Gay Village cater for all. Whether you are 18 or 81, you will be sure to have a fantastic time.
With this being Manchester’s Ultimate Gay Travel Guide, I have literally visited every bar in Manchester’s Gay Village (for research purposes, of course! 😉 And attended many of the themed events like Jock.
Gay Sauna
Manchester has two saunas, one located in the City Centre and one in Stockport. Fancy a relaxing Sunday afternoon, chilling in a steam room or hot tub or maybe a kinky Friday night in a sling. Manchester’s saunas attract all types of people and have different event nights throughout the week. It’s a fantastic place to meet like-minded men, for chatting, chilling or more 😉.
Basement Sauna
Located a short walk away from Manchester’s Gay Village. 5-10 Minutes) Basement Sauna offers a range of themed nights with a mixed crowd of younger and older men.
With new opening hours. Sunday – Thursday 12noon -11pm, Friday 12noon till 10am (Sat morning), Saturday 12noon till 10am (Sun morning). Check out Basements Website for more details
HEAT Sauna
It is located south of the City Centre (too far to walk). Heat Sauna is a small but clean complex that hosts regular nights and discounted entry on selected nights. During the week, an older crowd with younger and mixed groups attending at weekends.
On Friday and Saturday nights, they offer a BB party. Check out Heat’s Website for more details
Gay Shops, Coffee & More
Clone Zone
Situated in Manchester’s Gay Village, it has two floors packed with sexy clothing and toys. Upstairs is full of a fantastic range of jocks from top brands like Andrew Christian, Dirty pig and many more. It also has a range of tops, harnesses, hoods and crop tops. Top tip if you walk in and go to the back on the left-hand side, they have their sale items with up to 70% the regular price with some terrific bargains to be had.
Downstairs, they have a range of toys to fit all needs for the average to the XXXL, from butt plugs, dildos, vibrators, and much more. It really is an Aladdin’s cave for all things gay sex. Behind the counters, they offer an impressive selection of poppers and lube.
Pride Shop
The Gay Pride Shop in Manchester’s Northern Quater sells hundreds of Pride-themed goods, from flags to badges, cards and much, much more.
The shop also has its LGBTQ book store with signed copies of books from LGBTQ icons and drag queens. The shop also likes to pride itself on its charity work and gives a percentage of its profits to LGBTQ charities around Manchester.
If you need any gear for Pride events or looking for an inspiring LGBTQ book, this place is defiantly a place to check out on your visit to Manchester.
Gay Crusing
Whilst you may find many cruising areas around Manchester, Sale Waterpark and Trinity Way are the two most well-known and popular. Unlike cottaging, Cruising is not illegal in the UK. However, you do need to make sure you do not fall foul to parts of the Sexual Offences Act 2003, so if you are unclear on the laws in the UK regarding public sex, check them out before cruising.
Sale Waterpark
Sale Waterpark is south of Manchester city Centre and as the name suggests is a waterpark, on summer evenings when it gets dark, certain areas come to life with gay, bi and curious men looking for a bit of outdoor action. The Waterpark has many sites to meet at, from the lake, pub and cafe areas. The main area is the woodland area car park by the visitor centre. The other popular spot is a 5-7 minutes walk away towards the Chorlton side of the River Merseyside. People will sit and wait in their cars during the nighttime, waiting for some action.
Trinity Way
In the City Centre, a few minutes walk away from Manchester Victoria train station, is Trinity Way, a pathway along the embankment of the River Irwell. When it gets dark and earlier on in the week and going quite late into the morning at weekends, Trinity is a popular cruising ground for your lads, with a few older men and a mix of people commuting home from Victoia Station and late-night bar-goers. There is free parking in the evenings after 8 pm on Mary Street and Julia Street if driving. The dark pathways behind Mega Wholesale with a little wooded area helping to keep the site private enough from the public. You will typically find people hanging around there, waiting for the action to happen.
Pride & LGBTQ Events
Manchester is bursting with events throughout the year to celebrate the LGBTQ community and raise vital funds for LGBTQ charities. Check out the events happening throughout the year in Manchester. Click each event to be taken to the events social pages or website for full details and pricing. Keep up to date with this page as we will add more events as they become announced.
Pride
Greater Manchester has some fantastic Pride events, from April till September. Looking forward to 2023, Greater Manchester has 11 Pride events throughout pride season, from small local Pride events to massive ones that attract people from all over the country and world. Like the rest of this Ultimate Travel guide, we keep this section updated when the pride events are announced each year. For full details about the events, full pricing for tickets and the exact location, click on the towns pride logo to get taken to their website or social pages. HAPPY PRIDE!!!
Bolton Pride
28th July – 20th July 2023
Bolton Pride is a not-for-profit organisation bringing together and organising several events that celebrate local LGBTQ+ communities.
More details of the 2023 event will follow shortly, with details of the parade, cost (if any) and events to be held.
Bury Pride
29th April 2023
Bury Pride in 2022 took place at the Castle Armory Drill Hall, Castle Street, Bury, BL9 0LB. It is expected to be in the exact location in 2023. A small local Pride.
The parade starts at 1pm, and passes through the Rock and Millgate. Full details are still being worked on.
Check out the Bury Pride website for more details.
Tickets: – FREE
Didsbury Pride
Dates TBC (Possible September 2023)
A small local pride in Didsbury, bringing the local community together for a day/evening of music, dance and local performances.
In 2022 the event started at noon and went through till 10pm, with a pride after party following—more details to follow.
Check out the Didsbury Pride Facebook page for more details.
Levenshulme Pride
11th August – 14th August 2023
Levenshulme Pride has established itself as the largest free local Pride outside the city centre of Manchester. Open, inclusive, free and fabulous!
Details of 2023 events are still being worked on. More details to follow.
Check out the Levenshulme Pride website for more details
Tickets: – FREE
Manchester Pride
25th August – 28th August 2023
One of the biggest Pride Events in the UK, with 20,000 taking part in 2022. August bank holiday in Manchester is action-packed with Pride in Manchester’s Gay Village.
Full detail of the line up, parade routes and other tickets will be announced in the coming months.
Check out Manchester Pride website for more details.
Tickets: – From £30 – £500*
Oldham Pride
21st July – 23rd July 2023
No information apart from a date is currently available for Oldham Pride. Check back, and as soon as we know more, we will let you know.
Salford Pride
Dates TBC (Normally in July)
Salfords Pink Picnic is a fun day out in Peel Park, with local drag acts, and some pop acts from the 80’s & 90’s.
The park is full of people who bring picnics and dogs to watch the acts and celebrate Salford Pride.
Check out the Salford Prides website for more details.
TICKETS: – FREE
Stockport Pride
Dates TBC (2022 was July time)
A small local pride in Stockport. Waiting for more details for its 2023 event.
Tameside Pride
16th July 2023
Tameside Pride 2023 will be heald at Cheetham’s Park. Full details of the lineup and events are still being made and Tameside Pride should publish these shortly
Check out the Tameside Pride Facebook page for more details.
Tickets: – FREE
Trafford Pride
17th May – 20th May 2023
Pride in Trafford explores and celebrates both identity and LGBTQ+ life in Trafford. The work aims to challenge and entertain, taking a queer art focus over a more traditional pride format.
Wigan Pride
Dates TBC (In 2022 it was August)
Wigan Pride promotes and celebrates equality and diversity by bringing together arts, music, street parade and positive messages at a big annual event in Wigan.
Details of the 2023 event are still being worked on.
Check out the Wigan Pride website for more details
Tickets: – FREE
Events
Is your event or a popular LGBTQ event you know of missing? Get in touch here, and we will review it and add it to our list! We want to add as MANY LGBTQ events that Manchester has to offer!
LGBTQ+ Support in Manchester
Sometimes we all need help or advice, and sometimes we need that help and advice when travelling as a tourist, either from overseas or as a UK national. We thought it was important to include support if you or someone you know needs it whilst visiting Manchester. Below we have included a range of services from several of Manchester’s charities and services. Remember it’s ok not to be ok, and if you need any form of help or support, please reach out below.
LGBT Foundation
A support group that provides support in many forms to members of the LGBTQ community. Their helplines are open from 9am till 9pm, Monday till Friday, and 10am to 6pm Saturday and Sunday.
Helpline Number: – 0345 3 30 30 30
George House Trust
The charity is there, Providing support by phone to people affected by HIV. Giving advice, support and information on a range of subjects for HIV people.
Helpline Number: – 0161 274 4499
Switchboard
They are giving support and information to members of the LGBTQ community. Switchboard provides vital support to the community by listening, reassuring and offering referrals to other organisations and professional help if needed.
Helpline Number: – 0300 330 0630
Rainbow Mind
It is a project led by Mind in Salford and Minds in the City, Hackney and Waltham Forest, aiming to tackle mental health issues specifically for individuals within the LGBTQI+ community across Greater Manchester and London. At a time when LGBTQI+ matters have never been more in the spotlight, and with a disparity between the number of LGBTQI+ individuals experiencing mental ill-health and the rest of the population (the average is 1 in 4 people in any given year, but in the LGBTQI+ community can reach levels as high as 70%), Rainbow Mind hopes to address this growing need for support in critical areas of the UK.
Helpline Number: – 0161 710 1070
The Proud Trust
It is a life-saving and life-improving organization that helps LGBT+ young people enhance their abilities and make positive changes for themselves and their communities. It does this through youth groups and coordinating national and regional LGBT+ youth work networks. Proud Trust has developed an online tool to find your local youth groups. You can search for transgender-specific, BAME-specific, and LGBT+-specific groups. Use the website to contact groups or fill out the contact form.
General Enquiries: – 0161 660 3347
We may earn a small commission on some of the links that you click when making a booking or choosing to buy a product during the post. This commission will cost you NOTHING and is the same as if you buy it directly from the supplier or cheaper with discounts. If you purchase or book through our links, the money helps to pay for the running of this small website.
