10 Things to Do with An Elderly Parent in Manchester

If you’re looking for a fun-filled day with culture and attractions aplenty, Manchester may just fit the bill for the whole family. With sport, outdoor spaces, shopping, and history, discover more about days out in Manchester here.

Explore Heaton Park

Proclaimed as the biggest and best park in the North West, there is so much to do at Heaton Park that you may need more than a day! Chock full with historical buildings, as well as four cafes, a tramway museum, animal centre, and rowing boats, you can walk, run, or enjoy a picnic.

Enjoy a Manchester Canal Cruise

Picturesque waterways offer an opportunity to see Manchester from a unique perspective. Canal tours and river cruises are a leisurely way to enjoy your day and learn more about Manchester’s history. What could be better than watching the world drift by while learning more about the city’s industrial past?

Discover the Manchester Museum

Part of the University of Manchester, Manchester Museum is housed in a 130-year-old building enveloped in history. With exhibits covering both human evolution and the natural world, as well as natural science collections and conservation work. You can even see live amphibians and lizards!

Stroll Around Fletcher Moss Botanical Garden

It’s no surprise that these gardens are award winning and are popular locations for TV filming and photography. There are rare plants and trees, and The Parsonage building is a popular art gallery, wellbeing space, and wedding venue. There are plenty of enjoyable walks, plus a popular outdoor café.

Experience a Show at Palace Theatre

The Palace Theatre has a long and illustrious history, with world famous performers such as Laurel and Hardy, Harry Houdini, Judy Garland, and Noel Coward once appearing. Whether you like musicals, dramas, ballet, or opera, there’s something for everyone at this 1998-seater venue.

Visit the Whitworth Art Gallery

A free resource for locals and visitors to enjoy alike, the Whitworth Art Gallery houses more than 60,000 works of art, wallpaper, and textiles. They also put on talks, concerts, have a well-stocked shop and a café. Internationally renowned artists are also regularly exhibited.

Relax at Manchester Central Library

So much more than just borrowing books, Manchester Central Library has so much to offer the entire family. As well as the usual offerings such as computers, Wi-Fi, and a cafe, the library also houses family and local history archives, special collections, and the library theatre company.

Learn at the Science and Industry Museum

While many of the exhibits may be more enjoyed by younger members of the family, there is still plenty for adults to enjoy at the museum. Exhibits around Manchester’s industrial heritage will fascinate young and old alike, while scientific objects from Stephen Hawking’s office will offer an insight into how he worked.

Wander Through the Northern Quarter

This dynamic neighbourhood has creative spaces, independent shops, and a diverse culture. You can expect to see street art, hear music, and enjoy unique cafes while in the area, with opportunities to visit lively markets and vintage boutiques, and chance upon one-of-a-kind finds.