Top things to do on a spa break in Manchester

A city known for its architecture, culture, music, and of course, its football club, Manchester is a popular location for getaways and nights out and entertainment. Amongst the many wonderful things to see and do in this hub of urban activity, is a stay in one of its many spa hotels. Here are our top suggestions for things to do and places to stay on a spa break in Manchester.

Top attractions in Manchester

There are so many different things to see and do in Manchester, with something for everyone whether you're a foodie connoisseur, a music lover, a sports fan or a culture vulture. Here are a few of our top recommendations.

Go on a foodie tour around Ancoats

The canalised neighbourhood of Ancoats has become the favourite hangout for trendy foodies. Also referred to as Little Italy courtesy of its heritage, it's home to popular pizza and pasta joints as well as great coffee houses and independent bakeries. Cruffin (that’s a croissant/muffin) anyone?

Learn about this UNESCO City of Literature

For fans of fact and fiction, it will come as a welcome piece of information that Manchester was named a UNESCO City of Literature in 2017 and has hosted many a literary event ever since. There are lots of buildings honouring that heritage which are all worth exploring, from Manchester Central Library to Chetham’s - the oldest surviving public library in the English-speaking world, and the Portico Library, which is architecturally inspiring as well.

Have a night out

Manchester is known for many things, including its vibrant nightlife. The city's Warehouse Project is known around the world as a destination for a good night out, having moved over the years until it reached its current (vast) space at Depot Mayfield.

Explore the music scene

Music isn't just about a good night out in Manchester, if you're a true music aficionado then you might like to know that this is a treasure trove of independent record stores. Top locations include Burnage, Kingbee Records and Vinyl Exchange.

Put your best fashion foot forward

A creative city to the core, Manchester is the career birthplace of many independent artists and designers thanks to the award-winning Manchester Craft and Design Centre. Head to the city's creative quarter - aka The Northern Quarter - where you can see creativity in action or even take part in lessons and workshops in things like screen printing, watercolour painting, silver jewellery making, calligraphy and embroidery.

Top spas to visit in Manchester

Spa hotels in Manchester are stylish, sophisticated and lots of fun, offering state-of-the-art spa treatments, luxurious places to stay and exceptional wellbeing experiences. Here are a few favourites.

Rena Spa at The Midland

An adult-only hotel and spa, Rena Spa at The Midland has heritage, style and all the modern luxuries you could ask for. It's in an exceptional location and rooms worthy of rock star guests. The award-winning spa is a treat complete with a two storey gym, a beautiful pool, four thermal areas, sleep chambers and gorgeous Germaine De Cappucini treatments.

The Lowry Hotel

On the edge of Manchester city centre, The Lowry Hotel enjoys serene views of the River Irwell whilst also being within easy reach of the metropolitan buzz. The hotel is sleek and stylish with lots of natural light, while following a refurbishment the RE:TREAT spa is a haven of wellbeing and state-of-the-art experiences. The spa is unique in its technology-based equipment, for example, there's a cryotherapy chamber, meditation pod and sensory deprivation tank, as well as a sauna and a relaxation room.

King Street Gym & Spa

Ultra chic and located on one of Manchester's most important streets, King Street Gym & Spa is perfect for romantic getaways. In a magnificent Grade II listed building, the design is exceptional, revelling in 140 years of history and combining it with modern hospitality. The spa and gym are a modern addition next door to the hotel, where everything is brand new. The gym offers 360° wellbeing and fitness, while the spa is a feast of thermal experiences. They also work with Perricone MD to offer a range of bespoke, specialist spa treatments and results-driven facials, and ESPA for face and body treatments.

Manchester Piccadilly Hotel & Spa

If shopping, relaxing and spa sound like the perfect combination, you can look no further than here. In the heart of Manchester, this hotel and its urban spa give you the convenience of being able to tour the city’s retail boutiques and fit in some serious relaxation in your own spa oasis. There’s a gym, a thermal suite and sauna and steam to chill out in, but an Elemis treatment is a must to leave you feeling and looking fantastic.

Malmaison Manchester

Once a 19th century warehouse, Manchester Malmaison’s design has something of the Moulin Rouge about it, with rich textures and deep colours throughout. The hotel's Chez Mal Brasserie is definitely the place for dinner with friends, while the spa is small but perfectly formed, perfect for working out and feeling fab before (or after) a night out.