Manchester is a fantastic destination for couples possibly due to its quirky nature and unique array of attractions. Its long and remarkable history has contributed to the development of a cityscape with outstanding shopping, dining, and nightlife, as well as an interesting array of things to see and do.
If you're looking for a typical romantic dinner, you're in for a treat. There are plenty of places to unwind with a few drinks afterward. However, for some ideas on how to plan a date with a twist.
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Manchester has 10 miles of canals running through the city centre, a vestige of the city's past as one of the world's leading industrial hubs. Many have towpaths running alongside them, where you can enjoy a peaceful walk away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Particularly suitable areas include Castlefield and Ancoats.
If you'd rather not get your feet wet, you can take a cruise down the Manchester Ship Canal. The 36-mile-long waterway was built in the late 1800s to connect Manchester to Liverpool and the coast, allowing ocean-going cargo ships to reach the city's many mills and factories. There are now several services cruising along the canal, some of which provide meals, views, drinks, and other amenities.
Try some weird and wonderful sundaes..
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On the top floor of Affleck's, Ginger's Comfort Emporium is an excellent ice cream parlour. It's well-known for its 1950s-style decor and some out-of-the-ordinary concoctions. Desserts like Marmalade on Toast or Olive Oil & Sea Salt may not sound particularly appetising, but they're among the best-sellers.
Ginger's Comfort Emporium has won several British Street Food Awards, as well as a recipe book and an ice cream van that frequently appears at summer markets and festivals. The unique setting of their home address, as well as the menu items, will undoubtedly provide you with plenty to talk about.
Location: Affleck’s, Church St, Manchester M4 1PW, UK
Open: Monday–Saturday from 10.30 am to 6 pm, Sunday from 11 am to 5 pm
Phone: +44 (0)7980 628868
Enjoy a little peace and pampering.
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A relaxing spa session is an excellent way to unwind during your visit to Manchester, and many establishments offer couples' treatments and packages. Some of the best spas in the city can be found in hotels, such as the Urban Oasis Spa at the Hilton Manchester Deansgate. There are, however, some notable stand-alone spas.
The Youth Sanctuary on Oldham Road is unquestionably worthwhile. It is well-known for its excellent service and excellent value for money. Meanwhile, the award-winning Bali Health Lounge on George Street takes pride in its highly trained therapists and offers a little oasis of calm in the heart of the city. Booking ahead of time is always recommended because it can help you save money.
Hit the slopes, shops and climbing wall.
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Chill Factore gives you the opportunity to hit the slopes in Manchester for some skiing and snowboarding action. When it first opened in 2007, the real snow centre in Trafford Park had the world's widest indoor slope, measuring 330 feet across at its widest point. The main slope is 590 feet long, but there are smaller and shorter slopes for varying skill levels and unique challenges.
Snacks from a limited selection of big-brand and boutique outlets are available in between runs on the slopes. There is also a good selection of shops nearby, many of which sell outdoor and sportswear. There is also a climbing wall at the centre if you want to challenge other parts of your body..
Location: Beyond Shopping Centre, 7 Trafford Way, Trafford Park, Stretford, Manchester M41 7JA, UK
Phone: +44 (0)1617 492222
Try the chocolate-themed afternoon tea.
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You can't go wrong with Cocoa Cabana when it comes to sweets for your sweet. Their hand-tempered treats are made from high-quality ingredients and transformed into some really creative, award-winning confections. You could get a plain chocolate slab or shard, but you could also get a chocolate skull, a chocolate Buddha statue, or a chocolate pineapple. Some are even suitable for vegans.
You could have a chocolate-themed afternoon tea for something a little more special. This includes not only sandwiches and scones, but also a chocolate tart, chocolate brownie, macaron, chocolate strawberry, and your choice of tea, coffee, or hot chocolate.
Location: 168 Burton Rd, West Didsbury, Manchester M20 1LH, UK
Open: Monday–Saturday from 10.30 am to 6 pm (Wednesday until 9 pm), Sunday from 11 am to 5 pm
Phone: +44 (0)1612 825700
Have a purr-fect coffee date.
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Manchester Cat Café is a cat-themed café in Manchester. Having a nice cup of coffee and a cake while chatting with your partner is a pleasant way to spend an hour or two, but you can amp up the cuteness factor by being surrounded by friendly felines throughout the experience.
The cost of hanging out at Manchester Cat Café is determined by the amount of time you spend there, not by the amount of money you spend. You pay per 5 minutes, and the price is reasonable. You can have unlimited hot and cold drinks during that time, but snacks are extra. There are gluten-free, nut-free, and vegan options available.
Location: 103 High St, Manchester M4 1HQ, UK
Open: Monday, Wednesday–Saturday from 10 am to 7 pm, Sunday from 11 am to 6 pm (closed on Tuesdays)
Phone: +44 (0)1612 224960
Taste the champagne lifestyle.
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Harvey Nichols is a well-known British department store, with its flagship location in Knightsbridge, London. The Manchester branch isn't as large, but it's just as full of luxury designer fashion. Expect to see brands ranging from Armani to Zimmermann, as well as a slew of high-end British and international names in between.
If you're hungry, it's worth going up to the top floor and checking out the bar and brasserie. The eggs benedict with champagne is a brunch that packs a punch! The cocktails are also well-received.
Location: 21 New Cathedral St, Manchester M1 1AD, UK
Open: Monday–Saturday from 11 am to 7 pm, Sunday from 11.30 am to 5.30 pm
Phone: +44 (0)1618 288888
First-class cocktails with a view.
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Manchester is well-known for its nightlife, but Cloud 23 is one of the most romantic. The views from the floor-to-ceiling windows on the 23rd floor of the Beetham Tower are spectacular. It has a luxurious contemporary design on the inside, where you can unwind with stylish music and exclusive cocktails.
Aside from the view, the cocktail menu is what makes Cloud 23 worth a visit. It's named after Manchester's long history, with names ranging from AD 79 (vodka, bergamot, and soda) to the 2010 Graphene (with vodka, sherry, almond syrup, black pepper and maple foam). There's also a good selection of beers, wines, champagnes, and soft drinks, as well as delectable snacks.
Location: Hilton Manchester Deansgate, Beetham Tower, 303 Deansgate, Manchester M3 4LQ, UK
Try a little friendly competition.
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Twenty Twenty-Two certainly fits the bill for Manchester nightlife with a twist. It has the feel of a grungy bar or club due to its underground entrance and tiled walls. While it has a good drink menu and some great music, it's the ping pong tables in the back room that draw the most attention.
The tables are charged by the half-hour to ensure that no one occupies them for too long, but the price is quite reasonable. A little friendly competition adds a new dynamic to a date, as well as a few laughs, making this a popular destination for couples.
Location: The Basement, Little Lever St, Manchester M1 1EZ, UK
Open: Monday–Wednesday from 4 pm to 12 pm, Thursday from 4 pm to 1 am, Friday from 4 pm to 3 am, Saturday from 1 pm to 3 am, Sunday from 1 pm to 10 pm
Phone: +44 (0)1612 379360
Experience Manchester’s finest modern art, theatre and independent cinema.
HOME is Manchester's art hub, specialising in contemporary art, music, theatre, dance performances, and independent films. The city is known for its vibrant arts scene, and HOME is one of the best venues for showcasing it. There are five cinemas, two theatres, two galleries, a general events space, and rehearsal rooms.
At HOME, you'll also find an excellent restaurant, a couple of bars, and a bookshop. Throughout the year, there is a full calendar of events and performances, and ticket prices are very reasonable.
Location: 2 Tony Wilson Place, Manchester M15 4FN, UK
Open: Monday–Thursday from 10 am to 11 pm, Friday–Saturday from 10 am to 12 midnight, Sunday from 11 am to 10.30 pm
Phone: +44 (0)16 1200 1500
Thanks Hotels.com for writing this insightful piece.