Discover rare books, archives, local history and special collections at this iconic city-centre venue.
A Weekend on the Corridor
Oxford Road Corridor is a vibrant corner of Manchester, you can spend a long weekend here discovering its buzzing neighbourhoods, parks and cultural historic sites, or, make Oxford Road Corridor your base from which to explore Manchester and beyond.
Oxford Road Corridor is Manchester’s innovation district with knowledge and culture to be discovered around every corner, from the historic Central Library in St Peter’s Square to the sprawling campuses of The University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University, both adorned with beautiful architecture and surrounded by landmarks, historic parks and contemporary green spaces.
There is a rich cultural heritage on Oxford Road Corridor with many of Manchester’s famous music venues here, whether you’re looking for a sophisticated evening at a world-class concert hall or an all-night rave, you can find a venue that suits your mood. For fans of the stage, there is a wide-ranging choice of theatre and performance on offer, from the contemporary and cutting-edge to huge musicals and family favourites. Likewise, the museums and galleries offer on Oxford Road Corridor is unrivalled in Manchester, with impressive historic and contemporary spaces that suit families looking for adventurous days out and culture buffs keen to see a mix of famous and emerging visual arts.
With hidden gems and heritage to uncover too and a huge variety of food and drink options available, a weekend is well spent on Oxford Road Corridor.
Things to do in the day
There are must-see daytime attractions at both ends of the Oxford Road Corridor, from Central Library to the Whitworth with plenty in between.
An innovative contemporary art gallery committed to supporting artists’ careers and talent development across Greater Manchester, the North West and beyond.
Manchester’s multi-purpose hub of creativity and discovery, bringing together film, theatre, art, and some of the city’s best social spaces.
A venue dedicated to Manchester writer Anthony Burgess and a go-to destination for literature, concerts, conferences, and much more.
Manchester School of Art’s Holden Gallery curates an exhibitions programme that focuses exclusively on recent developments in international contemporary visual art.
A visually stunning art gallery located at the heart of Whitworth Park, with a collection containing around 55,000 items.
Discover the story of the suffragettes and learn about women’s activism, past and present, at the former home of Emmeline Pankhurst and her family.
This beautifully restored Grade II listed villa was once home to Elizabeth Gaskell, one of the UK’s most important Victorian writers.
Lunch
Many of the cultural spaces on Oxford Road Corridor have in-house cafes and restaurants, but if you fancy trying somewhere new, there are plenty of lunchtime options.
You can stop by on your lunch for a quick takeaway sandwich or burrito to take back to your desk or enjoy across the road in All Saints Park, or you stay longer and pick from a menu of mains in their downstairs cafe.
Ditto Coffee is a coffee shop specialising in independent music and speciality coffee. This Manchester coffee shop is the second from the Liverpool-based Ditto Music company.
Since opening in 2012, Gorilla has proved itself as Manchester’s definitive mid-sized modern gig venue and one of the city’s best bar and kitchens.
Relaxing afternoon in the park
The afternoons are a great time to see the museums and galleries you’ve not gotten to yet, but if the weather is nice, why not enjoy the green spaces on offer?
All Saints Park is a beautiful green space in the heart of the Oxford Road Corridor. Perfect for a quick moment of calm on a busy day.
This 18-acre park opposite the Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust is an eye-catching green space and home to the Whitworth Art Gallery.
Enjoy views of some of the best architecture in Manchester in this green space which was opened in 2018 by The University of Manchester.
Dinner time
Concerts & Shows
There is a wide variety of performance venues on Oxford Road Corridor, depending on what’s on that weekend, you can book for comedy, classical music, musicals and contemporary theatre.
Manchester’s multi-purpose hub of creativity and discovery, bringing together film, theatre, art, and some of the city’s best social spaces.
The Royal Northern College of Music is a world-leading conservatoire and thriving music venue with a reputation for attracting talent from across the world.
A vibrant theatre and arts venue that champions youth leadership, presenting some of the city’s most provocative and innovative multidisciplinary art.
One of Manchester’s most prominent theatres since it was established in 1891, the Palace brings the best of national and international theatre, music and comedy to the North West.
One of Manchester’s most important cultural buildings, the Bridgewater Hall stages 300 performances each year and attracts the biggest names in classical music
Home to the Northern Ballet School, The Dancehouse is an Art Deco theatre and studio which hosts a wide range of productions alongside a busy calendar of regular events.
Gigs
Manchester is famously one of the UK hotspots for live music with many of its most iconic venues based on the Oxford Road Corridor.
Four floors of YES with something for everyone – including a rooftop bar, two live music spaces, a club space, DJs and extensive coffee, street food and bar selection.
Manchester’s original 1920s dancehall – an art deco gem that spans a century of Manchester music history in the heart of the city centre
Four spaces in one, Manchester Academy has been welcoming world-famous bands to Manchester since the early 1960s.
An ever-popular nightclub, bar and affordable street food stop housed in a landmark, Grade II listed building. Come for the unique space, stay for the live music and DJs.
Since opening in 2012, Gorilla has proved itself as Manchester’s definitive mid-sized modern gig venue and one of the city’s best bar and kitchens.
Where to stay
All you need to know now is where you are going to stay. There are plenty of hotels on the Oxford Road Corridor which cater for all tastes and budgets.
Kimpton Clocktower Hotel offers an unforgettable stay on Oxford Road Corridor in one of Manchester’s most iconic buildings.
Hyatt Regency Manchester is an elegant, modern hotel set in the heart of Oxford Road Corridor.
The Midland Hotel is one of the most famous places to stay in Manchester, and one of Oxford Road Corridor’s most lavishly decorated hotels.
The Holiday Inn Express on Oxford Road is a centrally located hotel that offers visitors great value for money.
Hotel ibis on Princess Street offers 126 value for money rooms in a central Manchester location near Oxford Road.