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United Kingdom/Things to Do in Manchester, with kids

Manchester Cathedral (with kids)

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How Kids-Friendly is Manchester Cathedral?

74%Kids-Friendly
View Map

What makes it 74% Kids-Friendly: Free scavenger-hunt packs, child-friendly guides and short services engage 5–12s, yet the need for near-silence, absence of hands-on exhibits and many fragile carvings demand constant adult supervision.

Google
Reviews4.7/ 5
(from 6,985 reviews)

Positives:

  • Free entry for all: No admission fee makes it easy to plan around any budget.
  • Pushchair-friendly access: Ramps and level floors allow strollers in most areas.

Challenges:

  • Tour times may conflict: Guided tours have set start times; plan around them to avoid waits.
  • Stone floors can be cold: Bring extra layers on cooler days to keep kids comfortable.
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What is Manchester Cathedral?

  • A medieval Church of England cathedral dating to the 13th century at the heart of Manchester
  • Showcases Perpendicular Gothic architecture with vaulted ceilings, ornate medieval wood carvings, and luminous stained-glass windows
  • Serves as the seat of the Bishop of Manchester and houses historical features such as the Chapel of the Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment and rare 15th-century misericords

What is so special about Manchester Cathedral for with kids?

  1. Free entry and pushchair-friendly layout for easy access
  2. Interactive rucksack packs and family tours to engage kids
  3. View medieval wood carvings, stained glass, and the 1421 drawbridge
  4. Set visit time for optimal light and combine with nearby café

Recommended visit duration: 1-2 hours

Why 1-2 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: Enough time to pick up activity packs, join a tour, and explore key highlights.

(View Manchester Cathedral on Map)

Kids-Friendly Activities in Manchester Cathedral

Grab the children’s rucksack activity packs:

Pick up free packs with puzzles, quizzes, and a scavenger hunt.

Tip: Collect packs at the Visitor Centre before exploring to keep kids engaged.

Join a family-friendly guided tour:

Enjoy a 45–60 minute tour tailored to children’s questions.

Tip: Tours run Mon–Fri at 11:00 & 14:30, Sat at 13:00, Sun at 14:30; arrive 10 minutes early.

Spot medieval wood carvings and stained glass:

Admire the 15th-century woodwork at the altar and vivid high-latitude windows.

Tip: Use natural morning light to see details in the carvings and glass.

Explore the 1421 drawbridge and visitor centre:

Visit the medieval timber drawbridge free in the Cateaton Street Visitor Centre.

Tip: Check the Visitor Centre map and let kids imagine the original gatehouse.

When is the best time to visit Manchester Cathedral (Manchester, United Kingdom)?

In summer, enjoy brighter light on stained glass; in winter, dress warmly as floors stay cool. During Christmas, check special carol services for a festive touch.

✈️ Ready to go? Check the latest flight deals to Manchester on Trip.com

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Reviews of Manchester Cathedral (Manchester)

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Vamsi Krishna

Vamsi Krishna

Aug 2025

It is one of the most beautiful places I have seen in Manchester. Massive structure. Amazing architecture. It took about 1hr and 10 minutes to visit this place, and it's truly remarkable. It's walkable distance to other great places. I also visited the national football museum which was close by and well connected with buses and trains.

Bryan Stoops

Bryan Stoops

Jul 2025

I visited Manchester Cathedral on a Friday morning. Admission is free. There was no wait. You can make a small donation if you wish to do so. Having visited many of the famous cathedrals in England, I was surprised because Manchester Cathedral looked just a bit smaller from the outside than I expected. However, it's still a beautiful building inside and out, and very much worth a visit

Elk Hunter

Elk Hunter

Jul 2025

Maybe the nicest building in town as very classy with loads of architecture features and religious iconography to enjoy. Free of charge to enter although a donation is appreciated of course. I spent about an hour here, could do a little more, or a lot less if not your thing. I didn't see any toilets so that's limiting but it's not a museum so there you go. Windows and doors were very aesthetically...

Victoria Voronina

Victoria Voronina

Jun 2025

Rich in history and stunning architecture Manchester Cathedral is a true historical gem in the heart of the city. The building dates back to medieval times, and you can really feel the centuries of history in its walls. The Gothic architecture is impressive, with tall arches, detailed stone carvings, and beautiful stained-glass windows that catch the light perfectly. It’s peaceful inside, and ther...

Kero Chan

Kero Chan

Jun 2025

The cathedral was not crowded on a weekday afternoon. Lady at the entrance slightly introduced the place and handed over a pamphlet for easy reference. I would recommend to reserve around 30 minutes for this place as it is not really a big church. Some of the details are beautiful like the painted windows.

Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)

ItemCost (Approx.)
Photography permitGBP 1
Suggested donationGBP 5
Souvenir from bookshopGBP 4
Total EstimatedGBP 10

Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve

How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Manchester Cathedral

  1. Time your visit around natural light: Visit late morning to see stained glass at its brightest.
  2. Combine with a café stop: After your visit, head to Proper Tea across the square for child-friendly snacks.
🚗 Planning to explore multiple Manchester attractions? A rental car often costs less than daily taxi trips. Check Trip.com for deals. New users save up to 8% OFF.

Map of Manchester Cathedral

Address: Victoria St, Manchester M3 1SX, UK

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About Manchester Cathedral

Opening Hours

Monday:9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Tuesday:9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Wednesday:9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Thursday:9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Friday:9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Saturday:9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Sunday:12:00 – 4:00 PM

Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.

Website

Official Website

Phone Number

+44 161 833 2220

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