The Bridgewater Hall (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is The Bridgewater Hall?
What makes it 73% Kids-Friendly: Family concerts, treasure trails and free lunchtime sets welcome ages 5–12; lifts and toilets help, but some long formal shows can still feel too static for restless kids.
Positives:
- Family-friendly staff support: Stewards provide Treasure Trail maps and guide you to child facilities free of charge.
- Accessible facilities: All floors have step-free access, lifts and accessible toilets close to the auditorium.
Challenges:
- Age restrictions: Children under 5 must attend only family-marked events; formal concerts are age-restricted.
- Limited seating: Popular family concerts often sell out; you should book tickets weeks in advance.
What is The Bridgewater Hall?
- A concert hall in Manchester’s Cathedral Gardens, opened in 1996 with seating for around 2,400 patrons
- Home to the Hallé Orchestra and a venue for classical, jazz, pop, rock and world music performances
- Designed by Renton Howard Wood Levin with a steel-and-glass façade and a “springs-on-springs” acoustic system for precise sound quality
What is so special about The Bridgewater Hall for with kids?
- The Bridgewater Hall hosts interactive family concerts designed for ages 5–13.
- Free foyer performances and public art let kids explore at no cost.
- Self-guided Treasure Trail engages children with hidden features.
- Guided tours reveal the hall’s unique acoustic design.
- Accessible, step-free building with staff support for families.
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: A 2-3 hour visit covers a family concert or foyer performances plus time to explore art and trails.
Kids-Friendly Activities in The Bridgewater Hall
Family Concert:
Join a dedicated family show with interactive music and dress-up elements.
Tip: Book family tickets online in advance and arrive early to use the foyer play activities.
Treasure Trail:
Follow a self-guided trail to find hidden spots and learn about orchestral instruments.
Tip: Download the Treasure Trail map from the website or pick one up at the info desk.
Live at Lunchtime:
Enjoy a short, free foyer concert covering jazz, folk or classical genres.
Tip: These weekday shows run May–September at 12:45 pm; arrive 10 minutes early for best spots.
Public Art Walk:
Spot Kan Yasuda’s Ishiki sculpture outside and Deryck Healey’s Visual Poem in the foyer.
Tip: Let kids guess shapes and colours as you walk through Barbirolli Square.
Guided Building Tour:
Explore backstage areas and learn about the hall’s special acoustic design.
Tip: Tours run on select mornings; check dates and book £10 adult/£8 child tickets online.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to The Bridgewater Hall
- Book early online: Secure family tickets and tour slots in one transaction to avoid sold-out shows.
- Combine activities: Do the Treasure Trail before a foyer concert to keep kids engaged while waiting.
- Arrive early: Get seats near the front and let kids explore the foyer play area before the show.
Reviews of The Bridgewater Hall
Carol Flynn
A great theatre. A lovely entrance hall and bar area. Great seats with good views of the stage. Taxi rank right outside and close to a couple of hotels in walking distance. Great experience when seeing Jeanette and Aljaz 🙌
Mark Tighe
Went to watch Post Modern Jukebox with my old man. We were sat at the back (only seats available, it was a popular show). We could see the lighting and sound engineers desks, so it felt like we were backstage. It was ace! The seats were excellent I'm tall 6'4, yet had plenty of room in front and to the sides. The sound was fantastic, I guess this is more about the engineers than the venue? We had ...
Fiona Wild
First time attending a concert at Bridgewater Hall and absolutely loved it. It's a great venue with great sound quality, and comfy seats with plenty of room. Drinks are a bit pricey but that's expected in any venue in a city. We say in the centre gallery and had an amazing view. Highly recommended.
mark smith
Great venue in the centre of Manchester.. New and modern facility with great access.... I went to see a concert here and really enjoyed the experience and the venue.. The staff were friendly and helpful.. A range of bars and cafes inside and ample toilet facilities.. Access for disabled to all levels by lift and stairs... Even though we were on the second level and my wife has mobility issues we d...
Andrew Woodward
I travelled from Birmingham to hear the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra play a concert here. The venue is well staffed and there is a welcoming feeling to the place. Very good refreshment facilities on each level. My seat was Left Circle Row M; an excellent view of the stage. The acoustics are second to none. There are numerous restaurants and eateries close by. Cloakroom facilities are available.
When is the best time to visit The Bridgewater Hall (Manchester, United Kingdom)?
In summer, catch free Live at Lunchtime shows; in December, book the Christmas Family Concert with foyer activities; check the “Family Events” calendar for one-off workshops year-round.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Family Concert ticket (4 seats) | GBP 50.25 |
| Snacks at foyer café (4 items) | GBP 12 |
| Total Estimated | GBP 62.25 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Map of The Bridgewater Hall
Address: The Bridgewater Hall, Lower Mosley St, Manchester M2 3WS, UK
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About The Bridgewater Hall
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