Fancy a day out without going heavy on the booze? We've got just the thing for you. This city is home to more alcohol-free activities than ever and our guide is a handpicked selection of the very best. Dry January? Sober October? Whatever your reason for ditching the spirited stuff, check out this list of fun things to do in Manchester when you're not drinking.
🍸🚫
Explore Manchester's Nine Best Walks
When it comes to free things to do in Manchester if you don't drink, the city is home to some seriously beautiful walks. Ditch the booze and discover waterfront strolls, spot city landmarks, explore country parks or adventure through ancient woodland. Plus, there's some recommendations for dinner, lunch and afternoon tea afterwards.
Getting out and about just got greener.
Taste Your Way Through Michelin Star Dishes
This city is full of Michelin Guide-worthy restaurants, so of course you're going to want to try a few of them whether heading out for dinner, a date night or special occasion with people who don't drink. From quirky Spanish tapas joints boasting pretty rooftop terraces to high-end haunts serving elevated British classics, there's plenty to get excited about.
There's a lot of Michelin-quality restaurants in Manchester that you'll want to explore.
Go For The Bullseye At Flight Club
In need of alternative things to do in Manchester if you don't drink at night? With high-tech oches, fairground decor and piles of pizza, Flight Club Manchester is just the place to be when you're looking for a social twist on the classic game. Tuck into sharing plates in between the multiplayer mayhem, all while the bar whips up alcohol-free cocktails like Watermelon Bliss or Spring Passion.
Beating all your mates at darts? We're all for it.
Gorge On Brunch (Without The Booze)
Not all brunches have to be boozy you know, as our stellar collection of swish restaurants and cool hangouts proves. Say no to the prosecco and opt for a refreshing juice or mocktail, all while chomping on eggs any way you fancy, piles of pancakes and full English spreads at these fabulous brunch restaurants.
We're opting for a good ol' fashioned cuppa with this brunch at The Ivy.
Book The Really Gouda Manchester Cheese Crawl
When you haven't yet seen all the greatest sights of Manchester, or have but still want to find where the most brie-lliant places for fromage are, the Manchester Cheese Crawl is calling your name. From NQ hangouts to high street hideaways, this walking tour is taking you for a taste of the city's finest sellers, all complete with the cheesiest trivia and jokes.
You feta believe this event is full of tasty treats.
Enjoy Bottomless Mocktails Alongside Afternoon Tea
Slather your scones in preserve and clotted cream, nibble finger sandwiches and sink your teeth into pastries at Cherry Jam's afternoon tea, all washed down with a choice of tasty shakes or mocktails. You've got 90 minutes to glug as many as you like, before there's a game of musical bingo and plenty of prizes to finish off, great if you're after alcohol-free things to do in Manchester for couples.
Cherry Jam has sweet treats and alcohol-free concoctions galore.
Nab A Meal At These Manchester Restaurants
Feeling peckish and don't fancy cooking? Support your locals by going to the city's best restaurants. From stacked burgers to celebrity chef-run eateries and those serving Japanese-Mexican fusion, there are plenty of drool-inducing options to explore while you're avoiding the booze. To top it off, all occasions and budgets are covered.
The money you've saved on booze is sure to pay for a delish meal.
Burn Rubber With TeamSport
Unleash your inner Toretto to live that fast and furious lifestyle with a go on the tracks at TeamSport. Taking over a subterranean circuit below Manchester Arena, this quirky pick boasts 550 metres of track where speeds can reach up to 40mph. And once you've worked up an appetite? There's pizza, wings and vegan specials for that.
After fun things to do in Manchester for non-drinking adults? Take to this underground track.
Soak Up 0% Beer Thanks To BrewDog
Love the taste of beer, but hate that foggy head feeling the next day? BrewDog has you sorted with a range of 'Tuned' brews that dial down the alcohol without compromising on flavour. There’s the tropical Punk AF, a bitter Nanny State, the zesty Raspberry Blitz and a toffee-tipped Vagabond to wet your whistle, whether you're at the bar or their hotel.
Going dry doesn't have to mean ditching the beer.
Join The Great Game Outdoor Treasure Hunt
Get your teamwork fix at the Manchester edition of The Great Game Outdoor Treasure Hunt. You'll turn into an adventurer searching for buried treasure as you explore the city's landmarks or secret backstreets, all while solving puzzles, riddles and clues along the way. This alternative afternoon with your pals is made even better by 20% off a pub meal at the end.
Not your average activity, The Great Game offers up a grand prize.
Urban Playground
Home to Putters and The Cube in Manchester, Urban Playground lets you unleash your inner kid. They've got everything from high-tech crazy golf to a series of competitive games and challenges to test both your mental and physical ability. These immersive games are perfect for couples, friends or family, with a great selection of burgers and refreshing soft drinks available for after.
Secret things to do in Manchester? Urban Playground has got those.
Like the sound of having alcohol-free fun? Then you'll love this list of Manchester mocktails. Make sure to sign up to our newsletter and stay on top of the latest trends too.
