When the standard events and things to do just won't cut it anymore, you'll want to check out the variety of interactive happenings that'll transport you to a whole different world. From landing in your very own Squid Game to taking on iconic gameshows and walking among art exhibitions, these are the best immersive experiences in Manchester for 2024.
David Hockney: Bigger & Closer (Not Smaller & Further Away)
On the hunt for an immersive art experience in
Manchester? Bigger & Closer (Not Smaller &
Further Away) is an exhibition featuring around
250 of David Hockney's creations, ranging from popular pieces to
rare finds and even some exclusive drawings made just for the
event. Throughout the one-hour performance, a wide array of
Hockney's creations spanning his six-decade career animate the
venue's walls to a custom soundtrack by Nico
Muhly.
David Hockney's Bigger & Closer (Not Smaller & Further Away) uses digital projection to transport visitors into a digital art wonderland.
Alcotraz: Cell Block Three-Four
A top choice of immersive events in Manchester, Alcotraz: Cell Block Three-Four sees you throw on a very fetching orange jumpsuit and make your way to the cells for some prison-themed theatre with delish cocktails to boot. Not only will you sneak in your own liquor and be a part of the action, but the expert mixologists are sure to shake up plenty of bespoke drinks for your group.
Orange Is The New Black? Prison Break? Feel like your favourite criminals here.
Immersive Gamebox
Don a motion sensor visor and get inside a private pod at Immersive Gamebox in Manchester Arndale, where plenty of themed scenarios await. You'll use your body and the touch-sensitive walls to complete different challenges across the space, whether you go for Squid Game, James Bunny: Casino Tropicale or Ghostbusters. Make sure to get some drinks delivered to your room too.
This immersive experience in Manchester features twists on your favourite games, TV and films.
DNA VR
After immersive things to do in Manchester? DNA VR has your back. Grab your choice of bev from the bar and get stuck into everything from zombie apocalypse survival to jailbreak escape rooms and even a spot of dragon fighting. For an out-of-this-world experience, you can rely on the virtual reality gaming here.
Becoming an elven assassin? Yup, you can even do that here.
THE CUBE Live Experience
Another example of getting your competitive steak out at a gameshow replica, THE CUBE Live Experience is all about doing seemingly simple tasks. But we know how that all changes inside the iconic Perspex box. Arrive in teams to take on seven iconic single or two-player games while under pressure, before moving to the slick bar to refuel.
The Cube Manchester isn't to be missed.
Escape Hunt
Head inside the Corn Exchange and you'll find Escape Hunt, an exciting experience packed with adrenaline-pumping missions for your group to throw themselves into. So, what's on the cards? 60 minutes to solve clues, crack codes and defeat puzzles, all across Doctor Who, Wild West, Viking or Samurai-inspired rooms.
There's the quirky Alice In Puzzleland here too.
The Crystal Maze Live Experience
Found next to the Science and Industry Museum is the ultimate team test: The Crystal Maze Live Experience. Immersive yourself in the 90s gameshow, making your way through multiple zones that come complete with a mix of challenges that are both physical and putting your logic or judgement through its paces.
You're in for a wild ride.
Breakout Manchester
Thanks to multiple locations in our city, Breakout Manchester is an escape room experience with a whole host of options for between two and five people. Whether meddling with rare spells, potions and magical artefacts, investigating a zombie lab or escaping kidnappers sounds like more your thing, this place has the scenario to suit your group.
Satanic rituals at a hut in the woods? That's in store here too.
Museum Of Illusions
You might have spotted these guys on TikTok, as they've been popular in global cities like New York and Chicago to name a few. The Museum of Illusions is a unique experience featuring plenty of immersive rooms that are designed to blow your mind. Manchester is the first UK location for this quirky exhibit, coming to the former Sports Direct store on Market Street. Expect intriguing holograms and unbelievable tricks in displays such as the Walk-in Kaleidoscope, Vortex Tunnel and Infinity Room, as well as some features that reflect Manchester itself.
Prepare to have your mind blown.
Chaos Karts Manchester
Widely referred to as 'real life Mario Kart', Chaos Karts at Old Granada studios is the UK's first ever live-action video game experience. You and your pals can zip around an augmented reality racecourse with an almost infinite number of maps to choose from - from deserts to space. The vehicles replicate physical sensations as you drive, with virtual power ups and weapons to spice up the competition a little.
Live out your Mario Kart fantasies at Chaos Karts.
For more unique things to do across our city, check out this guide. Then sign up to our weekly newsletter to stay in the know.
