Fun Things To Do Outdoors In Manchester

From cocktails on a cruise to scavenger hunts around the city, these are the best outdoor activities in Manchester. Whether you're looking for alfresco date night ideas or inspiration for a group gathering, the events, venues and experiences here are set to deliver the goods. Read on to uncover our guide to outside antics.

Last edited by Kiera Chapman




Freight Island

Located in the heart of Mayfield's Depot, Freight Island is a cultural hub for food, drink, and entertainment, with a multi-vendor, multi-dimensional vibe that's perfect for making memories and exploring new possibilities. From summer festivals to bingo and Barbie-themed parties, they're responsible for hosting some of the best outdoor events in the whole of Manchester.

Beer Gardens In Manchester

Offering rays for days, there's no place like a sun-soaked beer garden in Manchester to revel in the summer light. From rooftop oasis to canal-side alfresco bars, we've compiled a list of the best Beer Gardens In Manchester to sip on an ice-cold beer under the blazing sun in style. Just make sure you don't forget your sunscreen. 

The Lawn Club

Lunch Club | Main & Soft Drink for £10 and 1 other offer

If you're in the mood for some fun and frolics outdoors, head over to The Lawn Club - the ultimate bar and kitchen in the heart of Spinningfields. With an open-air lawn space, bookable huts, a menu full of BBQ delights that'll make your mouth water, and seasonal drinks activations, it's the place to be for a great day (or night) out.

The Manchester Craft Beer Experience

@ Cloudwater Brewery Taproom on Saturday 25th January 2025 and 10 other Saturdays

Outdoor activities in Manchester for adults that also involve drinking pints? We recommend the Manchester Craft Beer Experience. Explore seven different venues, all classed as hidden gems, and learn all about the brewing process while sampling an exciting tipple at each stop. The tour only takes place on one Saturday per month, so you'd better hop to it and book your ticket - which costs just £37.50 for a three and a half-hour outing.

What's on at GRUB

To spend sunny days outside across the summer months? Check out GRUB. This street food hub has a lineup of events in store, from fizz-fuelled quizzes to sour beer tastings from local breweries and high-energy disco bingo complete with bottomless booze. Tickets to these events start from as little as £1 and whatever you pick, you can always be sure of delicious food and drink nearby.

Manchester Fun Puzzle Treasure Hunt! Single route or double for racing!

@ Manchester Piccadilly Train Station on Various dates from Saturday 21st December 2024

If you're wanting to get into the great outdoors, The Manchester Fun Puzzle Treasure Hunt is one of the most fun things to do outdoors in Manchester city centre. You'll be working as a team to solve clues, puzzles and riddles in a city-wide treasure hunt, where you can also discover landmarks and hidden gems along the way. As for your prize? Nab 20% off food and drink at a local pub.

CityDays Immersive Scavenger Hunts Manchester

Been searching for 'outdoor activities near me' lately? They don't get much better than CityDays, where you can explore the area's hidden gems while solving escape room-inspired puzzles and games. You'll weave your way through industrial waterways and Roman ruins while trying to crack the code, with tickets starting from just £15 per person. Plus, there's plenty of refreshment stops on your treasure hunt tour.

Manchester: City Adventure & Interactive Treasure Hunt

@ Victoria Train Station on Various dates from Saturday 21st December 2024

Setting off from Victoria Station, embark on a self-guided tour around the city's famous landmarks completing challenges and puzzles along the way with Manchester's City Adventure and Interactive Treasure Hunt. From £28.95, you can have up to five players per quest as you trail through Piccadilly, Northern Quarter and NOMA learning about history and obtaining fun facts to tell your friends. 

The Oast House

Head down to The Oast House - where the fun never stops. Nestled among the towering structures of Spinningfields, it's the perfect place to indulge in some finger-lickin' good deli boards, rotisseries, and grill dishes. Their outdoor courtyard is the perfect spot to chill out, soak up the sun, and sip on some delicious refreshments.

Rooftop Bars In Manchester

It's not an activity as such, but finding somewhere to perch with a drink outside can be just what the doctor ordered. And if only the sunniest, sky-high spots will do? Our guide to rooftop bars is keeping you in terraces, gardens and tipis, and also offering up outdoor date ideas in Manchester for couples who love a view. Whether it's the bougie SkyLounge At Doubletree or the beautiful 20 Stories, we've got just the thing for you.

Walks To Do In And Around Manchester

These walks are the ideal pick of things to do on a sunny day in or around Manchester, and a great way to explore more of the local area. Check out the gorgeous green spaces like Peel Park and Tegg's Nose, plus trails that will lead you through Medlock Valley and Middle Black Clough waterfall. Topping it off? We've included pubs to grab a pint and comfort food afterwards.

Manchester’s Secret Gardens

Looking for fun outdoor activities in Manchester city centre? These secret gardens are a great place to start, whether it's the stunning Parsonage Gardens or the elevated Sky Park that you fancy visiting. Discover some of the best hidden gems, from courtyards to community flower patches; there's even details on where to stop for a meal nearby if you start to feel peckish.