Manchester is a vibrant, diverse city that is bursting full of character. From its must-see sights, colourful events and cracking nightlife, the city is the perfect place for friends who are looking for a fun-filled getaway. 

 

There’s a whole host of group accommodation to choose from; including stylish open-plan city centre apartments, stylish hen party houses with hot tubs and stunning mansions with indoor swimming pools and games rooms.

 

Big Cottages caters to groups of all sizes. So whether you’re looking for a big home that sleeps 4, sleeps 12, sleeps 16 or sleeps 30, we’ve got something just for you.

 

 

 

 

If you need inspiration for your next party house, see which properties, locations, games and even guests our customers voted in ’The ultimate celebrity party house’.

 

Best activities to get up to in Manchester

 

There’s so much to do in the centre of Manchester and further afield that you’ll be spoiled for choice.

 

Lost Earth Adventures 

Best for: Explorers

Just 20 miles South East of the city is the stunning Peak District. Explore what lies below the surface of this national park by joining Lost Earth Adventures to explore the labyrinth of caves, caverns and tunnels buried deep underground.

 

Escape Reality

Best for: Code-crackers

There are dozens of escape rooms to choose from in Manchester but our favourite has got to be Escape Reality. It’s the biggest, standing at 6,500 square feet, and offers a number of different themed games. 

 

Segways at Grizedale

Best for: Fun and frolics

Just 90 minutes north of the city lies the Lake District. There are many ways to explore the beautiful national park but, for something a little different, why not try Segways at Grizedale?

 

Chill Factore

Best for: Chilling out

Manchester may not be known for its snow, but it is known for its ski slope; the longest indoor slope in the UK, in fact! Hit the piste or take a lesson for a cool day out at Chill Factore. 

 

The Crystal Maze

Best for: Team building

For the ultimate team challenge, get your friends together to take on The Crystal Maze. How many crystals can you collect?

 

Best pubs and bars in Manchester

 

With more than 650 licensed premises in Manchester city centre and over 400 pubs, there’s something for everyone. 

 

Science + Industry

Best for: Molecular mixology

Science + Industry is a cocktail lab hidden behind a secret door in Cane and Grain, in the Northern Quarter. The eclectic and experimental bar offers guests an exciting menu of unique cocktails. 

 

Shooters Bar

Best for: Sports fans

If you’re a sport fan find yourself at Shooters Bar, Manchester’s biggest sports bar, to watch live games. Gather around a pool table for a game or enjoy drinks and snacks as your team takes on their rivals. 

 

Sinclair’s Oyster Bar

Best for: Sunny days

Sinclair’s Oyster Bar is a rustic, traditional-style pub boasting the largest pub garden in the city. The beer is cheap so that means drinkers frequently flock here on a sunny summer’s day. 

 

Gorilla

Best for: Stage and club

Gorilla is a buzzing live music venue and plays host to big named DJs while offering craft beers and gourmet kebabs downstairs. The Gin Parlour on the mezzanine stocks some of the finest gins from around the world. 

 

The Castle Hotel 

Best for: Music-lovers

Founded in 1776, The Castle Hotel is steeped in history, particularly in the entertainment world. It’s well-known for being the site of a legendary interview between John Peel and Ian Curtis, and now hosts regular gig nights in its own music hall.

 

Best places to eat in Manchester

 

Manchester is a great place for gastronomy, whether you’re looking for casual pub grub or fine dining. 

 

Volta

Best for: Small plates

Volta is an award-winning bistro-style eatery in West Didsbury that offers small plates and cocktails. You can also head to The Refuge by Volta - by the same team - for a lively atmosphere and great music all night.  

 

Mana

Best for: Michelin star cuisine

In 2019, Mana became the first restaurant in Manchester to receive a Michelin star in more than 20 years. The slick eatery offers an Avante-Garde fine dining menu and innovative dishes. 

 

The Bull & Bear

Best for: Celeb chef

With Michelin-starred chef Tom Kerridge at the helm, The Bull & Bear takes a leaf out of the celeb’s famous Marlow inn by offering posh pub grub that you won’t forget quickly. 

 

V-Rev

Best for: Vegans

V-Rev is a trendy diner serving vegan junk food from meat-free burgers and hot dogs to plant-based loaded fries and mac and cheese. 

 

Albert’s Shed

Best for: Local charm

Popular with local Mancunians due to its simple charm and reasonable prices, Albert’s Shed offers classic British food in an old tool shed that used to belong to the owner’s uncle. 

 

 

 

Looking for somewhere in particular?