BLOG: Twenty Fun Free Things to Do In Manchester

Feeling the pinch? Want to make your budget go a little further? Fear not, because there are loads of free things to do in Manchester, including right here at NOMA. In fact, our little slice of the city is a bustling hub of activity.

Altogether Otherwise has a packed calendar of clubs, meet-ups and get-togethers, you can make friends, learn new skills and have a wonderful time doing it, all without putting your hand in your pocket.

And this year, they’re bringing even more fun to the table with the Happenings, an entire year of purse-friendly events at Altogether Otherwise designed to bring the community together!

Here’s our handy guide to help you make the most of all the fun things to do in Manchester for free…

1. Build-a-Book Swap

We’re building a series of mini book swap libraries to install around NOMA, but we need your help. Come fettle, paint and chat with a cuppa. 12pm-2pm, every Friday in January at Altogether Otherwise.

2. Manchester Art Gallery

What better way to unwind than by taking in the city’s incredible collection of art? From Pre-Raphaelites to modern day, there’s something for everyone here. Open 9am to 5pm, Tuesday to Sunday.

3. The Zine Archive

Check out our new collection of over 1,000 self-published zines from Zineswap. You can browse at your leisure or even add your own creations to the collections, so others can read your work. At Altogether otherwise

4. St Michael’s Flags & Angel Meadow Park

If you fancy a walk on your lunch, this is the place to go. It’s a beautiful outdoor space, but it also has a dark history, which can learn about as you ramble.

5. Cut Up Poetry

Head on down to this family-friendly poetry pop-up. Not only will there be poetry for all ages, but you can get creative with glue sticks and crafts scissors. 11am on Saturday 25th January 2025 at Altogether otherwise.

6. National Football Museum

If you’re obsessed with football and a Manchester resident, then get this on your list of free things to do. Learn about the beautiful game as you explore intriguing exhibits. Open 10am to 5pm daily.

7. Wavy Wool Club

Come and turn surplus wool from local farms into an array of cool and quirky creations. Expect spinning, felting and more. 5pm every other Wednesday at Altogether Otherwise.

8. Castlefield Viaduct

Like NOMA, this historic landmark has been given new purpose. It’s been transformed into a garden walkway by The National Trust and offers history and nature in equal measure. Open 10am to 5pm, Wednesday to Sunday.

9. The Sadlers Bards

Prepare for a night of inspiring poetry performances from Rose Condo, Kieran King and Lynn Walton. 6pm on Wednesday 5th February 2025 at the Boyson Bar at New Century Kitchens.

10. Science & Industry Museum

See the world’s oldest surviving passenger railway station and play with interactive exhibits that make science feel less like a lesson and more like an experiment. Open 10am to 5pm daily.

11. Food Tastes Good

Why not join our cookbook club? Meet up with likeminded foodies to share your favourite recipes and find new ones you’ll love just as much. 6pm on Mondays at Altogether Otherwise.

12. Runway Visitor Park

If you’ve ever wanted to see inside the cockpit, this one’s for you. There are five retired aircrafts here, each ripe for exploring, and you can watch the planes take off too. Open 8am to 4pm daily.

13. Allpress UK Run Club

This is your chance to stretch your legs and make new friends on a socially-paced 5k run. First and third Thursday of the month their café on Redfern St, NOMA. Follow @allpressespressouk for details.

14. John Rylands Library

It’s not just the books that make this one of the best free things to do in Manchester, the building itself is a sight to be seen, with real Harry Potter vibes. Open 10am to 5pm, Wednesday to Saturday.

15. The Throw Aways

This is one of the best free things to do in Manchester. Join Bruno Schooling for a pottery throwing session to see what fun things you can make on the wheel. 12pm every Tuesday at Altogether Otherwise.

16. Fletcher Moss Park

A short hop on a tram and you’ll feel a million miles away from the city in this natural wonderland. Expect meadows, woods and open parkland spread across the 90-acre grounds. Open from dawn to dusk daily.

17. Probably Knot Lunch

Come along and discover all the wonderful things that you can make with a simple knot. From bracelets to baskets, it’s super relaxing and totally free. 12pm every Thursday at Altogether Otherwise.

18. The Imperial War Museum

Trace the history of war from WWI to the present day as you take in historic artefacts, interactive exhibits and an immersive 360-degree cinematic experience. 10am to 5pm daily.

19. Evening Gardening Club

Our garden is your garden, so get your hands dirty with Joe Hartley and the NOMA community, as you share tips, tricks and gardening know-how. 6pm every Tuesday at Altogether Otherwise.

20. Manchester Museum

You’re simply never too old to be wowed by a T-Rex skeleton, and that’s just one of the exhibits here. Open 10am to 5pm, Tuesday to Sunday, except Wednesdays when it’s open until 9pm.