Whenever you’re new to a city, it’s always exciting to have a wander around, checking out the sights and sounds, and really getting a feel for the place. 

When staying in Manchester, there’s one amazing way to explore and that’s by following the canal network, which will take you to all sorts of interesting places that you might have missed otherwise.

You’ll find the network extensive, with the first canal in England built by the Duke of Bridgewater in Worsley (north-west of the city) in 1776 to help transport coal from his collieries to the hearths of the cotton workers, serving as the catalyst for an impressive 50 years of serious canal building.

A great place to start your canal walking tour of Manchester is the route that takes you through Castlefield, following the Rochdale Canal path. 

You’ll pass by the Grade II-listed Castlefield Viaduct (if you have time, check out the skyline, which is home to thousands of plants and trees), under the Deansgate Railway viaduct, Bloom Street Power Station and the famous Canal Street, finishing at Ducie Street.

Or you can follow The Wharf circular city trail that starts and ends at one of the best pubs in Manchester, so you can bookend your walk (which should take around an hour) with a nice big pint. 

Highlights of the tour include the old canals, the Civil Justice Centre and the Gothic Revival town hall, as well as Chinatown, Spinningfields, St Peter’s Square and the old Granada Studios. Perfect for getting to grips with the city!

And, of course, you can’t say “canal” without including a little trip to Ancoats! Make your way from Paradise Wharf to Piccadilly Basin, following the Ashton Canal to discover New Islington Marina and the Rochdale Canal. 

This is only a short walk but you’ll see some of the finest sights around – and you’ll find some great eating and drinking spots in the marina. Perfection!