How long does it take to walk the Manchester Haunted Secrets route?

The full route takes approximately 90 to 120 minutes depending on how long you spend at each location. The total walking distance is about 1.5 miles (2.4 km) through the city centre.

Is the Manchester Cathedral free to enter?

Yes, Manchester Cathedral is generally free to enter, though donations are encouraged. It is best to check their website for service times or special events that might restrict access to the interior.

Where can I see the 'Devil’s Footprint' in Manchester?

The burn mark known as the 'Devil’s Footprint' is located on a table within Chetham's Library. Access to the library is usually via pre-booked tours, so check their schedule before you arrive.

Is this walking route Manchester suitable for families?

Yes, the walk is suitable for families, though some of the ghost stories may be spooky for very young children. The route is entirely on public pavements and is relatively flat and easy to navigate.

What is the most haunted pub in Manchester?

The Old Wellington and The Peveril of the Peak are both famous for their resident spirits. The Old Wellington is particularly known for sightings of a man in Elizabethan clothing following its 1990s relocation.

Can I do this self-guided walk at night?

Yes, doing this walk in the evening adds to the atmospheric experience. However, be aware that some locations like the Cathedral and Chetham's Library will be closed for interior viewing after dark.

Where does the Manchester Haunted Secrets walk start?

The walk begins at the Royal Exchange Theatre in St Ann's Square. It is centrally located and easily accessible via the Market Street Metrolink stop or Victoria Station.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Beneath the modern facade of Manchester lies a city built on centuries of industrial ambition, medieval scholarship, and ancient legends. This self-guided walk invites you to explore the darker side of the city's history, where grand Victorian architecture and narrow alleyways hold onto stories of the supernatural. As you navigate the city centre, you will discover that Manchester's haunted secrets are not just found in its graveyards, but within its theaters, pubs, and world-renowned libraries. The route begins at the magnificent Royal Exchange Theatre, a former hub of the global cotton trade where the spirits of the past are said to still linger among the grand columns. From there, you will wander toward the Medieval Quarter, visiting iconic landmarks like the Old Wellington and Manchester Cathedral. These sites have witnessed centuries of change, from the English Civil War to the Blitz, and each has a ghostly tale to tell. Whether it is the legend of a demon-summoning scholar at Chetham's School of Music or the Victorian poltergeists of the Albert Hall, this walking route Manchester offers a unique perspective on the city's heritage. This self-guided adventure is perfect for those who enjoy architecture and local folklore. You can explore at your own pace, stopping for a pint at a historic pub or taking a moment to admire the intricate stonework of the cathedral. The neighborhood stroll concludes at one of the city's most recognizable and colorful pubs, known for its distinctive green tiles and resident lady in white. Along the way, you will see how the city's industrial past and spiritual legends intertwine, making this one of the most atmospheric ways to experience Manchester. This walking route Manchester provides an independent way to uncover the city’s eerie side without the need for a scheduled itinerary.

Highlights

The legendary 'Green Lady' of the Royal Exchange Theatre

The miraculous survival and relocation of the Old Wellington pub

Medieval legends of the Black Shuck at Manchester Cathedral

The demon-summoning table at Chetham’s School of Music

The grand, haunted Wesleyan chapel atmosphere of Albert Hall

The iconic green-tiled exterior of The Peveril of the Peak

Tour Stops (6)

Royal Exchange Theatre

Welcome to the Royal Exchange, once the center of the world's cotton trade. While the ground floor now houses a modern 'spaceship' theater pod, the surrounding Victorian architecture remains. Staff and performers have long reported sightings of the 'Green Lady,' a spirit said to reside near the theater’s green room. Some believe she is an actress from decades past, while others link her to the building's days as a commercial exchange. Listen closely to the echoes in the Great Hall; even when empty, the space feels charged with the energy of the thousands of traders who once bargained here. It is a striking example of how Manchester repurposes its grand industrial past.

The Old Wellington

The Old Wellington is one of the oldest buildings in Manchester, dating back to 1552. Remarkably, this timber-framed structure wasn't always here. In the 1990s, it was dismantled piece by piece and moved 300 meters to its current location near the Cathedral to make way for city redevelopment. Legend says that the spirits dwelling within the pub made the journey too. Patrons have reported seeing a man in Elizabethan dress sitting in the corner, perhaps a former resident from the pub's early days as a draper's shop. It stands today as a survivor of both the Industrial Revolution and the 1996 IRA bombing.

Manchester Cathedral

Manchester Cathedral has stood as a spiritual center for over 600 years. Its dark, gothic interior is home to the 'Angel Stone,' a carving dating back to the 8th century. However, the cathedral's most famous legend is that of the Black Shuck, a demonic hellhound with glowing red eyes. In the 1840s, a local man claimed to have been chased to the cathedral doors by this beast, which then vanished into thin air. Whether you believe in spirits or not, the intricate woodcarvings of the choir stalls—some of the finest in Europe—provide a hauntingly beautiful backdrop to the many layers of history found within these walls.

Chetham's School of Music

Next door to the cathedral lies Chetham's, the oldest public library in the English-speaking world. Founded in 1653, the building itself dates back to 1421. In the gated library, you will find a small, circular burn mark on a wooden table. This is said to be the 'Devil’s Footprint,' left behind when Dr. John Dee—Elizabeth I’s court astrologer and occultist—attempted to summon a demon. Dee was the Warden of the Collegiate Church here, and his reputation for magic has left a permanent mark on the building's lore. The dark, book-lined corridors feel like a set from a gothic novel, perfectly preserved in time.

Albert Hall, Manchester

This Grade II listed building was originally built in 1910 as a Wesleyan Chapel. For years it sat derelict, hidden behind a nondescript facade, until it was restored as a music venue. The grand upper hall, with its stained glass and high ceilings, is said to be haunted by a poltergeist. Staff have reported glasses smashing on their own and the heavy doors of the organ loft opening and closing without a breeze. The transition from a place of solemn worship to a vibrant nightlife spot seems to have stirred the resident spirits, making it one of the most unique stops on our neighborhood stroll.

The Peveril of the Peak

We end our walk at The Peveril of the Peak, arguably Manchester's most photogenic pub. Named after a stagecoach, its exterior is covered in stunning yellow and green Victorian tiles. The interior is a maze of small rooms that look much as they did a century ago. The pub is said to be haunted by a 'Lady in White' who has been spotted near the cellar stairs. Long-time landlady Nancy Hayes, who ran the pub for over 40 years, often spoke of the friendly but mysterious presence that looked over the establishment. It’s the perfect place to finish your self-guided adventure with a drink in hand.

Frequently Asked Questions

This self-guided walk through the city center is ideal for ghost stories, covering legendary spots like the Royal Exchange and Chetham's Library. It allows you to explore at your own pace while visiting the most haunted historic buildings in Manchester.