Is the street art in Manchester's Northern Quarter always the same?

No, the street art is highly volatile and changes frequently. Projects like the Outhouse in Stevenson Square are repainted every few months, meaning you will likely see different work than what was there previously.

What is the best walking tour in Manchester for art lovers?

The Northern Quarter is the city's primary art district. A self-guided walk through Stevenson Square, Tib Street, and the back alleys near Thomas Street offers the highest concentration of street art and creative spaces.

Can I do this self-guided walk with a stroller or wheelchair?

Yes, the route is mostly flat and follows standard city pavements. While some alleys have slightly uneven surfaces, the main stops like Afflecks and the Craft and Design Centre have accessible entrances.

Is the Northern Quarter safe for solo travelers?

Generally, yes. The area is very busy with shoppers and workers during the day. Like any city center, stay aware of your surroundings in quiet alleys, and be prepared for large crowds during weekend evenings.

Where is the best place to start exploring Manchester street art?

Stevenson Square is the best starting point. It serves as a central hub for murals and is located near the Outhouse project, which is a focal point for the local urban art scene.

Are there any costs associated with this walking route?

The walk itself is entirely free as most of the art is on public buildings. You may want to bring money for the independent shops in Afflecks or for a coffee at one of the many local cafes.

What are the must-see landmarks in the Northern Quarter?

Key landmarks include the Afflecks building with its famous mosaics, the Tib Street Horn, and the Victorian-era Manchester Craft and Design Centre.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Step into the creative soul of Manchester with this self-guided walk through the Northern Quarter. Once the heart of the city's textile industry, this neighborhood has transformed into a vibrant hub for artists, independent thinkers, and subcultures. As you explore the red-brick backstreets, you'll discover a world where industrial heritage meets cutting-edge contemporary art. This neighborhood stroll isn't just about looking at walls; it is about understanding the spirit of a city that has always done things differently. From the political history of Stevenson Square to the legendary alternative emporium of Afflecks, every corner tells a story of rebellion and creativity. On this walking route, you will encounter the 'Outhouse' project, an outdoor gallery where the art is as temporary as the weather, ensuring that no two visits are ever exactly the same. You will see how Victorian market buildings have been repurposed into creative sanctuaries, like the Manchester Craft and Design Centre, and marvel at whimsical public sculptures like the Tib Street Horn. The area is a photographer's dream, filled with hidden murals, intricate mosaics, and the gritty, atmospheric charm of old Manchester. Whether you are a street art enthusiast or simply curious about local culture, this self-guided adventure allows you to uncover the layers of the Northern Quarter at your own pace. While a walking tour Manchester might show you the main sites, this route dives into the back alleys and secret spots that define the city's modern identity. Experience the energy of Thomas Street and the community vibe of the independent shops that keep the Northern Quarter's heart beating. It is an essential travel experience for those who want to see the real, unpolished, and undeniably cool side of Manchester. **Note:** This area is known for its ever-changing character. Street art, pop-up venues, and temporary exhibitions may differ from what's described. That's part of the adventure - you might discover something entirely new!

Highlights

The ever-changing murals of the Outhouse project

Afflecks, the legendary multi-story maze of alternative culture

The whimsical Tib Street Horn sculpture

Victorian architecture at the Manchester Craft and Design Centre

The historic and political significance of Stevenson Square

Intricate mosaics celebrating Manchester's local heroes

Tour Stops (6)

Stevenson Square

Welcome to Stevenson Square, the unofficial gateway to the Northern Quarter. This space has long been a site for public assembly and protest, notably hosting suffragette rallies in the early 20th century. Today, it serves as a massive open-air canvas. Look around at the large-scale murals that often adorn the buildings and the repurposed public infrastructure. The art here is frequently updated to reflect current social movements or local icons. Because this is a living gallery, the specific pieces you see today might be different tomorrow, reflecting the neighborhood's constant state of flux and its commitment to providing a platform for urban artists.

Outhouse

Tucked into a corner of Stevenson Square is 'Outhouse,' a unique project that has been running since 2010. These former public toilets have been transformed into a dedicated street art spot where artists are invited to repaint the blocks every few months. It is one of the best places to witness the technical skill of local and international spray-can artists. Because the content changes so frequently, it serves as a rhythmic pulse for the local art scene. Take a moment to appreciate the details—the textures, the color blending, and the signatures—as these works are truly ephemeral and may soon be covered by the next masterpiece.

Tib Street Horn

Rising from the side of a building on the corner of Tib Street and Church Street is the Tib Street Horn. Created by artist David Kemp in the late 1990s, this large, whimsical sculpture looks like a giant gramophone or a strange musical instrument from a steampunk fantasy. It was designed to reflect the quirky, eclectic nature of the shops that once lined this street—many of which sold musical instruments and exotic pets. The horn is made of fiberglass and steel, and it remains one of the most beloved pieces of public art in the district, standing as a reminder that in the Northern Quarter, even the architecture has a sense of humor.

Afflecks

Afflecks (formerly Afflecks Palace) is more than just a shopping center; it is a pilgrimage site for Manchester’s subcultures. Since opening in 1982, it has provided a home for punks, goths, skaters, and creative entrepreneurs. Before you head inside to explore the four floors of vinyl, vintage clothes, and crystals, take a look at the exterior walls. You will find a series of beautiful mosaics by artist Mark Kennedy, depicting famous Mancunians and local symbols like the worker bee. This building embodies the 'do-it-yourself' spirit of the city and remains a vital bastion of independence in an increasingly corporate world.

Thomas Street

As you walk down Thomas Street, you are walking through the heart of Manchester's old textile district. The narrow buildings once housed weavers' cottages and wholesale garment businesses. Today, it is a bustling strip of bars, tattoo parlors, and cafes. Keep your eyes high and low here; street art is tucked into the alleyways and even on the shutters of the shops. You might spot small 'space invader' tiles or intricate stencil work. This street perfectly captures the transition of the Northern Quarter from an industrial engine room to a playground for the modern creative class, all while maintaining its gritty, red-brick aesthetic.

Manchester Craft and Design Centre

Your final stop is the Manchester Craft and Design Centre, housed in the beautifully restored Victorian Smithfield Fish Market. Step inside to see the original wrought-iron railings and glass roof that once looked down on fishmongers. Today, the stalls have been replaced by studios for jewelers, ceramicists, and textile artists. It is a peaceful sanctuary where you can watch makers at work. This building represents the successful preservation of Manchester’s industrial past, repurposed to support the artists who keep the city's cultural heritage alive. It is the perfect place to end your walk and perhaps pick up a truly unique, locally-made souvenir.

Frequently Asked Questions

The walk typically takes between 60 and 90 minutes. This includes time to stop and admire the murals, take photos, and browse the stalls at Afflecks or the Craft and Design Centre.