Highlights
Forget about crowds, schedules or lines! With this self-guided experience, your smartphone is your new private guide. Stroll around Manchester at your own pace, having the opportunity to take astonishing pictures and enter any attraction you fancy. You will learn about Manchester's history; from when it was founded as a Roman Fort until it became the amazing city it is today. As you walk through these streets, you will learn about its industrial past, encompassed mostly through its innumerable canals and storehouses all over. You will also learn the role this city played (and still plays) in football, culture, music, art, science, architecture, international relationships and even war; where you’ll get to know every important figure in this tale. Plus, you get a unique list of recommendations so you get the most out of your visit. PS: when booking, you will get an email with instructions and a code for using our app (a different code from your booking reference number!).
About This Deal
Departure Point
- All our tours are self-guided. You will be led by the GPS in the app. Remember to check the "Before You Go" Section of your ticket and give Pandemic Tours App access to your location!
Return Details
- The tour finishes at Deansgate, near the Roman Fort.
Duration
2 hours - 3 hours
Languages Available
- Audio guide - English
- Printed guide - English
- Audio guide - Spanish
- Printed guide - Spanish
Points of Interest
Stop At: A Monument To Vimto
Vimto Park, Manchester
Here is where the tour starts. This is the first stop of 18! You will get a brief description of the whole tour and particularly at this stop, you will discover the amazing history behind the most famous soft drink the North has ever made, which was originally produced in this location.
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: Alan Turing Memorial
Fairfield Street, Sackville Park, Manchester
In this stop, we will tell you who was Alan Turing and why was (and still is) so important for the city. Also, you will learn some practical things about Sackville Gardens and all its monuments. You will start to get some perspective of the Gay Village and all its past in Manchester.
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Gay Village
Canal Street, , Manchester
We will guide you around this beautiful and emblematic area of Manchester to teach you all about its history. Strolling around Canal Street you will hear about the dark past of the street and how people helped to turn the odds and worked to build the lovely sidewalk it is today.
Duration: 15 minutes
Stop At: Chinatown
, , Manchester
Walk around the archway and discover the amazing shops and restaurants of this ethnic enclave. You will learn who's city is Manchester twin in China and why the archway was built here.
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: St Peter's Square
Lower Mosley Street, Manchester
We will guide you through the famous St Peter Square and you will learn everything you need to know about this place and its emblematic buildings: Manchester Central Library, the oldest free library in the country; The Midland Hotel, one of the first luxury hotels in the north; Manchester Town Hall, one of the most beautiful town hall in the country; and more. You will also hear every exciting story that happened here in the past and understand why it is called St Peter Square.
Duration: 15 minutes
Stop At: The Bridgewater Hall
Lower Mosley Street, , Manchester
Discover the incredible Bridgewater Hall and all its surrounding area charged with vivid history. We will also tell you two of the north's most horrible stories that happened in the past that haunts citizens until today: The first in 1819 and the second in 1963, both in the premises of Manchester Central Station.
Duration: 15 minutes
Stop At: Royal Exchange Theatre
St. Anns Square, Manchester
Here you will learn all about the Cotton Industry, how it developed so strongly in Manchester and what were the consequences for the city. You will understand the pivotal role that this building played in the industrial past of Manchester. Here, we will tell you the story of the IRA Bomb as well and how it affected the entire city.
Duration: 15 minutes
Stop At: The Shambles
1-3 Cathedral Gates, Manchester
Definitely the most beautiful square around the city centre. Here you will see the oldest pub in town and learn about its history, so you understand why it is typically full (and relatively cheap). Also, you will learn about the boom of the cotton industry and how it made an opportunity to exploit the trade of other markets through the Royal Corn Exchange (another astonishing building in this square).
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Manchester Cathedral
Victoria Street, Off Deansgate, Manchester
We will guide you around the mother church of the Anglican Diocese of Manchester, the seat of the Bishop of Manchester and the city's parish church. Manchester Cathedral is one of the many emblems of the city, and it's a must-visit for every passer-by.
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: The John Rylands Library
150 Deansgate, , Manchester
Discover one of the best-kept secrets of Manchester, and probably one of the nicest libraries in the country, the Harry Potterish - John Rylands Library. We will tell you everything you need to know about this extraordinary building, which is grace is on the inside, so if you have time our recommendation is to venture inside.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Castlefield Urban Heritage Park
Beaufort Street, , Manchester
In our final stop, you will learn about the beggings of the city: its Roman Heritage. Feel like a roman exploring the reconstructed buildings of this amazing park. You will learn why the city is called Manchester. Then, we will let you stroll around the beautiful canals of Deansgate with a list of recommendations for things to do and places to eat around the city.
Duration: 15 minutes
Stop At: Manchester Central Library
St. Peter's Square, , Manchester
Another interesting landmark of this area is The Guardian Telephone Exchange, called the "Best kept secret in Manchester". We'll help you unveil this secret hiding in plain sight.
Duration: Not Available
Stop At: Manchester Central
Windmill Street, Petersfield, Manchester
Discover the magnificent landmark of the city centre, The Midland Hotel, which has been part of life in Manchester for over 118 years, is worldwide renown for its beautiful architecture. We will tell you all about it, plus some incredible stories that have happened here during the years.
Duration: Not Available
Stop At: The Corn Exchange
The Corn Exchange 62 High Street, Much Wenlock
Hop into the legacy of what once was the first public lending and reference library of the UK, provided by Manchester local council after the passing of the Public Libraries Act 1850. Of course, this isn't the original building, but we will tell you everything about its history and how it became the beautiful Greek structure it is today.
Duration: Not Available
Stop At: The Old Wellington
4 Cathedral Gates, Greater, Greater Manchester M3 1SW
What now is a convention centre, once was used as Manchester Central Train Station by The Midland Railway. Join us to discover everything that happened in this place, from one of the worst massacres the north has ever seen (before the train even existed) to the mysterious story behind a suitcase left in this same station in 1965.
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: The Midland
16 Peter Street, Manchester, England M60 2DS
Come to discover what once was one of the most exciting market exchanges around the north, where the commercialization of other goods thrived thanks to the cotton industry in the city. The first Corn Exchange was built on this site in 1837 and we will tell you how it became a Listed Building which now houses a Food Court, a Hotel and more.
Duration: Not Available
Additional Information
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Please check "Before You Go" Section of your e-ticket!
- You will get an email with instructions to activate your tour (booking reference isn't the code!)
- Jake will guide you through an audio guide (no computer-generated voice!)
- Audio guide, videos, pictures, recommendations and all the info you need
- 3 weeks unlimited access to this Self-Guided Tour on the app
- Map, directions, GPS route and stops of each tour
Exclusions
- In-person Guide
- Any entrance fee for the attractions mentioned during the tour
Redemption Instructions
Your Exploro Tour is Ready!
Thanks for booking your self-guided tour with Exploro — we’re excited to help you discover the city at your own pace!
Here’s everything you need to get started:
If you don’t have the Exploro app yet:
1. Download the Exploro app from our website (https://exploro.app)
2. Open the app and sign up for a free account.
3. Once you're signed in, come back to this email and click the link below — it will open your tour directly in the app.
4. Insert your order number (your booking reference)
Open My Tour: https://exploro.app/tours/e-iKNF5ZyYYAz591f4EM2V?source=viator
Already have the app installed?
1. Make sure you're signed in to your account in the Exploro app!
2. Click the link below to open your tour in the app.
3. Insert your order number (you can find it under Order Summary)
Open My Tour: https://exploro.app/tours/e-iKNF5ZyYYAz591f4EM2V?source=viator
*note: if the link is not clickable, copy and paste in your Chrome/Safari*
- You have unlimited access to enjoy this tour. It is suggested opening the app a little earlier to familiarize yourself with the interface and to make sure you've given it access to your location. This will ensure you can fully utilize the map function for a seamless experience
- If you encounter any issues or need help, please reach: exploro.official@gmail.com or drop a message via WhatsApp at +39 389 644 9134 (Europe) or +56942572988 (Americas).
Remember, you have the flexibility and freedom to explore at your own pace. So relax, have fun, and enjoy your self-guided tour!
PS: Don't forget to rate my tour, thanks! =)
Voucher Info
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
The tour identified in this promotion is made available through Viator. Groupon is not affiliated with or sponsored by the Pandemic Tours in connection with this deal. Please contact Groupon customer service for all inquiries related to this offer. Inquiries placed to Viator will be directed back to Groupon.
This offer is not eligible for promo codes.
Fine Print
14-day cancellation rights do not apply; no refunds or exchanges permitted. Voucher valid only for date and time listed; may not be exchanged or redeemed for other dates. Purchaser name and phone number must be provided at checkout; this information will be shared with Viator and the tour operator for purposes of order fulfillment. Groupon promo codes may not be used for this offer. Groupon voucher Terms of Sale do not apply. See the tour operator's terms and conditions for this offer here.
Offer is not eligible for our promo codes or other discounts.