The 24 Hour Guide to Creative Activities in Manchester

Manchester is well known as a creative hub; packed with quirky shops, lively music venues and cool eateries, it’s the place to head if you’re keen to fill your weekend with something a little different. We’ve teamed up with our talented local teachers and three of our own staff members to give you the lowdown on fun things to do in Manchester that you might not have stumbled across before – so if you’re looking to inject your downtime with some creativity in 2024, read on for some insider tips!

Kick off the creativity with a wheel throwing experience from New Dawn Pottery

There’s nothing like a little crafting to set you up for the day, so grab a coffee and get stuck into some clay making at New Dawn Pottery. Led by studio manager Filipa Marques, each member of the team specialises in different areas of ceramics – and with over 70 positive reviews, you know you’ll be in good hands! 

At this beginners wheel throwing taster class, you’ll spend a happy two hours in the studio getting to grips with the pottery wheel, learning the foundational skills you need to create beautiful pieces. The class includes the firing and glazing of one of your pots, so you’ll leave feeling refreshed, relaxed and with a brand new mug for that morning coffee. We’ll drink to that!

Fuel up for your pottery class by… 

Niall (ClassBento Growth Partner): For Breakfast I'd go to a place near me called Sip n Dips, which does an amazing Lebanese-style full english breakfast that I've pretty much become addicted to. If I was feeling something lighter then I'd nip to Long Bois Bakehouse for a coffee and one of their tasty pastries.

Robbie (ClassBento Business Development Manager): I’d head to Haunt for sure; it’s a great cafe and such a stunning venue.

Charlie (ClassBento Content Producer): For a morning pick-me-up, a great spot for coffee and breakfast is Idle Hands Coffee. A short walk from the station, it serves great tasting in house roasted coffee, an array of amazing pies and pastries and delicious breakfasts to boot.

Level up lunchtime with an Italian cooking class from Food Sorcery

Feeling hungry? Creative activities in Manchester aren’t just limited to airy artists studios and pottery workshops – let loose in the kitchen with a pasta masterclass from Food Sorcery cookery school, and you’ll satisfy your hungry belly and those creative urges in one go! Made up of a team of expert chefs with a lifetime of prestigious cooking experience, you can be sure you’re getting tips from the top.

This 4-hour Italian cooking extravaganza will teach you absolutely everything you need to know about creating homemade pasta; from mixing and kneading the dough, to rolling, creating shapes and whipping up the most sumptuous fillings and sauces. At the end of the class, you’ll sit down to enjoy a meal with your fellow chefs, before leaving with any leftovers – if there are any!

Make a day of it by… 

Niall: Stroll into Stockport and look around a few of their shops – Still Life, Rare Mags and Rare Finds Flea Market if it's on (because who doesn’t love a good rummage for bargains?) – or possibly go into Manchester and see if there's a film you fancy on at Home cinema.

Robbie: Head to Deansgate for a wander – it’s often overlooked for the Northern Quarter or Ancoats, but it’s one of my absolute favourite places to hang out. If you’re looking for creative activities in Manchester, check out the Science and Industry Museum, Manchester Library and Factory International for some cool culture!

Charlie: If the sun is shining, pop along to New Islington Marina. Pattered with cute canal boats, it has some great spots dotted along the bank to just sit and take in the view.

Have a crafternoon with SKEN Studios and learn to make jewellery

If you’ve ever fancied becoming a jeweller for a day, Sabira Silcock of sustainable jewellery brand Sken Studios is ready and waiting to teach you some serious skills; holding a BA from Nottingham Trent and an MA from Konstfack in Sweden, she’s your go-to gal for all things accessory design!

At this 3-and-a-half hour signet ring workshop, Sabira will teach you how to design your own ring and then carve it into jewellers wax using specialised carving techniques. She’ll then cast your design in recycled silver, polish it to perfection and post it directly to your home – eco-friendly, handmade accessories delivered to your door. What could be better?

Fill hungry bellies after class at… 

Niall: Head for a bite to eat at Bundobust, which does Indian street food and also has its own brewery. 

Robbie: If you just fancy a quick snack rather than a full meal, Go Falafel is a great choice, but if you're after a real treat try Another Hand or Hawksmoor.

Charlie: Manchester has a vibrant and bustling Asian community, and with that comes some amazing restaurants. My go-to spots are Happy Seasons (be prepared to queue, it’s that popular!) or New Wave Ramen, who serve the best ramen outside of Japan.

Chill out at the end of the day with candle making and cocktails from Feu Candles

What better way to end a day of crafting than with….more crafting – and cocktails! If a fun end to your creative activities in Manchester is what you’re after, then Chelsea Rowston of Feu Candles is here to spark your imagination and quench your thirst. ClassBento crafter Aiden Wynn said, ‘Brilliant teacher, got us all involved. The drinks were lovely, and the candles look and smell great! Really fun evening, would 100% recommend’ – with glowing (sorry!) reviews like that, you know you’re in good hands!

During this candle making workshop with cocktails, you’ll spend an hour and a half with a glass in hand, learning about scents, fragrance blending and wax melting, before leaving with a handmade soy candle and matching car air freshener. Plus, if you don’t drink alcohol, don’t worry – there are plenty of mocktail and soda options for you to keep you clinking glasses with everyone else. Cheers!

Toast your creativity with evening drinks at… 

Niall: The Jane Eyre in Ancoats, which has an amazing cocktail menu and does sharing plates full of local, seasonal ingredients.

Robbie: If you fancy cocktails, Juicebox does a great £5 Negroni, and Exhibition is amazing for anyone who likes something a bit different. Beer lovers should head to North Westward Ho or Gaslamp for craft beer, or the City Arms for old school pub vibes. 

Charlie: Manchester has a sea of great pubs and bars; The Crown and Kettle is located in a Grade II listed building and has an ever changing selection of craft beers, while bohemian O! Peste Destroyed combines books and records with crumbling walls and distinctive cocktails.