How And Where To Stay Warm During Winter In Manchester UK

Have you found if you step outside for too long you start risking a serious chill? Although the days seem to be getting longer, we know you’re still cooling your heels in the North West’s capital. Use this guide to keep those mitts warm, cheeks rosy and even break a sweat at some of Manchester’s hottest addresses for the winter.

1. Sip salted caramel hot chocolate from the window of Bonbon Chocolate Boutique

Sip salted caramel hot chocolate from the window of Bonbon Chocolate Boutique

You may need to circle the block a few times before landing a seat in this tiny outpost of nearby Teacup Kitchen, but you’ll soon warm up with your hands around a cup of Bonbon’s signature (and dairy-free) hot chocolate. If a spoonful of salted caramel seems like overkill, order the original, or dial up the heat with a sprinkle of warming Aztec spice.

Bonbon Chocolate Boutique, 9 John St, Manchester, UK, +44 161 839 4416

After hours at Bonbon Chocolate Boutique | © Miranda Wade

Limber up in a 60-minute yoga session with Sam Shaw

Why do people think yoga is all about relaxation? Breathing, yes, but relaxation? You’ll have to earn it. Challenge the body to a warming vinyasa flow class, stretching, balancing and working all over, until those few minutes of cool-down at the end the practice feel like nirvana. First-timers fear not: this class caters to all levels and leaves out the snobbery.

Various locations and times, follow @samshaw25

2. Watch the dough rise in the wood-fired oven at Rudy’s

Watch the dough rise in the wood-fired oven at Rudy’s

The duo behind this terrific pizza kitchen were popping up at some of Manchester’s favourite venues long before they opened the doors of their very own Ancoats restaurant. While you are here, be sure to try our pick, the lardo, finished with chilli flakes, parmesan and a free range egg yolk. For a truly cosy feel, take your server’s recommendation on a bottle of red and don’t miss dessert by local baker RayRay’s Kitchen.

Rudy’s Pizza, 9 Cotton St, Manchester, UK

The Lardo at Rudy’s Pizza | © Miranda Wade

3. Catch a live set at the historic Albert Hall

Catch a live set at the historic Albert Hall

In a city famed for music, this heritage-listed Wesleyan chapel has earned a bright reputation hosting some of the UK’s hottest gigs. The upstairs gallery delivers a serious panoramic view, but things are decidedly warmer centre stage beneath the grandiose ceiling and stained-glass silhouettes. Jack Garratt, Armin van Buuren and The Lumineers have all played here in 2016.

Albert Hall, 27 Peter Street, Manchester, UK

Albert Hall | © Miranda Wade

4. Fill your boots with terrifically hot goods at the Hang Won Hong supermarket

Fill your boots with terrifically hot goods at the Hang Won Hong supermarket

With its zing of neon lights, late-opening bakeries and five spice thick in the air, Chinatown always feels warm. Satisfy your curiosities over wasabi broad beans, vacuum-wrapped packets of crispy seaweed doused in chilli, or every variety of kimchi imaginable. For hot drinks, take a tub of miso paste or a box of authentic loose leaf tea… it’s much cheaper than the high street.

Hang Won Hong, 58-60 George St, Manchester, UK, +44 161 228 6182

Hang Won Hong | © Miranda Wade

5. Start a tiki dance-off at Hula

Start a tiki dance-off at Hula

Sticky floors aside, there’s no better venue in the city for a riotous good time than this low-lit basement on buzzing Stevenson Square. The Hula vibe is less about the clothes you wear, more about the shapes you throw, and the heat generated by all that dancing frequently makes this a sleeves-up, hair-up kind of affair. Order a round of flaming ‘Zombies’ for maximum heat. Trust us, you’ll be on fire!

Hula Manchester, 11 Stevenson Square, Manchester, UK

Hula Manchester | © Miranda Wade

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.