A Couple's Guide to Manchester, UK

Step outside your comfort zone when you’re looking for somewhere to rest your heads, and opt for one of Manchester’s most glamorous hotels, Hotel Gotham. Perfect for couples, the luxurious suites in the 1920’s themed building not only feature roll-top baths in the bedrooms, they also have ‘intimacy kits’ in the mini bar; perfect if you’re still in the honeymoon period or indeed are on your honeymoon. Take advantage of your luxurious surroundings and order room service cocktails before heading out to explore the city.

If you’re blessed with sunshine, head to one of the city’s suburbs to make the most of the good weather. It’s easy to hop on a tram to the bohemian district of Chorlton, making it the ideal choice for a morning spent outdoors. Pop into Barbakan deli on Manchester Road to stock up on freshly made bread, cheeses, olives and other delicacies to take to the meadows with a bottle of wine for a romantic lunchtime picnic. Take some time to wander around the small paths that weave through the woods and around Chorlon Ees before settling on a secluded sunny spot for a relaxing feast.

Manchester is known as the rainy city, so if the weather is a little lacklustre there are plenty of alternative ways to spend your day. Why not book a couples massage at one of the city’s many spas such as The Spa at the Midland, where you can spend an entire afternoon unwinding and detoxing as you are pampered side by side. After your treatments, splash out on the serene thermal experiences also available at the spa.

Before heading back to your hotel to freshen up for the night ahead, take a wander through the Northern Quarter, perhaps treating each other to some new threads or a beloved record? Take some time to point out your favourite street art to one another, before popping into alternative department store Affleck’s, to indulge in a luxurious ice cream sundae at Ginger’s Comfort Emporium.

There’s plenty of romantic restaurants to choose from, but if you’re looking for something a little special, we recommend booking a table at recently opened restaurant, The Refuge. The beautiful surroundings of the Winter Garden and the delicious food on offer are both sure to impress your date, and if you’re feeling generous you could opt for a selection of small plates to share with each other.

If you’d rather not indulge in an evening of drinking, there are plenty of other options available, such as catching a show at the Palace Theatre next door or wandering down the road to challenge each other at bowling at the infamous Dog Bowl. We love the idea of taking a taxi out to Heaton Moor to snuggle up on one of the cosy two-seater sofas in the Savoy, a luxury boutique cinema.

For cocktails with an unparalleled romantic view of the sun setting over the city, head to either Manchester House or Cloud 23 to experience two of the most exclusive settings to enjoy a cocktail in Manchester. Sip a gin and tonic on the Manchester’s House’s balcony or order the most inventive cocktail on the menu and admire the panoramic views from the 23rd floor of the Hilton Hotel.

Fancy discovering relaxing and romantic hotels in Manchester? Check out our guide to the most relaxing spa breaks to book in Manchester, UK, bookable with Culture Trip.