Private Manchester Walking Tours

Looking for a private walking tour, talk or tailored event in Manchester?

Since 2015, we’ve designed bespoke tours and talks for clients such as the BBC, The Guardian, the Manchester Jazz Festival, the Chanel Fashion Show, French TV, international universities and even the Uruguayan rugby team… as well as private tours for schools, Women’s Institutes, corporate lunch walks and conferences, hen & stag dos, and visiting artists.

Every private tour, talk or event is built uniquely for your group: who you are, what you care about, and how you like to explore. To enquire:

  • Email: josh@fmwt.co.uk

  • WhatsApp / Phone: +44 7478 277293

In your message, let us know:

  • Who’s coming (group type, size and rough ages)

  • What you’re interested in

  • Any access needs

  • Your preferred date and start time

  • The reason for your visit (conference, celebration, school trip, etc.)

If you’d like to talk things through in advance, we’d be more than happy to arrange a planning call or meeting.

Below, you’ll find a list of our most popular themed private tours.

Popular Private Offerings

These are our popular pre-designed themed tours. You can book one of the options as described, or ask us to adapt or blend them for your group.

OPTION 1: ‘The Story of Manchester’ walking Tour

The tour that tells you what Manchester was, is, and possibly where it’s heading. The story is told through our must-see attractions (John Rylands Library, the Royal Exchange Theatre, the Midland Hotel) as well as famous quirks (such as rave culture, street art and Vimto). You’ll leave having heard the city’s sounds, tasted a famous fruit drink, and understood the story of a city that’s changed the world.

Option2: ‘LGBT+ Manchester’ Walking Tour

A guided walk through the world famous Gay Village. This tour shares the stories of Manchester’s lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people; some of whose stories are only known to your guide, Josh, who works actively with queer oral history in Manchester. We’ll take a closer look at the LGBT+ memorials, art murals, gay pubs and clubs, as we ask the question… “how did Manchester become so queer?!”

Option 3: ‘Radical Manchester (how this city changed the world)’ Walking Tour

This is a walk through the revolutions that Manchester’s given birth to. Exploring the city centre, you’ll hear stories of the Suffragettes, abolitionists, Marx and Engels, trade unionism, co-ops, early vegetarians, LGBT+ activism, rave movements, as well as scientific “firsts”. We’ll be asking: “Why is it that so many important radical ideas have started in Manchester?” You’ll come away understanding how Manchester’s rebels and reformers changed politics, culture and the everyday life of people in every corner of the globe.

Option 4: ‘Northern Quarter x Counter-culture’ Manchester Walking Tour

This tour is the story of how Manchester’s abandoned market and warehouse district became our creative engine. This alternative culture walking tour of Manchester’s Northern Quarter neighbourhood looks at the city’s counter-cultural highlights, including: Affleck’s indie indoor market, giant Cities of Hope art murals, truly unique hidden street art, and alleyways where some of your favourite film and TV have been filmed. We’ll learn about the influence music had on Manchester, as well as the influence Manchester had on music! It’s the story of “Mad-chester” – how a city once synonymous with cotton reinvented itself through art, fashion, music, design and having a good time.

Why Choose Us?

‘Free Manchester Walking Tours’ began in 2015 and has grown into one of Manchester’s top-rated attractions, as well as one of its most trusted walking tour companies… and for good reason!

We’re not just guides. We’re:
• History graduates who know the city inside out.
• Professional storytellers such as writers, performers, visual artists and creative producers, who know how to bring the past to life.
• Public historians who actively work with Manchester’s cultural institutions, such as Factory International, HOME, the People’s History Museum and IAP:MCR.
• Experienced facilitators who have worked with everyone from high school students to conferences of CEOs, who can quickly respond to changes of plan, energy levels and, of course, the weather.

We take pride in being the most approachable, flexible and meticulous team of tour guides in the city… plus, when you book a private walking tour with us, you’re supporting a locally run Manchester business with over a decade of delivering unforgettable experiences.