Big Ben to Tower Bridge
Big Ben to Tower Bridge
Big Ben to Tower Bridge
Big Ben to Tower Bridge
Big Ben to Tower Bridge
Big Ben to Tower Bridge
Big Ben to Tower Bridge
Big Ben to Tower Bridge
Big Ben to Tower Bridge
Big Ben to Tower Bridge
Big Ben to Tower Bridge
Big Ben to Tower Bridge
Big Ben to Tower Bridge
Big Ben to Tower Bridge

What you'll do

Manchester is the UK’s best live music city.

We’re not just saying it; there is more live music shows here than anywhere else in the country, and it has recently been crowned the UK’s best for live music.

So you’ll join one of our Manchester hosts to get to the bottom of a musical legacy intertwined with industrial roots.

And the best way to do this? Visit the spots where music history went down, like the Free Trade Hall where the Sex Pistols held their infamous gig that inspired members of Joy Division, The Smiths and the Buzzcocks, and Salford Lads’ Club - you’ll recognize it from one of The Smiths’ album covers.

No doubt you’ll want a pint or two, and we know just the spot - an underground bar that was once a public bathroom and somehow became the inspiration for an Elbow song.

And your experience wouldn’t be complete without a jaunt into the trendy Northern Quarter, where you can flip through vinyl at Piccadilly Records and check out the ‘sound bites’ - we’ll leave it up to your local to explain that one.

One more pint in the NQ? Oh, go on then.

  • Private & 100% personalized tour

  • 3 hours

  • Matched to your ideal host

  • Walking tour (may use public transport)

  • Hosted in English (On request: Arabic, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish)

  • Meet at your accommodation or a central location

Experience outline

  • Spend 3 hours with one of our music-loving Manchester hosts
  • Enjoy stories of the music history of the city and indulge in the eclectic Manchester music culture - get what you want from this experience
  • Your experience, your pace - pick one or two landmarks or walk the streets that bred bands like The Smiths and Joy Division
  • Stop by the very same pubs that hosted and inspired Manchester music icons, and enjoy a pint (or two)
  • Explore the Northern Quarter, flip through vinyl and see the ‘sound bites’
  • Get recommendations from your host for some upcoming gigs you could still get tickets for while you’re in town

Things to know

What’s included

  • A private and personalized experience
  • 3 hours with your host
  • Walking experience (if required, your host can suggest public transport or private taxi options)
  • 2 craft beers or ales
  • Hotel meet-up (available on request for central location)

What’s not included

  • Food and drinks
  • Tickets to any attractions
  • Transportation costs
  • Gratuities (optional)

Cancellation

  • Cancel 7 days before the experience for a full refund
  • Worry-free cancellation terms: book with peace of mind knowing that you can cancel for free up to a day before the experience and receive a full refund.

Photos taken by our hosts and guests

City Unscripted guests photos

Reviews

    My daughter wanted a tour of the Manchester music scene and Kevin really delivered the experience we were looking for. He has a lot of knowledge of the history of Manchester and we learned so much. I would recommend Kevin to anyone looking to have that full Manchester experience.

    April 2023

    Carla K

    A great tour hosted by Kevin. Very knowledgeable and got us round all the places we wanted to see. We were mainly looking for a music tour, but Kevin also showed us and spoke to us, in good detail, about the history of Manchester.

    March 2023

    Brian S

    A great tour hosted by Kevin. Very knowledgeable and got us round all the places we wanted to see. We were mainly looking for a music tour, but Kevin also showed us and spoke to us, in good detail, about the history of Manchester.

    March 2023

    Brian G

    Kevin made this day really terrific for us. He was friendly and very knowledgeable about Manchester. He personalized our experience based on our interest in music and went above and beyond to plan our experience. I highly recommend Kevin for anyone who wants to enjoy a relaxing and informative tour of key 80's and 90's locations associated with music in and around Manchester. We were able to see the Epping Walk bridge (Joy Division), Morrissey's childhood home, the iron bridge (The Smiths), the Hacienda site and he even arranged a visit inside the Salford Lads Club (The Smiths). They weren't scheduled to be open the day we visited but he contacted them and arranged for them to open for us! Not only did we see great sites associated with the music scene but he gave us some great history about Manchester along the way as well. Highly recommended!! 5 stars

    March 2023

    Brian G

See more reviews

Meet our local hosts in Manchester. One of them will tailor this experience to your wishes!

We’ll expertly match you to your best suited host based on your interests, personality and the experience vibe you’re after.

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