Share this tour
Offered languages
- English
Explore the back streets for urban art & discover how ceramic art transformed the area into the city's coolest district. We cast a critical eye & learn about issues facing the city from social justice to public spaces, and look at the ethics behind public art itself.
The tour tracks the transformation of the Northern Quarter since the 1970s when it was in decline in the wake of our first American-style shopping mall, the Arndale Centre, opening.
The area, the one with the highest density of protected buildings in the city, was cited by cultural icon Tony Wilson in the 90s as being 'our Detroit' owing to a mass evacuation of businesses.
It was art that turned the area around from 1998 onwards. The tour discovers the original ceramic art trail & uses more modern street art in order to weave together the narrative. We also take a dive into AirBnBs, gentrification, public space & where to sit down.
I donate 10% profit to local causes. Sustainable, thoughtful & inclusive tourism
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
We meet at SHUDEHILL METROLINK PLATFORM, next to the bike racks.
Itinerary
-
1Manchester
This is a tour for those interested in the city's counterculture with an authentic voice from that scene, told through its street art. Discussing not only of triumphs in architecture and heritage but real issues facing the city today from social justice to public spaces. The tour tracks the transformation of the Northern Quarter since the 1970s when it was in decline in the wake of our first American-style shopping mall, the Arndale Centre, opening. The area, the one with the highest density of protected buildings in the city, was cited by cultural icon Tony Wilson in the early 90s as being 'our Detroit' owing to a mass evacuation of businesses. Abandoned and ruined it was the public art that turned the area around from 1998 onwards. The tour discovers that original ceramic art trail and uses more modern street art in order to weave together the narrative. We'll also discuss how the Northern Quarter is used as a film set, and we'll discover the backstreets of the area rather than the major streets and attractions as these are easy to discover on your own (though I'm happy to give you tips on where to explore after the tour, or where to go for lunch etc)
2 hours • Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Show more
Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
- This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Rating
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Your guide to the flawless travel experience
Top Searches
Company
Get our app
