19 Interesting Facts About Manchester That You Should Not Miss

Manchester is one of the most popular cities to be a part of. It is the capital of the north and attracts hundreds of people every year as an alternative to London. From large scale industries to football legends, Manchester has everything and anything you could think of. And not just that, there are so many facts about Manchester that will surely make you want to move here as soon as possible. In this blog, we have covered some of the best and most interesting facts about Manchester. So keep reading and get ready for an adventure!

Top 19 Facts About Manchester

Manchester is the third largest city in Manchester. It is best known as the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution, but the city has also made its mark in the world for plenty of other things.  Starting from popular culture, music, and science to politics and football, there is a little bit of everything in this city. We have mentioned some cultural, tourist, and fun and interesting facts about Manchester, which are sure to grab everybody’s attention. So, let’s get started!

Facts About Manchester: Culture

Let’s start with a few cultural facts about Manchester. And by culture, we mean facts which are fun to know about. Whether you’re somebody who is planning to visit this city for the first time or are already living here, we’re sure you’ll find these cultural facts about Manchester super interesting! 

1. Manchester United is one of the most popular football clubs in the world

Of course, this one’s no surprise! Manchester United is one of the oldest and most well-known football clubs in the world. Manchester is where professional football was founded. The club was founded in the year 1878 and has the reputation of being one of the highest-earning clubs in the world. If you’re ever in Manchester, be sure to visit Old Trafford, the team’s home ground. 

2. Some of the biggest bands in the music industry are from Manchester

Manchester is a city that's filled with creative and artistic people. The music scene is a very important part of this city’s iconic culture and heritage. This is probably where you will find a number of bars and clubs with live performances. Some of the most well-known bands from Manchester are Oasis, The Smiths, and 1975. Take the time to visit some of the Best Clubs in Manchester, and you may find an iconic band in the making yourself!

3. Home to the annual World Pie Eating Championships

Held at Harry’s Bar in Wigan, the annual World Pie Eating championship is one of the best facts about Manchester. This event started back in 1992 and people from all over the world come to participate in this iconic event. If you’re competitive and love a good pie, then this one’s for you! 

4. Rolls Royce was founded at The Midland Hotel

One of the oldest and popular hotels in Manchester, The Midland Hotel, is more than just a hotel. It is also where the iconic luxury car brand Rolls Royce was founded. Charles Stewart Rolls met Frederick Henry Royce in 1904 on Wednesday 4th May, and the rest is history. 

5. J K Rowling thought of Harry Potter parts in Manchester

It may interest all the Potterheads out there that J K Rowling came up with the idea for Harry Potter on a train from Manchester to London. Additionally, she also invented the game of Quidditch in Manchester! 

Weren’t these facts about Manchester super interesting? Thankfully, we’re not done yet! It’s time to learn a few more facts about Manchester which are good for tourists and visitors alike. And meanwhile, you can also read the 12 Best Thrift Stores in Manchester and be a part of this iconic community!

Facts About Manchester: Tourism

Manchester is one of the most iconic places to be. As such, this magnificent city welcomes tourists from all over the world. From students to working professionals, this city sees over 5 million international visitors. So, if you’re one of them, we think you’d enjoy these interesting facts about Manchester related to tourists and tourism. Let's have a look at some of them!

6. Manchester has the largest city centre shopping area - Manchester Arndale

The Arndale Centre was built in 1972. At the moment, it is the biggest shopping mall in a city centre in Europe. Also, the mall even has its own radio station broadcast inside, called Center Sound. You can surely find almost everything here! 

7. ‘Peaky Blinders’ was filmed in Manchester

Are you a fan of the sensational show Peaky Blinders? If yes, then this fact about Manchester may interest you. While the show is meant to be set in Birmingham, a lot of scenes of the series were filmed in Liverpool and Manchester. Since Manchester has an industrial background, it served as the perfect spot for filming. 

8. Manchester is where the atom was first split

When discussing the best facts about Manchester, this one is definitely worth adding to the list. The first time the atom was split happened at Manchester University by Ernest Rutherford. He was a teacher at the university and also the winner of a Nobel Prize in the field of Chemistry back in 1908. If you wish to win your own Nobel Prize one day, start by reading our blog on the  best universities in Manchester! 

9. UK’s first public library opened in Manchester

Another interesting fact about Manchester UK is that Chetham’s Library was first opened here in the year 1653. The library is one of the oldest public libraries in the English-speaking world and has a collection of over 100,000 books.

10. Manchester started the Industrial Revolution

This one is probably one of the most famous facts about Manchester. The opening of the Bridgewater Canal in 1761 led to the beginning of the Industrial Revolution in Manchester. Due to this, the city played an important role in the manufacturing of cotton and textile industries. If history and science are something that interests you, learn more about the 25 Best Museums in Manchester, which can give you incredible insights into the history of this city too!

Facts About Manchester: History

From its roots in the Roman era to its vibrant role in the Industrial Revolution, there are several Manchester history facts and stories to tell. Here are the top historical things about Manchester.

11. The first computer with stored program and memory is in Manchester

Did you know Manchester is home to the world’s first stored-program electronic digital computer? SSEM, affectionately called the 'Baby' stays in Manchester! Created by the brilliant F.C. Williams and Tom Kilburn at The University of Manchester, made history by successfully running its first program on June 21, 1948. Who would've thought Manchester would give birth to the computer age? 

12. Manchester’s crisscrossed Canal Mania

During Canal Mania, from the 1790s to 1810s, Britain was buzzing with canal fever! It all kicked off in 1761 with the Bridgewater Canal, aka "Duke's Cut," the first man-made waterway in Britain. This canal's roaring success sparked a frenzy, with nearly 4,000 miles of canals built. Though not all ventures were gold mines, these waterways were crucial for transporting wool, textiles, and coal during the Industrial Revolution. Today, you can stroll along Greater Manchester’s historic canals and imagine the bustling industry of yesteryear. 

If history and science are something that interests you, learn more about the 25 best museums in Manchester, which can give you incredible insights into the history of this city too!

13. Manchester introduced the first “Passenger Railway”

Liverpool and Manchester Railway (L&MR) was the world’s first steam-powered intercity railway. Launched on September 15, 1830, this 31-mile wonder revolutionised travel, connecting Liverpool and Manchester like never before! Imagine the thrill of the first passengers at Liverpool Road Station, now part of the Science and Industry Museum. With a timetable, double tracks, and even mail delivery, the L&MR sparked Railway Mania and set the stage for modern railways.

14. The “Coronation Street” set in Manchester

Coronation Street has been serving up drama since 1960. Set in the fictional Weatherfield, based on Manchester's bustling streets, Corrie kicked off with Tony Warren’s tales of life near the docks. From a tram crash in 2010 to moving production to MediaCityUK, this show’s history is packed with Manchester vibes. Ever visited the set? It’s still going strong and open for tours!

Fun and Interesting Facts About Manchester

Now that we have covered 10 facts about Manchester related to tourists and culture, it’s time to discuss some interesting facts about Manchester definitely worth knowing. These facts are unique to the city in their own ways and will help you understand the city better too. Keep reading to know more fun facts about Manchester UK:

15. The Commonwealth Games in 2002 were held in Manchester

Before the 2012 Olympics took place in London, the Commonwealth Games was the biggest multi-sports the UK ever hosted. Thanks to this event, the city saw loads of investments and regeneration, providing people with jobs and a boost to the economy as well. The City of Manchester Stadium was built for the Commonwealth Games, in which England won a total of 165 medals. 

16. Workers Bees are symbolic of Manchester

During the industrial revolution, the worker bee gained notoriety in Manchester as a symbol of the perseverance of those employed in the city's bustling industries and cotton mills. The bee became especially prominent as a symbol of strength and anti-terrorism after the Manchester Arena Bombing in 2017.

17. The Suffragette Movement started in Manchester

Easily one of the most important and interesting facts about Manchester UK is the beginning of this movement. To provide context, the Suffragettes were part of the 'Votes for Women' campaign that had long fought for the right of women to vote in the UK. Subsequently, Emmeline Pankhurst founded the Women’s Social and Political Union in 1903, in Manchester.

18.  No statue of a woman except Queen Victoria until 2019 in Manchester

Shockingly, the only statue of a woman in Manchester was of Queen Victoria. That changed when Manchester built a statue of Emmeline Pankhurst, who led the Suffragette Movement. A rather monumental event and Manchester fun facts in the history of the city, we think!

19. The vegetarian movement was founded in Manchester

One of the best and most interesting facts about Manchester is that the vegetarian movement was founded here. Founded in 1847 by William Cowherd, the vegetarian movement encouraged followers to follow a meat-free diet and lifestyle. 

And there you have it, a list of 15 of the most fun and interesting facts about Manchester. If this blog has got you intrigued enough to move there for educational purposes, then have a look at our Student Housing Guide for Manchester, which will answer any questions you may have.