Budget Friendly Summer Adventures in Manchester

If you’re staying in Manchester this summer, you can look forward to plenty of fun activities in and around the city! However, the cost of travel and events can quickly add up, making it seem like an exciting summer is out of reach for those on a student budget. 

Fear not! With a little creativity and planning, you can enjoy a season of fun adventures without breaking the bank.  

So, grab your friends and check out the best affordable Manchester offerings! 

7 Budget Friendly Summer Adventures in Manchester 

Stretch and Sketch 

Join Emma and Caroline for an evening of (beginner friendly) yoga and art classes! This is the perfect escape to practice some well-deserved relaxation and mindfulness, all centred around the themes of summer and nature. 

This activity is hosted by The Proud Place and welcomes everyone, regardless of background or income. They have subsidised tickets for people on low wages, and free tickets for those that need them. Nell’s will also be providing free pizza and refreshments, so you can enjoy an evening out without the pressure! 

Cost: £0 - £27.80 

Location: 49-51 Sidney Street, M1 7HB 

Time and Date: Thursday July 18, 18:00 - 20:30 

Summer Market 

Heading to Manchester Pride in August and looking for something to wear? Or maybe you’ve got a summer birthday coming up? The Proud Place Summer Market is the ideal event to find gifts (or a treat for yourself) without having to spend a fortune. 

A brilliant selection of LGBT+ small businesses and other stores will be selling their creations, as well as some pre-loved clothes, books and bric a brac too. Think thrift shopping or your favourite makers market, but all under one roof! Tickets are also free to book for buyers. 

Cost: £0 

Location: 49-51 Sidney Street, M1 7HB 

Time and Date: Saturday July 27, 10:30 - 14:30 

Go Hiking in the Peak District 

Escape the busy city with a budget-friendly hiking trip in the stunning Peak District! Just a short train ride from Manchester, with return journeys available for less than £10 with a railcard*. 

Manchester Picadilly to Edale – Return with Railcard: £9.49 / Return without Railcard: £13.60 

Manchester Picadilly to Grindleford – Return with Railcard: £9.49 / Return without Railcard: £13.60 

Manchester Picadilly to Hathersage – Return with Railcard: £9.49 / Return without Railcard: £13.60 

Manchester Picadilly to Bamford – Return with Railcard: £9.49 / Return without Railcard: £13.60 

Manchester Picadilly to Hope – Return with Railcard: £9.89 / Return without Railcard: £14.20 

Pack a picnic at home to save on meals out, whilst you explore the spectacular views and natural beauty of one of the UK’s most beloved outdoor destinations. 

Find more information here about the railcard scheme, and how you can save 1/3 of the cost on eligible rail journeys. 

*Prices accurate at the time of writing. Subject to change dependant on date and time of travel. 

Cost: £9.49 - £14.20 

Location: Peak District National Park 

Explore Manchester’s Art Galleries and Museums 

Get to know your uni city through its vast mix of art galleries and museums! Whether you’re a history buff, art appreciator, or just looking for a creative way to spend the day, Manchester has plenty of central sites. Best of all, many of these cultural landmarks offer free admission: 

• Manchester Art Gallery 

• The Whitworth 

• Manchester Museum 

• People’s History Museum 

• Home 

These locations also have cafés where you can enjoy a light bite or a sweet treat, if you are unable to provide a cash donation. Additionally, Manchester has plenty of paid museums to visit if you have any special interests: 

• National Football Museum: £12 student ticket.  

• Museum of Transport: £5 student ticket. 

• Manchester Jewish Museum: £5 student ticket. 

Cost: £0 - £12 

Location: Manchester City Centre 

The Classic Car Boot Sale 

London’s iconic car boot sale has made its way to the north! This two day festival is perfect for any vintage lovers, with a collection of classic cars, vintage fashion and yummy street food – all set to a backdrop of vinyl spinning DJs. 

The event is held in Media City which is a short bus or tram journey from the city centre, and tickets are just £6 to get in! The event is family and dog friendly, and there is no pressure to make any purchases. Make the most of the sunshine, enjoy the atmosphere, and maybe even do some celeb spotting… 

Cost: £6 

Location: 49-51 Sidney Street, M1 7HB 

Time and Date: Saturday July 20 / Sunday July 21, 10:00 - 18:00 

Greater Manchester Fringe Festival 

The Greater Manchester Fringe Festival runs from 1 to 31 July every year, bringing a showcase of talents including music, comedy, and theatre! On average, tickets range from £8 - £15 dependant on the show, with most of the venues based around Manchester City Centre. 

It’s the perfect excuse to gather friends for an affordable night out this summer, as well as a great way to get to know some of Manchester’s most famous bars and entertainment venues! 

Cost:  Various 

Location: Various 

Time and Date: July 1 -  July 31 

Magic of Thailand Festival 

This two day festival is bringing the fun and festivities of Thailand to the heart of Manchester. Get a taste of Thai culture and experience traditional food, performances, and arts and crafts. There is even the opportunity to get involved with Muay Thai boxing and Thai massages! 

Tickets are just £5 which is a super affordable day out, and if you buy your ticket online you will be automatically entered into a raffle, with a chance to win a flight to Thailand. Platt Fields Park is also just 2 miles from Man Met’s campus, so easily reachable by walking or on the bus. 

Cost: £5 

Location: Platt Fields Park, Platt Lane, M14 5NF 

Time and Date: Saturday August 10 / Sunday August 11, 10:00 - 19:00