As a private hire driver in Manchester, you’ll already be familiar with major passenger hotspots (if not, we put together a handy list of them).
Having local information as a private hire driver can be handy for those times when passengers are seeking something outside of the norm. With so much to see and do in Manchester, having a few ideas in your back pocket could help towards tips and better ratings.
Let’s dive into the lesser-known side of Manchester, and give you some great destinations and hidden gems off the beaten track to share with your passengers.
Lark Hill Place
Location: Inside Salford Museum
Travel back to the 1800s and stroll down the cobbled streets of Lark Hill Place, where Victorian Manchester comes to life.
Situated in the middle of Salford Museum, visitors can discover what life was like for Mancunians over 100 years ago. There’s a chemist, a toy shop, a printers and more, all displaying artefacts from Manchester’s history. There’s even a pub!
A great history trip for kids, you can also make the most of your trip and explore the rest of what Salford Museum has to offer.
Image credit: Lark Hill Place
The Washhouse
Location: 19 Shudehill
From the outside, The Washhouse looks like any other laundrette. But all is not as it seems! This laundrette is by appointment only, and guests have to book in advance to avoid missing out.
But what happens when passengers get there? Upon arrival, guests will find a phone - when they pick up the receiver and press a button, they’ll hear an operator on the other end. Then, guests need to say they’re here to wash some clothes, and suddenly the washing machine swings open, where it reveals itself as a hidden door.
Walking through, you’ll find yourself inside a secret bar! Here you can treat yourself to some unique cocktails, like a Bloody Mary with chorizo and chipotle flavours. Some cocktails come with a riddle or a puzzle that needs solving before you can drink, or even a salmon-flavoured cocktail!
Sifters Record Shop
Location: 177 Fog Ln
Sifters is a must-visit location for any Oasis fan.
The store, run by Pete Howard (affectionately known as “Mr Sifters”), was a popular haunt of Liam and Noel Gallagher in their teen years. In fact, the man himself is mentioned in Oasis’ second single “Shakermaker”.
The record shop has been in its current location since 1983, and remains a popular destination, attracting attention from fans and vinyl enthusiasts alike.
With over 30 years in the music business (and counting!), you’re sure to find something you like in this legendary shop.
Image credit: Google reviews
Portico Library and Gallery
Location: 57 Mosley St
Home to an impressive collection of almost 25,000 books, the Portico Library and Gallery is renowned for its wide selection of treasured literature.
Avid readers can choose from travel guides, biographies, historical texts and first editions from literary giants like Dickens.
Dating back to 1806, the building is steeped in history, and features a smaller reading room exclusive to library members.
The main library is free to enter and open to the public - visitors should look for the portrait of Shakespeare and the barometer that interestingly measures air currents!
But it’s not just books - the library hosts regular events including talks, reading clubs and life drawing sessions.
Mamucium Fort
Location: 106 Duke St
This one’s for the ancient history lovers.
Part of the larger Castlefield Urban Heritage Park, the ruins of Mamucium Fort date back to early Roman soldiers and settlers who eventually established Manchester.
Strategically placed where the rivers Medlock and Irwell meet, the Fort oversaw movement between two important trading posts of Chester and York.
The ruins were left largely abandoned and overgrown until the late 1700s when they were levelled as Manchester expanded.
In modern day, visitors can walk around the Heritage site, and view partial reconstructions of the fort’s walls, ramparts, and granaries.
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