Great Northern: Manchester’s Vibrant Shopping and Entertainment Hub
A lively blend of historic charm and modern entertainment in Manchester’s premier shopping and leisure plaza.
Great Northern in Manchester is a dynamic plaza combining shopping, dining, entertainment, and nightlife within a beautifully restored historic railway goods depot. Located at 235 Deansgate, it offers a lively atmosphere with a casino, cinema, food court, and a diverse range of shops, making it a popular destination for locals and visitors seeking a fun-filled urban experience.
A brief summary to Great Northern
- 235 Deansgate, Manchester, M3 4EN, GB
- +441618328136
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 4 hours
- Mid ranged
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Local tips
- Visit in the evening to experience the vibrant nightlife including the casino and cinema.
- Explore the diverse food court for a variety of international cuisines.
- Take time to appreciate the historic industrial architecture throughout the plaza.
- Check for special events or live entertainment hosted at the venue.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Food Options
- Drink Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Public Transport
Take the Manchester Metrolink tram to Deansgate-Castlefield station, located about 500 meters from Great Northern. Trams run frequently every 6-12 minutes, with ticket prices ranging from £2.50 to £4.00 depending on zones. The walk from the station is flat and accessible.
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Bus
Multiple bus routes serve Deansgate, with stops within 300 meters of Great Northern. Buses run every 10-20 minutes from central Manchester and nearby neighborhoods. Single fares typically cost £2 to £3.50. The area is pedestrian-friendly and well-lit.
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Taxi or Rideshare
Taxis and rideshare services like Uber are widely available in Manchester city center. Travel times from central locations range from 5 to 15 minutes depending on traffic, with fares typically between £5 and £12.
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Walking
Great Northern is within walking distance from Manchester Piccadilly and Manchester Oxford Road stations, approximately 20-30 minutes on foot. The route is urban, paved, and suitable for most fitness levels.
Great Northern location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Great Northern
A Historic Transformation into a Modern Leisure Destination
Great Northern occupies a striking former railway goods depot in the heart of Manchester, blending heritage architecture with contemporary urban life. This transformation has preserved the industrial charm of the original building while adapting it into a vibrant plaza that caters to diverse interests. The spacious interior and exterior areas maintain echoes of the site's past, offering visitors a unique setting where history meets modern leisure.A Multifaceted Venue for Shopping, Dining, and Entertainment
Within Great Northern, visitors find an eclectic mix of retail outlets ranging from boutique shops to well-known brands, alongside a lively food court that serves a variety of cuisines. The venue also houses a casino and a cinema, providing entertainment options that appeal to a broad audience. This combination makes Great Northern a one-stop destination for shopping, dining, and evening entertainment.Atmosphere and Visitor Experience
The atmosphere at Great Northern is energetic and fun-filled, with a casual yet stylish vibe that attracts a diverse crowd. The plaza buzzes with activity, especially during evenings and weekends, when the casino and cinema draw larger crowds. The mix of historic architecture and modern amenities creates an engaging environment for socializing, relaxing, or enjoying cultural events.Architectural and Visual Appeal
Great Northern’s architecture is a standout feature, showcasing historic industrial design with exposed brickwork and large iron structures. The venue offers iconic views of the surrounding Manchester cityscape, particularly along Deansgate. Its visual appeal is enhanced by thoughtfully designed lighting and open spaces that invite visitors to linger and explore.Community and Sustainability Focus
As a locally managed urban space, Great Northern emphasizes sustainability and eco-friendly practices. It supports public transport accessibility and encourages low-impact visitation, aligning with Manchester’s broader environmental goals. The plaza also serves as a cultural hub, hosting events that celebrate local heritage and foster community engagement.Practical Amenities and Accessibility
Great Northern is equipped with essential visitor amenities including restrooms, seating areas, and information boards. Its central location ensures strong mobile reception and easy access for a wide range of visitors. The plaza accommodates families, couples, and solo visitors alike, offering a safe and welcoming environment for all.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Free Trade Hall
0.2 km
Historic landmark on the Peterloo Massacre site, blending Victorian architecture with a rich legacy of music and political activism.
Peterloo Massacre Monument
0.3 km
A powerful stone memorial in Manchester honoring the victims of the 1819 Peterloo Massacre and the fight for democracy.
Albert Memorial
0.4 km
A grand Victorian Gothic monument in Albert Square celebrating Prince Albert’s legacy through art, science, and culture.
Mulberry Passage
0.4 km
Discover Mulberry Passage, a hidden Manchester alleyway celebrating John Dalton’s atomic theory through captivating art and historic charm.
Dalton Entry
0.4 km
Discover Dalton Entry, a hidden Manchester alley honoring John Dalton’s atomic theory and scientific legacy through art and history.
John Bright Statue
0.4 km
A marble tribute in Albert Square honoring John Bright’s legacy as a champion of free trade and social reform in Victorian Manchester.
Manchester City Council
0.4 km
Manchester City Council’s majestic Town Hall in Albert Square: a Victorian Neo-Gothic masterpiece and symbol of civic heritage.
St. Peter's Square
0.4 km
Manchester’s historic St Peter's Square blends rich heritage, iconic architecture, and vibrant urban life at the heart of the city centre.
Remains of eastern wall of the Roman fort
0.4 km
Explore the evocative remains of Mamucium’s eastern wall, a cornerstone of Manchester’s Roman heritage and ancient military might.
Canada House, Manchester
0.4 km
Discover Canada House, a majestic Grade II listed cotton warehouse in Manchester, embodying the city’s rich industrial heritage and architectural splendor.
Roman Gardens
0.4 km
Discover Manchester’s Roman past through tranquil gardens featuring reconstructed fortifications and ancient pathways in the heart of Castlefield.
Reconstruction of Mamucium Roman Fort Wall
0.4 km
Explore Manchester’s Roman roots at Mamucium, a reconstructed fort showcasing ancient military might and early urban life.
Castlefield historical zone
0.4 km
Explore Castlefield, Manchester’s vibrant urban heritage park where Roman ruins meet industrial canals and lively cultural scenes converge.
Historic England
0.5 km
Explore the rich heritage of England at Historic England in Manchester, where history meets preservation and community engagement.
Friedrich Engels Statue
0.5 km
A bold Soviet-era statue honoring Friedrich Engels stands proudly in Manchester, bridging industrial history with modern radical spirit.
Unmissable attractions to see
Alcotraz Manchester: Cell Block Three-Four
0.1 km
Discover the thrilling cocktail experience at Alcotraz Manchester, where immersive storytelling meets masterful mixology in a unique prison-themed bar.
Albert Hall, Manchester
0.1 km
Historic Wesleyan chapel turned iconic music venue with stunning stained glass and vaulted ceilings in Manchester’s vibrant city centre.
Opera House Manchester
0.2 km
A historic Edwardian theatre in Manchester offering world-class musicals, opera, and vibrant cultural performances in an elegant setting.
Upper Campfield Market Hall
0.2 km
Historic Victorian market hall in Manchester’s Castlefield, now a vibrant artisan market and creative hub blending heritage with modern innovation.
Beetham Tower
0.2 km
Manchester’s tallest skyscraper outside London, Beetham Tower combines luxury living, stunning views, and bold modern architecture in the heart of the city.
Saint John's Gardens
0.2 km
A serene urban oasis in Manchester preserving historic churchyard remnants and offering peaceful green space near Deansgate.
Abraham Lincoln Statue
0.3 km
A powerful bronze tribute in Manchester honoring Abraham Lincoln and the city’s courageous support for abolition during the American Civil War.
Sightseeing Manchester
0.3 km
Manchester’s iconic concert hall blending architectural beauty and world-class music in the heart of the city.
The Bridgewater Hall
0.3 km
Manchester’s premier concert hall offering world-class acoustics, diverse performances, and accessible facilities in a striking modern setting.
Manchester Central Library
0.3 km
Discover Manchester Central Library’s iconic neoclassical dome, vast collections, and vibrant cultural spaces in the city’s historic heart.
John Rylands Research Institute and Library
0.3 km
A neo-Gothic architectural gem housing one of the UK’s largest rare book collections and a vibrant research institute in the heart of Manchester.
Manchester Albert Square
0.3 km
Discover Manchester Albert Square, a stunning Victorian civic space where history, architecture, and vibrant culture converge in the city’s heart.
St Mary's RC Church
0.3 km
Discover St Mary's RC Church, Manchester's historic 'Hidden Gem' blending Victorian artistry and deep Catholic heritage since 1794.
Albert Square
0.3 km
Manchester’s grand civic heart, framed by Gothic spires and alive with markets, monuments, and city life.
Rochdale Canal Lake
0.4 km
A serene waterside retreat blending Manchester’s industrial heritage with vibrant cultural life at The Bridgewater Hall.
Essential places to dine
Italiana Fifty Five Great Northern
0.0 km
Experience authentic Italian flavors and warm hospitality in Manchester’s stylish Great Northern Warehouse setting.
Almost Famous GN
0.0 km
A lively Manchester burger bar serving bold, indulgent American-style burgers with loaded fries in a vibrant, casual setting.
James Martin Manchester
0.1 km
Experience refined modern British cuisine in an elegant casino setting, where seasonal ingredients and expert service create a memorable Manchester dining destination.
Another hand
0.1 km
An intimate modern British restaurant in Manchester’s Deansgate Mews, celebrated for inventive seasonal dishes and natural wines.
Albert's Schloss - Manchester
0.1 km
A lively Bavarian-inspired beer hall in Manchester blending hearty food, live music, and vibrant nightlife in a unique social setting.
Evuna Deansgate
0.2 km
Authentic Spanish tapas and award-winning wines in the heart of Manchester’s vibrant Deansgate district.
Hawksmoor Manchester
0.2 km
Experience exquisite British steaks and seafood in a historic Victorian courthouse with impeccable service and elegant private dining.
Gusto Italian
0.2 km
Experience elegant Italian dining in Manchester’s historic Elliot House, where 1920s charm meets fresh, contemporary cuisine.
Dimitri's - Tapas Meze Bar & Restaurant
0.2 km
Authentic Greek tapas and meze in Manchester’s lively Deansgate district, perfect for sharing and savoring Mediterranean flavors.
Don Marco
0.2 km
Contemporary Italian dining with warm service and fresh flavors in Manchester’s lively Campfield Arcade.
20 Stories
0.2 km
Experience Manchester’s skyline from 20 Stories, a glamorous rooftop restaurant blending Modern European cuisine with stunning city views.
Italiana Fifty Five Liverpool Road
0.3 km
Experience authentic Italian flavors and cozy charm with freshly made pasta and unique flambéed dishes in the heart of Manchester.
Podium
0.3 km
Sophisticated Modern British dining with inventive flavors and sleek modernist style in Manchester’s iconic Hilton Deansgate.
Mount Street Dining Room & Bar
0.3 km
Classic British dining with northern flair in the elegant, historic setting of Manchester’s Midland Hotel.
Australasia
0.3 km
Stylish Pan-Asian dining in Manchester’s Spinningfields with vibrant flavors, chic design, and a lively atmosphere for special occasions.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
TVSeriesJackets
0.1 km
Explore TVSeriesJackets in Manchester, where iconic TV show jackets come to life, blending style with your favorite characters' adventures.
Catch my Thrift
0.2 km
Sustainable designer vintage at £25 and under – Manchester's thrift haven for slow fashion lovers in the city centre.
Science and Industry Museum Shop
0.3 km
Discover science-infused souvenirs in the heart of Manchester's industrial birthplace, where history meets hands-on innovation at the Science and Industry Museum Shop.
Manchester Souvenirs Gifts & Presents Geek Elf Elux Bars Luggage storage locker
0.4 km
Authentic Manchester souvenirs and gifts with local charm, plus convenient luggage storage in the heart of Deansgate.
Pulse
0.6 km
Discover unique local treasures and artistic gifts in the heart of Manchester’s historic St Anne’s Square at Pulse.
Branded Like A Boss
0.6 km
Discover Manchester's spirited souvenirs and artisan crafts at this vibrant Owen Street gift shop, blending trendy flair with local soul.
ItsFetch
0.6 km
Unleash your fashion potential at ItsFetch, a stylish accessories shop in Manchester, featuring unique pieces for every trendsetter.
Deansgate Square General Store
0.6 km
Futuristic cornershop at Deansgate Square's base: craft coffee, local brews, zero-waste refills, and artisanal bites amid Manchester's iconic towers.
Curvilicious Clothing
0.6 km
Empowering plus-size style in Manchester's beating heart: Curvilicious Clothing celebrates curves with trendy, authentic fashion on Owen Street.
T.La Art & Craft Gallery
0.6 km
A vibrant Chinese art and craft gallery in Manchester’s Chinatown, showcasing handcrafted treasures and cultural heritage in a warm, welcoming space.
INFINITE RUNNING
0.6 km
Elevate your run with Infinite Running's premium gear: sleek half tights, breathable singlets, and weather-ready layers for Manchester's relentless athletes.
Søstrene Grene
0.6 km
Discover Danish-inspired creativity and cozy home treasures in the heart of Manchester’s vibrant city centre.
Stare Society
0.6 km
Discover curated vintage clothing and unique home furniture in Manchester’s stylish Stare Society boutique.
Rams Gift World
0.8 km
Discover unique gifts and local crafts at Rams Gift World, Manchester’s vibrant and eclectic souvenir shop on Market Street.
Menkind
0.8 km
Discover quirky gadgets and unique gifts at Menkind, Manchester Arndale’s vibrant destination for fun and innovative presents.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Blues Kitchen Manchester
0.1 km
Experience authentic Southern barbecue, soulful live music, and vibrant vibes in the heart of Manchester’s Spinningfields.
Three Little Words
0.1 km
A stylish gin distillery and cocktail bar under historic arches, blending craft cocktails, seasonal food, and immersive experiences in Manchester’s heart.
Speak In Code
0.2 km
Discover Speak In Code, Manchester’s innovative cocktail bar blending artisanal mixology, sustainable practices, and a uniquely immersive atmosphere.
Cloud 23
0.2 km
Experience Manchester’s skyline from the stylish 23rd-floor cocktail bar with innovative drinks and panoramic city views.
cask
0.3 km
Authentic Manchester pub pouring cask ales amid Castlefield's historic canals and warehouses—timeless brews in a revolutionary setting.
Slug & Lettuce - Albert Square Manchester
0.3 km
Vibrant cocktail bar and restaurant in Manchester’s Albert Square, perfect for lively brunches, evening drinks, and social celebrations.
The Alchemist Spinningfields
0.3 km
Innovative cocktails and contemporary dining in Manchester’s vibrant Spinningfields district, blending theatrical flair with a lively social scene.
The Deansgate
0.3 km
Historic Deansgate pub revived with cask ales, hearty eats, rooftop terraces, and Manchester buzz—perfect pit stop since the 18th century.
The Britons Protection
0.3 km
Historic Manchester pub famed for its vast whisky selection, traditional charm, lively atmosphere, and welcoming community spirit.
Lock 91
0.3 km
Historic charm meets inventive cocktails in Manchester’s vibrant Lock 91, a versatile bar and events venue beneath the city’s Metrolink station.
The Gas Lamp
0.4 km
Discover Manchester’s atmospheric basement pub with a rich history, exceptional craft beers, and a cozy, characterful vibe beneath Bridge Street.
Atlas Bar
0.4 km
Discover Manchester’s iconic gin bar with 570+ gins, award-winning service, and a year-round heated terrace in the heart of Deansgate.
Arcane
0.4 km
Discover Arcane, a cozy Victorian-inspired cocktail bar in Manchester’s city centre, blending inventive drinks with a relaxed, intimate atmosphere.
MOJO
0.4 km
Eclectic cocktail bar in Manchester’s heart, blending creative drinks with a lively, urban nightlife vibe.
Salt Dog Slim's Manchester
0.4 km
Dive into Salt Dog Slim's Manchester for bold cocktails, American-style hot dogs, and a vibrant nightlife experience in the heart of the city.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
History Nightclub
0.1 km
Experience Manchester’s lively hip hop and house beats at History Nightclub, a large, energetic venue open late into the night.
Royal Vida Night Club
0.1 km
Dive into Manchester's underground pulse at Royal Vida, where Castlefield's industrial shadows host thumping beats and endless nights from 11pm to 4am.
42's
0.1 km
Manchester’s iconic indie nightclub blending rich musical heritage with a lively, inclusive nightlife experience.
Venue Nightclub
0.2 km
Manchester's underground indie haven: cheap drinks, packed dance floors, and anthems till dawn in Deansgate's electric night scene.
Ark Manchester
0.3 km
Multi-room beats and canal-side cocktails fuel Manchester's electric Deansgate Locks nightlife at Ark—dance, drink, repeat till dawn.
Popworld Manchester
0.3 km
Dance to cheesy pop anthems amid neon lights and poptail cocktails in Manchester's ultimate throwback nightclub.
Bliss Club Manchester
0.3 km
Experience Manchester’s authentic late-night vibe at Bliss Club, where music and local energy blend into a spirited urban nightlife hub.
Club Liv Manchester
0.4 km
Experience Manchester’s vibrant nightlife with exclusive VIP vibes, world-class Pan-Asian dining, and a stylish rooftop terrace at Club Liv.
Viva Manchester
0.6 km
Compact stage-driven nightclub on Whitworth Street West — theatrical themed nights, DJ sets and group-friendly table service.
Satans Hollow
0.7 km
Manchester's infernal punk-rock abyss: demonic decor, dirt-cheap drinks, and mosh-pit mayhem for metalheads and rebels.
Kable
0.7 km
A compact, late‑night basement club on New Wakefield Street, favoured for punchy electronic nights and close‑up DJ sessions.
Club Tropicana
0.8 km
Dive into 1980s glamour at Manchester's premier gay nightclub, where drag, DJs, cocktails, and retro beats fuel the Gay Village's electric nightlife.
The Cockatoo Club
0.8 km
Discover the electrifying nightlife at The Cockatoo Club in Manchester, where vibrant cabaret performances meet an unforgettable atmosphere.
FAC251 - Factory Manchester
0.9 km
Experience Manchester’s legendary Factory Records heritage with three floors of indie, rock, and electronic music at FAC251 - The Factory.
Bijou Club
0.9 km
Manchester's hidden riverside gem: celebrity vibes, secret garden terrace, and LED-lit beats in an exclusive Deansgate nightclub.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Fun-filled
- Lively
- Casual
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Industrial Designs
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Skyline
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
- Low Impact
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
- Festival / Event Nearby
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
