Manchester Buddhist Centre: A Sanctuary of Meditation and Mindfulness in the Northern Quarter
A serene urban sanctuary in Manchester’s Northern Quarter offering meditation, wellness, and a unique sober bar experience.
Nestled in Manchester's vibrant Northern Quarter, the Manchester Buddhist Centre offers a peaceful refuge dedicated to meditation, Buddhist teachings, and holistic wellbeing. With a welcoming ethos open to all, it features meditation sessions, a Buddhist shop, a sober bar, and a wellness studio offering yoga and therapies, making it a unique urban sanctuary for spiritual and physical renewal.
A brief summary to Manchester Buddhist Centre
- 16-20 Turner St, Manchester, M4 1DZ, GB
- +441618349232
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Budget
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Tuesday 11 am-3 pm
- Wednesday 11 am-3 pm
- Thursday 11 am-3 pm
- Saturday 10:30 am-2:30 pm
Local tips
- Attend the lunchtime meditation sessions on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays at 1pm for a peaceful break during your day.
- Explore Hinterland, the centre’s sober bar in the basement, for a unique selection of non-alcoholic craft drinks.
- Visit the Bodywise studio on the second floor for accessible yoga classes and holistic therapies.
- Browse the shop for Buddhist literature, meditation aids, and ethical gifts to support your practice.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Public Transport
Reach the centre via Manchester’s Metrolink tram system, alighting at Shudehill or Market Street stops, each about a 3-minute walk. Trams run frequently throughout the day, with tickets costing approximately £2.50–£4.00 depending on zones.
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Bus
Multiple bus routes serve the Northern Quarter area, including routes 8, 42, and 43. Buses run every 10–20 minutes with fares around £2.50. The nearest stops are on Tib Street or Oldham Street, about a 5-minute walk from the centre.
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Walking
From Manchester city centre, a 15–20 minute walk through the vibrant streets of the Northern Quarter brings you to the centre. The route is flat and accessible, suitable for most visitors.
Manchester Buddhist Centre location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Manchester Buddhist Centre
A Hub of Buddhist Practice and Community in Manchester
The Manchester Buddhist Centre has been a cornerstone of Buddhist teaching and meditation in the city since 1977. Located in the Northern Quarter, this centre is part of the Triratna Buddhist Community, founded by Sangharakshita in 1967. It provides a welcoming space where people of all backgrounds can explore Buddhist philosophy, ethics, and meditation practices. The centre emphasizes friendship and inclusivity, inviting both newcomers and experienced practitioners to deepen their spiritual journey.Spaces for Meditation, Learning, and Reflection
The centre hosts regular meditation sessions, including lunchtime guided meditations on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, as well as introductory classes on Saturdays. These sessions cater to all levels, from beginners to advanced practitioners. The Lotus Hall and other quiet spaces within the centre offer a calm environment for mindfulness and contemplation amidst the city's bustle. A well-stocked shop sells Buddhist literature, meditation aids, and ethical gifts, supporting visitors in their practice.Unique Facilities: Hinterland and Bodywise
Beneath the main centre lies Hinterland, Manchester’s first sober bar, blending the atmosphere of a café and a bar with a focus on non-alcoholic craft beverages. Its soul-soothing interiors invite visitors to relax without the effects of alcohol. On the second floor, Bodywise provides a stunning studio and treatment rooms offering yoga classes, Tai Chi, pregnancy and parent-baby yoga, alongside therapies such as acupuncture, massage, psychotherapy, and reflexology. These services promote physical health and complement the centre’s spiritual focus.Engagement with the Wider Community and Social Causes
The Manchester Buddhist Centre actively reaches out to the local community, addressing social and environmental issues through its programs. It fosters a vibrant culture of creativity and artistic expression, encouraging imaginative exploration alongside spiritual growth. The centre’s ethos is inspired by the Buddha’s teachings on transforming oneself and the world through love and wisdom.Atmosphere and Visitor Experience
Visitors often describe the centre as a peaceful oasis with comfortable seating, quiet alcoves, and a friendly atmosphere. It offers a place to recharge, reflect, and learn without any entrance fee, relying on donations to sustain its activities. The combination of spiritual practice, wellness offerings, and the unique sober bar makes it a multifaceted destination for those seeking calm and community in Manchester.Practical Information and Accessibility
The centre’s reception and shop are typically open Tuesday to Thursday from 11am to 3pm and Saturdays from 10:30am to 2:30pm. Meditation sessions are held regularly during these times. Located in a lively urban area, the centre is accessible by public transport and within walking distance of major city points. It welcomes all visitors regardless of religious beliefs or experience with Buddhism, making it a friendly and inclusive urban sanctuary.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Robert Owen Statue
0.3 km
Honoring Robert Owen, pioneer of social reform and the co-operative movement, through a striking statue in Manchester’s city heart.
Statue of the Duke of Wellington
0.4 km
A commanding Victorian bronze statue in Piccadilly Gardens honoring the Duke of Wellington’s military valor and political legacy.
The Undamaged Red Post Box
0.4 km
A resilient symbol of hope standing where devastation once reigned on Manchester's Corporation Street.
Arch of Chinatown
0.6 km
Europe's only imperial Chinese arch, a stunning gateway to Manchester's vibrant multicultural heart.
Connaught Building
0.6 km
Discover the historic Connaught Building in Manchester, a captivating landmark reflecting the city’s rich architectural heritage and vibrant urban spirit.
John Bright Statue
0.7 km
A marble tribute in Albert Square honoring John Bright’s legacy as a champion of free trade and social reform in Victorian Manchester.
Dalton Entry
0.7 km
Discover Dalton Entry, a hidden Manchester alley honoring John Dalton’s atomic theory and scientific legacy through art and history.
Manchester City Council
0.7 km
Manchester City Council’s majestic Town Hall in Albert Square: a Victorian Neo-Gothic masterpiece and symbol of civic heritage.
Albert Memorial
0.7 km
A grand Victorian Gothic monument in Albert Square celebrating Prince Albert’s legacy through art, science, and culture.
Mulberry Passage
0.7 km
Discover Mulberry Passage, a hidden Manchester alleyway celebrating John Dalton’s atomic theory through captivating art and historic charm.
St. Peter's Square
0.7 km
Manchester’s historic St Peter's Square blends rich heritage, iconic architecture, and vibrant urban life at the heart of the city centre.
Murrays' Mill
0.7 km
Explore Murrays' Mills, the world’s oldest urban steam-powered cotton mill, where industrial heritage meets modern living in Manchester’s historic Ancoats district.
Manchester Central Library
0.8 km
Explore the architectural beauty and cultural richness of Manchester Central Library, a historic gem in the heart of the city.
Victory Over Blindness
0.8 km
A powerful bronze memorial at Manchester Piccadilly honoring WWI veterans blinded in battle, symbolizing resilience and solidarity at eye level.
Alan Turing Memorial
0.8 km
Explore the Alan Turing Memorial in Manchester, a tribute to the father of computer science and a symbol of resilience and innovation in history.
Unmissable attractions to see
NQ Mural
0.1 km
Discover the vibrant NQ Mural, a colorful centerpiece of Manchester's Northern Quarter renowned for its dynamic street art and creative energy.
The Makers Market
0.1 km
Discover Manchester’s creative pulse at The Makers Market, where artisan crafts, street food, and live music unite in the vibrant Northern Quarter.
Breakout Manchester Church Street
0.2 km
Experience thrilling, immersive escape rooms on Manchester’s Church Street with diverse themes and challenging puzzles for all skill levels.
Manchester Craft and Design Centre
0.2 km
Discover handmade crafts, meet local artists, and enjoy artisan café culture in Manchester’s vibrant Northern Quarter.
Afflecks
0.2 km
Explore Manchester’s legendary alternative indoor market, home to over 60 independent traders and a vibrant hub of creativity and culture.
Shops
0.2 km
Discover Oldham Street, Manchester’s vibrant Northern Quarter hotspot for vintage fashion, indie shops, live music, and authentic urban culture.
Blue Rinse Manchester and Kilo Shop
0.2 km
Discover unique vintage fashion treasures by the kilo in Manchester’s vibrant Northern Quarter, blending style with sustainability.
DRY BAR
0.2 km
Discover the lively ambiance and eclectic music scene at DRY BAR, a premier bar and nightclub in Manchester's vibrant nightlife.
Manchester Arndale Shopping Centre
0.2 km
Manchester’s largest indoor shopping centre, with over 200 stores, restaurants, and leisure options in the heart of the city.
Band on the Wall
0.3 km
Historic Manchester music venue famed for intimate gigs, jazz roots, punk legacy, and a unique stage high on the wall.
Market St
0.3 km
Manchester’s bustling pedestrian retail street linking major stations with iconic shops and vibrant city life.
Stevenson Square
0.3 km
Manchester’s Stevenson Square: the energetic Northern Quarter hub for bars, culture, and vibrant nightlife in the city centre.
Piccadilly Gardens
0.3 km
Manchester’s central green space blending historic charm, modern design, and vital transport connections in a lively urban setting.
Exchange Sq
0.4 km
Manchester’s bustling Exchange Square blends historic resilience with vibrant shopping, seasonal markets, and cultural buzz in the city centre.
Corn Exchange Manchester
0.4 km
A historic Manchester landmark blending global dining, unique entertainment, and vibrant social experiences in a stunning Edwardian setting.
Essential places to dine
Sicilian NQ - Restaurant and Bar
0.0 km
Authentic Sicilian cuisine and vibrant bar life in Manchester’s Northern Quarter, famed for arancini and inclusive vegan options.
PUPA Restaurant & Bar
0.1 km
Authentic Mediterranean charcoal grill and vibrant atmosphere in Manchester’s Northern Quarter, perfect for steak lovers and lively dining.
Cane & Grain
0.1 km
Discover Cane & Grain: where traditional American cuisine meets Manchester's vibrant nightlife scene in an unforgettable dining experience.
Liquor and Burn
0.1 km
Experience bold Mexican street food and vibrant cocktails in Manchester’s artistic Northern Quarter at Luck Lust Liquor & Burn.
Trof Northern Quarter
0.1 km
A multi-level Northern Quarter gem serving hearty British comfort food, craft beers, and rare bourbons in a lively, rustic setting.
63 Degrees
0.1 km
Experience meticulous French cuisine and elegant dining in Manchester’s vibrant Northern Quarter at 63 Degrees.
Yard & Coop Manchester
0.1 km
Savor the best buttermilk fried chicken in Manchester’s Northern Quarter with bold flavors, craft beers, and a lively atmosphere.
TNQ - The Northern Quarter Restaurant & Bar
0.1 km
A beloved Northern Quarter gem serving seasonal British cuisine with award-winning roasts and warm, attentive service in a relaxed brasserie setting.
Almost Famous NQ
0.1 km
Bold, indulgent burgers and vibrant vibes in Manchester’s Northern Quarter, a must-visit for burger lovers and casual diners alike.
Pieminister Manchester
0.2 km
Savor award-winning British pies in Manchester’s vibrant Northern Quarter, where tradition meets modern comfort food in a lively, welcoming setting.
Evuna NQ
0.2 km
Experience authentic Spanish tapas and vibrant hospitality in Manchester’s Northern Quarter at Evuna NQ, a lively hub for food, wine, and culture.
Turtle Bay Manchester Northern Quarter
0.2 km
Experience vibrant Caribbean flavors and lively island vibes in Manchester’s Northern Quarter at Turtle Bay.
Riva Blu Italian Restaurant & Bar, Manchester
0.3 km
Contemporary Italian dining with cocktails in Manchester's vibrant Corn Exchange.
Cosy Club
0.4 km
Eclectic British dining and vibrant bar in Manchester’s historic Corn Exchange with stylish 1970s flair and a welcoming atmosphere.
Browns Manchester
0.4 km
Victorian elegance meets contemporary British cuisine in Manchester's most distinguished brasserie.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Amazonas Gifts
0.1 km
Discover unique gifts and souvenirs at Amazonas Gifts, nestled in the heart of Manchester Markets Piccadilly.
Hoot
0.1 km
Discover magical gifts and Harry Potter treasures at Hoot, a charming boutique nestled in Manchester Arndale’s vibrant shopping heart.
Deadstock General Store
0.1 km
Discover useful beauty at Deadstock General Store, where Liam Jackson curates high-end Japanese designs, artisan gifts, and tailoring in Manchester's Northern Quarter.
&made
0.2 km
Discover unique handmade gifts and artworks at &made, a creative studio in Manchester’s vibrant Northern Quarter craft hub.
Laissez Faire UK Fairtrade & Eco Clothes & Gifts
0.2 km
Discover fairtrade and eco-friendly fashion and gifts in the heart of Manchester’s vibrant Church Street district.
Jessica6 Designs
0.2 km
Discover unique luxury gifts and local artistry at Jessica6 Designs within Manchester’s vibrant Craft & Design Centre.
Studio One - Jewellery, Craft, Gifts and Homewares
0.2 km
Discover exquisite handmade jewellery and crafts at Studio One, a vibrant artisan studio within Manchester’s historic Craft and Design Centre.
Red and Blue Umbrella
0.2 km
Discover timeless style and friendly service at Manchester’s Red and Blue Umbrella vintage clothing shop on Church Street.
Cow Vintage Manchester
0.2 km
Discover trend-led vintage fashion and sustainable style in Manchester’s creative Northern Quarter at Cow Vintage.
The Manchester Shop
0.2 km
Discover Manchester's soul in bee motifs, music tees, and proud souvenirs at this Northern Quarter gem within Afflecks Arcade.
Thunder Egg
0.2 km
Dive into a rainbow of quirky fashion and gifts at Thunder Egg, Manchester's colorful boutique for unique vintage-inspired styles and playful outfits.
Pop Boutique
0.2 km
Tucked into Oldham Street, Pop Boutique is Manchester’s well-curated vintage emporium for mid-century to 1990s fashion finds and eclectic accessories.
Kiku Boutique
0.3 km
Bespoke corsets and vintage lingerie in Manchester's Northern Quarter: handmade elegance that defies fast fashion.
Menkind
0.3 km
Discover quirky gadgets and unique gifts at Menkind, Manchester Arndale’s vibrant destination for fun and innovative presents.
Suzylovesmilo concept store
0.3 km
Discover unique vintage fashion and sustainable style at Suzylovesmilo, Manchester’s curated concept store blending Japanese influences with local creativity.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Wolf at the Door
0.1 km
A vibrant Northern Quarter bar serving innovative tapas-style bao buns, craft cocktails, and a lively urban atmosphere.
Science And Industry
0.1 km
Sophisticated cocktails and a stylish vibe await you at Science and Industry, the first-floor bar of Cane & Grain in Manchester’s Northern Quarter.
The Washhouse
0.2 km
Step through a washing machine door into Manchester’s secret speakeasy, where inventive cocktails and quirky charm create an unforgettable night out.
The Daisy
0.2 km
Parisian subterranean cocktail haven in Manchester's Northern Quarter: eclectic vibes, masterful drinks, and weekend DJ magic beneath Evelyn's.
NQ64 Northern Quarter
0.2 km
Retro arcade bar blasting 80s-90s nostalgia with neon cocktails, token games, and basement buzz in Manchester's Northern Quarter.
Night & Day Cafe
0.2 km
Manchester's intimate live music heartbeat in the Northern Quarter—where legends launched and nights ignite with raw indie energy.
Wilson's Social
0.2 km
All-day Northern Quarter hub: brunch by day, cocktails and beats by night in a multi-level party palace with pool, courtyard, and private den.
Behind Closed Doors
0.2 km
Descend into debauched delight at this Northern Quarter speakeasy, where retro telephones summon saucy cocktails amid erotic art, neon booths, and funky DJ beats until 4am.
Mean Eyed Cat Bar Manchester
0.3 km
Dive into Manchester’s Northern Quarter for rebellious rock ’n’ roll vibes, free pizza, and legendary dice games at Mean Eyed Cat Bar.
Dusk Til Pawn
0.3 km
Secretive pawn-shop façade, intimate speakeasy interior and a menu of inventive cocktails in Manchester’s Northern Quarter.
Flok
0.3 km
Lively pub with excellent drinks and friendly vibes in the heart of Manchester’s Northern Quarter nightlife.
7Sins, Northern Quarter
0.3 km
A vibrant basement bar and gaming hub in Manchester’s Northern Quarter, mixing cocktails, pool, arcade games, and dance club energy.
Bar Fringe
0.3 km
A cozy Northern Quarter bar with quirky charm, top Belgian beers, live music, and a welcoming vibe for relaxed socializing.
The Fitzgerald
0.3 km
Velvet seats, craft cocktails and live jazz in a 1920s‑inspired Manchester speakeasy with a stage for cabaret and private hire.
The Crown & Kettle
0.4 km
Grade II-listed Ancoats gem with a world-class tin ceiling, craft beer mastery, and cozy Victorian vibes—Manchester's perfect pub hybrid.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Funkademia
0.2 km
Manchester's longest-running funk and soul night pulses at Mint Lounge in the Northern Quarter—dance to electric disco until dawn in an underground haven.
Mint Lounge
0.2 km
Experience Manchester’s Northern Quarter nightlife at Mint Lounge, a lively club with eclectic music, affordable drinks, and an inclusive vibe.
Cargo
0.2 km
Manchester's Printworks powerhouse: light-up dance floors, bottomless brunches, and non-stop beats until dawn in the city's nightlife epicenter.
Twenty Twenty Two
0.3 km
Manchester's gritty basement haven where ping pong battles rage under DJ beats and craft brews flow freely in the Northern Quarter's creative underbelly.
Aatma
0.3 km
Manchester's underground heartbeat: live beats, pizza slices, and all-night vibes in the Northern Quarter's hidden gem.
Bijou Club
0.6 km
Manchester's hidden riverside gem: celebrity vibes, secret garden terrace, and LED-lit beats in an exclusive Deansgate nightclub.
YDSA Events | Queer Clubbing
0.7 km
Dive into Manchester's most inclusive queer rave: grungy beats, diverse dancers, and unapologetic joy at YDSA Events in Ancoats.
Satans Hollow
0.7 km
Manchester's infernal punk-rock abyss: demonic decor, dirt-cheap drinks, and mosh-pit mayhem for metalheads and rebels.
Club Liv Manchester
0.7 km
Experience Manchester’s vibrant nightlife with exclusive VIP vibes, world-class Pan-Asian dining, and a stylish rooftop terrace at Club Liv.
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.
Venue Nightclub
0.8 km
Manchester's underground indie haven: cheap drinks, packed dance floors, and anthems till dawn in Deansgate's electric night scene.
42's
1.0 km
Manchester’s iconic indie nightclub blending rich musical heritage with a lively, inclusive nightlife experience.
Hidden at Downtex Mill
1.0 km
Manchester's raw warehouse nightclub in a historic mill: underground beats, industrial grit, and all-night raves in Cheetham Hill's creative heart.
History Nightclub
1.1 km
Experience Manchester’s lively hip hop and house beats at History Nightclub, a large, energetic venue open late into the night.
FAC251 - Factory Manchester
1.1 km
Experience Manchester’s legendary Factory Records heritage with three floors of indie, rock, and electronic music at FAC251 - The Factory.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Relaxing
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Minimalist Designs
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Sacred Sites
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Eco-Friendly
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Mindfulness
- Meditation Spot
- Cultural Heritage
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
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
