St Ann's Church, Manchester: A Classical Beacon at the Heart of the City
Discover St Ann's Church, Manchester’s neo-classical gem and historic city centre landmark, blending 18th-century elegance with vibrant cultural heritage.
St Ann's Church is Manchester’s third oldest building, a Grade I listed Anglican church built between 1709 and 1712 in a refined neo-classical style. Situated in St Ann's Square, it marks the historic and geographic centre of the city, with a tower once used as a surveyor’s benchmark. The church’s interior features original 18th-century elements, Victorian stained glass, and notable artworks, reflecting Manchester’s growth from a rural town to a bustling urban centre.
A brief summary to Saint Ann's Church
- St Ann St, Manchester, M2 7LF, GB
- +441618340239
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Free
-
Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Tuesday 11 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 11 am-5 pm
- Thursday 11 am-5 pm
- Friday 11 am-5 pm
- Saturday 11 am-5 pm
- Sunday 8:30 am-6 pm
Local tips
- Visit on a Sunday morning to experience the church’s active worship and hear its historic bells.
- Take time to admire the unique Queen Anne altar table and the Carracci painting inside.
- Explore St Ann’s Square around the church to appreciate Manchester’s Georgian and Victorian architecture.
- Attend a concert during the Manchester Jazz Festival for a unique cultural experience within the church.
- Look for the surveyor’s benchmark at the base of the tower marking Manchester’s city centre.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
-
Public Transport
From Manchester Piccadilly Station, take Metrolink tram towards Altrincham or Eccles and alight at St Peter's Square. From there, it is a 10-minute walk through the city centre to St Ann's Church. Tram tickets cost approximately £3-£5 for a single journey, with frequent service every 6-12 minutes.
-
Bus
Several bus routes serve the city centre, including stops near St Ann's Square. Routes 50, 53, and 86 connect from various suburbs, with a journey time of 15-25 minutes depending on traffic. A single bus fare costs around £2.50. Buses run frequently during the day but reduce service in the evening.
-
Taxi or Rideshare
Taxis and rideshare services such as Uber can drop you directly at St Ann's Church. Journey times from Manchester Airport are approximately 25-35 minutes depending on traffic, with fares ranging from £25-£35. This option offers door-to-door convenience but is more costly than public transport.
-
Walking
If staying in Manchester city centre, St Ann's Church is accessible on foot within 10-20 minutes from major landmarks such as Manchester Cathedral or the Royal Exchange. The terrain is flat and suitable for most walkers, with pedestrian-friendly streets and crossings.
Saint Ann's Church location weather suitability
-
Any Weather
-
Rain / Wet Weather
-
Clear Skies
-
Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Saint Ann's Church
Origins and Historical Significance
St Ann's Church was founded through the patronage of Lady Ann Bland, a prominent local figure with strong religious and political convictions. Construction began in 1709 on what was then Acres Field, a large cornfield that later became St Ann's Square. The church was consecrated in 1712, dedicated to Saint Anne, the mother of the Virgin Mary, symbolically honoring both the saint and Lady Bland herself. This building was erected amid Manchester’s rapid population growth and urban development, serving as a Low Church alternative to the Collegiate Church (now Manchester Cathedral) during a period of political and religious tension.Architectural Design and Features
Designed by John Barker, likely influenced by his friend Sir Christopher Wren, St Ann's Church exemplifies early 18th-century classical architecture. Originally constructed from local red Collyhurst sandstone, much of the exterior has since been replaced with more durable stone from various regions due to weathering. The church’s design includes two tiers of round-headed windows, a semi-circular apse to the east, and a square tower to the west. The tower, once topped by a three-tier cupola and later a spire, now stands prominent as a city landmark. Inside, original features such as the 1712 pulpit, altar, and wrought ironwork by Robert Bakewell remain. Victorian-era renovations introduced fine stained glass windows, including a notable one by William Peckitt of York, and the interior houses a rare Queen Anne altar table alongside the painting "The Descent from the Cross" by Annibale Carracci.Role in Manchester’s Urban Landscape
St Ann's Church is central to the character and history of St Ann's Square, which was laid out within a decade of the church’s completion. The square was inspired by the fashionable garden squares of London and Bath, marking Manchester’s transition from rural village to urban centre. The church tower serves as the official centre point of Manchester, with a surveyor’s benchmark at its base still visible today, used historically to measure distances to other towns. The church’s presence anchors the square, surrounded by Victorian and Edwardian architecture, shops, offices, and notable nearby landmarks such as Barton Arcade and the Royal Exchange.Preservation and Contemporary Use
Despite damage from World War II incendiary bombs and an IRA bomb in 1996 that shattered many windows, St Ann's Church has undergone extensive restorations to preserve its architectural integrity and historical significance. It remains an active Anglican place of worship, hosting regular services and community events. The church has also become a venue for cultural activities, including concerts during the Manchester Jazz Festival, where audiences experience music in the intimate setting of the pews.Artistic and Cultural Highlights
The church’s interior is notable for its blend of early 18th-century simplicity and later Victorian embellishments. The Queen Anne altar table is unique in the UK, and the Carracci painting adds Renaissance artistic prestige. The stained glass windows, some bespoke and others adapted from other churches, enrich the spiritual and aesthetic atmosphere. The wrought ironwork by Robert Bakewell is a fine example of early 18th-century craftsmanship. These elements combine to make St Ann's a repository of religious art and history within Manchester’s urban core.Legacy and Visitor Experience
St Ann's Church stands as a testament to Manchester’s evolution and resilience. Its architectural elegance, historical depth, and cultural vitality offer visitors a profound connection to the city’s past and present. The church’s location in a lively commercial district invites exploration of the surrounding historic buildings and public spaces, making it a focal point for those interested in heritage, architecture, and local stories.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Dalton Entry
0.2 km
Discover Dalton Entry, a hidden Manchester alley honoring John Dalton’s atomic theory and scientific legacy through art and history.
Mulberry Passage
0.2 km
Discover Mulberry Passage, a hidden Manchester alleyway celebrating John Dalton’s atomic theory through captivating art and historic charm.
John Bright Statue
0.2 km
A marble tribute in Albert Square honoring John Bright’s legacy as a champion of free trade and social reform in Victorian Manchester.
Albert Memorial
0.3 km
A grand Victorian Gothic monument in Albert Square celebrating Prince Albert’s legacy through art, science, and culture.
The Undamaged Red Post Box
0.3 km
A resilient symbol of hope standing where devastation once reigned on Manchester's Corporation Street.
Manchester City Council
0.3 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.
Free Trade Hall
0.4 km
Historic landmark on the Peterloo Massacre site, blending Victorian architecture with a rich legacy of music and political activism.
Connaught Building
0.5 km
Discover the historic Connaught Building in Manchester, a captivating landmark reflecting the city’s rich architectural heritage and vibrant urban spirit.
Arch of Chinatown
0.5 km
Europe's only imperial Chinese arch, a stunning gateway to Manchester's vibrant multicultural heart.
Peterloo Massacre Monument
0.6 km
A powerful stone memorial in Manchester honoring the victims of the 1819 Peterloo Massacre and the fight for democracy.
Robert Owen Statue
0.6 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
0.7 km
A commanding Victorian bronze statue in Piccadilly Gardens honoring the Duke of Wellington’s military valor and political legacy.
Canada House, Manchester
0.7 km
Discover Canada House, a majestic Grade II listed cotton warehouse in Manchester, embodying the city’s rich industrial heritage and architectural splendor.
Historic England
0.7 km
Explore the rich heritage of England at Historic England in Manchester, where history meets preservation and community engagement.
Unmissable attractions to see
St Anns Square
0.1 km
Historic heart of Manchester blending 18th-century charm, architectural heritage, and vibrant retail life in an elegant urban square.
Barton Arcade
0.1 km
Step into Barton Arcade, a Victorian marvel of glass and iron, where historic elegance meets boutique shopping in the heart of Manchester.
House of Fraser
0.1 km
Discover luxury shopping and historic charm at House of Fraser Manchester, a premier department store on Deansgate.
Once Upon a Smile
0.1 km
A dedicated Greater Manchester charity base providing child-centred bereavement support, counselling and creative memory-making programmes in a compassionate, private setting.
St Mary's RC Church
0.2 km
Discover St Mary's RC Church, Manchester's historic 'Hidden Gem' blending Victorian artistry and deep Catholic heritage since 1794.
Parsonage Gardens
0.2 km
A peaceful garden oasis in central Manchester, rich with history and quiet reflection amid the city’s vibrant heart.
2 Albert Square
0.2 km
Historic Albert Square in Manchester showcases Victorian Gothic grandeur with its iconic Town Hall and Prince Albert Memorial.
Albert Square
0.2 km
Manchester’s grand civic heart, framed by Gothic spires and alive with markets, monuments, and city life.
DNA VR Manchester
0.2 km
Step into Manchester’s premier VR arcade where immersive games, escape rooms, and free-roam adventures bring virtual worlds to life.
Abraham Lincoln Statue
0.2 km
A powerful bronze tribute in Manchester honoring Abraham Lincoln and the city’s courageous support for abolition during the American Civil War.
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.
Market St
0.3 km
Manchester’s bustling pedestrian retail street linking major stations with iconic shops and vibrant city life.
The Mitre Hotel
0.3 km
Historic Victorian charm meets central Manchester convenience at The Mitre Hotel in Shambles Square.
Manchester Arndale Shopping Centre
0.3 km
Manchester’s largest indoor shopping centre, with over 200 stores, restaurants, and leisure options in the heart of the city.
Essential places to dine
El Gato Negro Tapas Manchester
0.1 km
Stylish Spanish tapas in a historic Manchester townhouse with a vibrant bar, open kitchen dining, and a stunning rooftop terrace.
MR THOMAS'S CHOP HOUSE
0.1 km
Historic Manchester chophouse serving hearty British classics in a warm, inviting setting since 1867.
Annies
0.1 km
Experience hearty British classics and warm hospitality in the stylish, cozy setting of Annie's on Old Bank Street, Manchester.
Miller & Carter Manchester
0.1 km
Classic British steakhouse on Manchester’s King Street, serving expertly aged premium steaks in a warm, elegant setting with attentive service.
Gaucho Manchester
0.1 km
Experience premium Argentine steaks and elegant dining in a spectacular historic church setting in the heart of Manchester.
Kala
0.1 km
Modern European bistro blending classic and contemporary flavours in Manchester’s vibrant King Street district.
Sam's Chop House
0.2 km
Experience traditional British chophouse dining with locally sourced ingredients in Manchester’s cozy, historic atmosphere.
10 Tib Lane
0.2 km
A chic, intimate spot in Manchester serving refined French-inspired small plates with natural wines and craft cocktails in a historic Victorian setting.
San Carlo - Manchester
0.2 km
Experience authentic regional Italian cuisine in a stylish, celebrity-frequented Manchester hotspot known for elegance and vibrant atmosphere.
Armenian Taverna & Restaurant
0.2 km
Manchester's authentic Armenian culinary institution, recently modernized yet rooted in five decades of tradition.
Climat
0.2 km
Sophisticated rooftop dining in Manchester with panoramic views, a Burgundy-focused wine cellar, and inventive seasonal sharing plates.
Grand Pacific
0.3 km
Experience Manchester’s gothic-inspired Pan-Asian cocktail bar with stunning décor, lively atmosphere, and expertly crafted drinks in the city center.
Australasia
0.3 km
Stylish Pan-Asian dining in Manchester’s Spinningfields with vibrant flavors, chic design, and a lively atmosphere for special occasions.
Browns Manchester
0.3 km
Victorian elegance meets contemporary British cuisine in Manchester's most distinguished brasserie.
Masons
0.3 km
Elegant Modern British dining with art deco charm and a refreshingly simple menu philosophy.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Pulse
0.1 km
Discover unique local treasures and artistic gifts in the heart of Manchester’s historic St Anne’s Square at Pulse.
Søstrene Grene
0.1 km
Discover Danish-inspired creativity and cozy home treasures in the heart of Manchester’s vibrant city centre.
Manchester Souvenirs Gifts & Presents Geek Elf Elux Bars Luggage storage locker
0.2 km
Authentic Manchester souvenirs and gifts with local charm, plus convenient luggage storage in the heart of Deansgate.
Rams Gift World
0.2 km
Discover unique gifts and local crafts at Rams Gift World, Manchester’s vibrant and eclectic souvenir shop on Market Street.
Flying Tiger Copenhagen
0.3 km
Discover playful Danish design and quirky everyday essentials at Flying Tiger Copenhagen in Manchester Arndale’s vibrant Market Street.
Menkind
0.3 km
Discover quirky gadgets and unique gifts at Menkind, Manchester Arndale’s vibrant destination for fun and innovative presents.
Amazonas Gifts
0.5 km
Discover unique gifts and souvenirs at Amazonas Gifts, nestled in the heart of Manchester Markets Piccadilly.
Hoot
0.5 km
Discover magical gifts and Harry Potter treasures at Hoot, a charming boutique nestled in Manchester Arndale’s vibrant shopping heart.
T.La Art & Craft Gallery
0.5 km
A vibrant Chinese art and craft gallery in Manchester’s Chinatown, showcasing handcrafted treasures and cultural heritage in a warm, welcoming space.
Stare Society
0.6 km
Discover curated vintage clothing and unique home furniture in Manchester’s stylish Stare Society boutique.
Manchester Souvenirs & Convenience Store
0.6 km
Discover authentic Manchester souvenirs and essentials in the heart of the city, blending culture, convenience, and community spirit.
The Manchester Shop
0.6 km
Discover Manchester's soul in bee motifs, music tees, and proud souvenirs at this Northern Quarter gem within Afflecks Arcade.
Laissez Faire UK Fairtrade & Eco Clothes & Gifts
0.6 km
Discover fairtrade and eco-friendly fashion and gifts in the heart of Manchester’s vibrant Church Street district.
Red and Blue Umbrella
0.6 km
Discover timeless style and friendly service at Manchester’s Red and Blue Umbrella vintage clothing shop on Church Street.
TVSeriesJackets
0.7 km
Explore TVSeriesJackets in Manchester, where iconic TV show jackets come to life, blending style with your favorite characters' adventures.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Corbieres Bar
0.1 km
Discover Corbieres Bar, Manchester’s cozy underground spot famed for its eclectic jukebox, vegan-friendly pizzas, and welcoming vibe.
Arcane
0.1 km
Discover Arcane, a cozy Victorian-inspired cocktail bar in Manchester’s city centre, blending inventive drinks with a relaxed, intimate atmosphere.
Be At One - Manchester
0.1 km
Lively cocktail bar on Deansgate with 100+ drinks, private hire rooms, and unbeatable happy hour deals in the heart of Manchester nightlife.
Salt Dog Slim's Manchester
0.2 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.
All Bar One Manchester
0.2 km
Stylish wine bar on Manchester’s King Street offering Mediterranean-inspired dishes and a lively, modern atmosphere for casual dining and drinks.
The Gas Lamp
0.3 km
Discover Manchester’s atmospheric basement pub with a rich history, exceptional craft beers, and a cozy, characterful vibe beneath Bridge Street.
MOJO
0.3 km
Eclectic cocktail bar in Manchester’s heart, blending creative drinks with a lively, urban nightlife vibe.
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.
Speak In Code
0.3 km
Discover Speak In Code, Manchester’s innovative cocktail bar blending artisanal mixology, sustainable practices, and a uniquely immersive atmosphere.
The Old Wellington
0.3 km
Step into The Old Wellington, a historic Manchester pub blending centuries-old charm with hearty ales and classic British fare in the city centre.
The Alchemist Spinningfields
0.4 km
Innovative cocktails and contemporary dining in Manchester’s vibrant Spinningfields district, blending theatrical flair with a lively social scene.
The Alchemist New York Street
0.4 km
A captivating cocktail theatre and dining experience blending molecular mixology with global cuisine in Manchester’s vibrant city centre.
The Blues Kitchen Manchester
0.5 km
Experience authentic Southern barbecue, soulful live music, and vibrant vibes in the heart of Manchester’s Spinningfields.
The Washhouse
0.5 km
Step through a washing machine door into Manchester’s secret speakeasy, where inventive cocktails and quirky charm create an unforgettable night out.
NQ64 Northern Quarter
0.6 km
Retro arcade bar blasting 80s-90s nostalgia with neon cocktails, token games, and basement buzz in Manchester's Northern Quarter.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Club Liv Manchester
0.2 km
Experience Manchester’s vibrant nightlife with exclusive VIP vibes, world-class Pan-Asian dining, and a stylish rooftop terrace at Club Liv.
Venue Nightclub
0.3 km
Manchester's underground indie haven: cheap drinks, packed dance floors, and anthems till dawn in Deansgate's electric night scene.
42's
0.4 km
Manchester’s iconic indie nightclub blending rich musical heritage with a lively, inclusive nightlife experience.
Bijou Club
0.4 km
Manchester's hidden riverside gem: celebrity vibes, secret garden terrace, and LED-lit beats in an exclusive Deansgate nightclub.
Cargo
0.5 km
Manchester's Printworks powerhouse: light-up dance floors, bottomless brunches, and non-stop beats until dawn in the city's nightlife epicenter.
History Nightclub
0.5 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
0.6 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.
Satans Hollow
0.6 km
Manchester's infernal punk-rock abyss: demonic decor, dirt-cheap drinks, and mosh-pit mayhem for metalheads and rebels.
Twenty Twenty Two
0.8 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.
Funkademia
0.8 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.
The Cockatoo Club
0.8 km
Discover the electrifying nightlife at The Cockatoo Club in Manchester, where vibrant cabaret performances meet an unforgettable atmosphere.
Mint Lounge
0.8 km
Experience Manchester’s Northern Quarter nightlife at Mint Lounge, a lively club with eclectic music, affordable drinks, and an inclusive vibe.
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.
Bliss Club Manchester
0.8 km
Experience Manchester’s authentic late-night vibe at Bliss Club, where music and local energy blend into a spirited urban nightlife hub.
Popworld Manchester
0.8 km
Dance to cheesy pop anthems amid neon lights and poptail cocktails in Manchester's ultimate throwback nightclub.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
- Historic
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Classic Designs
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
