St Ann's Square, Manchester
Historic heart of Manchester blending 18th-century charm, architectural heritage, and vibrant retail life in an elegant urban square.
St Ann's Square is a historic and elegant public square in the heart of Manchester, centered around the 18th-century St Ann's Church. Once a rural cornfield known as Acres Field, it evolved into a fashionable square lined with trees, statues, and notable buildings. The square balances rich history, architectural heritage, and a retail environment, hosting events like the German Christmas market and featuring memorials to significant local figures.
A brief summary to St Anns Square
- Manchester, GB
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Mid ranged
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit St Ann’s Church to see the historic architecture and learn about its hidden WWII bomb.
- Explore the statues of Richard Cobden and the Boer War Memorial for insight into local history.
- Check out seasonal events like the German Christmas market for festive atmosphere.
- Take time to admire the surrounding historic buildings and the unique Barton Arcade nearby.
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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Metrolink Tram
Take the Manchester Metrolink tram to St Peter's Square stop, approximately a 5-10 minute walk to St Ann's Square. Trams run frequently throughout the day, with tickets costing around £3-£5. The route is accessible and convenient for most travelers.
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Bus
Multiple bus routes serve stops near St Ann's Square, including services from Manchester Piccadilly and Manchester Victoria stations. Travel times range from 10 to 20 minutes depending on traffic, with single fares typically £2-£4. Buses run regularly but may be affected by peak hour congestion.
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Walking
From Manchester Piccadilly station, it is a 20-25 minute walk through the city center to St Ann's Square. The route is mostly flat and suitable for most visitors, offering views of key city landmarks along the way.
St Anns Square 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 St Anns Square
Origins and Historical Significance
St Ann's Square occupies the site of the former Acres Field, a large cornfield used since the 13th century for annual fairs. In 1709, Lady Ann Bland, a prominent local figure and patron, laid the foundation stone for St Ann's Church, which was consecrated in 1712. The church, designed possibly by Christopher Wren or his pupil, is Manchester’s only surviving 18th-century church and a Grade I listed building. It stands as a symbol of the city's early growth from a small rural town to an industrial powerhouse.Architectural and Cultural Features
The square is framed by notable architecture, including the Italian palazzo-style Royal Bank of Scotland building from 1848. St Ann's Church anchors the square with its historic stone tower, which once marked the city's geographical center. The square also features statues such as that of Richard Cobden, a key political figure, and the Boer War Memorial by Hamo Thornycroft. The church itself holds secrets like an unexploded World War II bomb discovered during repairs, reflecting Manchester's wartime history.Evolution into a Commercial and Social Hub
From its origins as a tree-lined residential area, St Ann's Square has transformed into a predominantly retail and commercial space. Historically, it was known as the North’s 'West End' with upmarket shops and aspirations for retailers. Today, it hosts a mix of shops, including high-end jewelry and watch retailers, alongside eateries and seasonal events such as the popular German Christmas market. Despite some vacancies, the square remains a focal point for both commerce and social gatherings.Community and Events Atmosphere
St Ann's Square has long been a site of community activity, from medieval fairs to 18th-century electoral hustings. Its role as a gathering place continues with markets and public events that animate the space. The square’s layout and surrounding buildings provide a blend of historic charm and urban vibrancy, offering visitors a mix of tranquility and lively social interaction.Notable Stories and Local Lore
The square and church are steeped in local stories, including literary connections such as Thomas De Quincey’s baptism at St Ann’s Church. The discovery of an unexploded bomb on the church roof adds a layer of wartime intrigue. Anecdotes about the church’s resilience during Manchester’s bombings and playful rivalries with the cathedral enrich the cultural tapestry of the location.Present-Day Experience and Surroundings
Today, visitors to St Ann's Square can enjoy its historic ambiance amidst modern retail and dining options. The square’s proximity to other Manchester landmarks like the Royal Exchange and Barton Arcade enhances its appeal. Seasonal decorations and events bring additional charm, while the blend of architectural styles and statues invites exploration and reflection on Manchester’s rich heritage.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
The Undamaged Red Post Box
0.2 km
A resilient symbol of hope standing where devastation once reigned on Manchester's Corporation Street.
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
0.3 km
Discover Mulberry Passage, a hidden Manchester alleyway celebrating John Dalton’s atomic theory through captivating art and historic charm.
John Bright Statue
0.3 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.
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
0.5 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
0.5 km
Historic landmark on the Peterloo Massacre site, blending Victorian architecture with a rich legacy of music and political activism.
Robert Owen Statue
0.5 km
Honoring Robert Owen, pioneer of social reform and the co-operative movement, through a striking statue in Manchester’s city heart.
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
0.6 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.
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
0.8 km
Explore the rich heritage of England at Historic England in Manchester, where history meets preservation and community engagement.
Unmissable attractions to see
Saint Ann's Church
0.1 km
Discover St Ann's Church, Manchester’s neo-classical gem and historic city centre landmark, blending 18th-century elegance with vibrant cultural heritage.
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.
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.
House of Fraser
0.2 km
Discover luxury shopping and historic charm at House of Fraser Manchester, a premier department store on Deansgate.
Parsonage Gardens
0.2 km
A peaceful garden oasis in central Manchester, rich with history and quiet reflection amid the city’s vibrant heart.
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.
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.
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.
2 Albert Square
0.3 km
Historic Albert Square in Manchester showcases Victorian Gothic grandeur with its iconic Town Hall and Prince Albert Memorial.
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.
Exchange Sq
0.3 km
Manchester’s bustling Exchange Square blends historic resilience with vibrant shopping, seasonal markets, and cultural buzz in the city centre.
Albert Square
0.3 km
Manchester’s grand civic heart, framed by Gothic spires and alive with markets, monuments, and city life.
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.
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.
Essential places to dine
Annies
0.0 km
Experience hearty British classics and warm hospitality in the stylish, cozy setting of Annie's on Old Bank Street, Manchester.
MR THOMAS'S CHOP HOUSE
0.1 km
Historic Manchester chophouse serving hearty British classics in a warm, inviting setting since 1867.
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.
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.
Sam's Chop House
0.1 km
Experience traditional British chophouse dining with locally sourced ingredients in Manchester’s cozy, historic atmosphere.
Kala
0.2 km
Modern European bistro blending classic and contemporary flavours in Manchester’s vibrant King Street district.
Climat
0.2 km
Sophisticated rooftop dining in Manchester with panoramic views, a Burgundy-focused wine cellar, and inventive seasonal sharing plates.
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
0.3 km
Manchester's authentic Armenian culinary institution, recently modernized yet rooted in five decades of tradition.
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.
Browns Manchester
0.3 km
Victorian elegance meets contemporary British cuisine in Manchester's most distinguished brasserie.
Cosy Club
0.3 km
Eclectic British dining and vibrant bar in Manchester’s historic Corn Exchange with stylish 1970s flair and a welcoming atmosphere.
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
Pulse
0.0 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.
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.
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.
Flying Tiger Copenhagen
0.2 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
0.4 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
0.6 km
A vibrant Chinese art and craft gallery in Manchester’s Chinatown, showcasing handcrafted treasures and cultural heritage in a warm, welcoming space.
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.
Stare Society
0.6 km
Discover curated vintage clothing and unique home furniture in Manchester’s stylish Stare Society boutique.
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.
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.
Cow Vintage Manchester
0.6 km
Discover trend-led vintage fashion and sustainable style in Manchester’s creative Northern Quarter at Cow Vintage.
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.
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.
Arcane
0.2 km
Discover Arcane, a cozy Victorian-inspired cocktail bar in Manchester’s city centre, blending inventive drinks with a relaxed, intimate atmosphere.
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 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 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
0.4 km
Discover Speak In Code, Manchester’s innovative cocktail bar blending artisanal mixology, sustainable practices, and a uniquely immersive atmosphere.
The Alchemist New York Street
0.5 km
A captivating cocktail theatre and dining experience blending molecular mixology with global cuisine in Manchester’s vibrant city centre.
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.
The Alchemist Spinningfields
0.5 km
Innovative cocktails and contemporary dining in Manchester’s vibrant Spinningfields district, blending theatrical flair with a lively social scene.
The Blues Kitchen Manchester
0.6 km
Experience authentic Southern barbecue, soulful live music, and vibrant vibes in the heart of Manchester’s Spinningfields.
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.
Bijou Club
0.4 km
Manchester's hidden riverside gem: celebrity vibes, secret garden terrace, and LED-lit beats in an exclusive Deansgate nightclub.
Venue Nightclub
0.4 km
Manchester's underground indie haven: cheap drinks, packed dance floors, and anthems till dawn in Deansgate's electric night scene.
Cargo
0.4 km
Manchester's Printworks powerhouse: light-up dance floors, bottomless brunches, and non-stop beats until dawn in the city's nightlife epicenter.
42's
0.5 km
Manchester’s iconic indie nightclub blending rich musical heritage with a lively, inclusive nightlife experience.
History Nightclub
0.6 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
0.7 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
0.7 km
Manchester's infernal punk-rock abyss: demonic decor, dirt-cheap drinks, and mosh-pit mayhem for metalheads and rebels.
Funkademia
0.7 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.
Twenty Twenty Two
0.7 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.
Mint Lounge
0.7 km
Experience Manchester’s Northern Quarter nightlife at Mint Lounge, a lively club with eclectic music, affordable drinks, and an inclusive vibe.
The Cockatoo Club
0.8 km
Discover the electrifying nightlife at The Cockatoo Club in Manchester, where vibrant cabaret performances meet an unforgettable atmosphere.
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.
Aatma
0.8 km
Manchester's underground heartbeat: live beats, pizza slices, and all-night vibes in the Northern Quarter's hidden gem.
Bliss Club Manchester
0.9 km
Experience Manchester’s authentic late-night vibe at Bliss Club, where music and local energy blend into a spirited urban nightlife hub.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Historic
- Tranquil
- Lively
- Scenic
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Colorful Aesthetics
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Parks & Gardens
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- 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
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
