Alan Turing Memorial in Sackville Gardens, Manchester
A moving tribute in Manchester’s Sackville Gardens honoring Alan Turing’s genius, legacy, and enduring fight for equality.
The Alan Turing Memorial in Manchester’s Sackville Gardens is a poignant bronze statue honoring the pioneering mathematician and computer scientist Alan Turing. Depicted sitting on a bench holding an apple, the memorial commemorates Turing's groundbreaking work in code-breaking during World War II and his foundational contributions to computer science. It also stands as a symbol of resilience and LGBTQ+ history, located near Manchester’s gay village and the University of Manchester.
A brief summary to Alan Turing Memorial
- Sackville Park, Fairfield St, Manchester, M1 3HB, GB
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 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 on June 23rd to join commemorations on Alan Turing’s birthday.
- Explore nearby Canal Street to experience Manchester’s vibrant LGBTQ+ community.
- Bring a camera for photos of the statue’s detailed inscriptions and surrounding gardens.
- Combine your visit with a tour of the University of Manchester to see where Turing worked.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Bus
Take the bus to Sackville Gardens Stop, located directly next to the park. Buses run frequently from central Manchester, with travel times ranging from 10 to 20 minutes. Tickets cost approximately £2-£4. Note that services may be less frequent late at night.
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Train and Walk
From Manchester Piccadilly Station, it is a 10-15 minute walk to Sackville Gardens. The route is mostly flat and accessible, suitable for most travelers. No additional cost beyond train fare, which varies by origin.
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Car
Parking is available at the nearby NCP Car Park Manchester Sackville Street, about a 1-minute walk from the memorial. Parking fees typically range from £3 to £8 depending on duration. Be aware of city centre traffic restrictions and limited spaces during peak hours.
Alan Turing Memorial 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 Alan Turing Memorial
A Tribute to a Visionary Mind
The Alan Turing Memorial, unveiled in 2001, is a striking bronze sculpture situated in Sackville Gardens, Manchester. It commemorates Alan Mathison Turing, a mathematician, logician, and computer scientist whose pioneering work laid the foundation for modern computing and artificial intelligence. Turing’s concept of the Turing machine revolutionized theoretical computer science, while his wartime code-breaking efforts at Bletchley Park were crucial in deciphering the German Enigma code, significantly shortening World War II and saving millions of lives.Symbolism and Design Elements
Created by sculptor Glyn Hughes, the statue portrays Turing seated on a bench holding an apple, a powerful symbol referencing both the legend of his death by cyanide-laced apple and broader themes such as forbidden knowledge and love. The bench bears inscriptions including Turing’s name, dates, and the phrase “Founder of Computer Science” rendered in a code resembling the Enigma cipher. At his feet, a plaque honors him as a mathematician, logician, wartime codebreaker, and victim of prejudice, reflecting both his scientific legacy and the injustice he suffered due to his sexuality.Context and Location Significance
The memorial’s placement is deeply symbolic, positioned between the University of Manchester, where Turing worked after the war, and Canal Street, the heart of Manchester’s LGBTQ+ community. This location underscores Turing’s dual identity as a scientific pioneer and a gay icon. The surrounding Sackville Gardens provide a tranquil urban green space, inviting quiet reflection on Turing’s life, achievements, and the social challenges he faced.Legacy and Social Impact
Beyond honoring Turing’s scientific achievements, the memorial serves as a poignant reminder of the prejudice he endured, highlighting the historical persecution of LGBTQ+ individuals. Turing’s posthumous royal pardon in 2013 and ongoing campaigns for broader pardons emphasize his enduring significance as a symbol of resilience and equality. The memorial often becomes a site of remembrance and celebration, especially on Turing’s birthday, drawing visitors who leave flowers and tributes.Artistic and Cultural Importance
The statue’s artistic merit lies in its thoughtful design and emotive presence. Glyn Hughes incorporated subtle details such as mathematical symbols and code patterns, embedding Turing’s intellectual spirit into the sculpture. The memorial also reflects Manchester’s rich industrial and scientific heritage, linking past innovation to contemporary values of inclusivity and recognition.Visitor Experience and Atmosphere
Visitors to the Alan Turing Memorial encounter a space that blends history, science, and social consciousness. The peaceful setting of Sackville Gardens complements the reflective mood inspired by the statue. Nearby amenities and the proximity to vibrant city areas make it accessible for those interested in exploring Manchester’s cultural and historical landscape. The memorial stands as both an educational landmark and a heartfelt tribute to a remarkable individual whose legacy continues to influence technology and human rights.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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10 Tib Lane
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Minimalist Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Photo Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Selfie Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Myth & Legends
- Photowalk
- 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
