Dalton Entry: Manchester’s Historic Scientific Passageway
Discover Dalton Entry, a hidden Manchester alley honoring John Dalton’s atomic theory and scientific legacy through art and history.
Dalton Entry is a narrow, historic passageway in Manchester city centre, named after John Dalton, the pioneering 19th-century scientist who revolutionized atomic theory. This hidden alley near John Dalton Street and the Arndale Centre features artistic metalwork celebrating Dalton’s contributions to chemistry and meteorology, offering a unique glimpse into Manchester’s rich scientific heritage and Victorian urban fabric.
A brief summary to Dalton Entry
- Unnamed Road, Manchester, Manchester, M2 6LE, GB
- Duration: 0.25 to 1 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit during daylight hours to fully appreciate the intricate metalwork and sculptures.
- Combine your visit with nearby landmarks like John Rylands Library and St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church.
- Wear comfortable shoes as the passageway is narrow and may have uneven surfaces.
- Look for the sculptures representing the classical elements at the alley’s end, symbolizing Dalton’s scientific impact.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Metrolink Tram
From Manchester Piccadilly Station, take the Metrolink tram towards Victoria or Deansgate-Castlefield, then walk approximately 8-12 minutes to Dalton Entry. Trams run frequently with tickets costing around £3-£5.
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Bus
Several bus routes serve the Deansgate area near John Dalton Street, including services from Manchester Coach Station. Travel time is about 10-15 minutes depending on traffic, with single fares around £2-£3.
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Walking
Dalton Entry is accessible on foot from Manchester city centre landmarks like Albert Square or the Arndale Centre within 5-10 minutes. The terrain is urban pavement but the passageway is narrow and may not be suitable for wheelchairs.
Dalton Entry location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Dalton Entry
A Tribute to a Scientific Pioneer
Dalton Entry is a discreet yet significant passageway in central Manchester, dedicated to John Dalton, a renowned chemist, physicist, and meteorologist of the 19th century. Dalton’s groundbreaking atomic theory, which proposed that matter is composed of indivisible atoms and that chemical reactions involve the rearrangement of these atoms, marked a turning point in scientific understanding. His work not only put Manchester on the map as a centre of innovation but also influenced fields such as colorblindness research and weather forecasting.The Passageway’s Historical and Urban Context
Nestled off John Dalton Street, Dalton Entry runs parallel to St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church and is close to landmarks like John Rylands Library and the Arndale Centre. This narrow lane, also known as Mulberry Passage or Five Parts Alley, reflects the Victorian-era urban fabric of Manchester, where hidden alleys and ginnels threaded through the city centre. The name “Five Parts Alley” references the five principles of Dalton’s atomic theory, symbolically linking the physical space to his scientific legacy.Artistic Commemoration in Metalwork
Though some related installations like Boardman’s Entry have been dismantled, Dalton Entry still showcases artistic metalwork inspired by chemical apparatus, created by local artists in 1988. These subtle details celebrate Dalton’s scientific achievements and offer visitors a tactile connection to his legacy. Sculptures representing the classical elements—air, water, earth, and fire—stand at the alley’s end, symbolizing the transition from ancient alchemical beliefs to modern atomic science.Dalton Entry’s Role in Manchester’s Cultural Fabric
Dalton Entry is more than a passageway; it is a cultural landmark that embodies Manchester’s identity as a city of science and industry. It invites exploration of the city’s lesser-known historic routes and hidden corners, connecting visitors to stories of Victorian innovation and urban life. The alley’s proximity to other historic sites enriches a walking experience through Manchester’s layered history.Experiencing Dalton Entry Today
Today, Dalton Entry offers a quiet, intriguing detour from the bustling city streets. Its compact size and hidden nature make it a unique spot for those interested in history, science, and urban exploration. The passageway’s modest scale contrasts with the grand narratives of Dalton’s discoveries, providing an intimate setting to reflect on the impact of one man’s ideas on the world.Legacy and Commemoration
In 2016, Manchester celebrated the 250th anniversary of John Dalton’s birth with a blue plaque and various honors, reaffirming his importance to the city. Dalton Entry stands as a physical reminder of his enduring influence, encouraging visitors to appreciate the intersection of science, history, and place in Manchester’s story.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Dalton Entry
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Discover Dalton Entry, a hidden Manchester alley honoring John Dalton’s atomic theory and scientific legacy through art and history.
Mulberry Passage
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Discover Mulberry Passage, a hidden Manchester alleyway celebrating John Dalton’s atomic theory through captivating art and historic charm.
John Bright Statue
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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
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Manchester City Council
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Free Trade Hall
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St. Peter's Square
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Connaught Building
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Arch of Chinatown
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Canada House, Manchester
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Historic England
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Statue of the Duke of Wellington
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The Crystal Maze LIVE Experience
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Unmissable attractions to see
2 Albert Square
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Albert Square
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Abraham Lincoln Statue
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Manchester Albert Square
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Saint Ann's Church
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John Rylands Research Institute and Library
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House of Fraser
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St Anns Square
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Manchester Central Library
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Albert Hall, Manchester
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Manchester Cenotaph
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Barton Arcade
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Parsonage Gardens
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Once Upon a Smile
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DNA VR Manchester
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Step into Manchester’s premier VR arcade where immersive games, escape rooms, and free-roam adventures bring virtual worlds to life.
Essential places to dine
Armenian Taverna & Restaurant
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El Gato Negro Tapas Manchester
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10 Tib Lane
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MR THOMAS'S CHOP HOUSE
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Miller & Carter Manchester
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Kala
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Australasia
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Gusto Italian
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San Carlo - Manchester
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Annies
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Gaucho Manchester
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Sam's Chop House
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Albert's Schloss - Manchester
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Hawksmoor Manchester
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Grand Pacific
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Manchester Souvenirs Gifts & Presents Geek Elf Elux Bars Luggage storage locker
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Pulse
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Søstrene Grene
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Rams Gift World
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Discover unique gifts and local crafts at Rams Gift World, Manchester’s vibrant and eclectic souvenir shop on Market Street.
Menkind
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Flying Tiger Copenhagen
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T.La Art & Craft Gallery
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Stare Society
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TVSeriesJackets
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Catch my Thrift
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Amazonas Gifts
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Manchester Souvenirs & Convenience Store
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Hoot
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Science and Industry Museum Shop
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The Manchester Shop
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Salt Dog Slim's Manchester
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Slug & Lettuce - Albert Square Manchester
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Corbieres Bar
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MOJO
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The Alchemist Spinningfields
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The Blues Kitchen Manchester
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The Alchemist New York Street
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Three Little Words
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The Old Wellington
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The Britons Protection
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
Club Liv Manchester
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Venue Nightclub
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42's
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Royal Vida Night Club
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Satans Hollow
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Cargo
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Bijou Club
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The Cockatoo Club
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Club Tropicana
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Viva Manchester
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Twenty Twenty Two
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
- Quirky
For the design and aesthetic lover
- 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
- Selfie Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
