StayAreas

Ancoats

Manchester

Restored cotton mills along the canals, now full of restaurants, bakeries and apartments. The Northern Quarter's calmer neighbour.

Best for First visit · Upscale

Transport
4/5
Sights
2/5
Value
3/5
Quiet
3/5
Food
5/5

Typical mid-range hotel ~$175/night · 10 min to Piccadilly Gardens

See hotels in Ancoats

Ancoats on the map

Why stay here

  • Some of the best restaurants in Manchester
  • Canal walks and restored mills
  • Calmer than the Northern Quarter

Who should stay here

  • Food lovers
  • Couples
  • Longer stays in an apartment

Not ideal if…

  • You want lots of classic hotels to choose from
  • You want sights on your doorstep
  • You want lively bars right outside

What it's like

Ancoats was the world's first industrial suburb and is now one of Manchester's best places to eat. Its old mills and canal basins are lined with restaurants, a bakery, coffee roasters and small bars, with New Islington marina just beyond.

It's quieter than the Northern Quarter at night, but still a 10-minute walk from Piccadilly. Hotel choice is limited, mostly apartments and aparthotels.

Best streets and sub-areas

  • Cutting Room Square

    The heart of Ancoats, surrounded by restaurants.

  • Ancoats Marina & New Islington

    Canal basin with a café bar and apartments.

  • Great Ancoats Street edge

    Closest to the Northern Quarter and Piccadilly.

Getting around

Nearest stations
A 10-minute walk to Piccadilly station; New Islington Metrolink stop on the east side.
To Piccadilly Gardens
About 10 minutes
From Manchester Airport
About 35 minutes: train to Piccadilly, then a 10-minute walk.

Nearby attractions

  • Canal walk

    Follow the Rochdale Canal from Ancoats to Castlefield.

  • Cutting Room Square

    Restored mill buildings and outdoor seating.

  • New Islington Marina

    Houseboats, gardens and a calm waterside.

Where to eat and drink

  • Mana

    Michelin-starred tasting menu.

  • Rudy's

    Neapolitan pizza that started a local chain.

  • Pollen Bakery

    Pastries by the marina.

Where to stay in Ancoats

A few hotels we'd book in this area, at different budgets.

Boutique pick

Native Manchester

Why we like it: Aparthotel in a restored warehouse between Ancoats and Piccadilly.

Typical mid-range rate in Ancoats: ~$175/night

Check availability

StayAreas may earn a commission when you book through selected links, at no extra cost to you. Learn more

Hotels in AncoatsMid-range from ~$175/night

See hotels