January: New Year, New Adventures - Winter Activities & Wellness Escapes in Manchester

As the glitter of the festive season fades, January offers the perfect opportunity for a fresh start, a time to reset, recharge, and embrace new experiences. Whether you’re seeking relaxation, a dose of culture, or a bit of winter adventure, Manchester has plenty to keep your spirits high this season.

Here’s our guide to the best winter activities and wellness escapes to enjoy in and around the city this January.

1. Find Your Balance with a Wellness Escape

Start the year feeling refreshed and re-energised. Manchester is home to a range of wellness retreats, spas, and fitness experiences designed to help you unwind after the festive rush.

• Try a calming yoga class at FORM MCR or hot yoga at One Yoga Studio to beat the winter chill.
• Prefer fresh air? Take a morning walk through Heaton Park or Fletcher Moss Botanical Garden to clear your mind and embrace the crisp winter air.

2. Warm Up with Winter Comforts

January calls for cosy cafés and comfort food. Manchester’s coffee scene is thriving including our very own Embankment Cafe and Embankment Cafe Riverview. As well as Federal Café and Fig + Sparrow in the Northern Quarter, where you can sip artisan coffee and watch the world go by.

For hearty winter dining, explore Spinningfields for modern British dishes, or enjoy a relaxed Sunday roast at one of Manchester’s classic pubs.

3. Immerse Yourself in Culture

If your New Year’s resolution includes trying something new, Manchester’s cultural scene is the perfect place to start.

• Discover world-class art at The Whitworth or Manchester Art Gallery.
• Catch a new theatre production at HOME Manchester or the Royal Exchange Theatre.
• Explore history and innovation at the Science and Industry Museum — ideal for a family day out on chilly weekends.

4. Explore Manchester by Night

When the sun goes down early, Manchester’s nightlife comes to life. Enjoy a low-key evening at a stylish cocktail bar in Spinningfields, sample craft beers in the Northern Quarter, or listen to live jazz at Matt & Phred’s. January is also the perfect time for quieter evenings and midweek dining deals across the city’s top restaurants.

5. Stay, Relax, and Reset at City Suites

After a day of exploring, return to the comfort of CitySuites where warmth and relaxation await. Unwind in your room, enjoy a nourishing dinner in our restaurant, or make the most of our wellness facilities to start your year feeling refreshed.

Make January a month of calm, comfort, and new adventures all from the heart of Manchester.