[2025 Manchester Attraction] Travel Guide for The Portico Library (Updated Oct)

#manchesterdaytrips The Portico Library Highlights: This one feels like a secret hideaway above the busy city. We found it tucked just off Mosley Street, you head up an unassuming staircase and suddenly you’re in this peaceful 19th-century reading room with domed ceilings, art exhibitions, and walls lined with old books. It’s still a working library, but they welcome visitors, and there’s often quiet exhibitions or small events going on. We had tea and cake in their little café space, surrounded by books and history. Felt like a proper escape from the city noise. Manchester Craft & Design Centre (Northern Quarter) Highlights: We ducked into this place on a rainy afternoon and ended up staying way longer than planned. It used to be an old Victorian fish market, but now it’s filled with small studios and shops run by local artists and makers. We wandered between ceramics, handmade jewelry, quirky prints, and all kinds of cool design pieces and actually got to chat with the artists themselves. There’s a little café in the middle too, so we grabbed coffee and people-watched while surrounded by creativity. John Rylands Library (Deansgate) Highlights: Okay, this one’s slightly better known, but still feels niche because it’s so unexpectedly dramatic inside. From the outside it looks like a gothic church, and when we walked in high ceilings, stained glass, stone arches it genuinely took our breath away. We explored the reading rooms (which are still in use), wandered through rare book collections, and just soaked in the atmosphere. It’s part library, part cathedral, part museum. We loved how peaceful it was a perfect rainy-day spot.

#manchestertrip The Portico Library in Manchester offers a escape into a haven of books and coziness. Upon entering, you're greeted by the delightful scent of old books, creating an atmosphere that feels more like a cherished friend's living room than a traditional library. Wander through the shelves lined with literary treasures, and you'll discover a captivating array of books that spans genres and epochs. It's not just a collection; it's a curated selection that beckons readers to embark on literary journeys. The library's reading room is a serene space adorned with elegant furnishings, where you can lose yourself in the pages of a captivating novel or immerse yourself in scholarly pursuits. It's an oasis for those seeking respite from the hustle and bustle of the outside world. For those who appreciate a literary ambiance paired with a cup of warmth, the library transforms into a charming café. Here, you can sip on a comforting brew while surrounded by the timeless allure of literature. The Portico Library isn't merely a place to borrow books; it's a sanctuary that invites you to linger, explore, and revel in the simple joy of reading. With its cozy atmosphere and café-like charm, this library isn't just a repository of knowledge; it's a haven for bibliophiles seeking solace in the written word

#manchestertrip Reveled in The Portico Library of Manchester--a literary pearl hidden amidst the hustle and bustle. Quiet and refined, located near St. Ann's Church its setting is steeped in history. The room, however, was the highlight--a quiet haven amidst shelves of rare books. Victorian architecture adds to the atmosphere, making this a lovely place for readers. After feasting on literary delights, venture out onto nearby King Street for its boutiques and cafes. ☕️🛍️ Must-visit for those yearning to combine culture and relaxation in Manchester! 👌 This visit just made my day and i am happy i visited. #Manchester #uk #traveladdict