Highlights Tour: The Material City- water, air, and stone

The Material City project aims to make you stop and think about the everyday things that go into our urban environment. This is about the stuff we walk past and over all the time; stuff like brick, sandstone, and river water.

This special Heritage Open Day walking tour will cover just over half a mile in the centre of Manchester. It brings together information and stories from all three Material City walking tours to give you a taste of how humans have worked with (and against) all kinds of materials to build the city. We'll cover air pollution, flooding, imported stone and more, and ask ourselves how people have tried to shape Manchester over time, and what happens when materials fight back. There'll be urban theory made accessible, and an introduction to why humans should pay more attention to the material environment we pass through every day.

Timings

Sunday 13 September:

1100-1215

Sunday 20 September:

1100-1215

Location & directions

St Mary's Parsonage, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M3 2LF

Directions:

We'll meet in the middle of Parsonage Gardens, a small park between the streets of St Mary's Parsonage and College Land. We will end by the tram stop in Shudehill.

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:

Pre-booking preferred

Booking conditions:

Booking not required, but there are limited places so it is recommended.

Booking website:

https://www.thematerialcity.com/tours

Alternative booking website:

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/heritage-open-day-highlights-tour-the-material-city-water-air-and-stone-tickets-1997840021284

Booking opens:

13 Aug 2026 12:00 AM

Booking closes:

19 Sep 2026 12:00 AM

Accessibility details

This is a walking tour through Manchester City centre- all the normal city centre hazards/obstacles will be around, we'll be crossing roads and heading down an alley.

Additional information

Max number of people:

15

Estimated duration:

1 hour(s) 15 minute(s)

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