Jonathan Schofield Manchester Tours

Even if you’ve lived here all your life, you’ll learn something new on a Jonathan Schofield Manchester Tour. And if you’re visiting from further afield, they’re one of the best ways to discover the city’s stories, secrets and hidden gems.

Award-winning journalist, editor, writer and expert on all things Manchester, Jonathan has an in-depth knowledge of the city’s history and culture. The tours are full of anecdotes and surprising facts, bringing the past to life in entertaining new ways.

One thing’s for sure, a walking tour with Jonathan Schofield is never dull. Most tours are by foot and last between ninety minutes and two hours. Dogs are welcome on outdoor tours.

There are so many tours to choose from, here are a few of our favourites:

The Manchester Music Walkabout

The Manchester Music Walkabout takes place at 1pm every Saturday led by qualified Guides, Jonathan Schofield, Emma Fox or John Ryan. It’s one of the most popular tours available, tracing a route that takes in the hallowed venues behind Manchester’s musical heritage. From The Hollies and The Bee Gees to Elbow and Oasis, discover all the stories and the secrets the bands don’t want you to know. There’s even a playlist to get you in the right frame of mind.

The Manchester Pub Walkabout

The Manchester Pub Walkabout takes place at 3pm every Saturday led by qualified Guides, Jonathan Schofield, Emma Fox or John Ryan. It’s a well-loved stagger through 300 years of Northern drinking history. Get to know Manchester’s cherished public houses and discover their chequered past. From pub names to pub games, you won’t go thirsty for information. Over 18s only.

The Didsbury Tour

Saturday 16 May 2026 and Saturday 3 October 2026

From tricycle-riding chimps to potatoes swallowed whole, there’s more to Didsbury than parks and patisseries. Let Jonathan Schofield show you the strange secrets of this lovely suburb. Find out about the Olympian athlete who flour-bombed Southport and the inspiration behind The Young Ones.