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• City River Tours
• City sightseeing
• Audio guide
• Dogs allowed
• Groups allowed
• Tour guides

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Description

Our city centre stop is closing from 27th nov all trips will be from salford quays, city river & canal tour.

Hop aboard the Princess Katherine for one of our boat trips around the Salford Quays and Manchester Ship Canal.  This 60/70 min river tour gives you an insight into the history of the area and a unique view of Manchester including Media City, Old Trafford and the disused dry docks.

Salford Quays  is quickly becoming a must do on the list of Manchester’s place to be with the  Imperial War Museum , Lowry Arts Theatre, BBC & Granada studios as well as the Lowry Outlet and a host of bars and restaurants it’s the perfect place to spend the day.

Tea and coffee is available on all our sightseeing boat trips, or you can choose something stronger from the fully stocked bar while you cruise along the waterway. 

Sights to see and what’s included

All tickets are return from Salford Quays and the trips include English commentary about the history of the Manchester Ship Canal and the surrounding area.

• Old Trafford Football Ground
• Stephenson’s 1830 Bridge
• Mode Wheel Locks
• Fully stocked bar serving teas, coffees or something stronger
• Outside seating available on first come first served basis
• Purpose built Dutch style sightseeing boat
• Tickets available on board (check below calendars for available dates and times) 

Accessibility

The Princess Katherine does not have disabled access. There is one step up and four steps down in order to board the vessel. We are not able to accommodate full size prams , children’s buggies will need to be folded down prior to boarding.

The Princess Katherine is fully heated, equipped with an onboard licenced bar and two toilets.

Seating is on a first come first served basis, we do not allocate seats.

Departure Point

We are currently only operating the Salford Quays departure point – https://manchesterrivercruises.com/salford-quays/

All sailings are subject to the weather and the levels of the River Irwell . Tickets entitle the holders to round trip from point of embarkation. If passengers decide to disembark the vessel, return trip is subject to availability.

Please check above calendars for available trips and daily schedule.

Gift Vouchers - If you have a gift voucher from prior to March 2022 please email us with your voucher code to receive a replacement.

City River Tour

• Imperial War Museum North
• Old Trafford

How to get there?

Ralli Quay (opposite Dockyard Spinningfields)

3 Stanley St, Salford, M3 5FT

Select date and session

No booking fees

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River Cruise in Salford

Salford quays river cruise (1 hour).

Manchester Sightseeing Cruises - Princess Katherine

Book Tickets Now   

Relax with a River and Canal Cruise between Salford Quays and Manchester City Centre.

Enjoy a relaxing boat trip as you cruise the historic ship canal and river irwell from the former manchester docks, now known as salford quays, to manchester city centre and return..

Board the Princess Katherine and listen to the onboard commentary as you enjoy this Manchester boat trip between Salford Quays and the city centre for a 60-minute boat trip. There are refreshments available to purchase onboard.

Cruise highlights En route, see the Victoria & Albert Hotel, formerly a 19th-century riverside warehouse, George Stephenson’s 1830 Railway bridge and the striking new 2017 Ordsall Chord Bridge. Look out for the former Pomona Docks and Old Trafford football stadium, home to the world-famous Manchester United. At Salford Quays, admire the impressive glass and steel buildings of Media City including the ITV Studios which produce the long-running TV series ‘Coronation Street’. Don’t miss the BBC Studios, the Imperial War Museum North, Lowry Theatre and Gallery, the Millennium Bridge and striking new stylish apartment blocks.

Timings  Regular* departures from Pier 8, which is next to The Lowry Theatre. Boarding is from the Lowry side of the Quays, beneath the Millennium footbridge. Look out for the Manchester River Cruise flags on the riverside path that mark the boarding point.

The Salford Quays boarding point is at Pier 8, which is beneath the Millennium footbridge, behind The Lowry theatre.

Pier 8 The Quays Salford M50 3AZ

The nearest car park to the boarding point is the Lowry Outlet multi-storey car park, M50 3AH.

The boat docks at in Manchester city centre at Ralli Quay, opposite the People’s History Museum and the Dockyard Pub.

* check river cruise website for latest sailing timetables, availability and latest information.

Discover more Sightseeing tours

Child (2-15 years)

DEPARTURE AND BOARDING POINTS

Boarding is from Pier 8, beneath the Millennium footbridge, behind The Lowry theatre.

Departure from Salford Quays: 11:30 12:45 14:00 15:15

Optional drop off  in Manchester city centre: 12:15 13:30 14:45 16:00

Cruise ends Salford Quays: 12:45 14:00 15:15 16:00

Please ensure you arrive at least five minutes before stated departure time; the Princess Katherine cannot return to the quay once departed.

Book Tickets

Click on the button below to visit our booking website and book tickets.

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City River Tour

• Restroom on board
• WiFi on board
• Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
• Transportation to/from attractions
• Manchester River Cruises, The Quays, Salford, Manchester M50 3AZ, UK Salford Quays Option 11:30, 12:45, 14:00, 15:15, 16:30 - Please arrive at least 5 minutes before departure. The boarding point is located under the Millennium Footbridge by the Lowry Theatre
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Service animals allowed
• Near public transportation
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Most travellers can participate
• Children must be accompanied by an adult
• Minimum drinking age is 18 years
• Departure is from Salford Quays only
• Any buggies or prams must be foldable, we can not accept full size prams aboard.
• City Centre stop is now closed
• This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 100 travellers
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
• Imperial War Museum North

Similar experiences

• You'll start at Manchester River Cruises The Quays, Salford, Manchester M50 3AZ, UK Salford Quays Option 11:30, 12:45, 14:00, 15:15, 16:30 - Please arrive at least 5 minutes before departure. The boarding point is located under the Millennium Footbridge by the Lowry Theatre See address & details
• Pass by Imperial War Museum North Old Trafford
• You'll return to the starting point

• allend526 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles First class Great night Great staff. Great trip up the canal. Easy to get to the boat. A lot of good people on the same trip. Looking at doing it again Read more Written 16 April 2024
• janeaK185RG 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Dolly cruise We went to see the dolly parton tribute cruise , Kennedy was absolutely amazing and the show was well worth the money. The staff on board were lovely polite and couldn't do enough for you. If you like Dolly parton this young girl is well worth going to see Read more Written 1 April 2024
• stephenhP6850YA 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Amazing elvis night.. What an amazing night...Chris.. what a fantastic voice...staff excellent..you can spend hundreds of pounds going to concerts cramped seats and not the greatest of sound...here you are up front and personal great show few beers sat around your table at a fraction of the cost....but the best is....what a show.... Read more Written 28 January 2024
• Go08691338747 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles A really great night. Singer was brilliant. The girls that served us were so friendly and welcoming. It was really chilled out night. Laughing, dancing and drinking. Great start to Xmas weekend Read more Written 24 December 2023
• tiolaurie143 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great night out! The boat was good, but the entertainment was fantastic! Russell made sure we had a great night. The addition of a little food would be good, the snacks fine but a small sandwich would have been nice. Read more Written 24 November 2023
• 446babsl 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles A night to remember. This boat trip is amazing. Looked after us from start to finish. Nibbles and a Prosecco on arrival. Full waiter/ waitress service. Drinks reasonably priced. Boat nice and warm. Singer was really entertaining with a lovely voice. No faults from us. Want to go again. Read more Written 18 November 2023
• cathyaD9838BG 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles 🏴‍☠️ Over the Irish Sea. A bottle of rum to fill my tum. A Pirate's life for me! Absolutely Fantastic Pirates and mermaids KIDS TAKEOVER cruise Very well organised the kids even got to steer the boat up front with the captain Nice touch of rum for Adult old seadogs Drinks and cookie biscuits for the children Children were entertained from stepping on to getting off the boat Great Time 🏴‍☠️ Read more Written 26 October 2023
• grahamw590 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Brilliant 60 minutes to kill Absolutely 💯 amazing. A great clean boat with a fully stocked bar and clean on board facilities. The all female staff were very friendly, happy smiling, and had anice approach. Highly recommended for a small price of just£12 Read more Written 26 September 2023
• L8665nicklangold 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Elvis We had a great time, we travel the country to see Elvis tributes. And although Chris is not the best we have seen. He certainly is not the worse. The boat was comfortable and bar prices reasonable. We would book another trip in the future. Read more Written 30 August 2023
• P9824BXandrewh 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Good little boat tour of the quays. Excellent value. Captain is a proper gentleman. Crew was max relax. Easy to find and everything was on time. Read more Written 26 August 2023
• catherinerC6619AI 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Elvis Absolutely lovely evening. Great singer. Lovely staff, brilliant service. Would definitely recommend Read more Written 7 August 2023
• 150riks 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Elvis is in the boat Chris sounds just like Elvis - great voice! Ok so he doesn't dress up but as he says himself he's not an impersonator. Throws in a few facts about the King as well which was interesting. Nice boat ride around the keys with a maximum capacity of 50 people so feels very personal. Read more Written 21 July 2023
• 675sheilaw 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Brilliant Elvis Night. Excellent night from start to finish. Elvis night absolutely brilliant . Will definately be booking again. Well worth every penny ,value for money,staff excellent . Thank you all for a fantastic night. We all loved it . Read more Written 16 April 2023
• geoffkar0521 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles great went on the river cruise into manchester from salford quays with four friends most enjoyable .crew very helpful well worth a visit . Read more Written 18 March 2023
• 631niamhm 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Sensational Yesterday I went on the elvis boat cruise for my birthday and I can honestly say it was the best way to spend the day ! The staff were lovely, so kind and cheerful. The man himself Mr Elvis Presley was fantastic and had us all out our seats dancing around! If you are an Elvis fan I would 100% recommend 👌 . Read more Written 18 February 2023

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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

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Manchester River Cruises

Boat tours in manchester.

Set sail on a Manchester adventure with our guide to boat tours. Cruise along picturesque waterways, exploring the city's charm from a unique perspective. From scenic canal tours to dynamic river cruises, our curated recommendations promise a leisurely and informative journey. Enjoy iconic landmarks, hidden gems, and captivating narratives as you navigate Manchester's waters. Plan your aquatic escapade, and discover why boat tours are a must-experience, offering a refreshing and unforgettable way to explore the beauty of this dynamic city. Dive into the rich tapestry of Manchester's waterborne delights and create memories on a boat tour like no other.

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6+ Best Manchester Boat Trips to Book in 2024

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no extra cost for you!

Are you looking for the best boat trips in Manchester? You’ve come to the right place!

Manchester is famous for many things like music, street art and nightlife but it’s also a great place to discover from a boat.

There are so many canals like the Manchester Ship Canal, Bridgewater Canal and Ashton canals but also many rivers (though River Irwell is the main one), making it a great place for a boat tour.

🕒 IN A RUSH?

The best boat tour in Manchester is this Canal & River Cruise . It lasts 70 minutes and can be boarded from the city centre or Salford.

See prices here.

Several companies offer boat tours in Manchester and you can opt for a sightseeing one as well as a dinner cruise in Manchester.

You can also privatise some boats for a team building or birthday party.

In this article, we tell you everything you need to know about the best Manchester boat trips.

Table of Contents

1. Canal & River Cruise by Manchester River Cruises

⏰ Duration: 1 hour 10 minutes | ⭐ Reviews: 4.4 out of 5 | Check Rates and Availability

The Manchester Ship Canal is 36 miles long that links Manchester with the Irish Sea. The canal was officially opened in 1894, so it plays a big part in Manchester’s industrial history. 

With this Manchester canal tour , you get to enjoy a scenic tour of not only the Ship Canal but also the River Irwell.

This 70 minute boat trip takes place on board the sightseeing boat the Princess Katherine.

From the boat you will get to see places like Media City, Manchester United’s Old Trafford, the Ship Canal locks, the old Pomona Docks and the Imperial War Museum. 

As well as seeing all these interesting sites, you will also learn about Manchester’s history by listening to the onboard commentary. 

You will discover the industries that used the Ship Canal and how they made the city one of the most economically powerful in Europe.

There are two options for boarding the Princess Katherine for this Manchester boat tour. 

You can meet from their city centre location at Ralli Quay on the other side of the river from the People’s History Museum. 

Alternatively, you can board from the Millennium Life bridge close to the Lowry Theatre in Salford Quays.

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE LATEST PRICES

2. Elvis-on-the-River Cruise

⏰ Duration: 2.5 hours | ⭐ Reviews: 4.8 out of 5 | Check Rates and Availability

For themed boat trips in Manchester look no further than this Elvis-on-the-River cruise on the Irwell.

Looking for an evening cruise that will have you singing and dancing, then search no longer. It will help if you also have a bit of Elvis fever.

This river boat cruise in Manchester is two and a half hours long and departs from Salford Quays boarding point under the Millennium Footbridge by the Lowry Theatre.

As you step on board Princess Katherine you will be welcomed with a glass of Prosecco.

There will also be light snacks and canapes served on the cruise. Music comes in the form of an Elvis Presley tribute artist who will perform all of the legend’s biggest tracks.

As you tap your feet and chatter away, you will get to see some of Manchester’s top sites from the boat, including the Old Trafford stadium and the beautifully lit Media City.

Previous guests on board the Elvis-on-the-River cruise wax lyrical about the Elvis impersonators voice.

There’s no half-hearted out of tune singing on this cruise boat, you might even feel though you’ve listened to the real deal.

3. Swing and Rat Pack River Cruise

⏰ Duration: 2.5 hours | ⭐ Reviews: 4.9 out of 5 | Check Rates and Availability

This Manchester boat tour is a fantastic evening activity to enjoy with friends or family.

The Rat Pack were an informal group of entertainers which included big names like Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra.

Swing music just evokes that feeling of peace and can only be described as feel-good music.

This two and a half hour swing and rat pack river cruise takes place aboard the Princess Katherine, the perfect sightseeing boat.

You will be welcomed with drinks and provided with snacks along the way. Cruising along the River Irwell, you’ll listen to some of the best Rat Pack and swing artists from the era.

As you listen, you will be able to appreciate the glittering lights of Manchester as you head from Salford Quays to the heart of Manchester.

Seating on the boat is arranged in booths of four and it might be that you will have to share booths with other rat pack cruise guests.

The cruise starts from under the Millennium Footbridge, otherwise known as the lift bridge, just outside the Lowry Theatre.

Guests onboard the Princess Katherine highly rate the music and extremely friendly and accommodating staff.

Whether you want to sit back and relax or dance the cruise away this is an enjoyable evening activity in Manchester.

4. Sunday Lunch Cruises

If you want to find a lunch spot with a twist head out on this Manchester city river tour.

This tour is run by City Centre Cruises and the cruise sets sail from Castlefield along the Bridgewater Canal Tow Path at 1pm.  

On their website they release the dates for Sunday lunch for the up-and-coming months.

Their lunch menu changes but you can expect to enjoy a homemade soup for starters with fresh hot rolls.

A classic British Sunday lunch for mains includes roast beef, Yorkshire puddings and roast potatoes. Desert often includes their melt in the mouth apple and blackberry crumble with custard.

Of course, you can’t have Sunday lunch without some tea and coffee. People rave about the food and it’s a great way to experience a class British meal if you are visiting from overseas.

There is also a bar on board where you can purchase drinks separately.

The boat you will dine on is a barge boat named after Manchester’s political activist Emmeline Pankhurst.

As you dine on this canal boat tour in Manchester your captain will provide you with informative insight into the local area and the Manchester canal network.

Your skipper, Alan, makes the experience all the more pleasurable with his wit, humour and friendly manner.

5. Cocktails Cruises

For a lively evening on the water why not try one of Cocktails Ahoy’s cocktail cruises .

Perhaps you’ve already been out in Manchester’s Northern Quarter and want to try something different for a night out? Well, this is a fun choice.

This cocktail cruise runs from Castlefield down the Bridgewater Canal.

The cruise takes place on their canal barge Bohemia. Bohemia has space for up to 60 guests, has a well-stocked cocktail bar and a dance floor.

As the boat can accommodate so many people, this is a great idea for a birthday or anniversary celebration as well.

This boat cruise is three hours long and you can enjoy seven freshly made cocktails.

There’s also a resident DJ on board who plays some classic tunes that will get you dancing.

As well as regular cocktail cruises Cocktails Ahoy also do themed cruises like the ‘Sex and the City’, Peaky Blinders and’ 80s themed night.

6. Bridgewater Cruises

Bridgewater Cruises offer two options for Manchester city river tours.

First up there’s the restaurant boat, the Francis Egerton. This boat is used for public cruises and private charters as well.

Their restaurant boat has a ton of different dining cruises to choose from. There’s the two-course lunch, afternoon tea, Sunday lunch, and the Worsley Gin cruises.

Alternatively, you can book a private charter canal boat tour in Manchester on the Lady Harriet.

This boat is suitable for up to 12 people and can be booked for an hour and 15 minutes, two hours or three-hour cruises.

People departing on the Francis Egerton should head to the towpath side of the Humpback Bridge in Worsley Village in Greater Manchester.

The Lady Harriet departs from the Bridgewater Marina which is around 15 minutes’ drive from the Trafford Centre.

Bridgewater Cruises is a family run company and you can really tell this in the details from booking to the trip itself.

It’s a truly unique experience and one that will allow you to create lasting memories whilst also seeing interesting spots along the Bridgewater Canal.

Whether you head there for dinner, a birthday celebration or a surprise party this barge boat is a unique thing to do in Manchester.

Best Boat Trips in Manchester: Frequently Asked Questions

Here we will answer all the most frequently asked questions about boat trips in Manchester.

What is the famous canal in Manchester?

There are a few well-known canals in Manchester but the most famous one is the Manchester Ship Canal. It’s 36-mile long and links Manchester to the Irish sea.

It was originally built so the cotton arriving in Liverpool could be transported straight to Manchester where it would be turned into textile. The Manchester ship canal was completed in 1893 and is still in use today.

Another very famous canal in Manchester is the Bridgewater canal. It is the oldest canal in England and particularly popular for canal walks , boating and SUP.

What canal runs through Manchester?

There are a few canals that run through Manchester but the main ones in the city centre are the Rochdale and Ashton canals.

Is the Manchester ship canal still used?

Yes it is still used to transport goods from the port of Liverpool to Manchester as well as for tourism purposes. There are a lot of Manchester ship canal cruises going between Liverpool and Manchester.

What are the best canals around Manchester?

The best canals for walking in Manchester are Rochdale, Ashton and Bridgewater canals.

Can you walk along Manchester canal?

Yes you can walk along all the canals in Manchester. They are also a great place for a bicycle ride.

Can you swim in Manchester canals?

No, you can not swim in any of the canals in Manchester. Even if you were allowed, it’s highly unlikely you’d want to. They are canals and therefore not the cleanest places for a swim. There are many wildlife swimming spots around Manchester that you can check out instead.

What is the longest canal in Manchester?

Manchester Ship Canal is the longest canal in Manchester. It’s 36-mile long and goes all the way to Liverpool and the Irish Sea. 

What is the oldest canal in Manchester?

The Bridgewater Canal was the first canal in Britain and therefore the oldest in Manchester as well. It was opened in 1761 which is over a 100 years before the Manchester Ship Canal.

What are the 3 rivers in Manchester?

There are three rivers in Manchester: the Irk, the Medlock and the Mersey but it’s important to note that the Irk flows into River Irwell which is at the limit between Manchester and Salford.

Now that you know everything there is to know about the best boat trips in Manchester, have fun!

You may also be interested in:

• 13+ Best Canal Walks in Manchester (and nearby!)
• 5+ Best Manchester Football Tours for fans of United and City
• 4+ Best Food Tours in Manchester to try in 2023
• 10+ Best Day Tours from Manchester To Book in 2023

Founder of Manchester Pocket Guide. Pauline has been living in Manchester for 6 years and loves exploring the city. As a travel writer, she always had passion for discovering cities but Manchester is the place she truly fell in love with. From cute food spots to famous landmarks, she knows Manchester like the back of her hand.

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THE 5 BEST Manchester Boat Rides & Cruises

Boat rides & cruises in manchester.

• Surfing, Windsurfing & Kitesurfing
• Kayaking & Canoeing
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• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. City Centre Cruises

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4. Debdale Outdoor Activity Club

5. Travel 1st

6. Manchester Tours

7. Sailfunk Yachting

What travellers are saying.

Set sail on a canal boat trip in the heart of Manchester

Manchester, greater manchester.

Whether you are looking for a short break or week-long trip, enjoy historic hands-on canal tours in Manchester.

On board the Wandering Duck, travel on a vast network of canals on this multi-day canal boat tour. During this unique hands-on experience, guests will learn how to steer the boat and work the locks. There will also be plenty of time for relaxing on board with real ale from a local micro-brewery. During the trip, the boat will sail past some of the hidden treasures of Manchester as well as going into the heart of countryside and national parks.

For those interested in the history of Manchester’s canal network, Manchester Ship Canal Cruises is the place to go, with lively commentaries bringing history to life on one of the country’s major waterways. The Manchester Youth Hostel overlooks the Bridgewater Canal in Castlefield and is the perfect place to stay for a canal adventure, with plenty of other city centre attractions only a short walk away.

Content provided by Visit Manchester

• Find out more about the Wandering Duck and plan your visit
• Find more rural breaks in Manchester

For more local tourist information:

• Manchester Visitor Information Centre Tic
• Email Address [email protected]
• Contact Details 0871 222 8223

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Guided Walking Tours of Manchester's Environmental History

[New tour 2024] 'The Lungs of the City': A Historical Walking Tour of Manchester's Air

How can we talk about an invisible element? How has Manchester's attitude to its air changed over time? And how does the city breathe along with us? Join us to 'take the air' and explore the how wind, pollution, and plants have shaped Manchester over time.

We'll meet in front of the Statue of Queen Victoria in Piccadilly Gardens and we'll walk approximately 1 mile over two hours to Mayfield Park, stopping to take in the sights, sounds and smells as we go.

On the way we'll chat about smog, miasma, birds, planes, and the city parks that brought country air to the urban population in the industrial era. We'll talk about what happens when air becomes breath in the human body and how these process have shaped the lives and health of Manchester's people since the 18th century.

And, after all this, what happens if we see the human body as a porus entity?

Price £13.70 Free for children under 12

Book tickets

Upcoming tour dates

Thursday 6 June 2024: 1-3pm Friday 7 June 2024: 1-3pm Saturday 8 June 2024: 2-3pm Saturday 15 June 2024: 11am-1pm Saturday 27 July 2024: 1-3pm

If you would like to be notified when other tour dates are available, please join our newsletter below:

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If Stones Could Talk: A Historical Walking Tour of Manchester's Stone

Red sandstone is Manchester’s native rock, but many of our buildings are clad in Portland Stone all the way from the South Coast- why? Join us to get the solid facts on why humans are so obsessed with stone and what stone represents. We’ll meet at Manchester Cathedral and walk to The Bridgewater Hall. On the way we’ll chat about fossils, erosion and stone as a status symbol. We’ll talk about how Manchester has grabbed building materials from outside its boundaries, extending its reach across the world, and the environmental impact of quarrying. And after all this effort, is stone really as permanent as we think?

Saturday 8 June 2024: 11am-1pm Sunday 16 June 2024: 1-3pm Sunday 28 July 2024: 1-3pm

More than a 'Foul Drain': Manchester's Water History

Where does Manchester get its water from? How has the city used water over the centuries? And how has water shaped the Manchester we know now? Join us and get to know Manchester’s water on a deeper level. We’ll meet in front of the Museum of Science and Industry and walk to Canal Street. On the way we’ll talk hard water, soft water, floods, and mud. We’ll chat about canal building, how to reshape a river, the horrors of cholera and mythical water monsters. We’ll even meet a hidden river running out of sight beneath the city streets.

Friday 14 June 2024: 1-3pm Monday 1 July 2024: 1-3pm

Dr Charlotte Coull

Charlotte Coull is a historian fascinated by the way people have interacted with, and still interact with, elements and materials like stone. Her PhD is in the history of British archaeology but she feels equally at home talking about the environmental history of our urban surroundings. She is passionate about public history and is building up a fledgling YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@appliedhistorian . Ask her what her next video will be about. (But not when it will be finished. History takes time.)

Dr Erica Mukherjee

Erica Mukherjee studies the history of mud and water in the British Empire. She is interested in the ways that 18th and 19th century engineers tried to tame watery landscapes–and how they often failed in the face of cyclones and floods (Be sure to ask her about what happened in 1872 when the River Medlock burst its banks next to Philips Park cemetery). A clinical assistant professor of history at New York University-Shanghai, Erica has also been a walking tour guide with Big Onion Tours in New York City for ten years.

Elemental Tours

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We’ll talk flooding, quarrying, silt, disease, smoke and much more as we weave through the city streets. We’ll connect the natural world with the urban environment and discuss how these two ideas are not as dissimilar as they might first seem.

Why Environmental History?

Every city has a unique relationship with its surroundings and Manchester is no exception. The city’s damp climate boosted its cotton industry, red sandstone gave the city its earliest building materials, and the surrounding countryside provided coal as well as space for reservoirs to serve the city’s growing population.

Manchester’s impact spreads beyond the tarmac and paving of its city centre or even its suburbs. Urban growth has pulled resources from far afield as the city has shaped the land to suit its needs.

But the city is so much more than a manmade stamp on the landscape. Natural forces still interfere and intervene to shape the urban environment. Recently there has been a push to recognise this and explore how the city can integrate more fully back into the natural world.

Right now, it is more important than ever to understand how humans interact with our environment. We need to understand how we shape the natural world, but also how the natural world shapes us. We now recognise that we are in the Anthropocene, a period of geological time in which human influence is seen above all else. There will be further significant environmental upheaval if we do not learn to respond to our world with care and consideration.

Environmental history gives us the context for our present-day problems and allows us to look for solutions back along the paths of how we got to our present moment. It reminds us that although humanity may be a defining force in the path of this planet, nature needs to be taken seriously if we are to survive.

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Garden tours, plants sales and more ways to spend time among flowers

Visit Maine's botanical gardens or get a sneak peek of what your neighbors are growing in their back yards.

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One of the loveliest ways to ease yourself fully out of the post-winter blahs and into springtime is to quit being a wallflower and instead surround yourself with living, blooming plants.

From botanical gardens to plant sales and garden tours, it’s time to make like the Scarecrow in “The Wizard of Oz” and while away the hours, conferring with flowers.

The waterfall at Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens in Boothbay. Photo by Tory Paxson, Courtesy of Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens

TOTALLY BOTANICAL

Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens in Boothbay is open for the season, daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Maine Days are May 31 to June 2, when anyone with a Maine driver’s license or state ID gets in for free. Ditto for dads/father figures on Father’s Day (June 16). Advance registration is required. With more than 300 acres of gardens and natural spaces, including a waterfall, there will be plenty to see, smell and bask in the scenery.

Here are more things to do in Boothbay

A tour group walks on the boardwalk at Viles Arboretum in Augusta. Joe Phelan/Kennebec Journal

Viles Arboretum is a botanical garden in Augusta with 6 miles of trails and more than 20 botanical collections. It’s open daily from sunrise to sunset, and admission is free. There are 224 acres with all sorts of flora and fauna to discover. Leashed dogs are welcome, and the visitor center is open from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday.

Viles Arboretum offers medicinal plant walks, and although the May 18 session is full, you can still register for the June 15 and Sept. 14 events, lead by herbalist, homeopath and flower essence practitioner Debra Bluth. Tickets are $25. Advertisement

The Mount Desert Land & Garden Preserve has four areas to explore on its property in Northeast Harbor: the Asticou Azelea Garden (dawn to dusk daily), the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Garden (noon to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday from July 9 to Sept. 8, reservations required), Thuya Garden (dawn to dusk daily, June 15 to Oct. 14) and Little Long Pond Natural Lands (hiking trails and carriage roads open dawn to dusk daily). On June 26, at the Wildflowers of Little Long Pond event, participants can wander around the garden’s fields and forest, spotting wildflowers along the way while practicing how to identify them.

Joyce Saltman, right, and Beth Anisbeck embrace a tree for 60 seconds during a tree hugging event sponsored by Portland Parks and Recreation, at Deering Oaks Park last year. Carl D. Walsh/Staff Photographer

TOURS AND MORE

2nd Annual Tree Hugging 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. Deering Oaks Park, Portland. portlandmaine.gov The tree hugging is a family-friendly community gathering to celebrate Portland’s many trees. Park ranger Liz Collado will lead a sensory awakening and forest bathing session. Along with tree hugging, there will be a storytime, and you can touch a forestry truck and meet naturalist Noah Querido and Portland city arborist Mark Reiland. Just down the road, you’ll find Fessenden Park, on the corner of Brighton and Deering Avenues. The tulips have arrived, and it’s worth a visit to see them.

McLaughlin Garden Lilac Festival 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 24. McLaughlin Garden and Homestead, 97 Main St., South Paris, $5. mclaughlingardens.org You’ll find more than 125 varieties of lilacs at the McLaughlin Garden Lilac Festival. Explore on your own or take a guided tour led by a horticulturist. There will also be family-friendly activities, and you can shop for native and unusual plants.

4th annual Woodfords Community Garden Tour 1-4 p.m. June 8. Woodfords Corner Community in Back Cove, Deering Highlands, Oakdale and Deering Center, $20 suggested donation. woodfordscorner.org Presented by Friends of Woodfords Corner, this self-guided tour features at least 10 gardens. As you make your way down the list, you’ll find yourself pleasantly surprised by all of the hidden havens bursting with flowers, plants and impressive yardscaping elements.

Peony Society of Maine 23rd annual Garden Tour 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 8 and 15. Both tours start at 1348 Ohio St., Bangor, $5 donation. peonysocietyofmaine.net You’ll visit multiple gardens in Bangor, Winterport, Ripley and St. Albans, and your senses will be filled with countless peonies. A peony plant will be raffled off at the end of each tour. Advertisement

Hidden Gardens of Historic Bath 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 22. Sagadahoc Preservation Inc., 880 Washington St., Bath, $40. sagadahocpreservation.org The Hidden Gardens of Historic Bath house and garden tour features several homes in North Bath. Every stop on the tour will be a treat for your senses and may motivate you to make some of your own magic when you get back home.

Garden Conservancy Open Garden Days 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 29. Beckett Castle Rose Garden, Singles Road, Cape Elizabeth, $10. gardenconservancy.org You’ll see plenty of roses as well as ocean views at Beckett Castle, which sits right on the water, with views of five lighthouses. The castle was built in 1871, and its rose garden features more than 70 varieties of heirloom roses. A 50-foot stone tower doubles as the rose arbor entrance to the castle.

PICK A PLANT SALE

Tate House Museum’s Annual Plant and Herb Sale 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 18. Tate House Museum, 1267 Westbrook St., Portland, 207-774-6177.  tatehouse.org The wide selection includes perennials divided from the museum’s 18th century reproduction garden. Visitors can also make their own “seed bombs” and get a sneak peak at a new installation by artist Ashley Page from 10 a.m. to noon.

Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland Spring Plant S ale 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. May 18, Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland, 217 Landing Road, Westbrook, 207-854-9771.  arlgp.org   Perennials, house plants and more will be on sale, and plants that don’t have specific pricing are “name your own fee.” Anyone interested in donating plants or pots to the sale should send a message to [email protected] .

Taking Root Plant Sale 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 1, Tom Settlemire Community Garden, Maurice Drive, Brunswick, 207-729-7694.  btlt.org This annual sale is organized by the Brunswick-Topsham Land Trust. Proceeds benefit the Common Good Garden, which provides food and gardening education for the Mid Coast Hunger Prevention Program. Master gardeners will be on hand to help shoppers choose their best options.

Scarborough Land Trust Native Plant Sale and Spring Festival 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 1, Broadturn Farm, 388 Broadturn Road, Scarborough, 207-289-1199.  scarboroughlandtrust.org Visitors will find native plants, food vendors, local artisans, guided nature walks and activities for kids. To preorder plants, visit the Scarborough Land Trust website.

Maine Audubon Society Native Plants Sale and Festival 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., June 8, Gilsland Farm Audubon Center, 20 Gilsland Farm Road, Falmouth, 207-781-2330.  maineaudubon.org More than 75 species of native wildflowers, shrubs and tree seedlings will be available, along with workshops, info tables and experts.

Staff writer Megan Gray contributed to this report.

Related Headlines

Headed to Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens? Here’s what else to check out in Boothbay

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