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Visit Newton Heath, Manchester: Your Go-to Travel Guide For a Unique Local Experience!
If you fancy a bit of a wander in Manchester to a quiet, urban area that’s rich with history, Newton Heath is worth checking out.
It’s not far off from the city centre, making it a prime spot to visit if you only have a few days to spare. And if you love history, Newton Heath is brimming with it!
Here’s our handy travel guide to Newton Heath, Manchester, where you can explore local shops and community places that won’t break the bank!
Where is Newton Heath?
Newton Heath is a district in Manchester, located northeast of the city centre. It’s surrounded by Failsworth, Monsall, and Clayton.
How to Get to Newton Heath
Via bus: Take Bus #83 from various stops in Manchester, like Picadilly Gardens and the city centre, and arrive straight at Newton Heath. It has several stops along Oldham Road.
Via tram/light rail system: Take the Metrolink, which you can access from different areas in Manchester, and alight at Newton Heath & Moston Pink Line.
To learn more about Manchester’s public transportation system, check out this article.
Parking Availability in Newton Heath
If you’re up for a drive, you don’t have to worry about parking. There’s plenty of street parking, but just like any other place, be wary of rough areas.
For a safe and more secure parking spot, look up JustPark. It’ll show you all the available spaces in the area so you have a guaranteed slot!
Things to Know about Newton Heath
Industrial History of Newton Heath
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Newton Heath used to be a farming community and was historically a part of Lancashire. During the Industrial Revolution, it turned into a major industrial area, mostly catering to engineering factories.
Many factories had called Newton Heath their new home, which famously included Mather & Platt, an engineering company that made electrical pumps and various kinds of machinery.
But Manchester faced economic challenges, which also affected Newton Heath. In the early 20th century, textile companies in other countries were able to provide cheaper alternatives, which led to unemployment and operational shifts.
Moreover, the Great Depression and World War II significantly affected the continuous economic decline of Manchester and its surrounding areas.
Fortunately, the city bounced back, and it’s now focused on its thriving technology and creative sectors. Newton Heath, once the hub of the industrial industry, has transformed into an urban area.
Newton Heath’s Link to Manchester United FC
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This global football powerhouse had humble beginnings in the industrial area.
We used to call The Red Devils something different before. Formed in 1878, it was originally named Newton Heath LYR Football Club back when it was founded by
workers of the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway.
Believe it or not, the players didn’t don the famous red and white jerseys. The original colours? Green and Gold.
However, the club faced financial difficulties. It found its saviour in John Henry Davies, a brewery owner. Then, the football club changed its name in 1902 to Manchester United.
In 1910, the club finally moved to its current home, the beloved Old Trafford, from Old Bank Street. Nowadays, it’s one of the most recognised names in football.
What to Do and See in Newton Heath
Pop by Newton Heath Library
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Address: 2 Old Church St
Contact: 0161 234 4474, [email protected]
Hours:
- Monday: 9 am – 8 pm
- Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday: 9 am – 5 pm
If you’re a student or just need a place to research, you can visit the Newton Heath Library at no charge! You do need to be a member to use the computers, though.
The library upped its game, fortunately! It now has facilities for teens and kids, like games and holiday celebrations. On certain days, special events are abuzz for socialising, such as book clubs and crafting activities.
Visit All Saints Church
Media credit: All Saints Newton Heath
Address: All Saints’ St
Contact: +44 7596 514541, [email protected]
The All Saints’ Church is part of Newton Heath’s history, one of the reasons you have to see it when you swing by the area. Built from 1814 to 1816, this Gothic-style church is a real gem, known for its square exterior and Victorian chancel.
The interior is breathtaking. Sure, it isn’t the biggest church, but it has bits and pieces of 19th and 20th-century accents that make it astonishing!
Play at Brookdale Park
Media credit: Brookdale Park
Address: 259 – 261 Droylsden Rd
Hours: Monday – Sunday: 5 am – 11:58 pm
Brookdale Park in Newton Heath is family-friendly! With a children’s play area, you can let the kids have a good run around to keep them active and burn off a bit of energy.
It’s not just for kids, though! The park offers a couple of activities for adults, like the exciting BMX track and skate park for the trailblazers and the multi-games area for fun.
Plus, you can use the tennis court at no cost! You do need to book your slot online for an hour or two. While it’s not the biggest park, it brings a small neighbourhood feel, which is nice when you want to avoid busier places.
Take a stroll in Clayton Vale
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Address: Edge Lane, Clayton
Contact: [email protected]
Hours: Monday – Sunday: dawn to dusk
Clayton Vale is not exactly in Newton Heath, but it’s pretty much at the border—it takes a couple of minutes to get here. This is a brilliant spot for some serene walks.
Being surrounded by trees and ponds feels like you’re not in the city anymore. After all, it’s a Local Nature Reserve. Not gonna lie, you can see why it is—it’s full of lush trees and plants!
If you’re seeking more of an adventure, bring your bike and ride the 5.5 km loop! It’s an ace spot for mountain biking without actually straying far from Manchester.
Grab some beans at Heart & Graft
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Address: 30 Holyoak St
Contact: 0161 683 5566
Hours: Monday – Friday: 9 am – 3:30 pm
Fancy a brew? Head over to Heart & Graft for some banging coffee! It’s a roastery so it’s not your usual coffee shop in Manchester. You can’t actually grab a cup of coffee here, but you can purchase amazing blends!
Order a coffee online or drop them an email. You can pop in the roastery for pick up. We’re more tea drinkers (no surprise there), but their blends are so top-notch that we find ourselves picking up the beans instead of a tea bag!
The 60/40 blend is mint, by the way! It’s rich but chocolatey, a perfect pick-me-up on a Monday!
Join Summer Fun Day
Media credit: MCC Housing Services
Address: Scotland Hall Road Park
When: Around August
Newton Heath brings a cracking time for its residents and visitors. Summer Fun Day is a family-friendly event filled with loads of activities like bungee bouncing!
The event is free and everyone’s welcome! Make sure you check their event page closer to the date for updates on the fun-filled activities!
Get sporty at Ten Acres Lane Sports Complex
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Address: Ten Acres Lane
Contact: 0161 974 7878
Hours:
- Monday – Friday: 9 am – 10 pm
- Saturday – Sunday: 9 am – 5 pm
If you’re the sporty kind, swing by Ten Acres Lane Sports Complex. It’s where the National Taekwondo Centre is, which is home to the Olympic and Paralympic teams of GB Taekwondo.
You don’t have to be a master of self-defence, though! If you fancy a footie, the place is ideal for training or competitive matches with your mates.
During the holiday season, there are all sorts of activities for kids, like tennis and swimming. Plus, it’s accessible for persons with mobility issues—it’s inclusive!
Where to Eat and Drink in Newton Heath
Railway
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Address: 82 Dean Lane
Contact: 0161 546 5730
Hours:
- Monday – Thursday: 1 pm – 11 pm
- Friday – Saturday: 12 pm – 11 pm
- Sunday: 12 pm – 10:30 pm
Pricing: ££
A local pub visit is a must when you’re visiting a new place. Railway is one of those places in Newton Heath where it feels like a community pub that gives off a local vibe, which you’ll feel even if you’re not from the area.
It’s the kind of place for a proper traditional pub experience. If you want friendly banter, traditional English hearty food, and a good selection of beer, this is the pub to be in Newton Heath!
Hazel’s
Media credit: hazelsstall
Address: 70 Old Church St
Contact: 0161 682 8932
Hours:
- Monday – Friday: 8 am – 3 pm
- Saturday: 8 am – 2 pm
Pricing: £
Hazel’s is a staple in the neighbourhood. They’ve been in Newton Heath for over 30 years and have stayed put even after the pandemic forced shops to close in the community.
They serve homemade sandwiches (perfect for breakfast!), which are frankly one of the best in the area, as well as the cornflake tart and homemade pies! The food’s fresh and reasonably priced, by the way.
Martin’s Craft Bakery
Media credit: martinscraftbakery
Address: 30 Holyoak St
Contact: 0161 688 5588, [email protected]
Hours: Monday – Saturday: 7 am – 4 pm
Pricing: £
When it comes to homemade cakes and pastries, Martin’s Craft Bakery is where it’s at. You can’t go wrong with freshly baked goodies, like the super delish potato pie.
The breads are affordable, too! The bloomer is really good to take home, perfect for making sandwiches at home or even with just butter!
Where to Stay in Newton Heath
Short Let for Relocations by Nyos Properties
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Address: 6 Thompson St, Manchester
Contact: 020 8938 3536, [email protected]
Pricing: £££
Best For: Large groups or families on a week-long vacation
This short-term accommodation by Nyos Properties is only an 8-minute drive to Newton Heath. It’s the best of both worlds because you’re pretty much in the middle of Newton Heath and the city centre.
If you’re in a big group, this house gives you all you need! With four bedrooms (that can sleep up to nine guests), a fully equipped kitchen, washing machine and tumble dryer, and parking, there’s nothing more you need for your stay.
It’s mainly for families or friend groups who aren’t here for a rowdy time since no parties are allowed. It does have a minimum 7-night stay, but if you want to avoid booking several hotel rooms for a week-long vacation, this place will save you a few bobs.
Village Hotel Manchester Ashton
Address: Pamir Drive, Ashton-under-Lyne
Contact: 0161 674 0144, [email protected]
Pricing: ££
Best For: Individuals and families who want access to Manchester and its surrounding areas
Everything is almost at the tip of your fingertips from Village Hotel in Ashton. It’s just a 15-minute drive to Newton Heath and is off the M60, giving you easy access to Manchester’s top attractions.
The hotel has got it all—literally! On the ground floor, you’ll spot a pub and a Starbucks. Inside the hotel, you can exercise at the gym or cool off at the pool!
If you prefer to stay in Manchester, here are the coolest hotels and lodges we love. These are located in the city, where you’ll have quick access to Newton Heath.
