Printworks is a huge entertainment hub in the city centre that turned a historic newspaper printing house into a go-to spot for food and fun. You can wander through its long halls to find a cinema with a screen reaching over 60 feet high or try your hand at a round of indoor golf. It is a great place to settle in for a meal with friends, especially since you are sheltered from the Manchester weather by a giant digital ceiling. With plenty of spots for a drink or a quick snack, it offers a relaxed way to spend a few hours without any fuss.
You will find a lively entertainment hub right in the centre of the city, housed within a building that once served as a major newspaper printing house. It is a great spot to visit if you want to find food, cinema, and various leisure activities all under one roof.
You can find this large complex situated on Withy Grove, just a 2-minute walk from Manchester Victoria Station. If you are travelling by car, several multi-storey car parks are located within 0.5 miles of the entrance. The building is fully accessible with lifts serving all floors, making it easy for everyone to get around the different levels.
While the main concourse is open daily, individual venues have their own schedules. Some bars and clubs have 18+ age restrictions in the evenings, so you should carry identification. To get the most accurate information, please check the official site for up-to-date opening times and any specific entry requirements for the different venues.
The interior is famous for its massive digital ceiling, which spans over 10,000 square feet, making it the largest of its kind in Europe. You can walk through the urban corridors and watch immersive displays that change throughout the day. It creates a unique atmosphere while you decide between catching a film at the 23-screen cinema or trying your hand at the 18-hole themed mini-golf courses.
Food lovers have plenty of choices, with a variety of restaurants serving everything from American burgers to authentic hard rock-themed meals. If you prefer something more active, you can head to the fitness centre which features a 20-metre swimming pool. The mix of high-tech visuals and old industrial architecture gives the space a character you won't find elsewhere in the city.
To avoid the biggest crowds, try visiting during the day on weekdays when the atmosphere is much calmer. Local residents often head here for the gaming lounge or the escape rooms, which are perfect for small groups. If you look closely at the exterior, you can still see the original stonework from its days as a printing press, providing a nice contrast to the modern screens inside.
Keep an eye out for seasonal events, as the central courtyard often hosts special themed displays or live DJ sets. It is a popular pre-show spot for those heading to the AO Arena, which is only a 5-minute walk away. Because schedules for films and live events can change, you should check the official site for up-to-date information before you arrive.
Finding your way around Printworks is easy, and you will find plenty of places to stay nearby that put you right in the middle of the action. Reaching this entertainment hub is straightforward whether you are arriving by train, tram, or on foot.
If you want to be as close as possible, look for accommodation in the Northern Quarter or near Exchange Square. The Northern Quarter is perfect if you enjoy independent coffee shops and a creative atmosphere, offering a mix of trendy boutique hotels and stylish apartments. For those travelling with family or on a tighter budget, the area around Victoria Station has several reliable large-scale hotels that provide plenty of space and modern comforts. Staying in this part of the city means you are only a 2-minute walk from the main entrance, making it easy to drop off your bags and head straight out for a meal or a film.
The easiest way to arrive is via Manchester Victoria Station, which is less than 500 feet from the venue and serves both trains and Metrolink trams. If you are coming from Manchester Piccadilly Station, you can hop on a tram towards Bury or Altrincham and hop off at Exchange Square, or simply enjoy a 15-minute walk through the city centre. Several bus routes also stop at Shudehill Interchange, which is a mere 2-minute walk away, ensuring you have quick access from almost anywhere in Greater Manchester.
Located in the heart of the city, Printworks is surrounded by excellent accommodation options found on eDreams. Simply filter through the available properties to find a match for your budget and style. Booking your hotel is easy and enjoyable. Pick your favourite spot and start your Manchester trip now.
