Manchester is a vibrant city full of life, and there are plenty of activities to do with friends or family. However, sometimes it’s great to step out of the ordinary and try something new and unusual.

Unusual group activities in Manchester include indoor skydiving, a thrilling experience that simulates the sensation of free-falling from a plane, and The Escape Room, a real-life puzzle game where players must work together to escape a locked room. 

If you are looking for unique options, you can consider Bee Mosaic Making, Shooting Simulation Games, and solving a murder mystery.

In this article, we will highlight 11 unusual but fun group activities in Manchester that will provide unique experiences and unforgettable memories.

1. Test your logic skills in an escape room.

If you’re seeking an exhilarating group activity in Manchester, look no further than Exit The Room. 

Take on one of their three themed escape rooms, such as murder, bomb disposal, or madness, and use your collective problem-solving and teamwork skills to break free before time runs out.

Exit The Room is the ultimate team-building exercise. By testing your logic and problem-solving skills, you’ll develop a deeper sense of trust and communication among your group. 

And as you race against the clock to find a way out, you’ll create lasting memories that you’ll be talking about for years to come.

The experience at Exit The Room is an ideal way to spend a day with your friends, family, or colleagues. As you navigate the twists and turns of the escape room, you’ll learn to think creatively and collaborate under pressure. 

Don’t miss the chance to take on this unforgettable challenge with your group!

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2. Have a vibrant night at Cane and Grain.

Cane and Grain is the perfect spot for a group gathering, whether it’s a birthday celebration, after-work drinks, or just a fun night out with friends. 

With a menu that includes bacon popcorn and eclectic twists on classic cocktails, this bar is sure to please even the most discerning of palates. 

And don’t forget to check out the hidden bar upstairs for an extra element of surprise!

In addition to the great food and drink, Cane and Grain offers a vibrant and lively atmosphere that’s sure to make your group feel right at home. 

The friendly staff and quirky decor add to the bar’s charm, making it a must-visit destination for anyone looking for a night out in Manchester.

3. Make a captivating bee mosaic.

This unique tour and workshop offers participants the chance to make their own version of the iconic Manchester bee mosaic, all while exploring the city’s rich history, neighbourhood and architecture.

The experience begins at the Manchester Art Gallery, where you’ll learn about the significance of the worker bee and its connection to Manchester’s industrial past. 

As you spot the bees around the city, you’ll also take in some of Manchester’s most famous landmarks, making it the perfect opportunity for a group photo session.

The tour ends at Foundation Coffee House in the Northern Quarter, where the workshop will take place. Each participant will receive a bag with all the materials needed to create their own hexagon bee mosaic. 

And with full instructions and tips from artist Amanda, along with drinks to keep the creative juices flowing, this activity is perfect for groups looking for a fun and hands-on experience in Manchester.

4. Enroll in a fun-filled Chinese dumplings making class.

This two-hour class provides everything you need to create these mouth-watering treats, from the ingredients and materials to the expert instruction.

The class takes place in an open kitchen on the waterfront at Salford Quays, making it a picturesque and unique location for your group to enjoy. And with soft drinks provided, you can sip and snack as you learn the art of dumpling-making.

Not only will you leave the class with a newfound skill, but you’ll also receive a full recipe sheet to take home with you. So why not gather your friends, family, or colleagues and learn to make a new dish together? 

This experience is perfect for groups looking to bond over a shared activity and create lasting memories.

5. Have fun in an immersive electric gamebox.

This cutting-edge gaming experience offers a range of interactive and immersive games that you can enjoy with your friends, family, or colleagues.

At Electric Gamebox, you’ll have your own private pad to explore different realms and race against your pals. With a variety of games to choose from, this is the perfect activity for groups looking to challenge each other and have fun together in a digital world.

Whether you’re a gaming enthusiast or a casual player, Electric Gamebox is the ultimate one-stop shop for fun things to do. 

With its focus on digital and immersive experiences, this hangout offers a unique and unforgettable group activity that is sure to bring you and your group closer together. 

6. Enjoy making stunning latte art with your group.

This espresso-making workshop, where you’ll learn the art of making the perfect espresso shot and steaming barista-quality milk in just a few hours.

Led by a Speciality Trainer for the Speciality Coffee Association, this two-hour workshop covers everything from how to grind your espresso to how to hold a milk pitcher correctly and create latte art.

Participants will learn the correct techniques for dosing, tamping, and steaming milk, as well as how to identify a good shot of espresso and make corrections for yourself. 

Plus, with all the hot drinks you can handle, this workshop is the perfect way to bond with your group over a shared love of coffee and learn something new together.

7. Immerse with your friends in shooting simulation games.

Simulation Shooting Range and speakeasy bar, where you can experience exceptional shooting realism while enjoying cold steins, bespoke cocktails, and megabytes.

Whether you’re planning a night out with friends, a corporate team-building event, or a stag or hen do, this venue has something for everyone. 

With space for groups of 2-100 people and a range of customizable packages, it’s the perfect place to gather and have some fun.

So why not try something new and gather your group for a night of competitive socialising? With its combination of high-tech shooting simulations and delicious food and drinks, this venue is sure to provide a memorable experience for everyone.

8. Explore Manchester’s unique craft beers.

Embark on a beer tour that takes you through Manchester’s hidden gems and unique brews, perfect for groups who want to explore the local beer scene.

Led by experts in the field, participants will visit five bars with different atmospheres and sample a beer in each of these establishments, accompanied by discussions on beer history and its influence on the local area.

With the opportunity to experience a wide range of beer styles and learn about the brewing process, this tour is perfect for groups who want to expand their knowledge of beer or try out new and exciting brews while discovering interesting and quirky places frequented by locals.

9. Play with friendly cats in a cat cafe.

For cat lovers, the Cat Café in Manchester is a must-visit spot. Behind its secure doors, you’ll find a sanctuary filled with resident cats that are eager to be petted, making it an ideal spot for those who love feline company.

Apart from a wide range of hot and cold drinks and comfortable seating, the café also organises events such as Cat Yoga sessions and film nights, making it a perfect place for groups to relax and unwind while enjoying the company of cats.

In addition to providing a great atmosphere and adorable cats, the café takes pride in ethical breeding, only accepting cats from registered GCCF breeders that are struggling to find homes elsewhere. 

It’s an ideal place for groups who love cats and want to support animal welfare.

10. Experience heart-throbbing indoor skydiving in Manchester.

In this thrilling experience, each participant is paired with a trained instructor for flight training, ensuring safety and peace of mind for all involved.

After the flight, participants can bond over their shared experience and even purchase pictures and videos to commemorate their adventure. Indoor skydiving is the perfect group activity for those seeking an exhilarating, unforgettable experience.

Whether it’s a birthday party, a team-building exercise, or just a fun day out with friends, indoor skydiving offers a unique and thrilling opportunity for groups to come together and create lasting memories.

11. Solve a thrilling murder mystery.

Experience the ultimate murder mystery with Murder Inc, where each show is a completely improvised and interactive experience set in a different location each month with suggestions from the audience. 

The 2 to 3 hour live-action show promises a “lethally funny” experience, with pizza served during halftime to keep guests fueled.

Murder Inc is the perfect group activity for friends and colleagues looking to solve a thrilling mystery together. 

With the audience directly involved in the show, group members can work together to piece together clues and solve the mystery, making for a unique and engaging bonding experience. 

And with different locations and scenarios each month, Murder Inc offers a fresh and exciting activity for groups to return to time and time again.

Our Final Thoughts

Manchester offers a wide range of exciting activities for groups to enjoy. This article has highlighted some of the most unusual but fun group activities in Manchester that will provide unique experiences and unforgettable memories. 

From testing your logic and problem-solving skills in an escape room to immersive gaming experiences, to creating your own version of the iconic Manchester bee mosaic, to learning how to make authentic Chinese dumplings, and enjoying eclectic twists on classic cocktails in a lively atmosphere, there is something for everyone. 

These activities are ideal for groups of friends, family, or colleagues who are looking to bond over a shared activity and create lasting memories in Manchester, a vibrant city full of life.

FAQs about Unusual Group Activities in Manchester