Categories > Guides and Tips
Everything You Need to Know about Oxford Road in Manchester
- Where is Oxford Road?
- What is the main street in Oxford Road?
- How to Get to Oxford Road in Manchester
- What to Do and See in Oxford Road in Manchester
- Check out the artworks at The Whitworth
- Visit the Manchester Museum
- See a show at the Palace Theatre
- Watch a show at The Dancehouse Theatre
- Explore the Manchester Poetry Library
- Where to Eat and Drink on Oxford Road in Manchester
- Bundobust Brewery
- The Refuge
- Turtle Bay
- Navarro Lounge
- Sandbar
- Where to Shop on Oxford Road in Manchester
- Blackwell's Bookshop
- Utility Gift Store
- Oseyo
- Bare Necessities Thrift
- Fred Aldous
One of Manchester’s major thoroughfares, Oxford Road, brings the city together. Quite literally, it helps connect you from north to south, passing through university campuses, notable hospitals, architectural landmarks, and of course, my favourite, local dining spots.
Getting around Oxford Road is quite simple, too. Buses frequent the route, letting you hop on and off as you please, while the Oxford Road Railway Station offers quick links to the southern city centre.
Where is Oxford Road?
At the heart of Manchester, Oxford Road is one of the city’s major arteries, starting at Oxford Street (north) and running south through Chorlton-on-Medlock, campuses like the University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University, and major hospitals.
What is the main street in Oxford Road?
Oxford Road itself is the main street, starting at Oxford Street, near the Palace Theatre and St Peter’s Square, running south through the city centre before merging into Wilmslow Road.
From that point on, it’s no longer Oxford Road the whole way south. Instead, Wilmslow Road continues south, passing through Rusholme, Fallowfield, Wilthington, and Didsbury.
How to Get to Oxford Road in Manchester
Closest train station: To get to Oxford Road on public transit, take the train from Manchester Victoria or Manchester Piccadilly headed to Manchester Oxford Road Station, which sits right on the northern end of Oxford Road.
Closest tram station: The nearest tram stop to Oxford Road is St Peter’s Square Metrolink Stop. From there, it’s a quick 2 to 3 minute stroll to the Palace Theatre.
Closest bus stop: While there isn’t a single main bus station for Oxford Road, there are still many services that run along it, so you can hop off at stops near where you’re headed.
What to Do and See in Oxford Road in Manchester
Check out the artworks at The Whitworth
Media Credit: whitworthart
Address: Oxford Rd, Manchester M15 6ER
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday to Sunday: 10 AM to 5 PM
- Thursday: 10 AM to 9 PM
Contact Information: +44 161 275 7450
Price Point: Free (special exhibitions and events may require booking)
Website
Established in 1889 as the Whitworth Institute and Park, it was the first English art gallery within a public park. Following a major redevelopment, it doubled in size, now home to a cafe, learning studio, and glazed promenade, with over 60,000 works in its collection.
Its tours and visits are free, so you can pop in for a guided walk through Whitworth Park or join their Highlights Tour, which runs every Tuesday to Sunday from 2:00 to 2:45 PM. You can also check out the Art Garden, which features sculptures and installations that blend art with nature.
Pro Tip: While tours and visors are generally free, special exhibitions and events may require booking and tickets, so check in advance
Visit the Manchester Museum
Media Credit: mcrmuseum
Address: Oxford Rd, Manchester M13 9PL
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Tuesday; Thursday to Friday: 10 AM to 5 PM
- Wednesday: 10 AM to 9 PM
- Saturday: 8 AM to 5 PM
Contact Information: +44 161 275 2648
Price Point: Free (special exhibitions and events may require booking)
Website
Part of the University of Manchester, the Manchester Museum is a cultural gem that you can’t skip while you’re along Oxford Road. Home to over 4.5 million objects, from dinosaur bones to ancient Egyptian sarcophagi, there’s plenty to see and do for the whole family.
My favourite part? The Vivarium, home to live amphibians and reptiles, including the critically endangered harlequin toad, which is native to Panama and Costa Rica.
Pro Tip: For easier access to exhibit information and maps of the museum, download the Manchester Museum app.
See a show at the Palace Theatre
Media Credit: palaceandopera
Address: 97 Oxford St, Manchester M1 6FT
Operating Hours: Varies with show schedules
Contact Information: +44 0333 009 5399
Price Point: £–£££
Website
The Palace Theatre Manchester is one of the UK’s most famous and best-equipped theatres, hosting touring musicals, concerts, ballet, plays, and more since its opening in 1891.
Notable productions included stars like Charlie Chaplin and Judy Garland, as well as the venue of choice for touring shows like Les Misérables, Miss Saigon, and Mamma Mia!
Pro Tip: If you love theatre, don’t miss joining their Palace Theatre Tour, offering an exclusive 90-minute guided walk to off-limits areas of the building before wrapping up with an engaging Q&A session.
Watch a show at The Dancehouse Theatre
Address: 10A Oxford Rd, Manchester M1 5QA
Operating Hours: Varies with show schedules
Contact Information: +44 161 237 9753
Price Point: £–£££
Website
The Dancehouse Theatre is one of those hidden gems that you might walk past without even realising it. The building itself is already worth a look, earning a Grade II listing, making it a treasured architectural rarity in Manchester.
This Art Deco venue dates back to the 1930s and was once a cinema until it was transformed into a theatre for dance, comedy, film screenings, and live music. Able to host about 400 guests, it’s a hub for the arts, serving as both a performance venue and a training space.
Pro Tip: For cheaper tickets, book seats by the balcony, which has a cosy, vintage charm.
Explore the Manchester Poetry Library
Media Credit: mcrpoetrylibrary
Address: Manchester M15 6BG
Operating Hours:
- Monday, Thursday, Friday: 10 AM to 4:30 PM
- Tuesday and Wednesday: 10 AM to 7 PM
- Saturday: 11 AM to 5 PM
Contact Information: (+44) 161 247 6106
Price Point: £–££
Website
The Manchester Poetry Library is one of the first of its kind in the UK and is open to everyone, whether you’re simply curious or already an established writer.
Housed in the Manchester Metropolitan University, it’s home to a vast collection of poems, anthologies, and other multimedia treasures.
You can join short guided tours, which are especially enjoyable for families, and are typically free. There are occasionally event programs, like workshops, festivals, and open-mic sessions, that may have a small fee.
Pro Tip: Become a member to enjoy perks like borrowing books and special access to dedicated library spaces.
Where to Eat and Drink on Oxford Road in Manchester
Bundobust Brewery
Media Credit: bundobust
Address: 61-69 Oxford St, Manchester M1 6EQ
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 12 PM to 9:30 PM
- Friday and Saturday: 12 PM to 10 PM
- Sunday: 12 PM to 8 PM
Contact Information: +44 0161 511 8601
Price Point: £
Website
Housed within the St James Building, Bandobust Brewery is part taproom, part restaurant, and part working brewery, offering visitors a food and beer experience like no other.
It boasts a 10-hectolitre brewing kit with 16 keg lines that pump beer into the bar below, where you can also enjoy vegetarian and vegan Gujarati street food. Truly a unique drink-and-dine experience!
Pro Tip: For big groups, be sure to call in advance to secure large tables.
The Refuge
Media Credit: therefugemcr
Address: Oxford St, Manchester M60 7HA
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 10 AM to 11 PM
- Friday to Saturday: 10 AM to 12 AM
- Sunday: 10 AM to 10:30 PM
Contact Information: +44 161 233 5151
Price Point: ££
Website
The Refuge spans 10,000 sq ft of unique dining experiences, with a formal dining room with an open kitchen and private room, a public bar serving local ales and cocktails, a sunlit glass atrium, and a cosy den, perfect for intimate parties or simply playing foosball.
The menu is a blend of global flavours with a Mancunian twist on favourites like lamb shawarma and pork belly with chimichurri. Though only offered seasonally, their People’s Lunch is also a must-try; for only £7.50, it’s hearty and indulgent, without breaking the bank.
Pro Tip: Popular among locals and tourists alike, it can get busy, especially on the weekends, so ensure to book ahead to reserve a spot.
Turtle Bay
Media Credit: turtlebayuk
Address: 33-35 Oxford St, Manchester M1 4WB
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 11 AM to 11 PM
- Friday to Saturday: 11 AM to 12 AM
- Sunday: 11 AM to 10 PM
Contact Information: +44 161 236 4101
Price Point: ££
Website
The Caribbean is nothing short of colourful and lively; the same thing goes for its food. At Turtle Bay, expect dishes with soul, like their iconic jerk chicken, curry goat hash, fish tacos, and their jerk pit salmon, all complete crowd pleasers.
It’s also cocktail heaven up here! They’re iconic for their Caribbean-inspired cocktails, including Koko Kolada and Side Chick Martini.
Pro Tip: Time your visit for Happy Hour (2-for-1 cocktails before 6:30 PM and from 9 PM) or their Bottomless Brunch (2 hours of unlimited cocktails, beer, prosecco, or mocktails alongside your dish).
Navarro Lounge
Media Credit: navarrolounge
Address: 144 Oxford Rd, Manchester M13 9GP
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday: 9 AM to 10 PM
- Friday to Saturday: 9 AM to 11 PM
Contact Information: +44 161 275 9970
Price Point: ££
Website
Navarro Lounge is a homey, lounge-style cafe-bar with a menu packed with hearty brunch dishes, juicy burgers, flavorful tapas, and globally inspired mains. Trust me, these are best paired with their fun cocktails and creative long drinks.
Keep an eye out for their brilliant weekly deals, too. Cheeky Mondays lets you grab a free drink or dessert with a main, while Tapas Tuesday gets you 3 tapas + a drink from £13.50, perfect for sharing (or not!).
Pro Tip: Navarro Lounge is dog-friendly, even offering water spots for your four-legged friends.
Sandbar
Media Credit: sandbar_mcr
Address: 120 Grosvenor St, Manchester M1 7HL
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Wednesday: 12 PM to 12 AM
- Thursday: 12 PM to 1 AM
- Friday to Saturday: 12 PM to 2 AM
Contact Information: +44 7572 266261
Price Point: £–££
Website
Trust me, nothing hits the spot like a hot, stone-backed pizza and an ice-cold craft beer. Luckily, Sandbar’s been doing it right since 1996, starting as a German and Belgian beer bar.
Nowadays, this beloved independent spot serves up a pizza menu of crowd favourites, like their Sandy B and Disco Inferno, alongside tasty sandwiches and sides. Their drinks menu is equally impressive, with a selection of craft beers, cask ales, whisky, and cocktails.
Pro Tip: Sandbar is a cashless establishment, so don’t forget to bring your card.
Where to Shop on Oxford Road in Manchester
Blackwell’s Bookshop
Media Credit: blackwellbooks
Address: University Green, 146 Oxford Rd, Manchester M13 9GP
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday: 8:30 AM to 6:30 PM
- Saturday: 10 AM to 5 PM
- Sunday: 11 AM to 5 PM
Contact Information: +44 161 274 3331
Website
A haven for bookworms, Blackwell’s Bookshop stores a wide range of stationery, gifts, academic texts, page-turning novels, and children’s books, so there’s something for everyone.
You can also pop in for coffee at Cafe Nero upstairs, perfect for reading your newly acquired book, studying, or simply people-watching. There are also occasional book launches, workshops, and regular author talks, so stay tuned for their announcements.
Pro Tip: Blackwell’s also offers click and collect services where you can phone in your order at the shop for collection a few days later.
Utility Gift Store
Media Credit: utilitydesignstore
Address: 120 Grosvenor St, Manchester M1 7HL
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Saturday: 10 AM to 6 PM
- Sunday: 11 AM to 5 PM
Contact Information: +44 161 273 2209
Website
The Utility Gift Store is one of those places where you swear you’ll “just have a look” and somehow walk out with a bag (or three). It’s okay; I don’t blame you. They’ve got plenty of quirky stationery, beautifully crafted jewellery, and little trinkets that are impossible to resist.
Best of all, many pieces here come from independent creators, so there are plenty of fresh finds that you won’t see in big chains.
Pro Tip: Budget a little extra. Trust me, you’ll be spending more than you think.
Oseyo
Media Credit: oseyouk
Address: 8 Oxford Rd, Manchester M1 5QA
Operating Hours: daily: 10 AM to 9 PM
Contact Information: +44 161 237 3988
Website
Oseyo, meaning “Welcome” in Korean, is an Asian supermarket that’s got everything you need to recreate your favourite Asian dishes, decorate your room with character merchandise, and up your office game with K-pop-themed stationery.
Expect aisles to be brimming with pantry staples, fresh and frozen goods, along with lifestyle items, making it a one-stop shop for virtually all things Asian.
Pro Tip: Ask the staff for assistance if you spot something unfamiliar. They’re easy to speak with, and are always glad to help out.
Bare Necessities Thrift
Media Credit: barenecessities_thrift
Address: 4, ReMarket, 10 London Rd, Manchester M1 3AN
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Saturday: 10 AM to 7 PM
- Sunday: 11 AM to 5 PM
Tucked along 4 and 10 is Manchester’s most-loved second-hand clothing store–Bare Necessities.
Think I’m kidding? Their enormous turnover says otherwise, with about 500 fresh items arriving weekly, ready for you to unearth rare gems that’ll have people asking where you got it.
Serving everyone, from those on a budget to vintage collectors, they’ve even got items for as little as £1, making the hunt even more thrilling.
Pro Tip: Check the items carefully before buying; always check the seams, zippers, and sizing.
Fred Aldous
Media Credit: fredaldous
Address: 37 Lever St, Manchester M1 1LW
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday: 9 AM to 5:30 PM
- Saturday: 9:30 AM to 6 PM
- Sunday: 11 AM to 5 PM
Contact Information: +44 161 236 4224
Website
A legendary arts-and-crafts store, Fred Aldous has over 25,000 products spanning 3 floors. Founded in 1886, Fred is nothing short of an icon and Manchester’s go-to for anything related to painting, calligraphy, DIY projects, you name it.
Whether you’re a professional artist or hobbyist, expect to find yourself spending hours going through shelves crammed with supplies and handmade goods. Heck, if Fred doesn’t have it, good luck finding it elsewhere.
Pro Tip: Try out their vintage photo booth inside for £5 a session for a cute souvenir.
