Categories > Guides and Tips
Experiencing the Urban Playground in Manchester
- Time Zone
- Best Time to Go
- Things to Know
- How to Get to Urban Playground Manchester
- What to Do in Urban Playground Manchester
- Challenge yourself with the Cube Live Experience
- Swing & score at Tech-Infused Mini Golf
- Experience a burger ovation: The CODFATHER
- Opt for celebrity/VIP packages for a safe & sound adventure
- Enjoy Manchester’s nightlife with colleagues
- Try the best burger in town: The Daddy Burger
- Refresh with milkshakes
- Where to Stay in Urban Playground Manchester
- Clayton Hotel Manchester Airport
- Travelodge Manchester Central
- Stock Exchange Hotel
- YOTEL Manchester Deansgate
- Hotel Brooklyn
Ever dreamt of a space where Manchester’s vibrant spirit collides with show-stopping entertainment? Urban Playground Manchester is just that spot! Located right in Manchester Arndale, this entertainment hub is not your everyday playground.
In this article, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide to Urban Playground’s attractions and experiences, showcasing why it’s the epitome of Manchester’s contemporary entertainment scene. Read on!
Time Zone
Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+1)
Best Time to Go
While Urban Playground Manchester is always up for a good show, evenings, especially during the weekends, are when it truly comes alive. From unique performances to themed nights, there’s always a fresh buzz.
Things to Know
Location: Upper Mall, Urban Playground, Manchester Arndale, Manchester M4 3AB, United Kingdom
Operating Hours:
- Mon-Wed 12-8PM
- Thur 12-9PM
- Fri 12-10:30PM
- Sat 10AM-10PM
- Sun 11:30AM-7PM
Shows & Experiences: Typically from 10 AM to late night. But, timings might vary based on specific events and bookings.
Entrance: Tickets required for most shows and experiences. Booking ahead is recommended, especially for their renowned events.
Visit Duration: While a single show might be a few hours, with their array of experiences, you might want to plan for longer.
Accessibility: Designed for everyone. For any special accommodations or queries, it’s best to reach out beforehand.
Contact: +44 161 527 1230
How to Get to Urban Playground Manchester
If you’re up for exploring Manchester afterward, both Metroshuttle buses and Metrolink trams are ready to whisk you away.
Taxis and Ride-Sharing: From the iconic Manchester black cabs to modern ride-sharing options, getting to and from Urban Playground is a breeze.
Parking: While driving directly into Manchester Arndale is a no-go, the vicinity has ample parking spots. But with its central location, perhaps public transport is the more relaxed route!
What to Do in Urban Playground Manchester
Challenge yourself with the Cube Live Experience
Think you’ve got the skills to conquer The Cube? At Urban Playground Manchester, you can dive headfirst into an exhilarating, high-tech game that’s sure to challenge even the most confident of minds. From puzzles to physical challenges, it’s like stepping into a futuristic game show.
Ever yelled answers at the TV, sure you’d be the champ if only you had a shot? Now’s your time to shine! Whether you’re with your mates or flying solo, one thing’s for sure: the adrenaline will be pumping and the laughs non-stop. “Easy,” you say? We dare you to give it a go. Game on!
Swing & score at Tech-Infused Mini Golf
Mini golf, but make it techy. That’s the mantra at Urban Playground’s mini golf range. Think neon lights, interactive touchpoints, and scoreboards that update in real-time. Gone are the days of simple windmills and tiny ramps; this is mini golf for the 21st century.
A bit of friendly competition never hurt anyone, right? Challenge your pals or family, and see who comes out on top. And if you’re feeling a tad cocky, there’s always the leaderboards to humble you a bit. Whether you’re a golf pro or a tech geek, this course is calling.
Ready to swing into the digital age?
Experience a burger ovation: The CODFATHER
Listen, mate, we’ve all had fish and chips, right? But the CODFATHER from Urban Playground? It’s not just another plate; it’s an event. A theatre of food tasing experience. Picture this: A generously sized, fresh blue cod enveloped in a bubbly beer batter that crackles with each bite.
The sound itself is enough to kickstart a symphony in your mouth. Now, let’s not forget the supporting act — the Butcher fries. Oh, they’re not just any fries; they’re the perfect sidekick. Golden, crispy, with a whisper of seasoning that makes them not-so-humble after all.
Now, drench a piece of that radiant cod in The Butcher’s tartare sauce. Tangy, creamy, a touch audacious — this sauce knows how to complement its partner. When everything comes together in that one perfect bite, it feels like Manchester’s rainy skies part just for you.
Opt for celebrity/VIP packages for a safe & sound adventure
Seeking a Manchester hideaway that understands the value of discretion? Urban Playground is the answer to your star-studded prayers. Dive into an atmosphere of luxury while enjoying a well-curated cloak of anonymity.
The moment the wheels hit the private parking, it’s evident this isn’t just any venue. With top-notch security for vehicles and a clandestine route from the parking spot, there’s minimal exposure to the typical mall crowds.
The goal? Ensuring every guest feels like the star of their own show without the unwanted attention.
Thinking of hosting an event away from the prying eyes? Urban Playground offers exclusive venue hire to match the glitz and glamour of any occasion. Be it a quiet tête-à-tête or a lavish celebration, the setting is perfect for those seeking a private escape.
Enjoy Manchester’s nightlife with colleagues
Nothing says “Cheers to our achievements” like celebrating in the heart of this vibrant city.
Swap those office chairs for plush seating and break the ice over some of the finest cocktails Manchester has to offer. Urban Playground understands the unique dynamics of a corporate party.
There’s the blend of formal and fun, the mix of office tales and personal stories, and the delicate dance of work banter meeting weekend vibes. And the best part? The venue takes care of all these nuances, ensuring you and your colleagues have a memorable night.
Try the best burger in town: The Daddy Burger
Has your quest for the ultimate burger left you in perpetual wanderlust? Perhaps you’ve sampled countless, from corner bistros to five-star hotels, but The Daddy burger at Urban Playground Manchester is about to redefine that quest.
When you first behold it, you’ll think it’s a monument of culinary architecture. Its layers stacked with artisanal ingredients, from the lusciously moist patty to the crispy lettuce, golden cheese, and sauces that could have been handed down by the food gods themselves.
It’s almost too pretty to eat. But then you take that bite. And oh, that bite! It’s an explosion of flavors, a sensory celebration, a Manchester anthem all wrapped in a bun. And once you’ve devoured it, you’ll probably want to stand up and applaud.
Refresh with milkshakes
A milkshake is often viewed as a sweet sidekick, a dessert’s playful cousin. But the milkshakes at Urban Playground? They’re the main event. It starts with the cream, so thick and luscious that you might momentarily forget about everything else.
Add to that a blend of flavors that dance on your palate, leaving you both overwhelmed and craving for more. Whether you lean towards the decadent chocolate, the tart berries, or an adventurous concoction they’ve dreamed up that week, it’s not just a drink.
It’s a performance, an ode to sweet indulgence. And let’s be honest, in a city as vibrant as Manchester, sometimes you need that sugary hug. A pause in a glass, a moment of delight. And as you take that last sip, you’ll be left with one thought — when can I have the next one?
Where to Stay in Urban Playground Manchester
Clayton Hotel Manchester Airport
Address: Outwood Ln, Manchester M90 4HL, UK
Phone: +44 161 498 0333
Pricing: ££
Got an early flight or just landed? Say hello to the Clayton Hotel, the VIP of convenience at Manchester Airport. Now, don’t let the ‘airport’ in its title fool you. It’s not just about catch-flights-not-feelings here.
This beauty boasts modern, spacious rooms perfect for catching some Zs or prepping for an Urban Playground escapade. Forget airplane food; their restaurant has a menu that’s a world tour in its own right.
And if you’re thirsting for some Mancunian charm before hitting Urban Playground, the hotel bar’s got your back. The clincher? Their shuttle service. Zip to and from the airport or jet off to the city centre. At Clayton, they really put the ‘port’ in airport!
Travelodge Manchester Central
Address: Blackfriars St, Manchester M3 2EQ, UK
Phone: +44 871 984 6461
Pricing: £
Fancy being smack dab in the middle of Manchester’s bustling heart? Pack those bags for Travelodge Manchester Central. With Urban Playground at a stone’s throw, you’re sitting pretty at the nexus of Manchester’s fun.
Rooms? Cosy with a capital ‘C’. Plus, you’ll get to gaze out on the city’s iconic skyline. And the best part? Your wallet won’t feel like it ran a marathon. Stretch those pounds and save some for the rides and revelry at Urban Playground.
Eat, sleep, Manchester-repeat, right? And, at these rates, you might just want to extend that stay. Cheers to city-central adventures!
Stock Exchange Hotel
Address: 4 Norfolk St, Manchester M2 1DW, UK
Phone: +44 161 470 3901
Pricing: ££££
Glamour, elegance, and a pinch of Manchester’s rich history—that’s the Stock Exchange Hotel for you. Nestled in a former Edwardian building, this is where vintage charm meets modern luxury. Think suites grander than a royal entourage and a vibe that’s jazz-age meets 21st century.
Post your Urban Playground escapades, this is the plush cocoon you’d want to sink into. The hotel’s restaurant? Michelin stars in the making. Gourmet dishes, artisanal cocktails, and an ambiance that whispers, “Manchester’s crème de la crème.”
For those who want to couple their Playground thrills with opulent chills, this is the ticker tape parade of stays!
YOTEL Manchester Deansgate
Address: 55 Booth St W, Manchester M15 6PQ, UK
Phone: +44 161 660 6699
Pricing: ££
Knock, knock. Who’s there? Futuristic comforts at a throwback price! YOTEL is the edgy kid on the Manchester block. With its modern tech-infused rooms, it feels a bit like you’ve hopped a train to 2050. If you’ve had your fill of today at Urban Playground, why not sleep in the future tonight?
Don’t let its space-age aesthetics throw you off; it’s warm, inviting, and every inch the cozy nest after a day of adventuring. Whether you’re charging your gadgets or yourself, their efficient designs have got you covered.
Top it off with a rooftop bar that offers views for days, and you’ve got yourself a Manchester experience that’s, well, simply out of this world!
Hotel Brooklyn
Address: 59 Portland St, Manchester M1 3HP, UK
Phone: +44 161 359 6950
Pricing: £££
New York vibes in the heart of Manchester? Oh, you bet! Welcome to Hotel Brooklyn – where the Big Apple meets the Big Manc. Located in a prime spot, it’s just a brisk walk from Urban Playground.
So, once you’ve had your playtime, retreat to this slice of American paradise in good ol’ Manchester. The rooms? Think Manhattan lofts with Mancunian soul. Comfy beds, brick walls, and enough style to make even the most seasoned Instagrammer swoon.
Hungry after all that Playground fun? Their restaurant will take you on a culinary journey from Brooklyn’s streets to Manchester’s alleys. Ready for a nightcap? The bar channels NYC cool with a Manc twist.
