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Everything You Need to Know about Levenshulme
We don’t know about you, but sometimes we need a little change of scenery when we get into a creative mood. After all, inspiration needs to come from somewhere, and what’s a better way than by going somewhere new?
So why not head south and visit one of Manchester’s cultural hotspots, Levenshulme? You’ll find more than enough sources of inspiration to get your brain’s creativity juices flowing!
The local cultural scene makes it worth trying out, especially with its lively market and numerous antique shops. So trust us when we say that you’ll be feeling artsy at The Levy! Especially once you’ve seen what there is to see and do with our handy guide!
Where is Levenshulme?
Levenshulme is between Stockport and Manchester. It shares borders with Fallowfield, Longsight, and Heaton Chapel.
How to Get to Levenshulme
You can get to Levenshulme via the Bee Bus network at 192 from Manchester City Centre. It has six stops, each located in different areas in Levenshulme: Mayford Road, Carril Grove, Albert Road, Delamere Road, Crayfield Road, and Broom Lane.
Alternatively, you could take the train from Piccadilly station, which is a roughly 7-minute trip.
What to Do in Levenshulme
Check out the artworks at Bankley Studios and Gallery
Media from: @bankleygallery
Location: Bankley House, Bankley St
Contact: 0796 800 8840 (cel.), [email protected] (email)
Operating Hours: Irregular; check website for updates
Entrance Fee:
- Employed/Disposable Income — £10
- Student/Low Income — £5
- Unemployed/In receipt of benefits — Free
Anyone who’s got an eye for art or who wants to support smaller artists should check this one out! Bankley Studios and Gallery is an artist-led gallery and prides itself on being “community focused”; it’s the result of the efforts of Levenshulme’s local art community.
Step inside and you’ll find a wide range of artworks across different media, whether they’re paintings, photographs, sculptures, or installations.
Plus, all of the artworks were made by Levenshulme’s own artistic types, and you can even talk to them during certain events!
Go for a jog or cycle a bit at Cringle Park
Media from: @cringleparkmcrfocp
Location: Crossley Rd
Open Hours: Open 24/7
Entrance Fee: Free
Getting fresh air is always a good idea to get some inspiration or to meet some friendly folks. Cringle Park is great for doing one or both of those things since it’s a beloved part of Levenshulme!
While it doesn’t boast an expansive size, this park offers a lot of facilities and activities, such as a tennis court and a boxing club. As another bonus, it’s fully open to the public, so no worries about an entrance fee!
Plus, it’s got a scenic spot on a hill that’s perfect for rendezvousing, or if you want a picture with its famous sundial! At the very least, it makes for a great picnic spot, and you could go for a leisurely jog around here.
Do a trail around the Fallowfield Loop
Media from: @jim_outdoors
Starting Location: Former Levenshulme Railway Station
Distance Covered: 5.4 mi/8.7 km
Are you up for a bit of exercise and a bit of a challenge? Then you should try this out if you’ve got the time and don’t mind a bit of sweat and effort! Cyclists and hikers love going through this off-road path that cuts through Levenshulme.
This loop follows through the old railway line, which makes for some great natural scenery. Whether you’re cycling or on foot, you’ll enjoy taking in the greenery and the sights you’re passing through.
If you’re feeling particularly up for it, you could even go through Chorlton-cum-Hardy and back to Levenshulme! Or if you’re interested in some history, you might enjoy getting a look at the old Levenshulme Railway Station; it’s a staple part of the loop!
Go collectible hunting
Media from: @theantiquesvillage
Levenshulme’s got its fair share of interesting finds and great shops that you could spend days getting lost in. Which is why it’s one of the best places for collectors who are scouring Manchester for things to add to their collection!
After all, what’s a trip without a souvenir, or two, or three? And the best part is Levenshulme’s shops will feel like a treasure trove since you might find some rare or lesser-known items! Really, you ought to make the most out of these hidden gems.
Where to eat in Levenshulme
Isca Wines
Media from: @iscawines
Location: 1032 Stockport Rd
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday (takeaway/bottle shop only)— 10 AM-2 PM
- Wednesday-Saturday — 10 AM-10 PM
- Sunday — 12 PM-7 PM
Contact: [email protected] (email)
Pricing: ££
Isca Wines is all about intimate wine drinking and tasting. If you’re looking for a quiet dinner full of small plates, seasonal food, and good wine, then this is a great choice!
This wine bar has been one of the staple food spots in Levenshulme, and for a good reason. Not only are they well-stocked on premium wines, but they also have lots of meat-free dishes on their menu. So those on a vegan or vegetarian diet will get to have their fill right here, and all while sipping on some good wine.
Plus, the dim lighting here makes it a good spot for those who want to end their long day on a relaxing note.
Cibus
Media from: @cibuspizza
Location: 847-849 Stockport Rd
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday-Thursday — 5 PM-9 PM
- Friday-Saturday — 12 PM-10 PM
- Sunday — 1 PM-7 PM
Contact: 0161 278 6304 (cel.), [email protected] (email)
Pricing: ££
Who doesn’t love a good pizza! We definitely do (though no judgment if you don’t), and Levenshulme has one right in Cibus! But it’s not just pizza that they serve up here!
Their menu is a treat as it’s filled with both classic and lesser-known Italian dishes. They have great sides too, like the zucchini fritti and cauliflower cheese, which make for a great meal together with their signature pizzas!
Fire & Ice
Media from: @fireandicem19
Location: 2 N Western St
Operating Hours: 2 PM-12 AM
Contact: 0161 224 3584 (cel.)
Pricing: ££
Craving a taste of some American cuisine? You can get some here in Fire & Ice! Their menu is filled with lots of grilled and greasy goodness, the type of food you’d need as a pick-me-up after a hangover or when you simply need to pig out.
This diner’s worth checking out, if not for their burgers, then for their juicy Philly cheesesteaks. It’ll be a great lunch spot, especially if you’re feeling famished!
Gaijin Dumpling House
Media from: @gaijinmcr
Location: 948 Stockport Rd
Operating Hours: Monday-Saturday — 4 PM-11 PM
Contact: 0776 082 2290 (cel.)
Pricing: ££
Levenshulme’s got its share of East Asian cuisine too, and you’ll find some of the best in Gaijin Dumpling House! It’s right in the main strip of Levenshulme, making it perfect for an after-shopping dining choice or when you’ve spent a day going from place to place.
The menu here is filled with lots of noodle dishes, baos, and of course, dumplings! Each dish here is filled with all kinds of flavours, and you might enjoy tasting the Chinese spices they use. Overall, it’s a must-visit for those going on a cultural food crawl!
Station South
Media from: @stationsouth
Location: 975-977 Stockport Rd
Operating Hours:
- Wednesday-Thursday — 9 AM-10 PM
- Friday-Saturday — 9 AM-12 AM
- Sunday — 9 AM-8 PM
Contact: [email protected] (email)
Pricing: ££
Planning on going cycling or getting onto that trail loop we suggested earlier? Then you need to fuel up first at Station South! You’ll find this quirky little café inside a refurbished train station near the beginning of the Fallowfield Loop.
If there’s one thing we can say about this café and bar, it’s that it serves up a lot of sweet delights!
Their menus are seasonal, too, so you can get a lot of fresh bites while resting up here. And of course, we can’t forget their wide variety of cocktails and beverages!
Even if you don’t plan on making the Fallowfield Loop trail, it’s still a pretty good place to chill, especially since they occasionally host live music and dance events!
Where to shop in Levenshulme
Levenshulme Antiques Village
Media from: @theantiquesvillage
Location: The Old Town Hall, 965 Stockport Rd
Operating Hours:
- Monday-Saturday — 10 AM-5 PM
- Sunday — 11 AM-4 PM
Contact: 0161 256 4644 (cel.)
Collectors and history nuts will be thrilled to know that The Levys has its own iconic antiques store! The Levenshulme Antiques Village has been around for 30 years, and you can get lots of great finds from here.
This hypermarket sells a lot of vintage furniture and collectables; in fact, you’ll find a lot of pre-war items here. Plus, if you explore a bit more around here, you’ll find a cobbled courtyard around the back area that’s filled with workshops. You’ll get to chat with and buy antiques from Levenshulme locals who’ve set up shop there.
Plus, if you’re interested, you can even purchase a workshop unit to sell your antiques!
Levy Artisan Market
Media from: @independent_street_
Location: Levenshulme Train Station Car Park
Operating Hours: 11 AM onwards
Contact: 0787 217 9233 (cel.), [email protected] (email)
While the original Levy Market was permanently closed, to the sorrow of many Levy locals, it’s recently gone under a rebranding.
Now, it’s known as the “Levy Artisan Market,” and visitors and locals alike can come down for this monthly event of buying, live entertainment, and cultural events.
Every second Sunday and last Friday, you can check out what the local businesses and entrepreneurs are making and selling. That means indie stalls, freshly baked goods, and handmade artisanal products. You might even be able to snag a rare or unique find!
It’s worth checking out if you want to support Levenshulme’s local or smaller businesses. And as a bonus, there’ll be workshops and live music in the market too!
Bopcap Books
Media from: @bopcapbooks
Location: The Old Police Station, 963 Stockport Road
Operating Hours:
- Thursday-Friday — 11 AM-5 PM
- Saturday — 10 AM-5 PM
- Sunday — 11 AM-4 PM
Contact:
If you’re a bookworm who doesn’t mind reading a well-loved book, then this store is worth checking out.
Run by a husband-and-wife team, Bopcap Books sells carefully and specially curated secondhand books. A good chunk of their books are from lesser-known authors, and you might even find the occasional piece of underground literature!
But aside from secondhand books, they sell a lot of ephemera like posters and magazines, and on a whole host of interesting topics too! You could get ephemera or paraphernalia about art, photography, design, pop culture, or even cults.
They also sell some vinyls, if you’re looking to get into some vintage music.
