If your time in Manchester inspires you to take up a creative hobby, be sure to head to Fred Aldous to pick up your arts or craft supplies. This shop in the Northern Quarter is beloved of local creatives and has been open for almost 150 years. fredaldous.co.uk
The arty southern suburb of Chorlton is a great place to get creative away from the busy city centre. Give knitting a whirl at Stitched Up; try trouser-fitting or dress-making at Ministry of Craft at Home Studio; or throwing at Pottery Corner. stitchedup.coop ministryofcraft.co.ukpotterycorner.co.uk
Regular art night Overdrawn is a fun and welcoming place to try your hand at visual art. Events are sociable, laid-back affairs and take place in various venues — often Northern Quarter bars. Check online for the latest information. facebook.com/OverDrawn
Spice mix Rusholme, located just south of the city centre, is home to a strip known as the Curry Mile — thought to be the UK’s largest concentration of South Asian restaurants