A new free trail is inviting visitors to explore Manchester's darker side this Halloween, with a map covering 15 locations across the city. The Manchester Gothic Trail spans well-known landmarks and hidden gems, revealing ghostly legends, 'barbaric' architecture and spooky cultural connections.
The trail highlights the city's 'most gothic locations', with stories of haunted pubs, maritime disasters and hidden graves. Among the locations featured are the Grey Lady at Chetham's, the grotesque heads at John Rylands Library and the Manchester Mummy at St George's House.
Who created the trail and what it includes
The map is written by Manchester tour guide and writer Jonathan Schofield, in partnership with the Manchester Centre for Gothic Studies at Manchester Metropolitan University. It is produced by CityCo on behalf of Manchester Accommodation Business Improvement District (ABID).
The trail is designed to encourage people to discover more of the city and gives an insight into some of Manchester's renowned landmarks, such as Manchester Cathedral and Manchester Town Hall. Visitors can explore at their own pace and learn about the city's Gothic connections through architecture, history, art, music and alternative culture.
Gothic literature, films and extra locations
The map also includes details on Gothic literature inspired by, or written in, Manchester, alongside a look at horror films shot in the city, including Habit (2017), Marvel's Morbius (2022) and Talamasca (2025). For those wanting to explore further afield, there are four additional locations beyond the city centre: the Manchester Jewish Museum, Southern Cemetery, the Monastery in Gorton and Ordsall Hall in Salford, said to be the home of the ghostly White Lady.
Dr Emma Liggins, Co-Director of the Gothic Centre, said: "We're delighted that this new trail showcases Manchester's haunted heritage and the hidden details of its dramatic architecture. Viewing the city in this darker mysterious light will help visitors appreciate Gothic stories, films, art and music in new ways."
Where to get the map
The map is available online at visitmanchester.com/gothictrail, with printed copies available at Manchester's Tourist Information Centre in the Central Library, St Peter's Square. The Gothic Trail map is the latest addition to Manchester ABID's series of themed visitor maps, which explore the city's green spaces, LGBTQ+ heritage, music and literature. Each map aims to encourage visitors to explore different neighbourhoods and discover the stories behind the city's landmarks.
