The Monastery Manchester, also widely known as Gorton Monastery, is one of Manchester’s most extraordinary historic landmarks: a Grade II* listed Gothic Revival masterpiece with soaring arches, intricate stonework and stained glass windows that evoke the splendour of a medieval cathedral. Built in the late nineteenth century as a Franciscan friary church, it reflects Manchester’s industrial-era expansion and the rich spiritual and social history of the surrounding community.
By the late twentieth century, the building had fallen into severe disrepair and faced demolition. However, in 1996, a determined group of local volunteers, purchased the ruin for just £1, launching an ambitious restoration that would rescue the structure from collapse. After years of painstaking conservation and restoration work, the Monastery reopened to the public in 2007, once again becoming a place of beauty, reflection and gathering for the whole community.
Today, this charity-owned site stands not as a museum piece but as a living heritage landmark. Alongside welcoming visitors to admire its architecture and tranquil grounds, it hosts a wealth of community programmes focused on health, wellbeing and social connection, including initiatives delivered with Manchester Camerata for people living with dementia.
The Monastery is also an award-winning cultural venue, recognised as the current holder of the ‘Leading Live Event Venue’ title at the This is Manchester Awards.
Whether attending a heritage open day, concert or special event, visitors help preserve an irreplaceable piece of Manchester’s architectural and community history for future generations.
Sunday – Thursday – 10am until 4pm.
Friday & Saturday – Closed for Private Events
Free entry – donations encouraged.
To get to The Monastery using public transport, you can take a train from Manchester Piccadilly to Ashburys Station, which takes about 3 minutes. From Ashburys, it’s a 10-minute walk to the Monastery, or you can take either the 205 or 53 bus from Manchester Piccadilly – they both stop directly outside the Monastery.
| Parking | Parking On Site Free Parking Blue Badge spaces |
|---|---|
| Dogs Allowed | On lead only Water bowls provided |
| Refreshments | Cafe/Tearoom |
| Childrens Facilities | Baby Changing Room |
| General | Public Toilets Cash Accepted Groups accepted Guided tours Available for private hire Gift Shop Online ticket booking |
| Accessibility General | Wheelchairs/Trampers available Disabled toilet Seating available for visitors with limited mobility Routes/pathways suitable for wheelchair users or visitors with limited mobility Level access or access by ramp or lift to main areas Level access or access by ramp or lift to Café/Tearooms Level access or access by ramp or lift to toilets Designated parking for guests with disabilities |
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