Billy Clements

Greater Manchester has always been a place of firsts — not because we shout about it, but because we just get on with it. While London was busy polishing its image, we were grafting, building, and quietly starting revolutions. From libraries to nightlife, co-ops to community organising, this region’s been leading the way for centuries — often without the credit. So here’s 10 times we set the pace, and the South just followed.

Explore 8 must-visit markets in Greater Manchester, from historic halls to buzzing outdoor stalls. Discover local favourites like Bury Market, Stockport Market Hall, Altrincham Market, and more — places where tradition, community, and local pride come together.

Manchester’s full of iconic landmarks, but not all of them come with a £15 entry fee or a queue of influencers waiting for the same...