Manchester Piccadilly Visitor Guide 2024: Everything you need to know

Manchester Piccadilly is one of the oldest train stations in the world. That’s not surprising, given that rail travel was first pioneered in the area during the Industrial Revolution. Built in 1842, the station continues to serve this northern English city to this day. And with around 30 million passengers using this train station every year, it remains a vital part of the public transportation infrastructure not just of Manchester, but of the whole of the UK.

Manchester Piccadilly is located right in the heart of the city it serves. That makes it the perfect place to begin your exploration of this fascinating town. To make things easy on yourself, drop off your unneeded belongings at a luggage storage service near Manchester Piccadilly. The lighter you travel, the easier it will be to get around.

Manchester Piccadilly bag policy

Manchester Piccadilly serves as a vital link between northern England and Scotland and the rest of the UK. As a result, it gets plenty of travelers passing through, many of whom have heavy bags. Therefore, you won’t find strict rules concerning how many bags you can bring to the station with you.

However, it’s always a good idea to travel light. Manchester Piccadilly has a luggage storage between platforms 10 and 11 where you can drop off heavy bags. But that means returning to the station every time you need something from your bags. A better idea might be dropping off unneeded possessions at a luggage storage near Manchester Piccadilly where you can come and go as you please.

Manchester Piccadilly food policy

If you feel like having a picnic in the station or even on the train, you can. Manchester Piccadilly has no restrictions on food, so long as you can find a place to eat it. Even alcohol consumption is allowed inside the station so long as you meet the minimum age requirement of 18.

If you don’t feel like bringing your own food to the station, that’s fine too. You’ll find plenty of places to eat and drink inside Manchester Piccadilly. Fast food and grab-and-go outlets such as McDonald’s and WH Smith are ideal if you’re in a hurry to catch a train. On the other hand, if you have time to kill, sitdown restaurants like Carluccio’s and The Mill offer a more leisurely experience.

Manchester Piccadilly camera policy

Cameras are permitted inside Manchester Piccadilly, but make sure you are creating a nuisance for other passengers. Professional equipment such as tripods and lighting may cause you to be asked to stop. Also, be conscious of taking photos of any secure areas or security personnel. This can easily arouse suspicion with the transport police.

If you don’t want to bother with the hassle of carrying heavy camera equipment around with you, it’s a good idea to drop it off at a suitcase storage near Manchester Piccadilly. That way you know your expensive gear will be safe until you return to pick it up.

Manchester Piccadilly rules

• Smoking is not allowed anywhere inside the station. You’ll need to go outside if you want to smoke.
• Alcohol consumption is permitted, but public intoxication is not. The station is constantly patrolled by both security staff and police, so make sure you follow the rules.
• Baggage carts are available throughout the station. You’ll need a one pound coin to release the cart, which will be returned when you return the cart.
• Manchester Piccadilly is served by a free bus service that connects the station to the center of the city. If you’re traveling further within Manchester, bus route 147 runs from the station to Manchester’s universities and back again.

Manchester Piccadilly lockers

Once the industrial capital of the world, Manchester has reinvented itself as one of the UK’s top destinations for culture, nightlife, dining, and tourism. Far away from the capital, London, Manchester offers the chance to get acquainted with a different side of British culture. Plus, the history of the city makes it a fascinating place to visit for those with an interest in the past.

Manchester Piccadilly’s central location in the city makes it an ideal spot to start exploring Manchester. Drop off your bags at a suitcase storage near Manchester Piccadilly, and you’ll be ready to experience all the city has to offer.