Chetham's Library

The oldest public library in the English-speaking world, where Marx and Engels worked.

Founded in 1653 in a medieval college building, the library still has its chained books and the alcove where Marx and Engels sat in 1845. Visits are by guided tour on set days and must be booked; check the website for times. It is small, atmospheric and completely indoors.

When it works

Indoors, so the weather does not matter. Best morning, afternoon. Guided tours; book ahead.

Good for going solo and a date.

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Opening hours and prices change; the official site has the current ones. See everything in Manchester ranked for right now.