Manchester’s skyline is a thing of beauty, isn’t it?
It’s ever-changing, instantly recognisable, a brilliant mix of old and new, and a real sight to behold from some of the hill tops right across the region – especially for those with a camera intent on capturing all its beauty.
But for aspiring photographers, where exactly is the best place to see the skyline in all its glory?
Originally hailing from Rzeszow in Poland, but calling Manchester his home for many years now, Tomasz has had the chance to see and capture the city skyline from many different angles up above, so his list was as about as definitive as you could get.
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By creating that initial list of his seven favourite hill views in Greater Manchester, Tomasz said he was hoping to “help those who want to start in cityscape photography but don’t know where to go”, admitting that “you don’t need to be a pilot of a drone to [capture] amazing images” of the city’s skyline and “you don’t need an expensive camera or super long zoom lens” either.
Explaining why he’s chosen to put together an updated list, Tomasz said: “It felt so good when people had written or said to me that my work inspired them to get out more, or that I helped them to become better photographers.
“This is why I kept looking for new places to go and it’s what led me to find another eight Manchester skyline photo spots.”
“I spent most of last year looking for the best place to capture cityscape of Manchester,” Tomasz explained.
“I have found a few interesting locations that led me to create my top seven best hilltop spots described in my previous post [but] at that time however, I was not aware about one spot that instantly became my favourite.
“This place is not only great for capturing amazing skyline photos, but also nice for portrait shoots or even an engagement session – especially for those who enjoy playing football.”
Scout Moor is the second largest on shore green energy provider in England, it supplies electricity to 40,000 homes across Manchester – and it’s earned a well-deserved place on Tomasz’s list.
He said: “It’s a perfect place to cycle on a mountain bike, or simply to walk around to enjoy a good view of the city.”
“Most of the presented images are captured with a telephoto lens at about 200mm,” he added.
A place every Mancunian knows well – and it’s got a special place in Tomasz’s heart.
Tomasz said: “It was the first park where I was taken by my friend when I arrived in Manchester all those years ago [and] I immediately fell in love with this place – I even moved house to be closer to it.”
“You can get really good shots of the town from the Temple area located at the north side of the park,” he added.
Tandle Hill is a real gem loved by many in Greater Manchester.
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“This place is not only a perfect spot for snapping the great cityscape of Manchester, but also a great to have quality time with your family at one of nearby picnic areas or a unique playground with a sand pit and long slide for kids,” Tomasz explained.
If you head just across the border into Cheshire, you’ll find a stunning view of the city.
Explaining how he came across this spot, Tomasz said: “As I was scouting for my new assignment, I found this great place at Alderley Edge with a unique perspective on Manchester skyline.
“Unlike other locations recently visited, this one offers a very clean foreground full of greenery perfectly highlighted with setting sun and Scout Moor wind farm visible in the background.”
As Tomasz puts perfectly, this is an “underrated” pick.
“One of best walks you can find and very underrated with great views over the city,”
While Greenbooth Reservoir has made it onto the list, Tomasz has admitted there’s one caveat – “there are power lines obstructing the view of the city, but it is possible to climb a bit higher on the north side to get a clean shot.”
“If you have never walked along River Irwell from Manchester to Salford Quays, there are certainly some of the best views on the city skyline worth checking out,” Tomasz reccommends.
“Although you’re never going to get a good view of the entire city due to low altitude like you can with spots mentioned earlier, I decided to include this location nonetheless because it’s such a good walk for anyone who is visiting town or those who are not aware.”
He added: “You can get both reflections on the river, as well as for those who enjoy long exposure photography as much as I do, there are Metrolink trams constantly passing by leaving plenty of light to capture.”
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You can see more of Tomasz Kozak’s work via his photography portfolio website here, and make sure to give him a follow on Facebook and Instagram too.
A massive bowling, games and entertainment bar is coming to Manchester next year
Danny Jones
A popular bowling and table games bar that has already proved a hit in Liverpool is coming to Manchester for the very first time next year.
If you’re from the North West, PINS Social Club may not be a new name to you; nevertheless, this will be its Manc debut, with the location not only their first beyond Merseyside but just their second site to date.
As the name would suggest, PINS is primarily about bowling and socialising, but there is plenty more going on at this social club as you’ll find out soon enough.
Scheduled to open in late spring 2026, Manchester and our nearby neighbours in Liverpool are about to strike up a firm party partnership.
CGIs of PINS Social Club Manchester (Credit: Supplied)
Selecting the shifting face of Sunlight House for the space – already home to the likes of Schofield’s Bar – the 25,000 sq ft unit will span three whole floors, offering a next-generation social and entertainment experience in one of Manchester’s most stunning buildings.
A Grade II-listed, Art Deco structure, Sunlight House is undergoing a major £35 million refurbishment, with ‘grade A’ offices set to take up a significant chunk, but it’s soon set to house the latest PINS venue.
Sitting on Quay Street, just off the main Deansgate strip, the busy Peter St corner, and adjacent to Spinningfields, PINS Manchester is springing up right in the midst of arguably the city’s busiest stretches for nightlife.
Promising not only bowling, darts, and table games like pool, shuffleboard and beer pong, but karaoke, live music and all the biggest sporting events on the box, PINS Social Club really does aim to be a one-stop shop for all your needs on a night out.
For instance, their food offerings will run all the way from breakfast through to the late evening, and PINS Manchester is also set to feature a main stage on the ground floor for “electric half-time shows”, with the gaming mezzanine looming just above.
Not only is this going to be PINS’ biggest venue yet, but it’s well and truly on track to be one of the biggest hospitality openings coming in the next 12 months.
Headed up by MD Daniel Kelly, who has also been helping run the resurrected Almost Famous brand here in Manchester, the team knows all about this city. Speaking on the announcement, Kelly said: “Manchester is a city that thrives on energy, culture, and community – everything that PINS is about.
“This new venue will be our biggest yet, offering a bold and exciting social space that’s purpose-built for entertainment, competition, and ultimately, having a great time. We can’t wait to bring our concept to Manchester’s incredible social scene. Keep an eye out for more details coming soon.”
Julien Buronfosse, Managing Director at Karrev (the estate company who have leased the building to the business) added: “The PINS offering is diverse, dynamic and will provide tenants and the local community with an unparalleled leisure experience.
“We wanted to work with an operator that understood our vision of breathing new life into a historic building, contributing to the new era that Sunlight House is entering. The building has ambitions to be much more than Grade A office space, with a specific emphasis on community building. The addition of PINS to Sunlight House will contribute greatly to that.”
Consider us here at The Manc GroupVERY excited for this one.
As you can see, they’ve got plenty of room to work with. (Credit: Calmafftaylor via Wikimedia Commons)
Featured Images — CGIs (supplied)/Wikimedia Commons
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Lemn Sissay OBE pens powerful poem about Manchester City for Black History Month
Danny Jones
Lauded local poet Lemn Sissay MBE has penned a moving poem in collaboration with Manchester City, looking back on the club’s cultural past and key persons of colour for Black History Month.
Born in Orrell in the borough of Wigan, the published author, playwright, and BAFTA-nominated broadcaster has made a name as one of our region’s most notable wordsmiths, so it’s no wonder that he was selected by the Cityzens to touch on this particular topic.
Teaming up not only with Man City but the club’s first-ever Black footballer, Stan Horne, as well as other senior stars from the Maine Road days, all the way up to the modern Etihad era.
‘The Stadium Speaks’ by Lemn Sissay – a poem commissioned by Manchester City for Black History Month 2025
Entitled The Stadium Speaks, the public reading of the verses runs for just under two minutes, but even in the relatively short space of time, there is so much power in this poignant poem.
Roping in help from other past players like Nedum Onuoha, Shaun Wright-Phillips and Shaun Goater, as well as current stars like Ruben Dias, Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw and Jeremy Doku, each line leaves just as much impact as the last.
Just as importantly, they were also joined by Jahmal Williams-Thomas, City Matters’ Black and Mixed Heritage representative, Bing Findlater – the Official Supporter Club’s Equality and Inclusion Lead, as well as several other City fans and staff who work throughout the Eithad Campus.
Each individual who lends themselves to the performance delivers their part perfectly and from the heart; after all, Black culture isn’t something strictly celebrated during the month of October, but throughout communities all year round – as it should be.
Sissay, 58, clearly relished the chance to dive into how Greater Manchester‘s history intersects with not only football, but racism, equality, progress and more.
One stands and we all stand One falls and we all fall We are Manchester City And we stand tall
To celebrate Black History Month Manchester City Football Club commissioned me to write this poem to reflect on the club's journey from Maine Road to today. I have called it…
Speaking via a statement on the club website: “Manchester felt like home to me, the moment I stepped foot across the boundary. I came here very early on, when I think I was 13, I came to see Manchester City play. The first time I came to this city was to see City.
“I want the poem to be owned by the person who’s in the stand watching the game. And I wanted the poem to be owned by the person on the pitch who’s playing it. And I want them to feel proud reading it.”
The post goes on to reiterate that just like all teams throughout the football pyramid, racism and discrimination in all its forms should not and WILL not be tolerated.
Asking supporters to step up and speak as and when needed, City fans can report abuse and/or inappropriate behaviour to 07700151894, which will make security aware of what has been witnessed.
Feedback can also be shared anonymously by texting the specific block, row, seat number and a short description of the incident to the number; if in doubt, talk to a steward or police officer at the game.
Elsewhere, the official MCFC Supporter Charter sets out their zero-tolerance policy when it comes to discrimination, and fans can also report online discriminatory abuse they see targeted at Premier League players, managers, coaches, match officials and their families directly HERE.
Emily Sergeant -
29th August 2021 
