From elite women’s football and velodrome sessions to city-wide padel, ice skating and modern golf memberships, Manchester is packed with experiences that make memorable last-minute Christmas presents for your favourite sports-lover.
For an exhilarating taste of the sport that captures the nation’s hearts during every Olympics, you can book Intro 2 Sessions at the National Cycling Centre’s world-class indoor velodrome.
Designed for beginners and occasional riders, sessions come with expert coaching, bike and helmet hire in a challenging yet immensely rewarding experience that caters to adults, families and women-only groups alike.
Find out more below.
One of the UK’s fastest-growing sports, padel has firmly taken hold in Manchester thanks to its social, accessible mix of tennis and squash and its emphasis on doubles play.
From city-centre spots like Club de Padel, Pollen Club and Pure Padel Cheetham Hill to larger venues in TraffordCity, Stockport and South Manchester, there are courts and coaching packages to suit all levels. Many venues offer beginner sessions, racket hire and flexible pay-to-play options.
Check out our full guide to Manchester’s best padel venues below.
Pitch Golf brings a modern, high-tech twist to conventional golf memberships, swapping windswept links for big-screen challenges while blending cutting-edge Trackman systems with PGA professional coaching in a welcoming, laid-back environment.
Members get access to leagues, lessons using the latest Cobra clubs and the freedom to invite friends without guest fees, all just minutes from the office. Memberships start from £129 per month, with flexible monthly and annual payment options.
Located a short walk from Victoria Station, Rock Over Climbing Manchester Central is one of the city’s most established bouldering centres, with over 300 problems and sessions for all abilities.
Perfect for anyone in search of a new, wildly addicting hobby for 2026, Rock Over’s gift options range from day passes and rolling monthly memberships to family passes and prepaid bundles, all of which can be used across their Manchester venues.
Down in Altrincham, Planet Ice’s Learn to Skate courses offer the ideal introduction to a seasonal pastime for beginners of all ages, with structured weekly lessons, skate hire and gloves included as standard.
During school holidays, three or five-day skating and hockey camps offer a more intensive option, combining daily coaching with public skate sessions to build confidence quickly, while adults can get involved with dedicated senior packages.
If you’re after a new favourite sporting spectacle, the Manchester Storm regularly play their home games at the rink during weekends from September to April, as they battle against rivals in the Elite Ice Hockey League, backed by 2,000-strong crowds in a boisterous, family-friendly experience. Find out more HERE, and check out Planet Ice’s lesson times below.
- Words:
- Wolf McFarlane
- Published on:
- Fri 19 Dec 2025
For your favourite footie-mad friends and family, the brand-new Manchester City Women 5-Game Pack gives access to the second half of the thrilling 2025/26 season, with prices starting from just £20.
The pack guarantees seats for four WSL fixtures at the Joie Stadium against Everton, Leicester, Tottenham and Liverpool, plus the blockbuster Chelsea clash at the Etihad Stadium, while also unlocking priority access for cup and away tickets.
For a unique matchday experience, the 5-Game Hospitality Pack includes access to the 2014 Club Suite and Citizens Suite across the same fixtures, promising an unforgettable visit while keeping you hosted in the same suite for each Joie Stadium game.
Both packs are available until 5 January 2026, subject to availability, while City’s Christmas merchandise sale is in full swing with up to 60% off shirts, festive jumpers, nightwear, toys and gifts for every Cityzen.