17/08/2026
FREE GUIDED TOURS: ALAN TURING'S MANCHESTER
Have you ever visited Manchester — the birthplace of modern computing — without realising it?
The post war work in Manchester helped shape the digital world.
From Alan Turing's pioneering work on computing and artificial intelligence to the development of the world's first commercially available general-purpose computer, the city is packed with stories that changed technology forever.
We have developed a series of free tours exploring Manchester's computing heritage — bringing the history out of the textbook and onto the streets where it happened.
Along the way, you'll discover surprising stories, hidden details and little-known connections that even many Mancunians have never discovered.
Who is the tour for?
You don't need to be a computing expert — just bring your curiosity!
The tour is ideal for:
• Educators and STEM/Computing teachers looking to deepen their subject knowledge or find ideas for inspiring school trips
• Computing and technology enthusiasts
• Anyone interested in Alan Turing, Manchester's history, engineering, science or the stories behind the technology we use every day
• Anyone looking for an unusual and informative way to explore Manchester
What will you discover?
• The places where world-changing computing developments happened
• The people behind Manchester's computing pioneers
• Surprising stories, hidden details and little-known connections
• A printed take-home guide with key facts, historical context and further reading, so you can explore more after the tour
• An easy meeting point at Manchester Piccadilly Station, making the tour convenient to reach by rail from across the UK
The tour is an informal, easy-paced walk with plenty of opportunities to stop, look around and discuss the stories along the way.
Want to keep the conversation going?
You're welcome to join us at a nearby café afterwards for an informal debrief, discussion and a chance to chat with fellow participants.
There's no obligation to stay — but it's a great opportunity to ask questions and continue the conversation over a drink.
Want to join a tour?
Check Eventbrite for currently scheduled dates:
👉 https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/the-exa-foundation-10842315629
Can't see a date that works for you?
Don't assume you've missed out!
Send a Facebook message or email Alan at [email protected] to let us know you're interested. If there's sufficient interest, we can look at arranging another public tour and let you know when new dates become available.
We can also arrange bespoke tours for school departments, Computing Hubs, teacher networks and other groups, subject to availability.
And we'd love your ideas...
If you were taking a tour of Manchester's computing heritage, which people, places, inventions or stories would you want to see included?
Drop your suggestions in the comments — we're always interested to hear what people would like to discover!
