An hour of painting with my friend, two very different hearts and a lovely team who helped the afternoon feel easy.

Katy and I both chose hearts, which was about as far as our artistic agreement went!

By the end of our hour at Splatter Art Studio Manchester, we’d produced two completely different paintings, using different colours and designs, and had a fabulous time making an absolute mess. There’s a lot to be said for spending an afternoon with a friend, getting stuck into something creative and laughing your way through it.

A very good use of a Sunday, I think.

Disclosure: Splatter Art Studio Manchester provided two complimentary tickets for this visit. My editorial opinions remain independent.

Before we’d picked up a paintbrush

I’d already warmed to Splatter before I contacted anyone. The Manchester FAQs explained that both the Splatter Art and Pour Art studios were wheelchair accessible, which gave me enough information to picture myself going and taking part. Finding that on the website made planning the afternoon feel much easier.

I got in touch about including the experience in Access Manchester, and Stefanie, the Manchester manager, kindly offered two tickets. Katy and I booked the one-hour Splatter Art session for Sunday 18 October, from 1 to 2 pm.

Our reminder included arrival instructions, a nudge to dress for the mess and information about temporary road closures around Temperance Street. The roadworks didn’t affect our visit, but I appreciated knowing about them before setting off.

As for dressing for the mess, they weren’t joking!

A warm welcome on Temperance Street

I managed to park directly outside on Temperance Street, using my Blue Badge on the double yellow lines. I often have a look at the Blue Badge Parking App when I’m planning where to park, so being able to pull up outside was a lovely start.

For anyone considering the same, Manchester City Council’s guidance allows Blue Badge holders up to three hours on single or double yellow lines where there are no loading restrictions, with the badge displayed and clock set. Check the signs, kerb markings and any temporary restrictions, and keep access clear. It’s public on-street parking, so a space outside won’t always be available.

A smiley member of staff welcomed us at the door and showed us around. I could get through the wide double entrance without needing both doors opened, and there was level access into the studio and throughout the areas we used.

Inside felt light, airy and spacious. It wasn’t overly busy during our session, and with such a friendly welcome, it was easy to settle in and look forward to getting started.

Two hearts, completely different ideas

Stef took everyone through a little briefing, showing us how to use the paints and tools before we got going. Then Katy and I were free to see where our ideas took us, which turned out to be in quite different directions.

We’d both gone for hearts, but the colours and designs were our own. That was part of the pleasure of it. We could enjoy doing the same activity together and still come away with two completely different paintings.

I chose to transfer out of my wheelchair because I didn’t want to hold back on the splattering, and I didn’t really fancy adding any new colours to my wheels. The team offered me a chair and adjusted my canvas to a comfortable working height. The boards already had pegs at different heights, so it was simply a matter of moving the canvas to where I wanted it.

I painted partly while sitting on the floor, partly from the chair and partly lying on my back, flicking paint upside down… naturally!

That was my choice, and the team worked with how I wanted to paint. Having that freedom to get comfortable and try things made it even more enjoyable, and Katy and I had a lovely time painting, laughing and making a thoroughly respectable mess.

Then Stef lowered the paint trolley

The canvas was in a good position, but the wheeled trolley holding the paints and equipment was initially too high for me to use comfortably while seated. Before I’d asked, Stef noticed and removed the middle section of the trolley legs, bringing everything down to a height I could reach.

Much better!

I loved how naturally she did it. She’d paid attention to what was happening, spotted something that would help and got on with it, without making a fuss or drawing unnecessary attention to me. The paints were within reach, and I could carry on enjoying myself with Katy.

Stef and Emily were brilliant with us throughout the session. They were attentive and lovely to chat to, and the adjustments felt like an easy part of looking after us. That’s what stayed with me: how comfortable they made the whole experience feel.

We also chatted about visitors who might feel nervous in an unfamiliar environment or have particular sensory needs. They discussed the possibility of allowing someone extra time to familiarise themselves with the studio. I appreciated their willingness to listen and think about what might help.

Our Sunday session felt spacious and comfortable, although Splatter is a shared, open-plan studio. If a quieter session or time to settle in would help you enjoy it, I’d have a chat with the Manchester team before booking.

A quick note on the toilet

There was a ground-floor toilet with an emergency pull cord, and I found enough room to manoeuvre my wheelchair inside. It wasn’t designated as an accessible toilet, so if you need adapted facilities, I’d check the details with the team before booking.

Emily and I also had a really helpful chat about ways the facilities could become more accessible. They were open and receptive, which I really appreciated.

A little October sunshine

With our paintings finished, Katy and I made the most of the sunshine and headed to nearby Mayfield Park. I had a good strong northern brew from Calico Coffee, Katy had what she confirmed was an epic ice cream from the N’ice Cream and we sat beside the water while families enjoyed the park around us.

The River Medlock runs through the six-and-a-half-acre park, which was Manchester’s first new park in more than 100 years. It’s a lovely bit of green space to have here, and on a sunny October Sunday, sitting by the water with a cup of tea and a friend felt like a very good place to be.

We’d come into Manchester to spend an hour painting and ended up enjoying a lovely afternoon together. I do like it when a plan leaves room for a little more of that.

Would I go back?

Very happily! Katy and I had a fabulous time, and the team helped make the session feel relaxed from the start. Their attention meant I could get comfortable, reach what I needed and enjoy painting in whichever position took my fancy.

There’s something lovely about coming away with a painting you’ve made yourself, especially when your friend has taken exactly the same theme and done something completely different with it. Add in all the laughter, the mess and a cup of tea in the sunshine afterwards, and I’d happily do it again. I’d love to try the Pour Art session too. I think this could become a bit of a habit!

I might even stay the right way up next time.

Although I wouldn’t count on it.

Planning your own visit

Splatter Art Studio Manchester is at 103 Temperance Street, Manchester. The standard Splatter Art session lasts one hour, with prices advertised from £38 per person when checked in October 2026. Check current prices and availability before booking.

Wear clothes you don’t mind getting paint on and allow five to ten minutes to arrive before your session. The studio provides protective equipment and a box to take your painting home.

You can contact the team through the Manchester studio page to discuss particular access requirements before booking.

Splatter also has studios in Glasgow, Edinburgh and Newcastle. This review covers Manchester only, based on my visit on 18 October 2026.

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Continue exploring Access Manchester

Katy and I have enjoyed a few Manchester plans together. You can read about our rooftop lunch at 20 Stories and my Kimpton Clocktower stay for another way to spend time in the city.

If you’re planning to stay over, my reviews of LEVEN Manchester and Staycity Manchester Piccadilly’s accessible family apartment explore two very different places to make yourself at home.

This visit forms part of Access Manchester by The Inclusive Edit, exploring the city through first-hand experiences, with access considered alongside atmosphere, service and enjoyment.