Things To Do In Manchester

With a reputation as the most significant city in the country after London, Manchester is a city with an atmosphere based on an eclectic mix of attractions. Visitors will find places to visit and things to do and see of architectural, historic, natural and man-made interest. The city has an increasingly European feel to it, as the skyline adjusts to accommodate both modern and classical buildings, while in its surrounding suburbs a plethora of parks and nature sites offer opportunities to escape the urban jungle.

The Lowry Centre

Located just outside the city in the prestigious Salford Quays area, the Lowry Centre is one of the city's most significant arts and entertainment venues, bringing together a wide selection of visual and performing arts under one roof. The building itself is an architectural flagship, with a unique and dynamic identity that in many ways reflects its attitude towards the arts. Inside the centre, visitors will find two theatres that offer some of the city’s finest live performances, with everything from musicals to comedy and ballet. Meanwhile, there are three gallery spaces which dedicate themselves not only to displaying the country's finest collection of works by LS Lowry, but also the works of many contemporary artists.

The Trafford Centre

The Trafford Centre is a massive undercover shopping and entertainment complex, located about a 15-minute drive from the city centre. The complex is one of Europe's largest covered shopping centres and is home to some 280 outlets, which include popular high street names such as WH Smith, Boots, Debenhams, H&M, Footlocker and Selfridges as well as some chic boutique-style retailers. The Trafford Centre also offers some great places to eat, with English, Chinese and Indian cuisine among the options available. In the evening, head upstairs for a movie at the 20-screen cinema complex or for a spot of ten pin bowling at the centre’s ultra modern bowling alley.

City Centre Cruises

The Irwell & Mersey Packetboat Company provide boat tours along the River Irwell and the Manchester Ship Canal, concluding at Salford Quays and taking in some of the best sights of this rapidly developing yet historically significant area. Commentary is provided on the tours, which last 50 minutes and are an ideal way of seeing some of the city's most popular sights and attractions.

Old Trafford Football Ground Tours

Whether you are a supporter of the 'Mighty Reds' or not, the world-famous Old Trafford Football Ground is so integral to Manchester's identity that no holiday in the city is complete without having paid it a visit. Tours take in both the Manchester United Museum and the stadium itself, the former packing in three floors of exhibits and including the Legends Hall of Fame, the Trophy Room and the Club History room. The chance to try your hand at commentating a pre-recorded game is lapped up by many before heading for the café, which is also a haven for United memorabilia.

City Parks

Manchester is literally packed with greenbelt areas where you can head for a spot of relaxation or for some outdoor activities. Close to the city centre, Platt Fields Park covers close to 100 acres and is a popular venue for festivals, concerts and various other outdoor events. Make use of the city's excellent public transport system and travel a little farther afield into the Greater Manchester and Cheshire areas and you'll find gems such as the National Trust-owned Lyme, Dunham and Tatton parks. Meanwhile, Chorlton Nature Reserve and Quarry Bank Mill in Styal offer slighty less tended nature spots and are ideal for birdwatchers and ramblers.

Chinatown

Located just off Piccadilly in the heart of the city, Manchester's Chinatown is the centre for all things Asian. Visitors will find a vast selection of Pekingese and Cantonese restaurants plus Thai, Nepalese, Malaysian and Singaporean eateries. There's a good selection of Chinese supermarkets selling oriental produce of every description as well as a Chinese arts centre displaying and selling a variety of oriental artwork.

Museums

Manchester has a plethora of museums covering a wide variety of themes. Some focus on topics specific to the city and its history, while others cover more general and wide-reaching subject matter; whatever your background, you are sure to find a museum of interest. The Natural History Museum on Oxford road is a multi-level facility offering exhibits from around the world, with an extensive collection of preserved animals as well as an aquarium section featuring a large collection of fish, snakes and other invertebrates. The Egyptian mummified bodies are especially interesting, while the giant whale skeleton is the main hall's focal point. Meanwhile, exhibits at the Museum of Science and Industry in Castlefield focus on the history, science and industry of Manchester, with attention paid to its once prestigious role as the world's first industrial city. The city has a large number of other museums with specific themes, among which are the Greater Manchester Police Museum, Manchester Museum of Transport, Manchester Jewish Museum and the National Museum of Labour History.