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Manchester
Overview
With an unrivalled energy and a serious love of all things music and the arts, Manchester, in the North West of England, is today considered by many, other than anyone from Birmingham, as the country’s second city, behind London. Bordered by the Cheshire Plain and the Pennines mountain range, the city, which has provided the world with the Industrial Revolution, Manchester United and Oasis, is today a top tourist destination and often billed the capital of the north.
The catalyst to the Industrial Revolution, the city has a fascinating ability to casually blend history and culture alongside the recent surge in modern urbanisation. Manchester is made up of numerous districts, all of which appear to possess their own unique individuality. With so much of interest, planning a day may not be the easiest, so be sure to spend more than a day in order to get the most out of a visit. From the bohemian Northern Quarter to the lively Gay Village to the innovative docklands renovation of Salford Quays, life at street level is a joy to witness. In addition, Chinatown, the country’s second largest, and Curry Mile, are a credit to the city’s harmonious multi cultural society. For the quieter side of the city and a place to find tranquillity, head for Piccadilly Gardens, in the heart of the city, or Heaton Park and Tatton Park, both a short journey away.
Being located halfway between Liverpool and Leeds, Manchester is accessible to all and within easy reach of the major routes further north and south to Birmingham, Bristol and London. Moreover, with a wealth of museums (most free of charge), theatres, nightlife and music venues that gave us pioneering bands like the Stone Roses and The Smiths, the city is well worth exploring and, more often than not, leaves visitors wanting another taste of its enticing charm.
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Manchester
Destination Reviews
Things to do in
Manchester
Albert Square - The centrepiece of Manchester, in the heart of the city, is a public square, lined with a number of fascinating feats of architecture, monuments and statues. Dominating the square is the neo-Gothic style Manchester Town Hall, complete with colossal clock tower. Other notable buildings include the Venetian style Albert Chambers, St. Andrews Chamber and the Abbey National Building.
Manchester Museums & Galleries - Manchester has a great collection of cultural and historical venues, the vast majority of which are FREE of charge.
Manchester Museum - Fascinating blend of everything to do with natural history and social sciences.
Urbis - Great museum focusing on modern city life.
Manchester Art Gallery - Great collection of British and European art, including a large Turner and pre-Raphaelite collection.
The Lowry - Home to fine art displays and 16 exhibitions per year, mostly made up of the works of LS Lowry.
Heaton Park - Spreading across 600 acres of pristine grounds, the park, 4 miles north of the city centre, is a favoured recreational spot. Counting a golf course, boating lake, animal farm, woodlands, observatory, a temple and a number of listed buildings, it is a place of grandeur amongst tranquillity. Regular concerts are held during the summer months (check listings).
Manchester Cricket - Manchester is also home to the Lancashire Cricket Club, who also play there home games in the Old Trafford district, which, in addition, hosts England international cricket fixtures. Should you have a full day to spare during the summer, then buy a ticket and see what it is all about.
Shopping in Manchester - The city is a must for fashion gurus, with independent designers rubbing shoulders with well-known brands and chains. King Street, Market Street, the Trafford Centre and Arndale are the hotspots.
Manchester Festivals - Being a music and arts dominated city, there are a number of excellent festivals throughout the year.
Manchester Nightlife - Manchester night scene is never ending, packed with pubs, bars, clubs and superb music venues. Popular areas of the city include the Northern Quarter, Oxford Street and Canal Street. Current favourites in the Northern Quarter are Bar Centro, Roadhouse and Night and Day. Head to Oxford Street for student filled venues such as Jabez Clegg and The Salisbury. Canal Street is the gay area, with a number of vibrant bars like Cruz 101 and Poptastic.
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Manchester
Activity Reviews
Hotels in
Manchester
Budget Hotels Manchester
Hatters Hostel - One of the best budget options in the Northern Quarter. Tel (44) (161) 2369500.
Hilton Chambers - Good value hostel, a short walk from Arndale and Piccadilly Gardens. Tel (44) (161) 2364414.
YHA Manchester - Laidback hostel on the canal and close to major attractions. Tel (44) 845 3719647.
Midrange Hotels Manchester
Britannia Hotel - City centre hotel with two popular bars. Tel (44) 871 2220017.
Holiday Inn Express - Big rooms in Salford Quays and close to Old Trafford. Tel (44) (161) 8681000.
Luxury Hotels Manchester
Didsbury House - Elegant hotel in a converted Victorian house in South Manchester. Tel (44) (161) 4482200.
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Manchester
Hotel Reviews
Manchester
Weather
Manchester
Travel Resources
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