Manchester, England's second city, is situated 300 kilometers north west of London, 30 meters above sea level. Manchester is in an ideal situation, being in close proximity to many other interesting areas of England. The Peak District, Lake District, Lancashire Coast and Yorkshire Pennines are all within a 60 minutes drive.
Manchester's has developed from a thriving commercial town 17th century, when the manufacture of cotton textiles and wool trade became major boost to the local economy. With the introduction of steam power in cotton milling in 1783, Manchester began its dramatic period of growth.
5 Best Things To Do In Manchester (England)
Today, Manchester is a major industrial, cultural, and educational centre. The rapid regeneration of areas such as Salford and Trafford Wharf have has created a city with universal appeal. This is reaffirmed by the numerous and widespread bars and restaurants, and the world famous China Town and "Rusholme - Curry Mile".
1. The Quays area
The Quays area boasts a Watersports centre, karting and the Manchester United Museum and Tour. Sporty types can also advantage of the many leisure centres across the city. The city can also be considered to be a haven for shopaholics, who are spoilt for choice with the likes of 'The Trafford Centre' housing Selfridges', the first ex-London Store, and designer labels are found in the areas of King Street, St Ann's Square and Bridge Street.
2. Library and St Peter's Square
Getting around in Manchester is easy as most of Manchester's attractions are conveniently within walking distance of each other. For travel within Greater Manchester, there is an efficient tram network which is a superb alternative to London's underground. Metrolink, the most advanced and up-to-date tram system in the country, also runs frequent services to Bury in the north, Altrincham in the south, and Eccles in the West.
Manchester has two mainline train stations that service the region and nationwide. Piccadilly Railway Station is near Piccadilly Bus Station and Victoria Railway Station is situated next to the Manchester Evening New Arena. In addition, Manchester is served by an excellent motorway network.
3. The Lowry
The Lowry is an amazing building which is unlike anything you will have seen before. It is the building which has transformed the Salford Quay area. The uniqueness of The Lowry Centre lies in the diversity contained within it. There are of course art galleries, but what is so surprising is the array of other facilities and entertainment available, as there is also theatre, opera, ballet, comedy, jazz and a cabaret. Not to mention 'Artworks', where you can interact with the exhibits on a journey of creativity. In addition, there are shops and restaurants and you can also stroll around the Promenade. It's easy to access and much of it is free. Certainly well worth a visit!
4. Urbis museum
Urbis is a new kind of museum exploring life in a variety of different cities across the world. A visit to Urbis begins with a one-minute sky glide in The Glass Elevator. The exhibits inside the spectacular galss building lead you through inspirational journey exploring life in different cities of the world in the form of state-of-the-art interactive displays. The exhibition focuses especially on Manchester, Los Angeles, Sao Paolo, Singapore, Paris and Tokyo. The entertaining exhibits fall under the following themes: Arrive, Change, Order and Explore.
5. Manchester Art Gallery
Manchester Art Gallery is unlike the other major visitor attractions recently opened as it is two-thirds refurbishment rather than a new build. There is a sense of understated style and sophistication and the mood manages to avoid being ostentatious. The gallery is split into three sites. The main building on Mosley Street is designed by the architect Charles Barry - of the Houses of Parliament. Barry's motto for the building was 'Nihil Pulchrum Nisi Utile' which means 'nothing beautiful unless useful': which is a very Mancurian sentiment.
Round the corner on Princess Street is what used to be 'Athenaeum' and is the second part of the gallery. This part of the gallery is an important building for Manchester. It was also built by Charles Barry, and it was with this building that he introduced the Italian Renaissance style to the city.
The Bridgewater Hall is Manchester's purpose built concert hall opened in 1998 as home to Manchester's famous Halle Orchestra and now houses both classical and modern concerts and brings world ranking artists to the City.