Marvellous Manchester
Sure, London gets all the international attention, but as far as innovation goes, it reached its peak a while back. Manchester on the other hand is a constantly evolving city, moving forward in leaps and bounds to become a thriving cultural and economic metropolis. The Beeb is even moving much of its operations from London to Manchester, evidence that this city is constantly coming into its own.
Manchester is the birthplace of so many world-changing innovations. The industrial revolution, the first computer, radio astronomy and Joy Division (and, yes, Oasis) are all prime examples of its importance as a global city.
The past decade, however, has seen Manchester shrug off its industrial clothing and step into something a little more flash. Even football is starting to take a backseat (although the Old Trafford and City of Manchester Stadium faithful will obviously dispute that), as visitors are now invited to take in Manchester’s thriving arts community, rich culture and burgeoning foodie scene.
TheManchester Art Gallery houses a large collection of works from the pre-Raphaelites to modern masters, but the true artistic jewels of Manchester are the less well-known galleries. The Whitworth Art Gallery, with its historic prints and quirky yet exquisite wallpaper collection, is well worth a look, as is the Gallery of English Costume, storing some of the greatest theatrical and filmic garb in England.
Standing in Albert Square in Manchester’s centre allows you to really breathe the city in and see it for what it is: an unjustly forgotten gem that shines… even through the rain.
Manchester’s Top 10
10. Town Hall The best example of High Victorian architecture in Britain, it is an icon of Manchester at its height of influence and economic prosperity.
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5. Museum of Science and Industry Celebrating the Industrial Revolution and subsequent technological advancements, this museum has a rich history and its share of hands-on exhibits.
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9. Manchester Cathedral Sporting the best medieval woodwork in the north of England, stop in for a quiet moment amid the beauty.
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4. Royal Exchange Theatre Originally the largest trading floor in the world, it is now a performing arts centre.
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8. Imperial War Museum NorthExploring the progression of war in the 20th Century, the museum examines military hardware and tactics, as well as the human cost of war.
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3. The Lowry Centre Part-titanium, part-aluminium, all space age, the Lowry Art Gallery, Theatre and Entertainment complex houses Manchester’s best and most creative.
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7. Craft and Design Centre Situated in an old Victorian building, the Centre hosts a series of craft and design workshops, as well as shops and local wares.
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2. The Manchester Museum Home to some incredible artefacts, including a full size T-Rex skeleton and an Egyptian mummy.
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6. Urban Heritage Park An original Roman fort, the oldest railway station in the world, and the first industrial canal – all in one place.
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1. John Rylands Library Not only is it one of the best examples of Late Victorian Gothic architecture in the country, but it also the most impressive collection of manuscripts on the planet, including the world’s oldest fragments of the New Testament, the Guttenberg Bible and Shakespeare’s Sonnets.
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Manchester History
- Manchester Town Hall – Built in 1877, the inside houses a mural by Ford Maddox Brown that captures the early history of the city.
- Manchester Cathedral – A medieval masterpiece with impressive stained-glass windows.
- Central Library – Neoclassical architecture inspired by the Pantheon in Rome.
- Chetham’s School of Music – the oldest still-complete building in the city.
- Heaton Hall – The historic 17th-century estate of the Earls of Wilton set in stunning parkland.
Manchester Art & Culture
- Lowry Museum – View the works of world-renowned stickman artist LS Lowry.
- Whitworth Art Gallery – Houses a collection of much-loved British watercolour paintings.
- Cornerhouse – A centre for film and visual arts. View contemporary experimental creations on the big screen and shop for books on modern art and culture.
- The Printworks – Manchester’s premier dining and entertainment complex.
- Royal Exchange – Catch the UK’s most popular mainstream touring musicals and theatre productions.
Manchester Shopping
- Trafford Centre – The famous luxury shopping centre.
- Arndale Centre – The UK’s largest inner-city shopping mall.
- Lowry Outlet Mall – A bargain hunter’s paradise with designer clothes at outlet prices in more than 80 stores.
- Manchester Vintage Fashion Market – Affordable vintage finds at this monthly market in Piccadilly Gardens.
- Selfridges – High-end department store stocking all the coveted labels.
Gay & Lesbian Manchester
- Manchester Gay Pride – The annual August festival and party celebrating all things gay with live music and events.
- The Gay Village – The queerest area in the city with gay-run bars, clubs and shops.
- Monroes – A popular gay B&B dedicated to Marilyn Monroe right next to the Gay Village.
- Queer – The most frequented gay-only club in Manchester. Excellent food and a relaxing atmosphere during the day and a party at night!
- Clone Zone – Gay-themed gifts, fetish wear, DVDs…you name it, it has it.
Manchester Outdoor
- Heaton Park – Pet the animals at Heaton Park’s animal centre, or view one of the four-square-mile park’s outdoor theatre and music productions.
- Piccadilly Gardens – Visit this peaceful green haven in the middle of the bustling city and watch the world go by.
- Fletcher Moss Botanical Gardens – Flowers and plants from around the world populate this sweet-smelling place.
- Debdale Outdoor Centre – Canoeing, windsurfing, rock climbing and everything else that outdoor thrillmseekers will enjoy.
- Screenfields – Manchester’s summer outdoor cinema.
Manchester Sport
- Take a bungee jump off Salford Quay, right at the water’s edge, with the UK Bungee Club.
- Go all USA and cheer on the city’s ice hockey team Manchester Phoenix at the Altrincham Ice Dome.
- Visit the architectural delight that is the City of Manchester Stadium, home of the 2008 UEFA Cup Final.
- Watch some races at the famous Manchester Velodrome, Britain’s premier Olympic cycling track.
- Watch the world-famous football team Manchester United in action at Old Trafford, where David Beckham’s career began.
Manchester Local
East Central
Home of Chinatown, the Gay Village and Piccadilly Gardens, East Central is easily the most diverse of Manchester’s districts. The Chinese Arts Centre is great for a peek into the world of second-generation immigrants and the art they are producing to demonstrate their unique position. A gift from China in 1987 and the only one of its kind in Europe, the Imperial Chinese Arch marks the entrance to Chinatown – its intricate and detailed craftsmanship are not to be missed. Every year, the Whitworth Gardens host a stirring memorial (called the Beacon of Hope) for those who have died from HIV/AIDS worldwide.
Northern Quarter
Once Manchester’s industrial heart, this area has since developed into a diverse and beautiful cultural. The Northern Quarter boasts the Opera House, numerous libraries and galleries, and churches such as St. Mary’s, a small 18th Century gem hidden behind the larger city-centre buildings. Dominating the district is the enormous glass Urbis Centre, which serves as a convention centre and museum.
South Manchester
One of the more diverse districts, South Manchester is home to the largest Jewish enclave in the city, the thriving local dance music scene, and of course, Manchester United. When United are playing, holds more energy than the local substation.
While here, stop in for a bite in Moss Side, home to a large African and West Indian community and a range of exciting culinary experiences. Steer clear late at night, though, as it is notoriously violent after dark. Rusholme is also great for the foodie within, boasting cuisine from all over the Middle East and Asia.
West Central
West Central is home to some of the oldest buildings in the city, including the site of the original Roman settlement. St. John’s Gardens is the most central and arguably the most beautiful park in Manchester – great for watching birds (the feathered kind) and people alike. The Roman Fort is the last remnant of the four settlements that made up ancient Manchester – although a near-ruined granary is all that now remains. If you’re in the mood for classical music, Bridgewater Hall holds an orchestra, as well as a 5500-pipe organ that dominates an entire wall.
Part of Greater Manchester, Salford includes the Salford Quays, a dock that has been converted into a shopping and art district, and the Lowry Art Gallery and Theatres. Also, just outside of Salford is the village of Walkden, which is well worth visiting for its boutiques.
Manchester Eat & Drink
Michael Caines at ABode Winner of the Best Restaurant in Manchester award for the past two years, this two Michelin-star establishment caters for all appetites, offering grazing, tasting and รก la carte menus. Just remember that you’re only supposed to blow the bloody doors off.
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The French Going strong for over 100 years, the French is more a trip back in time then a night out. Head chef Paul Beckley does his best to bridge the divide between France and the UK by providing French traditional meals with British twists.
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Moss Nook Arguably the most beautifully presented food in all of Manc-land. The British-flavoured French menu is entirely sourced from local producers.
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Room Straight out of New York and smack bang in the centre of town, this is an extremely modern restaurant and cocktail lounge. The evening atmosphere is romantic as the lights are dimmed and the candles are lit.
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Lammars In the same converted textile mill as the famous Basement Gay Sauna, this gay-friendly bar is a living tribute to Manc legend, Frank ‘Foo Foo’ Lammar. Excess is the first word that springs to mind when entering. Deep and extravagant lounges with large, over-the-top silver statues makes Lammars an experience you’ll remember (or wish you could remember…) Northern Quarter
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The Britons Protection One of Manchester’s oldest pubs, dating from 1806, the Briton’s Protection is home to one of the most extensive collections of whiskey in the country. With over 200 to choose from, there’s enough range to cater for any taste or wallet-size.
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Odd Bar A popular bohemian hangout, the Odd Bar lives up to its name. Draped in delicious purple and startling yellow, it kinda resembles a Crunchie. With an impressive selection of cocktails and great bar-food menu, the Odd Bar provides a quirky atmosphere that’s still friendly and unpretentious.
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Apotheca Comprised of old pharmacy shelves, Apotheca features a circular bar that makes it seem as though the barmen are merely levers on a greater booze machine. Apotheca provides the quirk, and you’ll provide the drunken imagination to fill in the gaps.
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Manchester Events
The Manchester Irish Festival coincides with St Patrick’s Day (so March, obviously!) and showcases culture from across the Irish Sea.
Live music, entertainment, special events and markets come to Manchester for the Europa Festival from May to June.
Pack your running shoes for May’s Great Manchester Fun Run. It’s only six miles and takes in some of the city’s major attractions. Not that you’ll be stopping to take them in, of course!
Pomp and pageantry (which we do so well in Britain) come together in July’s Lord Mayor’s Parade. This historical throwback is also an excuse to indulge in street entertainment, market stalls, fairground rides and general merriment.
Summer Musical Madness takes over Ashton-under-Lyne at the end of July. Performances, workshops and concerts abound.
Also at the end of July is the Royal Horticultural Flower Show in Tatten Park. It’s the largest flower show outside that one in Chelsea that gets all the press.
Manchester Pride takes over the city in August. Over 150,000 attendees flock to it in frocks (and leather)!
Proms in the Park in mid-September puts London’s Last Night of the Proms to shame. Features live performances from some of the world’s best classical musicians, without the crowds (or without as big crowds, anyway).
The Christmas Lights Switch-On takes place at the end of November. As with every other city in the country, a ‘celebrity’ does the honours. Can anyone beat X Factor winner Alexandra Burke from 2009?
When To Go
Everyone knows Manchester weather is up there with the most unreliable in the country, so just be prepared. Spring tends to be lovely – but no guarantees!
What To Miss
Canal Street: What was originally a beautiful canal has now been filled in, hence the name. This is a notorious tourist trap, as people believe they are going to view a beautiful waterway and end up with an uninspiring street.
The Buckland Mall: Although advertised as a trendy shopping district, the Buckland Mall is your run-of-the-mill city shopping centre stocked with international outlets.
Moss Side is notorious for gun crime, gang violence and muggings. While generally fine during the day, avoid it after dark.
Getting Around
The M62 will take you into Manchester, which is also well served by rail and air. If you decide not to drive (which is a good move giving the parking issues every major city in the country faces), trams are the best way to get around the city. Avoid in the wee small hours of the morning, though, as they aren’t the safest option (but neither is anything at that hour).
Buses are your best option if travelling longer distances and getting out and about in the city and the suburbs.
Invest in or rent a bike – the city is perfect for it. With designated paths and tracks, Manchester is ripe for exploring on two wheels and two feet.
