The city of Manchester is located in the North West of England. The iconic city was part of the extraordinary industrial revolution, mixed with the low rise factories and storehouses that now represent the metropolitan landscape, converted into irresistible art spaces.
Manchester’s city centre has gained from a recent investment which has helped regenerate the city. Once known as a ghost town, it now has plenty to offer from cultural bars, modern shops and ground breaking developments including Salford Quays dockyards, Imperial War Museum and the Lowry cultural centre.
One of the captivating things about the city is its array of one off boutiques for shoppers and high street stores. There is always something to discover – from the bustling new music venue in the city centre and beautiful green spaces. Exchange Square is a great visit with close proximity to the eye catching Cathedral, and for football fanatics the National Football Museum. Here you can hit the off – the – wall Northern Quarter to grab a bite to eat and take advantage of some of the City’s quirky shops such as Manchester’s Craft and Design Centre. Enjoy the City by night with pre-dinner drinks with amazing views in Cloud 23 and be drawn in to the amazing views of the city.
Where to Stay
Manchester’s hotels cater primarily for business travellers and sports fans. The city keeps up with its capital-chic reputation with designer boutiques and upmarket hotels.
Hidden away in the city’s quiet Booth Street the King Street Town House is set in an Italian Renaissance-style building dating back to 1872. The upscale hotel overlooks Manchester’s Town Hall with the city’s first infinity spa pool on the sixth floor is a glass fronted balcony with unspoilt views across the city’s architecture. Feel instantly relaxed in the King Street Town House and just a short walk from Manchester’s Art Gallery, main shopping areas and the bars and restaurants of Spinningfields.
Victorian townhouses on the edge of town and favorable chains finding accommodation on a budget is something that’s highly achievable in Manchester. Stay at the The Abel Heywood in the fashionable Northern Quarter. Abel’s bedrooms are swish and well equipped with a corporate feel. Key features include a giant digital wall print of Manchester’s at night scene and colourful Iberian décor style bathroom tiles. This relaxed boutique hotel and pub offers gourmet food including full English breakfast located close to The Lowry, Quayside arts centre.
If you’re looking for the ultimate in hotel luxury, then stay at The Lowry Hotel. The hotel has undergone a recent refurbishment including six riverside suites inspired by artworks of the internationally acclaimed, Oldham-born artist Alan Rankle.
Alan Rankle, has enjoyed recent high profile solo exhibitions in Copenhagen, Berlin, Milan and London which have confirmed his status as one of the most innovative painters working today. The project has been delivered by boutique global architecture and interior design practice Arney Fender Katsalidis (AFK), in collaboration with the renowned artist. In addition, Manchester’s five-star Lowry Hotel is the first UK home to globally renowned spa brand, QMS Medicosmetics.
The new 6,000 sq.ft QMS Skin Spa which recently underwent a six-figure makeover, is located on the first floor of the hotel, situated on the River Irwell between Manchester and Salford.
Crowned The World’s Best Spa Brand at the World Spa Awards 2015, QMS Medicosmetics’ stocks a collection of high performance skincare and treatments which are at the forefront of the trend for results-driven spa experiences.
The Lowry Hotel is the only provider of the world-renowned treatments in the UK’s hotel sector, showcasing the entire brand’s collection of comprehensive face and body treatments, which are available for men and women of every age. In addition, an extensive selection of massage treatments and beauty services complete the spa’s menu.
Eat and Drink
There’s never been a better time to eat out in Manchester. From established local favourites to the coolest bars, finest pubs and the quirkiest coffee bars.
The French brings star quality to life. Experience the award winning chef Simon Rogan at the forefront of British cuisine with ingredients from the restaurants own farms. Indulge in luxury dinning in grand surroundings. Recently revamped of the Midlands Hotel (where Rolls Royce met to make motoring history). The Michelin Star restaurant boasts with décor and no fussy fixtures. Find out more the-french.co.uk
Imagine being in Tim Burton’s Alice in wonderland, bold clashing colours a potpourri of period furniture and a counter decorated to represent icing on a cake are just some features that make the Richmond Tea Rooms one of Manchester’s best additions to the city. A real treat to try a selection of afternoon teas, complete with four finger sandwiches, scones and cakes.
Best Things to See and Do in Manchester
Recent investment has help Manchester’s city centre come to life. Once a ghost town, now with cosmopolitan bars and scruffy record shops and designer shops.
Exchange Square one of the most appealing shopping areas in the city. With a good mixture of high-street shops, independent stores, as well designer boutiques and bargain basement outlets. Compact enough to walk everywhere and if that’s enough on the outskirts of the city there’s always the enormous Trafford centre just a few miles away.
Manchester’s cultural must-sees include major sites of the changing city. The city is full of history and contemporary energy combine its galleries and museums.
The Lowry named after the early 20th Century L.S Lowry, a theatre and gallery complex situated in Salford Quays. Appearing like a shinny steel ship the arts centre includes multiple performance spaces, bars, restaurants and shops. It attracts more than a million visitors a year
Join the Manchester’s achievements at the Museum of Science and Industry a large museum devoted to the development of science, technology and industry. Engage in the Industrial Revolution among the collection of steam engines, locomotives, factory machinery from the mills, and the fascinating exhibition telling the story of Manchester. Aimed at all ages on an emphasis on making sure the young don’t get bored.
Getting To And From Manchester
Public Transport
Travel by car, taxi, train, motorbike or bus, Manchester Airport offers all transport links to get to your desired destination.
Taxis
Find pick-up points right outside all three terminals at the airport. Arrow Cars are the official private taxi company for Manchester Airport. Visit their booking desks inside the arrivals terminals at the airport. Black Cabs are available 24 hours a day.
Train
Train services are frequent and run to and from the airport, around the clock seven days a week.Providers include First TrainsPennine Express and Northern RailTrains from the airport run the city, Manchester Piccadilly with an average journey time of twenty minutes as well as other dedicated services running to other major cities in the UK
Bus
Manchester airport operates a network of local and regional bus services. They run daily from early morning to late at night including weekends and back holidays. There is a 24 hour bus service that operates to and from Manchester airport.
The following bus services:
200 Wilmslow – Manchester Airport18 The Trafford Centre – Altrincham19 Manchester Airport – Altrincham43 – To Manchester via Wythenshawe, Fallowfield and Rusholme (24 hours a day)105 – To Manchester city centre via Wythenshawe, Benchill, Sharston, Northenden and Moss Side369 Manchester Airport – Stockport199 – To Stockport Express via M56 & M60 Then Hazel Grove, New Mills, Whaley Bridge, Chapel en-le-Frith and Buxton200 Wilmslow – Manchester Airport – via Styal and Quarry Bank Mill.44 Manchester Airport – Manchester
Car
Manchester Airport is located via the M56 at Junction 5. The M56 provides direct links to the M6 and the M60, ensuring accessibility whether travelling from the North or South of the UK.Travelling to the airport from local areas or Manchester city center just follow signs for the A34 or A5103.Terminals are clearly signposted on approach to the airport, the postcode for the airport is M90 1QX.
View more recommendations on my England travel guide, you might also like to view my London travel advice.