Manchester

Manchester is a large city situated in the North West of England,  and is considered by many as the ‘capital’ of the North of England. Home to the UK’s largest airport outside of London,  this is a busy cosmopolitan hub. Manchester is diverse commercial city which offers similar attractions to London but at a much more affordable price. The city is a rich with history; once a small medieval town, it ballooned in the 18  and 19^th centuries when the industrial revolution which reigned supreme in this city. It is a particularly friendly city and welcomes vistors from far and wide. 

Visitor Attractions

The Imperial War Museum-North

Located at The Quays. This is a great daytrip for both adults and children. The stunning building is worth the visit alone. The museum focusses on the people who were involved in the second World War, documenting the lives of both civilians and combatants .

Manchester United Football Club

The grounds of this world-famous football club are located in Old Trafford. Visitors can set their sights on this famous stadium which has been the place of much sporting history. Tours of the grounds are run on a daily basis, and there is also an on-site museum which tells the clubs colourful story. Those members of the family who may be less interested, can sit back and relax in the Manchester United Red Café.

John Rylands Library

This stunning library is rich with history. The beautiful building contains the famous ‘Manchester Fragment’, the earliest known fragment of the New Testament. Tours run on a daily basis at around lunchtime. 

Shopping

The city offers a diverse amount of shopping opportunities.  There are several shopping districts which could take you days to explore. The Arndale Shopping centre has become particularly popular in recent years due to its huge redevelopment . Major upmarket department stores, including Selfridges and Harvey Nichols, as well as designer shops such as Vivienne Westwood, Joseph, DKNY, and Armani, are all contained in the Millennium District. The Trafford Centre still remains very popular with locals and visitors alike. This is an out-of-town shopping centre accessible by either car, bus or tram. The centre is host to hundreds of shops and is itself a spectacular building. 

Eating out

Manchester offers all cusines at all budgets. All of the UK’s chain restaurants are available in Manchester, as well as a variety of independent restaurants. Cuisines on offer range from  from Spanish to Armenian,  El Ricon de Rafa is a particular Spanish favourite, and a unique Armenian restaurant can be found in a small basement on Albert Square. Manchester is famed for its ‘Curry Mile’ which  is one mile strip in Rusholme,  offering every type of Indian dish imaginable. 

Nightlife

Manchester is famously known for its nightlife. As home to thousands of students and young professionals, this city is awash with bars and nightclubs. Cloud 23 is certainly worth a visit, situated on the 23^rd floor of The Hilton, Deansgate,  one can enjoy a drink, whilst admiring the stunning panoramic view of the city. Other favourites include Fifth Avenue, and The Warehouse Project, both of which play host to some of the country’s best DJs.