Making the Most of Manchester
Manchester is now a major hub city, and it can be a great place to begin your journey through England (or indeed the entire UK).
When travelling in a group of more than three people, it’s a good idea to pre-arrange minibus hire for efficient and safe travel. Larger groups would benefit even more from coach hire in Manchester.
With your transport sorted, your next task is figuring out where you want to go. If you haven’t made up your mind yet, the following suggestions may help.
- Explore the labyrinth
Below the streets of Manchester lurks a network of tunnels and underground canals that is literally mind-boggling to behold. Used as bomb shelters during the Blitz (this was a major attack against England by the Germans during World War Two), and nobody knows exactly what else, it’s an exotic exploratory experience. Of course if you want to make sure you can find your way out again, you’ll need an experienced guide to take you through.
- National Football Museum
Manchester is home to two of England’s biggest Premier League Clubs, Manchester United and Manchester City, and the sport holds a special place in local hearts. No surprise, then, at all that the the National Football Museum should be located in Manchester.
You’ll find a full four floors of footy memorabilia here, and there’s even a few interactive exhibits, sure to be a hit with kids and true sports fans.
- Castlefield
An outdoor urban heritage park, Castlefield is a picturesque space containing many interesting sights. There is a reconstructed Roman Fort, many examples of Victorian architecture, an art gallery, and the opportunity to cruise the canal, which was once used for hauling coal from the mines.
- Museum of Science and Industry
Visit the world’s oldest railway station and learn the history of Manchester, transport, science and industry. There are many really fascinating exhibits, and the real treat is the Air and Space Gallery, where you will see life sized exhibits of famous aircraft.
- The Imperial War Museum
Manchester was deeply affected by the war, and suffered massively. The Imperial War Museum may seem at odds with that heritage, but it is an immersive educational centre with many exhibits and audiovisual displays explaining the history of war and the impact war has had on the rest of history.
- Chinatown
There seems to be a Chinatown in every major city, but the one in Manchester is especially beautiful. The bright colours and oriental style prominently on display will draw you in, and the incredible food will keep you there far longer than you expect. Really, Manchester’s Chinatown is an experience not to be missed.
- Chetham’s Library
Why in the world would a library be a tourist attraction? It is definitely going to be the quietest tourist attraction you’ll ever visit, but if you appreciate fine literature, this is the oldest surviving public library, not only in England, but throughout the English-speaking world. It’s actually a rather incredible place, and the lovingly preserved volumes of hard cover books that fill the shelves are a sight to behold.
Besides that, however, it was where Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels met, and from there communism was born. No single event could be more significant in shaping 20th century history.
- The University of Manchester
This is one of the youngest of the “great universities” of England, and was the Alma Mater for no less than three distinguished Nobel Prize winners, all of whom are associated with the science of physics: Ernest Rutherford, James Chadwick, and John Cockcroft.
The building and grounds are very picturesque, with great scenery and architecture, while the Whitworth Art Gallery has some truly excellent works on display.
9. Manchester Art Gallery
This generous space houses epic works of art from many famous artists, as well as quite a few not so famous ones. The benches thoughtfully placed around the interior allow you to sit and admire you favourite works for as long as you’d like.
10. Football
Really the true highlight of any visit to Manchester is a football match, and most especially when United is playing City. It makes for a top day out, and even if you aren’t especially a football fan, it’s almost impossible not to get caught up in the atmosphere of a local Premier League game.
Manchester has many other great attractions to explore. Choose carefully and you’ll be sure to have a great time. Don’t forget to organise your transport before you arrive, so you can squeeze out every last drop of your time in Manchester.
