Out and About in Manchester

Home to Britain’s largest single-site university, the Arndale Shopping Centre, Metrolink trams, superb theatres and the world’s most famous football team, Manchester is a dynamic metropolis offering plenty to see and do for people of all ages.

Parts of the city date back to the Romans, although it remained a small hamlet until medieval times when the magnificent Cathedral and the present day site of Chetham’s Music School were built. Predominantly Anglo-Saxon, it was originally known as Mameceaster up to the 17th century, since when it rapidly became the centre of a booming textile industry, serviced by efficient railways and, of course, the impressive Manchester Ship Canal. Today, many of the mills have been redeveloped as exclusive loft apartments in the city centre, and you’re more likely to see cafés and bistros than tall ships that coming along the river.

What to see

Arguably the grandest building in Manchester, the luxurious 4-star Midland Hotel has played host to many distinguished visitors over the years – including royalty (Prince Edward and Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother), politicians (Tony Blair, Gordon Brown, David Cameron), and celebrities (George Best, Tom Jones, Luciano Pavarotti and Jennifer Lopez). Its superb French Restaurant has 2 stars and once barred the Beatles for being inappropriately dressed! Only 400 yards from Manchester Central Exhibition & Conference Centre, the Palace Theatre and Bridgewater Hall, Midland Hotel is ideal for businessmen and theatre-goers alike. Other luxury hotels in Manchester City Centre include the Grade 11 listed Palace Hotel which has recently had a £7m refurbishment, and the Britannia Hotel in Piccadilly with its two popular bars ‘Wave’ and Bar Rogue.

Where to eat

Manchester boasts the top Indian restaurants in the world. If you’re into Vindaloo, head for Manchester’s famous “Curry Mile” in Rusholme which offers the best Asian cuisine this side of Delhi, along with vibrant shops and market stalls with exotic foods, gorgeous materials and jewellery. Close by the city centre, Chinatown is likewise worth a visit, not only for its restaurants, but also for its supermarkets. If you get the chance, go along on a Sunday when local Chinese traders all converge to buy the delicious specialist foods.

Places to visit

From the moment you get off the train at Piccadilly, you’re spoilt for choice. For art lovers, there’s the Manchester Gallery on Mosley Street with a wonderful mix of old masters and modern art. The Manchester Museum provides a fascinating glimpse into past generations, while the Museum of Science & Industry is sure to delight techies of all ages. Or visit the Costume Museum at Platt Hall just past the University. And if you’re seriously into books, you simply must visit the renowned John Rylands University Library on Deansgate. Considered by many to be the most beautiful library in the world, it houses some of the most significant books and manuscripts ever produced together with extensive archive collections and visual resources.

Entertainment

Manchester has two brilliant theatre companies – the Library Theatre Company produces a variety of traditional and modern drama at the Lowry, including The Wind in the Willows (2nd December – 14th January 2012), while the Royal Exchange Theatre offers audiences a thrilling experience within its unique futuristic capsule. For musicals, comedy shows and major productions, look no further than Manchester’s Palace Theatre where many West End hits have originated. Alternatively, a few minutes’ walk from the centre takes you to the Manchester Evening News (MEN) Arena where top acts and exciting live events are performed throughout the year. Just look at the lineup for one week in October – Bob Dylan, Johnny Mathis, Cliff Richards!

Shopping

With the Arndale Shopping Centre’s 240 shops and big name fashion stores, a thriving high street and designer outlets such as DKNY, Massimo, Tommy Hilfiger, Vivienne Westwood, not even the most avid shopper leaves Manchester disappointed. A stroll along the Salford Quays brings you to The Lowry with its myriad shops, theatre and restaurants. And if you really want to be ahead of the pack, take a trek around Affleck’s Palace. Strictly for the brave, there are five storeys of next-generation designs, niche trends and original, new-wave styles.

Night Life

No matter what your interests, you can always find something to enjoy in the heart of Manchester, the rock & roll capital of the world! Nightclubs in the city centre include Sankeys, Jilly’s Music Box and – for really cool cats – Matt & Phred’s Jazz Club. There again, if all you want is a traditional beer and a giant screened view of the day’s football, there are over 500 licensed premises in the city of Manchester, promising one of the best nights out you’ve ever had.

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The Royal Exchange Theatre

Entering the seven-sided steel and glass module within the Great Hall of Manchester’s former Cotton Exchange, the first thing you notice is how intimate it feels, despite having seating for 700 people over three levels. This is Britain’s largest theatrein- the-round where actors appear from any direction and anything can happen, drawing the audience right into the action.

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The Manchester Museum

This is a great place to bring the kids. Situated on Oxford Road near the University, it has mummies, dinosaurs and live animals as well as fauna and flora from all around the world. And you simply must introduce your family to Stan the Tyrannosaurus rex whose remains were found in Buffalo, South Dakota. Established in 1821 with a collection bought from the ‘cabinet’ of the late manufacturer and collector, John Leigh Philips, the Manchester Museum is also home to an impressive display of ancient Egyptian artefacts dating from prehistoric times to the Byzantine era so, if you’re interested in history or archaeology, you could be there all day! Work has now started on the new Ancient Worlds galleries which is due to replace the existing Archaeology and Ancient Egypt Galleries late next year, but these will remain open until February 2012.

Manchester Art Gallery

Hop off the tram on Mosley Street and your on the doorstep of one of the North West’s most popular destinations. Over 400,000 people visit this world-class, award-winning gallery every year, especially since its £35 million facelift. The superb architecture of the modern extension where new work is exhibited contrasts perfectly with the original building’s Victorian splendour. The collection, which comprises over 25,000 items and spans 6 centuries, is highly regarded by art lovers everywhere. It is particularly renowned for work by 19th century artists such as Pre-Raphaelite pioneer Ford Maddox Brown and Impressionist Adolphe Valette.

For more information about Manchester and
upcoming events visit www.visitmanchester.com