A Guide To The Main Things To Do In Manchester
Article by Isla
Renowned as the ‘Capital of the North’, the ever-expanding urban area of Manchester certainly holds its own, with attractions and experiences to rival the other major cities of the UK. Whether you’re visiting on a day trip or looking to be entertained during a longer stay in the Lancashire city, you can find much to entertain in Manchester – from uncovering the city’s history to embracing its musical and sporting heritage.
Manchester is home to many famous landmarks, beyond tourist fare like the Manchester Wheel. Visit the UMIST campus to see striking examples of modernist design, including Holloway Wall and white concrete buildings designed by architect W.A. Gibbon, for a unique experience of the past meeting the present. Elsewhere, older buildings such as the Royal Exchange are as impressive for their creative use of space as they are for surviving direct hits during the Blitz.
The city’s museums and galleries are also second to none, with destinations such as the Stockport air raid shelter out of town encouraging visitors to get even more out of their stay with car hire in Manchester. Enduringly popular destinations such as Old Trafford and the Sportcity stadium, key items on the itinerary for sport lovers heading to the city, can also be easily reached on Manchester’s excellent public transport and metro networks.
Not that you have to travel outside of the city centre to see some of its leading attractions, however, with the Manchester Art Gallery recently being voted the city’s number one large visitor attraction by Marketing Manchester. The gallery’s signature exhibition Angels of Anarchy, highlighting artworks created by the often-overlooked women involved in the surrealist movement, was similarly voted the best tourism experience by Manchester visitors in 2010.
Taking trains to Manchester at various times of the year can open up a whole range of experiences, from the city’s colourful Pride celebrations in the summer to its Christmas markets in the winter. The biennial Manchester International Festival also offers tough competition to the likes of Edinburgh and Brighton with its diverse schedule of events covering the breadth of the arts in venues across the city.
Whether you’re heading to Manchester to discover the stomping grounds of Manchester United, Oasis and the Smiths, or you’re looking to indulge in some retail therapy at the Arndale shopping centre, you’ll find it’s easy to get around after stepping off your trains at Manchester Piccadilly or the other stations conveniently located across the city.
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Whether you’re eager to visit the home ground of Manchester United or to immerse yourself in the city’s artistic heritage, you’ll find much to do on a trip to the Lancashire city.
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