A Weekend in Manchester

North England’s city of Manchester has emerged from it’s industrial past and transformed itself into a vibrant, cutting edge city with a host of attractions to satisfy every visitor. From the city’s famous sporting roots, interesting museums and art venues to its lively nightlife, Manchester makes for a great British city break.

Sport is a large part of culture in Manchester, the proud home of two premier football clubs, Manchester United and Manchester City. Catching a game at the world famous Old Trafford Stadium is an absolute must for football fans visiting the city. If, unfortunately, you can’t get a hold of tickets, you can still go on the Museum Tour which will give you good insight into the scale and quality of the complex.

Close by Old Trafford is the Imperial War Museum North, an ultra modern waterfront building dedicated to 20th century conflicts. The museum boasts something for everyone, with memorabilia from both world wars, multimedia exhibitions, hands on displays for the kids, a viewing platform with spectacular views over Manchester and not to mention the building itself, a dramatic display of unconventional architectural skill. Best of all, access to the museum is absolutely free!

Also close by is the dynamic 21st century arts and theatre complex The Lowry. Another grand artistic display of modern architecture, the Lowry boasts two main theatres, art galleries, a restaurant, cafes and bars. The theatres here stage a variety of productions including opera, drama, musicals, music concerts and comedy shows alongside an impressive display of modern visual arts.

Art aficionados should continue on the Manchester Art Gallery, displaying works by British and European masters including Lowry, Cezanne, Constable, Gainsborough, Hogarth and Pissarro.

Other museums worthy of a visit include the Science and Industry Museum and the Air and Space Museum, both found in the picturesque Castlefield Urban Heritage Park.

For a quick bite to eat in the evening, head to Manchester’s Chinatown, one of the best in Europe. It boasts some excellent, authentic Chinese restaurants and is perfect to fuel you up before heading out to enjoy Manchester’s nightlife.

Manchester has an eclectic, buzzing nightlife, amplified by its student population. The alternative Northern Quarter is the liveliest hotspot, with an array of independent bars, traditional pubs and live music venues, a favourite for students, while the swanky bars in The Locks and Deansgate attract a more sophisticated, stylish crowd. Oxford Road and the Gay Village around Canal Street are also colourful nocturnal favourites with plenty of great bars, pubs and nightclubs to generate a great night out.

To bring the pace down a bit and enjoy the more affluent of Manchester’s nightlife consider a classical music concert at Bridgewater Hall or an acclaimed Broadway show at The Palace Theatre or the Opera House.

Manchester has an international airport in the city’s south and two major train stations connected to UK railways plus plenty of excellent city centre and Manchester airport hotels to choose from.

Manchester is one of the great British cities, with a whole host of attractions to pack out a weekend to suit either Britons after a quality, local getaway or the overseas visitor stopping off on a tour of the best of the British Isles.

About the Author

Paul Buchanan writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.

Author (pbuchanan). Submitted on Tue, 12 Jul 2011 Time: 10:29 AM

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