Famous for its miles of canals, scientific icons and progressive ideas that changed the world. Manchester kickstarted the industrial revolution. An eclectic city where ornate Victorian Gothic architecture shares the skyline with gleaming glass-steel buildings. You soon get a sense of how this dynamic, metropolitan hub is as proud of its engineering and artistic heritage as its irrepressible ‘Madchester’ music scene.
ART & CULTURE
Manchester is a dream destination for culture vultures. John Rylands Library is a high-vaulted cathedral filled with rare books. Manchester Art Gallery is a treasure trove of Pre-Raphaelite masters. While fans of Modernist artist and Salford local boy, L.S. Lowry, will love The Lowry arts centre on the Waterfront in MediaCityUK. Embark on a journey from steam engines and factory machines to a working replica of the first computer with memory at The Science and Industry museum.
SPORT
Being home to two of the largest, most worshipped football clubs on the planet – Manchester City and Manchester United – the ‘beautiful game’ makes itself felt everywhere in the city. Head down to the National Football Museum at the Old Trafford stadium to explore fascinating historical artefacts and experience state-of-the-art interactive exhibits. And don’t miss out on the daily tour that will take you through the players’ tunnel onto the pitch and into the manager’s dugout.
MUSIC
Manchester’s musical legacy is an epic one. Retrace the steps of legendary band members and see where nightclubs such as the Haçienda unleashed Manchester’s rave scene. Take a selfie on the Epping Walk footbridge, immortalised by Joy Division’s debut record cover. Strike your best ‘Morrissey’ pose outside the Victorian-built Salford Lads Club that featured on the Smiths album. And if you’re strolling along the Music Walk of Fame in Oldham Street, spot the bronze plaques among the paving stones, engraved with the names of homegrown stars.
From street art to the townhall’s coat of arms, worker bee symbols pop up everywhere as a representation of the busy Mancunian work ethic.