Out & About in Manchester

Manchester has gone from a slightly grubby Northern town, to the UK's 'second city' in little more than twenty years, thanks to an unrivalled period of investment and regeneration, which has made it one of the UK's most popular places to visit. The city's industrial heritage is in evidence around the city centre, with many of the fine Victorian buildings now housing bars, hotels and luxury apartments. The city still has a strong music scene, having given birth to acts such as The Smiths and Oasis, as well as dozens of 'Madchester' acts in the 1980s and 1990s. Despite the huge size of Greater Manchester in total (over 1 million people), the city centre itself is relatively compact, and is a great place to visit at any time of year.

Shopping

Manchester is often cited as one of the best examples of urban regeneration, and this is reflected in the availability of shops in the city centre. The Arndale Centre has recently been extended, with a new 'open' feel, featuring lots of pedestrian space and is full of natural light, and now contains the majority of the city centre's shops under one roof. Nearby, another part of the post-1996 bomb redevelopment is the new building hosting one of the world's largest M&S stores, as well as one of the few branches of Harvey Nichols outside of London. Both of these overlook the new public space of Exchange Square, featuring Manchester's BBC screen with plenty of seating, which is attached to the Triangle upmarket shopping centre.

Outside of the city centre, the main shopping and food location is probably the Trafford Centre, which has plenty of free parking, as well as its own bus station, offering services right across the north west. The Trafford Centre features around 200 shops on two levels, with a large food court at it's centre, offering high quality restaurants with different world food offerings, alongside the expected fast food chain outlets.

Food and Drink

Manchester is known as having one of the best nightlife scenes of any of the UK's cities. Places to go in the city are spread out over a few different sites. One of the main developments to make use of the city's industrial heritage is The Printworks, which is a converted newspaper printing press, designed in the style of a street inside, letting you walk right the way through from one side to the other - with the benefit of the the entrances to most places being undercover. Another site with a distinctly 'Manchester' feel is the Deansgate Locks area, with several bars located under some of the city's Victorian railway arches, and overlooking the Leeds to Liverpool canal. Venues include Baa Bar, Loaf Nightclub, Revolution Vodka bar, and the The Comedy Store. Also featuring the canal theme, the area around Canal Street is well known as the centre of the city's LGBT scene, with numerous bars, clubs and cafes in the vicinity.

Arts and Entertainment

The city has many museums and galleries, celebrating Manchester's industrial history, and modern rebirth. Urbis, located between The Printworks and the Triangle Shopping Centre is described as a unique 'urban museum', with frequently changing arts exhibitions. Close to the University is the Manchester Museum and Whitworth Art Gallery, both offering free admission. The city is also home to the national Science and Industry Museum, and the Imperial War Museum North, both located on the West of the city centre, close to Salford.

In addition, the area around Oxford Road train station is home to several of Manchester's theatres, including the Opera House and the Palace, which both offer regular productions of some of the best nationally-touring shows.

Hotel and Travel

Manchester is one of the easiest cities to get to in the country, despite being 'tucked away' in the North West. Manchester Airport is the country's second busiest, and is linked to the centre via its own bus and railway station. The city centre itself has two intercity railway stations, allowing direct travel to London, Birmingham, Edinburgh, and Liverpool, amongst many others.

For those coming by car, Manchester is encircled by the M60 motorway, which links to the M6. To avoid traffic, the city's light rail system, Metrolink offers free park and ride at many of its sites, making the problem of parking in town much easier. Some of the best places to stay include the Midland (the meeting place of Messrs. Rolls and Royce of the well known car company), and next door, the renovated Radisson Edwardian - whilst those wanting to really splash out should choose the Lowry, Manchester's only 5* rated hotel, located in Salford.