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A fascinating city in northwestern England, Manchester is a popular place amongst football fans worldwide. Even though it is known primarily for the sport, there is a lot more this city has to offer.
Manchester boasts of good music along with some of the best museums in the world. This article presents you with some of the best places to visit in Manchester for a great English holiday experience.
As the commercial and cultural capital of Lancashire, Manchester is a celebrated center for the arts, media, and higher education.
Together with Salford and eight other municipalities, it forms the metropolitan county of Greater Manchester, in which some three million people now live.
Manchester’s history looms large in its mythology. The Stone Roses, The Smiths and the Hacienda all cemented our place in musical legend, while our rich industrial and architectural history make it a fascinating place just to take a stroll around.
But while its past is unarguably interesting, its present and future are perhaps more so. Those famous red-brick mills are now independent art hubs and the Victorian markets have a new lease of life as Instagram-friendly food halls.
The Canals of Castlefield
Designated an Urban Heritage Park, Castlefield is an excellent place to visit to begin exploring Manchester.
A walk among the lovingly restored Victorian houses along the old canals or through the reconstructed Roman Fort is time well spent.
Be sure to explore the Bridgewater Canal. It was constructed in 1761 to transport coal from the mines at Worsley to Manchester.
The many old warehouses that line the canal have been restored and turned into offices, shops, hotels, and restaurants.
A trip on one of the Bridgewater tour boats is highly recommended.
Other interesting tourist attractions include the Castlefield Art Gallery, with its exhibitions of contemporary art, and Bridgewater Hall, home to the Hallé Orchestra and first-class concerts.
The Castlefield Bowl hosts regular pop and classical concerts and is also worth a visit.
Old Trafford Museum and Football Club
Manchester is perhaps best known for Manchester United Football Club, and fans can get the full experience on a trip to the club’s training ground at Old Trafford.
Also known as the Theatre of Dreams, with the field itself dating back to 1910.
That being said, it’s not everyone’s cup of tea. You’ll probably find this to be quite drab and certainly not one of the best things to do in Manchester.
Now, footie is not your thing, take a trip to China Town for a bite to eat at lunch.
There are a good few restaurants like, Teppanyaki Chinatown, that have the best lobster tails.
John Rylands Library
John Rylands Library in Manchester is something you cannot miss. Along with a collection that comprises of some of the rarest books and manuscripts, this library also boasts of magnificent architecture.
After around 10 years of construction, the library was eventually opened to the public in 1900.
The library’s collections include the oldest known pieces of the New Testament as well as some medieval manuscripts.
Castlefield Urban Heritage Park
This urban heritage park is a first-of its kind conservation area that tops the list of famed places in Manchester.
It is a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Do visit the fascinating pub “The Wharf” to treat yourself to some scrumptious food and a variety of beers and this is one of the best places to see in Manchester.
Originally, this place was the site of Mamucium, a Roman Fort which today works as a peaceful retreat for all.
This 7 acre park is abode to the building of the Museum of Science and Industry, the Roman fort of Mamucium, outdoor terraces and many bars and restaurants where one can experience the true vibes of the city.
Science and Industry Museum
The Science and Industry Museum is situated on the site of the world’s oldest railroad station.
Its 12 galleries include the Power Hall, with water and steam-driven machines from the golden age of the textile industry, as well as vintage made in Manchester cars, including a rare 1904 Rolls Royce.
The history of the city from Roman times through the Industrial Revolution to the present day is documented in the Station Building.
The Air and Space Gallery is another must see.
Here, you’ll see numerous historic aircraft, including a replica of Triplane 1 by A. V. Roe, the first British plane to successfully fly.
Manchester Cathedral
Dating back to 1215, Manchester Cathedral offers a welcome break from the hustle and bustle of the city.
The official name is actually “The Cathedral and Collegiate Church of St Mary, St Denys and St George” and is one amazing sight that needs to be seen in the city.
It’s well worth a wander around to see the gorgeous architecture, especially as it has been so well preserved.
Manchester Art Gallery
A publicly owned art gallery on Mosley street with over 25,000 items on display, Manchester Art Gallery is one of the most beautiful art galleries in the world.
This art gallery gives a soothing and pleasing experience even to someone who has no knowledge of art.
Established way back in 1824, Manchester Art Gallery is free to visit for everyone.
Peoples History Museum
This stunning museum hall houses the story behind Britain’s struggle to democracy and showcases all the torment people went through its exhibits.
It resides in a refurbished Edwardian Pumping Station and a loved spot in the list of Manchester Tourist attractions.
A stroll through the gallery resembles a 200 year old excursion meeting the reformers, progressives, electors, laborers and residents who battled to free England.
There are various displays like the changing show exhibition, local area displays separated from the fundamental ones that catch the attention of the visitors.
Imperial War Museum North
Imperial War Museum North (IWM North) is also worth visiting, especially if you have an interest in the history of warfare.
Opened in 2002, this branch of the Imperial War Museum is a popular attraction for its collections of fighting vehicles and aircrafts.
Highlights of a visit include audiovisual presentations and exhibits dealing with the history of warfare and its role in shaping civilization.
There are also numerous static displays of large machines such as tanks, aircraft, artillery, and handheld weaponry. A shop and café are located on the premises.
The National Football Museum
The National Football Museum is the place to come if you want to learn all about Manchester’s two football clubs, Manchester City and Manchester United.
There are a range of interactive exhibits here and this is without a doubt an important pit stop for anyone even remotely interested in football (if you’re not into football, you’d be forgiven for skipping this one).
Manchester Town Hall
Built in 1877, Manchester Town Hall, is a Victorian Gothic structure that acts as the municipal building of Manchester.
The building comprises of offices and rooms that beautifully depict the history of this glorious city.
There is also a sculpture hall that showcases famous Manchester figures. And to have a break while touring this amazing structure, there is a nice café that serves various delicacies along with great beverages.
Ancoats
One of the most appealing neighbourhoods to explore and live in Manchester is Ancoats.
In the 1800s, this place was the world’s first industrial suburb.
It was once home to many mills that gave it the nickname ‘cottonopolis’. Machinery, newspapers and glassware are greatly manufactured in this area.
From popular bars and restaurants to eateries, every one of them is a great place to explore.
For the shopaholics, Ancoats general store, The Vietnamese store and others are some of the great outlets to shop from.
Manchester Museum
Manchester Museum is another of the city’s excellent university museums to include on your itinerary.
The museum is notable for its displays relating to natural history, archaeology, and anthropology, with its oldest collections dating back to 1821 (the museum itself was established in 1888).
Notable as the largest university museum in the UK, its sizable collection of over 4.5 million artifacts includes examples from all over the world.
It’s well known for its large Chinese cultural collections.
The Manchester Museum is closed for major renovations until late 2022.
The Lowry
Lowry was Manchester’s most prominent artist, and this cultural venue is dedicated to showcasing the best of his works.
You can see Lowry’s paintings in the main gallery and there are also other shows such as musical performances and theatrical pieces held here from time to time.
Greater Manchester Police Museum
A former police station that currently operates as a museum, Greater Manchester Police Museum depicts the history of the Manchester police department.
It served as the office for Manchester City Police, Manchester and Salford Police as well as Greater Manchester Police in the period between 1879 until 1979.
This museum consists of a number of items and artifacts like guns and police uniforms. It is only open on Tuesdays and is free for anyone to visit.
Etihad Stadium
Etihad Stadium or The Manchester city football club, is ideal to get acquainted with the history of the football club.
Explore the major highlights of the stadium like the press conference room, manager’s dugout, changing rooms and more.
These are tucked away from the reach of the public when a match is hosted at the stadium and are a top attraction among the many places in Manchester.
Set your eyes on the exquisite exhibits showcased here to gather more information about the northern football club.
You can also choose to explore with a passionate Manchester city FC fan as a guide to get more acquainted about behind the scenes at the etihad stadium.
St. Mary’s Catholic Church
Another religious site worth visiting and something of a hidden gem in Manchester is St. Mary’s Catholic Church.
Built in 1794 and located next to the historic Market Hall, it’s also known locally as “The Hidden Gem.” But don’t let the structure’s rather plain exterior stop you from popping in for a look inside.
Here, you’ll find numerous fine Victorian carvings. Highlights include the marble high altar, statues of saints, and a unique Expressionist-style stations of the cross.
Albert Square
