Manchester may be best known for its football team, but the city is actually worthy of fame for many different aspects of its culture. If you’re thinking of going away for the weekend, why not book a room in one of our Manchester hotels, and explore a bit? From music, to architecture, to history, to sporting culture, there’s so much to see and do. Here are a few ideas to help you fit it all in one weekend:
Culture
You don’t have to be a big reader to appreciate the beauty of the John Rylands Library. The building is stunning, and well worth a wander, particularly as it’s free. But you can see the real history of Manchester for free at the Museum of Science & Industry, which is often praised for its innovative ways of telling the city’s industrial history. The Greater Manchester Police Museum is also worth a stop in, particularly if you’ve never been arrested and want to experience a simulation.
Sight-Seeing
The Quays is a must visit area to see all the outlandish modern architecture. The Lowry art gallery and theatre is a bizarre site, as is the award-winning Imperial War Museum. Old Trafford is just around the corner, as is the Manchester United Museum, which no football fan should leave the city without seeing. Albert Square, Manchester Cathedral and the Manchester Town Hall are all beautiful and worth a quick visit, which can be done from one of the open bus tours.
Family Fun
Stonerig Racing is every little car enthusiast’s dream. The venue is entirely dedicated to scalextric tracks, of which there are 7, and with their high-tech computer system, the staff help to organise properly officiated races. Anyone with an eye for engineering design will be impressed by the construction of the tracks, and anyone who enjoys a healthy bit of competition will get thoroughly caught up in the chance to battle it out against the rest of the family.
Nightlife
Manchester has a bustling nightlife scene, with everything on offer from ballet and opera to good old-fashioned clubbing. Canal Street is a very popular hive of activity, with lots of restaurants, bars and late-night clubs. Manchester’s Chinatown is enormous and is perfect to visit for a meal or just an evening wander. But, if you’re looking for a really different night out, why not visit the Manchester Greyhound Stadium? The thrill of the trackside excitement is a great way to get any night underway.
Food
Breakfast:
If you like your brunch greasy and your environment basic, The Alchemist is not for you. But if you’re looking to start the day in style with an exquisite meal, you’ll love this brunch spot that transforms into a cocktail bar when evening comes.
Lunch:
If you happen to be in Manchester on a Sunday, The Northern Quarter is the place to go for lunch. The set menu has plenty of choice, including all sorts of British classics.
Tea:
Richmond Tea Rooms is one of the hidden gems of Manchester. Walk through an unprepossessing entrance to find yourself in a whole Alice in Wonderland style world with an afternoon tea to match.
Dinner:
There is a lot of Asian cuisine in Manchester, the best of which is often considered to be Umezushi. Order the very popular tasting menu and you won’t be disappointed.
