Whether you’re a Mancunian born and bred or someone who’s visiting for the very first time, Manchester is a great place to spend a day. There are thousands of different things to see and do, from tourist attractions like the Museum of Science and Industry to cultural icons such as Manchester Cathedral, along with an array of amazing eateries and some gorgeous outdoor spaces too.
So let’s imagine for a moment that you have a whole day to fill and want some action-packed activities to flesh out your itinerary. Here’s how we suggest you spend your time.
A morning walking around Castlefield
A brisk walk is a great way to begin your day, and if you fancy uncovering some of Manchester’s hidden treasures, Castlefield is the place to start. A designated ‘Urban Heritage Park’, it acts as an inner-city conservation area and has plenty to keep you occupied. Filled with beautifully restored Victorian properties, Castlefield offers picturesque views for those who take a trip along its old canals. A voyage on one of the tour boats that travel through Bridgewater is especially recommended, as will give you a chance to fully appreciate the many archaic buildings that line the waterways. Don’t forget to visit the old Roman fort of Mamucium too, which gave the city its name. Founded around AD79, a section of the fort’s walls remain – along with gatehouses, granaries, and other ancillary buildings – ready and waiting for visitors to explore. You can find out a little more about the site’s history here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2008/04/10/100408_roman_manchester_feature.shtml.
Pay a visit to Platt Hall in the afternoon
Once you’re feeling suitably invigorated from being outdoors, why not use your afternoon to uncover a different sort of history? Platt Hall, an impressive Georgian mansion, was built in 1764 and now belongs to the Manchester Art Gallery. Specially designated to celebrate English fashion throughout the ages, it takes visitors on a tour through time, showcasing costumes that span from the 1600s all the way through to the present day. With a collection that’s said to equal that on show at the Victoria and Albert Museum, it hosts the finest inventory of costumes and accessories in the north, providing an unrivalled opportunity to enjoy its marvellous contents. A great place for adults and children alike, it’s well worth a visit. The gallery’s website – http://manchesterartgallery.org/collections/our-collections/costume – provides even further details on what there is to see and do there.
Spend your night dicing and dining at Manchester235
If your daytime activities have left you feeling sufficiently cultured, perhaps a sophisticated evening pursuit is also in order? If so, Manchester235 is the place to go. Home to a top-notch restaurant, chic late-night bars, exciting live events, and more, it offers the opportunity to chance your luck at the tables, with a host of thrilling games for you to pick from. For those who’ve spent some time honing their skills by playing online, many of these will be familiar, and there’s always time to practice beforehand if you haven’t. Whether you want to try your hand at online slots to win the jackpot – à la https://games.paddypower.com/c/jackpot-king – or have a go at roulette, blackjack, or baccarat, there will surely be something to prepare you for your visit and familiarise you with the games. Don’t forgot to don your dancing shoes, so you can celebrate in style should fortune choose to favour you.
Why not try our action-packed itinerary the next time you have a day spare to appreciate Manchester in all of its northern glory?
