When it comes to tourism in the UK, whether you’re travelling from overseas or considering a city break staycation, London will often be at the top of the list. But, when you venture outside of the capital, you’ll find just as many amazing things to see and do.
Manchester has been rising and rising in popularity over the last decade, and it recently overtook Edinburgh as the most visited destination outside of London. Easy to reach via train and with tickets easily accessible online, arriving at Manchester Piccadilly will open you up to a whole host of fun, some of which, you will discover below.
The Northern Quarter
Arriving in Manchester, one area that everyone needs to check out is the bustling Northern Quarter. Filled with bars and unique places to eat, this is where you’ll find a hub of activity on a weekend, and, most weekdays too. Whether you’re looking for something brunchy, something inspired from oversees, a dirty pizza or something traditional, food-wise, you’ll find it all here, while the bars offer everything from special offers to wondrous cocktails. Oh, and you’ll also find plenty of places to shop in the day, ranging from charity and vintage clothing shops to vinyl record stores and places selling quaint little items for you to enjoy.
Canal Street
Famous across the world, Canal Street is at the heart of Manchester’s gay village. A street filled with LGBT venues, when the sun is shining, the street is a hive of activity, while the night-time offers plenty of places to drink, dance and catch a drag show or two. If you visit during the last weekend in August, you’ll even find yourself right at the centre of the Manchester Pride celebrations.
Tread the boards
When going away for a weekend, finding things to do can sometimes be tricky, but not in Manchester, and one thing the city has in abundance is theatres. Choose from the Palace, Royal Exchange, Hope Mill Theatre, HOME, The Opera House, The Lowry at Salford Quays and a whole host of smaller venues. So, whether you like plays, comedy, something quirky or a musical, check these venues out before visiting as there’s sure to be something on.
A little culture
This is a city that thrives on its cultural attributes, and aside from theatres, you’ll find a wealth of galleries, museums and a host of different events held throughout the year to take advantage of. From the Whitworth and Manchester Museum to the Science Museum, National Football Museum and Manchester Art Gallery there’s something to cater to everyone’s tastes. Meanwhile, the annual Manchester International Festival is an exciting arts festival bursting with original work that takes place in July – so, be sure to check something out if you’re there.
Sound good? Book those tickets and visit Manchester for a weekend of fun like never before.
