Once a hotbed of Britain’s Industrial Revolution, Manchester is now a centre of trendy hedonism and culture. Tour its museums to get a sense of its past, wander the streets to feel the buzz of the present.
Roam the characterful and creative Northern Quarter, check out a theatre production at the Lowry and soak up the unique atmosphere of a game at Manchester United or their arch rivals City. It’s all yours for the taking in Manchester.
Libraries and museums
A rich sense of the city’s history and culture comes through loud and clear in Manchester’s array of museums and libraries. Bibliophiles will love the historic reading rooms and Gothic spiral staircases of John Rylands Library, while Manchester Central Library’s impressive facade is impossible to miss.
Home to dinosaur skeletons, Egyptian mummies and Mesopotamian art, the Manchester Museum has a collection that spans millennia. For a look at the industrial history of the region, visit the People’s History Museum. This former Edwardian pumping station houses displays on local working-class life.
Soak up the excitement on match day
Whether you’re on the red or blue side, or just a fan of the game, football is something close to a religion in Manchester. It’s fitting then that the world’s biggest football museum has found a home in the city.
Learn about the legends of the game and how it’s come to enjoy enduring global appeal while browsing fascinating football memorabilia. Whether a keen follower or new to the sport, it’s a great place to visit and spend a few hours.
Fans of Manchester United can take a trip to Old Trafford almost any day of the year. The stadium boasts a museum, café, store and daily tours – although you’ll need to book one of these well in advance as they’re hugely popular.
Go behind the scenes and see the stands and dressing rooms, and listen to tales of the club’s iconic players and greatest triumphs.
Manchester City play on the other side of the city and also offer a range of tours that lift the lid on life as a Premier League star. Hear all about the club’s history as you visit the manager’s dugout, press conference room, changing rooms and other spots that are usually kept off limits.
If you can manage to get tickets to a match, either one will offer an unforgettable experience as you join tens of thousands roaring their team to victory.
Dive in to live entertainment
The birthplace of iconic British bands including The Smiths, Stone Roses and Oasis, Manchester continues to be a breeding ground for up-and-coming talent. Funky jazz bars pulse with live music when the sun goes down while the huge Manchester Arena hosts the biggest names in music.
Wander into a basement comedy club for big laughs and the trademark dry Mancunian humour, or go big at the famous Comedy Store. Enjoy a variety of different acts from around the country at a ‘Best in Stand Up’ show.
A short drive away is Manchester’s rival city – Liverpool, home of The Beatles. Soak up the atmosphere of the Cavern Club where John, Paul, George and Ringo started their assault on the pop charts. You can also check out the Beatles Story museum at the Albert Dock or stroll down Penny Lane and snap a photo of the street immortalized in song.
Into the wild
Swap the hustle and bustle of Manchester for the tranquillity of a day trip to the stunning and wild Peak District. Undulating hills, historic houses and traditional villages make up this vast area that seems to boast gorgeous scenery at almost every turn.
Chatsworth House near Bakewell gives the full English stately home experience, and is a perfect spot for afternoon tea. Alternatively, escape it all by heading out into the hills where walking trails to suit every age and ability await, alongside stunning vistas.
Whether you want to explore the city, or get out into the surrounding countryside, renting a car in Manchester is a great way to make the most of your time in this part of the UK.
