Manchester is one of the largest nearby cities in the UK and home to many cultures and traditions. We opted to travel short this time due to the pandemic whilst international travel is off and Manchester did not disappoint.
Manchester has shopping centres, distilleries, world renowned industrial areas and to top it off, two of the greatest football teams in the country in the same city. Manchester has food, nightlife, architecture and sports in it’s veins, and it shows at every corner.
The weather isn’t always amazing, but then again it never is in the North, but it’s well equipped to handle the best and worst of the weather with activities for all scenarios.
I’d say the best time to visit Manchester would be May-June, there always seems to be a heatwave but it’s not one of the scorchers at the end of July, and the beer gardens are fully prepped and ready to go (roof terraces are bustling in this city too!).
Getting around – The bus or tram are the best ways around the city, if you’re coming from abroad and fly to Manchester Airport you can get shuttles to the centre of the city too, albeit it’s a little pricey (may aswell get a taxi!). The tram is regular and often but luckily so much of Manchester is within the centre that if you’re on a short trip, you won’t need to use the trams.
Here were my top 10 activities to do in Manchester
Manchester United Stadium Tour – nothing screams nostalgia like seeing the class of 92 photos and photos of Sir Alex holding a few of his trophies.
Quarry Bank – See how the industrial revolution changed the world! This comes highly recommended from me.
Three Sisters Gin Distillery – See and taste some of the up and coming best Gin’s in the market, disclaimer: you will come out a little tipsy!
Castlefield Gallery – See some of the most historic art the city has to offer, with modern art premiering often amongst the beautiful cityscape area.
Manchester Cathedral – You’ve not been to Manchester if you’ve not seen the cathedral!
Imperial War Museum at the Lowry – The lowry has lots to offer, including galleries, restaurants and a cinema but the Imperial War Museum really brings it home with what our ancestors fought with and for. The lowry is also a beautiful place to escape to for some food by the up and coming media city featuring the BBC.
Heaton Park – One of the largest parks in Manchester and one of the most beautiful – if you’re around at the weekend they also host a Parkrun! This is one of the most beautiful scenic areas I’ve seen inside a city this large, whether you go for a walk or a picnic or to feed some animals it’s a wonderful day out.
Chill Factore – Here’s one for the kids too, learn to ski and snowboard or if the kids are a little too small check out the play factore next door for a huge jungle gym!
Trafford Centre – All the shops, bars, restaurants and entertainment you need for a long day out with the family!
The science and Industry Museum – this museum is amazing, it has olden time industrial memorabilia and all sorts including mummies of Egypt & even vehicles!
Our favourite place to drink: TGI Friday’s Royal Exchange – large bar, entertainment and great array of drinks! If you’re going without kids, I would definitely recommend the Hilton at sunset though.
Our favourite place to eat: This one is a combination – Albert’s Schloss, the food is amazing, the drinks are wonderful and the atmosphere is 10/10 every time I’ve been to this city.