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Travel to Manchester
Discover Manchester
Located around 160 miles northwest of London, Manchester is a vibrant city of almost 3million people. A cultural hotspot, it's a beautiful blend of cultures, cuisines, and quarters. However, the word 'quarters' doesn't mean this spectacular city is divided into four. Rather, this designates specific areas of Manchester such as the trendy and colourful Northern Quarter, the retail-centric Millennium Quarter and the outstanding architecture of the Civic Quarter. You'll find top-quality restaurants and designer shops found in Spinningfields, and the commercial district is in the Piccadilly area. For an evening's entertainment, head to the Bridgewater Area for theatres and comedy clubs.
However, if city life becomes a bit too busy for you, Manchester is also surrounded by hundreds of miles of stunning scenery, with plenty of greenery just a stone's throw away. Check out the Peak District National Park, Haigh Hall and Country Park, and The Rochdale Canal, or head a little further north to the stunning scenery of the Lake District.
While Manchester is the fifth largest city in England, it's easy to find your way around. Most of the major attractions, shopping centres, restaurants, and theatres are all located within walking distance of one another. If you happen to lose your way, Mancunians are famously friendly and will point you in the right direction.
Essential Facts
Things To Do
Castlefield
One of Manchester's quieter areas, Castlefield is lined with Victorian architecture and is home to the tranquil waters of the Bridgewater Canal. Hop on a tour boat to see the city from a unique and serene perspective. The Castlefield Art Gallery is a popular pit-stop for those who want to immerse themselves in Manchester's artistic aspect.
Chinatown
Manchester has a vibrant Chinese community, and this is where you'll find some of the best shopping and restaurants in the city. From one-off and handmade goods to high-end designer gear, this is the place to find the unique and the unusual.
National Football Museum
A must for any fans of the beautiful game, The National Football Museum hosts interactive exhibits for football enthusiasts of all ages. You'll also find some fascinating artefacts, such as historic kits and trophies, and the first rulebook ever created.
Shopping
Shopping in Manchester can be as high-end, boutique, or as eclectic as you want it to be. To experience the full high street experience, head for the Arndale Centre. Situated in the heart of the city, it's a state-of-the-art shopping mall, which houses more than 200 shops set in over 120,000 sq. metres of air-conditioned retail heaven. This is the place to go for big-name brands and is accessible by tram, train, and bus networks.
However, if you want a more exclusive shopping experience, head to the Royal Exchange Manchester. Just a short walk from the Arndale Centre, the Royal Exchange offers everything from boutique shops and luxury stores to bespoke jewellery. A must for the more discerning shopper.
For something with a handmade touch, make your way to the Northern Quarter and hunt out the Manchester Craft and Design Centre. Set in what was once a Victorian fish market, the architecture alone is worth the visit.
Food And Drink
If there's one thing Manchester has plenty of, it's reputable restaurants, sizzling street food, and places to grab a quick bite. The city serves food from every corner of the globe, so there's something for even the pickiest of palates. You'll find the well-known restaurants in the city centre, close to the Arndale and the Royal Exchange.
Head to Chinatown and you'll immediately smell the heady perfume of spices and sauces wafting through the streets. However, this part of the city is also where you'll find the best Japanese restaurants, serving everything from first-class sushi and outstanding Japanese curries to bao buns and even Korean barbeque dishes.
If you want to eat like a local, look out for cafés and restaurants serving the likes of Rag Pudding, Parched Peas, and Eccles Cakes.
Things To Know
Visa Requirements
- Your visa must be valid for three more months beyond the date you plan to leave the UK after your trip. It must also have at least one blank page for the visa.
- Tourist visas are issued when you arrive and last for six months. A fee is charged for all visitors who have the correct documentation.
- You will need a pre-paid hotel booking or accommodation
- You must also have sufficient funds to cover the length of your stay in the UK.
- You will need a confirmed return or onward ticket.
Getting Around
- The centre of Manchester is easy to get around on foot. Many of the main shopping and dining areas are pedestrianised and within walking distance of one another. You'll also find most of the main attractions located in the city centre.
- While taxis are plentiful in Manchester, the city's Metrolink tram service will take you in and out of the centre. You can buy tickets using contactless payment options.
- Metroshuttle and Free Bus operate free bus services in and around the city centre. Beyond that, there are commercial services that will take you to the outskirts. You can buy tickets on the bus with cash or contactless payment options.
- Manchester has an extensive rail network, allowing you to travel to major cities across the country, including London. Services to local towns also run regularly, including destinations such as Ashton-under-Lyne, Bolton, Oldham, Rochdale, Stockport, and Wigan.
- If you'd rather see the city from the comfort of a saddle, there are plenty of dedicated cycle routes throughout the city. Cycles can be rented from bike hire shops in all quarters.
- For those who prefer to walk, Manchester is very foot-friendly. Once you're in the centre, most of the attractions, shops, restaurants, and theatres are all within a 20-minute stroll of each other.