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Manchester Maps & Attractions Guide
Manchester maps & Attractions - Things to do
in Manchester
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Manchester
Attractions - Things to do
1. Peak District
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What is it? The Peak District was England's first
national park. This beautiful region sits in the central and
northern parts of England, largely within picturesque Derbyshire.
Diverse landscapes, abundant wildlife and a rich historic heritage
combine with busy market towns and thriving cities such as
Sheffield and Manchester. With over 22 million visitors annually,
the Peak District is a major UK tourist destination, and the Peak
District National Park is the second most visited park in the
world. The District is generally divided into three main areas,
each with its own distinctive topography. White Peak in the south
is characterised by its limestone landscapes with a blend of flat
plateaus and gentle valleys, while the South West Peak is a mix of
hay meadows and moorland. The most sparsely populated area is Dark
Peak in the north, where dramatic gritstone plateaus, craggy edges
and ridges contrast with deep valleys. The whole region is rife
with quaint towns, majestic historic homes, old mills and museums,
as well as plenty to please the outdoor enthusiast, including
top-class rock climbing, caving and fly fishing. Visitors can enjoy
an authentic Bakewell pudding in Bakewell, take a leisurely hot air
balloon ride for a bird's eye view, mountain bike in the Hope
Valley near Charleston or travel back in time in an impressive
country manor. It is not hard to see why the Peak District is so
immensely popular and it is well worth spending some time exploring
its many treasures.
Hours of Operation:
Phone: |
2. Urbis
Corporation Street, Cathedral Gardens
www.urbis.org.uk |
What is it? Nestled in the heart of Manchester, Urbis is
a unique and interesting concept - an exhibition centre of city
life across the globe, created as part of an urban regeneration
project. Featuring interactive exhibits and fascinating
exhibitions, the uber-modern glass building, sometimes described as
a 'glass ski slope,' is an immediate Manchester landmark and
visitors are drawn not only to the exhibits, but also to the
building itself. The gallery on level one hosts different
exhibitions, while levels two, three and four house permanent
exhibits and displays. Levels five and six house Le Mont
Restaurant, providing incredible views of the city, as well as fine
dining, and there is also The Social, a restaurant and late night
venue that features live bands, DJs and
more.
Hours of Operation: Sunday to Wednesday 10am to 6pm; Thursday to Saturday
10am to 8pm
Phone:(0)161 605 8200 |
3. Old Trafford
Sir Matt Busby Way, Old Trafford
www.manutd.com |
What is it? Nicknamed the Theatre of Dreams, Old Trafford
is home to one of the premier English football clubs, Manchester
United and since 1878, has been the heart and soul of the club.
More than 200,000 visitors come each year to marvel at the home of
the likes of Ryan Giggs and Cristiano Ronaldo, and share in some of
the Man U magic. Guided tours of the stadium run every 10 minutes
and the award-winning museum is chock-full of fascinating trivia,
memorabilia and interactive exhibits, guaranteed to delight fans
and perhaps even win over a few new ones. The Red Café, in the
North Stand of the stadium, is open daily and serves up delicious
food for those needing replenishment, while the Megastore in the
East Stand sells every conceivable type of Man U branded
item.
Hours of Operation: Guided stadium tours daily 9.40am to 4.30pm; Museum
daily 9.30am to 5pm
Phone:(0)870 442 1994 |
4. Museum of Science and Industry
Liverpool Road, Castlefield
www.msim.org.uk |
What is it? It may not seem like everybody's cup of tea,
but the Manchester Museum of Science and Industry is a truly
fascinating and varied collection of exhibits, displays and more,
for visitors of all ages. Fifteen different galleries crammed full
of all sorts of items are housed in the key historic site of one of
the world's oldest railway stations, Liverpool Road Station. Some
of the permanent exhibits include Underground Manchester, where
visitors can meander through a reconstructed Victorian Sewer system
complete with authentic sounds and smells, the Xperiment
interactive science gallery, the captivating Collections Centre
with anything from antique microscopes to Star
Trek memorabilia, and the Air and Space Hall. The Special
Exhibitions gallery plays host to several touring exhibitions
annually. The Museum also houses a shop, café and restaurant, as
well as several picnic areas.
Hours of Operation: Daily 10am to 5pm. Closed 24-26 December and 1
January
Phone:(0)161 832 2244 (24-hour information line) |
5. Bridgewater Hall
Lower Mosley Street
www.bridgewater-hall.co.uk |
What is it? Situated on an arm of the Bridgewater Canal,
the world-class £42-million concert venue Bridgewater Hall holds
over 250 performances a year and is home to one of Britain's
longest running orchestras, the Hallé Orchestra. This
architecturally striking building can house just under 2,500
audience members and the main auditorium is centred around a
remarkable 5,500 pipe organ. The Hall plays host not only to
classical music, but has also seen a range of artists such as the
legendary James Brown, indie artist Badly Drawn Boy and guitarist
John Williams. Bridgewater Hall is also home to the award winning
Charles Hallé restaurant, as well as the Stalls Café
Bar.
Hours of Operation: Monday to Saturday 10am to 8pm; Sunday 12pm to 6pm
(closing at 8pm on concert nights)
Phone:(0)161 950 0000 |
6. Chatsworth House
Bakewell, Derbyshire
www.chatsworth.org |
What is it? Home to the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire,
Chatsworth House is one of Europe's greatest private houses. It is
set on the River Derwent in the Peak District National Park. The
estate comprises the 16th century house, a 1,000-acre park, a
farmyard, miles of free walks and spectacular gardens. Dubbed the
'Palace of the Peak', the house contains a treasure trove of
antiques and impressive art works, some dating back 4,000 years; 30
of the magnificently preserved rooms are open to the public.
Wardens are on hand to provide information and answer questions,
while an audio guide is also available. The manicured gardens boast
a yew maze, sculptures and several impressive fountains including
the Cascade, a 24-step waterfall that drops 600ft (183m) down the
hill towards the house. There is a well-stocked farm shop selling
locally produced and home grown items, as well as the farmyard
children's shop, the Carriage House shop, Orangery shop and garden
shop. There are several restaurant options to choose from, and
picnicking in the grounds is encouraged. Chatsworth House has
appeared in the recent film adaptation of Jane Austen's
Pride and Prejudice, and the house plays host to
several exciting events throughout the year. It is well worth
allocating several hours to explore this fine historic estate and
its gardens, while those on a tighter budget can enjoy the dramatic
surrounds of the park for free.
Hours of Operation: House: daily 11am to 5.30pm, last admission 4.30pm;
Garden: daily 10.30am to 6pm, last admission 5pm. Open 15 March to
23 December
Phone:(0)1246 565 300 |
Manchester Holidays guide
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Transport -Manchester is an easy city to negotiate
and it has a substantial public transport system.
More information at the |
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