Around My Block: Manchester, England

Hi everyone,

Being inspired by Lily’s recent post recommending places to visit in Greenwich, I thought I’d share my recommendations of things to do in my hometown of Manchester, England. Like Lily, I’ll avoid the obvious stuff, so I won’t be mentioning The Hacienda or Old Trafford.

Manchester has a rich cultural history and created the modern world by becoming the first industrial city, it’s home to some of the biggest bands in the world and has some of the biggest football (soccer) teams in the world too.

As a local, here are some places that I recommend;

Chetham’s Library

The oldest public library in the English speaking world, Chetham’s Library has been in continuous use since the 1650’s. In the 19th century, Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels researched and studied together in the library - their desk remains there to this day. I also want to give an honorable mention to John Rylands library which is also stunning (and only a 10 min walk away).

The Science and Industry Museum

Mancunians broke the Enigma code (Alan Turing), split the atom (Enerst Rutherford) and are redefining particle physics. The Science and Industry Museum is particularly great fun for kids who can get hands on with lots of experiments and learn at the same time.

Walking Tour

Manchester city centre is a very walkable city, so I recommend joining a walking tour. These can cover a range of subjects from the birth of the Sufragette movement, to the music born from the city and so much more.

Why is the City obsessed with Bee’s?

As you walk around the city, no doubt you’ll notice that there are images of Bee’s everywhere. During the industrial revolution, (I think) Karl Marx described workers going into the factories as reminiscent of worker bees tending to a hive.

Since then, the city has adopted the bee as a symbol of unity and a nod back to its industrial roots.

Restaurants

There are too many to mention and it depends on what you’re looking for, but I’m a fan of San Carlo - great Italian food and a great atmosphere. Wing’s offers some of my favourite Chinese food and for small plates you can’t go wrong with El Gato Negro.

Bars

One of my favourite bars is Albert’s Schloss, it’s got a German Bierkeller vibe going on. Sterling offers great cocktails - if you can go when the piano player is there, it’s lots of fun. I also recommend visiting the oldest building in the city, The Old Wellington. Originally built in 1552, the pub was originally located 100m down the street, but was relocated to preserve an important part of the city’s history.

After over 25 years living in Greater Manchester, I moved to Scotland a few years ago. I try to get home as much as I can, but I may have missed a local gem or two.

Have you visited Manchester? Please keep adding your suggestions to this list. And, if you’re visiting Manchester soon, feel free to reach out and ask anything.

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I’m going to Chester (again) in October and am planning to fly in a few days early to explore Manchester. I’m adding your recommendations to my list. I particularly love libraries so I will check out both!

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We lived in Manchester for 15 years and still have an apartment in Piccadilly.

My top tip for anyone visiting is to go visit The John Ryland Library, located on Deansgate, smack bang in the city centre,

The Library opened to the public on January 1st 1900, and was founded by Enriquetta Rylands, in memory of her late husband, John.

It now belongs to the University of Manchester but is open to the public, and is free to enter!

This fantastic neo-Gothic building, with its vaulted ceilings and stained glass windows looks more like a church than a library. Stepping into John Rylands is like stepping back in time.

Many people will tell you it was used as a location for the filming of the Harry Potter films. It wasn’t, but it is easy to see why the rumour started. The library definitely has a Hogwarts look and atmosphere about it.

This is a working library so you have to be respectful of the fact that people are studying here.

..and make sure you spend a penny during your visit, the toilets in the library are unchanged since 1900 and are the oldest working Victorian toilets in Manchester!

There are some amazing things to see here including the oldest known fragment of the New Testament, which dates back to the 2nd century.

Plus ever-changing events, exhibitions, talks, workshops, and general family-friendly sessions.

Even if libraries aren’t your thing , a visit to the John Rylands Library should still be on you must do list when visiting Manchester. The sheer grandeur of the building, and it’s peaceful atmosphere gives a welcome break from the hustle and bustle of the city centre.

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Thanks for this. We are shortly cat sitting nearby so wanting to explore Manchester.
Very useful :ok_hand:

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Thank you for this. We will be doing a sit in Chorlton for a few weeks starting in early May…looking forward to exploring the area

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BlockquoteI’m going to Chester (again) in October and am planning to fly in a few days early to explore Manchester. I’m adding your recommendations to my list. I particularly love libraries so I will check out both!

Fantastic!

They say that Manchester ‘has everything… except a beach’ so I’m sure you’ll have a great time exploring. I’d love to hear what you get up to.

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@Colin, it’s a small world! It’s funny to think we could’ve bumped into each other. :slight_smile:

What are your tips that you’d recommend to visit?

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@mebarn Welcome back to the Forum and have the best time whilst in Manchester. There’s so many places other great places that you’ll find along the way. Be sure to share your visit with us, we’d love to hear all about your adventures.

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@KC1102 This was perfect timing! If you do have any questions for a (former) local I’m sure Colin or I will be able to point you in the right direction.

Have a brilliant sit!

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I’m definitely visiting Manchester this year, taking notes of your recommendations. Any nice National Trust properties nearby?

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Any nice National Trust properties nearby?

There’s one in the city centre (Castlefield Viaduct), but lots spread out across the wider region - see more info here.

The viaduct is a less impressive version of Manhattan’s High line, but still a nice walk on a sunny day.

Earlier this year, I visited Quarry Bank Mill. It’s close to Manchester airport (approx 10 miles outside of the city centre) it has beautiful gardens and is a lovely place to visit, especially if you’re curious about the industrial revolution.

@Lily_V I know you love your music, so you may want to include a pilgrimage to ‘Salford Lads Club’ (from The Smiths album cover, ‘The Queen is Dead’)

If you are a fan of Coronation Street, the studio tour in Manchester is fun. I went in 2015. It used to be central but has been relocated (I believe) to a more suburban location. The actors often come to Canada for meet and greet tours. Last weekend I was able to hang out with my pals Jenny and Daisy from the Rovers Return

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@MaggieUU That’s great!

I didn’t realise that British soaps were watched outside of the UK.

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Maybe a Commonwealth thing …

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That’d make sense.

I suspect that Fred Elliot’s accent may have been a step too far for some of our international friends.

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I say, you’ve got a point, I say

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RHS Garden Bridgewater is well worth a visit

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I still hope to get there @Itchyfeet

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