Top Ten Best Things to do in Manchester, England

For an English City Break or Vacation it has no Rival outside London

May 11, 2009

Manchester is England's second city with the best football, music, museums, restaurants, bars, galleries and other visitor attractions for a city break beyond London.

According to the Rough Guide to England, the northern English city of Manchester 'has no realistic English rival outside of London'. Those who live in Manchester would say that it outshines London in many respects, and not only on the football field. The only problem in trying to compile a list of the top ten best things to do in Manchester is choosing what to leave out.

Manchester spars with Birmingham to claim the title of England's second city, depending on what measurement is used, but what is not in dispute is that the city has lots to offer for anyone wanting a city break or a longer vacation. Some of the city's undoubted highlights include:

Imperial War Museum North

The northern branch of the Imperial War Museum is right across the Manchester Ship Canal from the Lowry, and visiting the two together will keep anyone occupied for a few hours at least. The IWM North is one of the best museums in the north of England, a startlingly modern setting for the age-old subject of warfare. There are changing exhibitions as well as a permanent collection, and the museum deals unflinchingly with the story of war right through to recent conflicts.

John Rylands Library

This fascinating building and collection is a little gem in the centre of Manchester. Founded in 1890 by the widow of the industrialist and philanthropist John Rylands, from nearby St Helens, the Library contains Rylands' collection of rare books, with the building itself also well worth seeing for its beautiful stained glass amongst other features.

The Lowry Centre

An essential part of any visit to Manchester... or strictly speaking to Salford, as it is on the Salford Quays where the Lowry is located. It naturally has a fine collection of work by Salford's most famous artist, LS Lowry, but the centre itself couldn't be more in contrast to Lowry's gloomy image. In addition to the art galleries there are also two theatres and a studio space, providing a home for all kinds of music, dance, drama, comedy, and other performances.

Manchester Town Hall

One of the grandest examples of a Victorian Town Hall in the country, this building often astonishes visitors with its breathtaking grandeur. It is one of the best free attractions in Manchester and is open on weekdays for visits.

Manchester Museum

This huge collection covers everything from ancient history to the modern day, and is especially well-known for its collection of Ancient Egypt artefacts.

Manchester's Music Scene

From Oasis and Joy Division to Morrisey and the Smiths, not to mention Happy Mondays, the Hacienda Club and sixties bands like the Hollies with Graham Nash, Manchester's music scene has always been lively, to say the least. Read elsewhere on Suite101 about how Manchester Music Makes the Scene.

Mancheser United

Even if you can't get a ticket for a home game, you can still visit Old Trafford, the home of Manchester United. There are tours of the stadium and the museum every day. Telephone 0870-442-1994 for times and prices. You can also book online or do a virtual stadium tour at the Manchester United website.

Museum of Science and Industry

Manchester was at the heart of the Industrial Revolution, and that is just one of the stories told here. The collection spreads over several adjoining buildings and is every bit as impressive as London's Science Museum.

Urbis

This modern mix of museum and gallery has a permanent collection which tells the story of what it is like to live in Manchester, as well as changing exhibitions that are often quite provocative. A visit to Urbis is usually both fun and educational.

Whitworth Art Gallery

One of the city's prime art collections, the Whitworth includes a fine display of works by British artists such as Turner, Constable, William Blake, Henry Moore, Babara Hepworth, and William Hogarth.

Further Information on Manchester

For further information on what to do in Manchester, and to make online hotel bookings, visit the website of Visit Manchester.

Where to Stay in Manchester

The copyright of the article Top Ten Best Things to do in Manchester, England in England Travel is owned by Mike Gerrard. Permission to republish Top Ten Best Things to do in Manchester, England in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.