Manchester Things to Do Tips by hayward68

Imperial War Museum Salford Quays Lowry Review

Similar to the Imperial War Museum in London, this museum displays artifacts and exhibits from the various wars that Britain has been involved in, the Boer War, both World Wars right up to the Persian Gulf War, and unfortunately, it looks like more wars will be added.
The exhibits are in one huge room that is separated by "silos" throughout which hold other exhibits. There are military vehicles scattered throughout starting with a plane hanging near the entrance to this room.
My big complain about this museum is that when the "Big Picture" starts, which are various films that are projected onto the gallery walls. They last about 15 minutes and run every hour. However, all the lights go off during them, so they can project on the walls, and you can't view the displays anymore except for the ones in the silos. So if you don't want to watch the Big Picture, you're out of luck. It was rather annoying as it takes quite a while to wander around the exhibits and I was frustrated that I had to keep stopping for the film to fun. We actually left during one to go get lunch, figuring it was a good time for that.
There is another room showcasing special exhibits, but the only exhibit in there when we went was photos of the building of the museum, not that interesting, but I'm sure they'll get better.
In the entranceway to the musuem there is a lift which takes you up inside the highest part of the museum. It's open to the outside, you'll see what I mean, and it offers a great view over the surrounding landscape. What is scary is that the floor lets you see all the way straight down, not good for someone afraid of heights.
Admission is free to the musuem.

Address: Trafford Wharf Road, Trafford Park, Manchester

Directions: Across the bridge from the Lowry Centre, about a 5 minute walk from Harbour City Metrolink stop.

Phone: 0161 836 4000

Central Library Central Library Review

Built in 1934, the architect was Vincent Harris, and opened by King George V in July, 1934 this beautiful building is a joy to visit. It's one of Manchester's most famous landmarks and it's easy to see why. The library is open to everyone and is visited by people from all over the world.

Address: St. Peter's Square

Directions: Across from the metro stop

Phone: 0161 234 1900

Urbis Urbis Review

This museum opened in 2002 and is quite interesting architecturally. And frankly, on cold days, the sun bouncing off the glass building helps warm you up if you stand near it ;-)
The Urbis holds 4 floors of interactive displays of different cities around the world, Manchester, Los Angeles, Sao Paolo, Singapore, Paris and Tokyo.
There's also a restaurant on the top floor.
Admission is £5

Address: Cathedral Gardens, Manchester

Directions: Near the cathedral and Printworks in the Millenium Quarter, a quick walk from Victoria Station

Phone: (0161) 907 9099

Website: http://www.urbis.org.uk

Chinatown Chinatown Review

There is a Chinatown in Manchester which you can visit if you're in the mood for some great Chinese food. Check out the archway which is pretty interesting. However, I've been to better Chinatown's so if you miss it I wouldn't be too worried. It's in the same neighbourhood as the Ibis Hotel.

Directions: Near Portland and Princess St.

Guided Pub Walk City Centre Review

I can't recommend this enough, it was a fascinating walk with a very entertaining guide. The guide was full of interesting information about each pub and the history of the area and various characters associated with each pub. We were supposed to do 4 pubs but only made it to 3 before time ran out. The guide, Jonathon Schofield, then gave us a quiz about all the info he'd been telling us for the past two hours. Our group of 3 only got one wrong! See, we didn't just drink the whole time, we actually listened, lol! We then all ended up at the pub which was supposed to be the 4th one of the night. The walk is done by Blue Badge Guides and starts at the Town Hall. The cost was £4. And yes you do drink up at the pubs, at your expense however.
The pub shown is Sir Ralph Abercromby Inn, the 2nd pub on the tour.
My drinking cohorts of the night, Dave and Gareth, highly recommend this tour as well ;-)
I see from my pamphlet that the Pub Tour is only about once a month. But hey, Schofield was quoted in National Geographic Traveler, obviously he's the man for the job!

Directions: Meeting point is Town Hall and then walk to various pubs.

Other Contact: www.cix.co.uk/~tourguide/man/man

Lowry Centre Salford Quays Lowry Review

An art gallery which also houses two theatres showing everything from live bands to West End plays to comedians and ballet. Okay, I didn't see the theatres but that's what the pamphlet says ;-)
I was lucky enough to be able to see a temporary exhibit of work by L S Lowry, whom the building is named after. His work focussed on the area and ranges from pencil drawings (which I preferred) to watercolours and oil paintings.
Another temporary exhibit showing was Gateway to the Commonwealth, particular interesting to me as I live in part of the Commonwealth. This exhibit focussed on the trade and social links between the Manchester Ship Canal and the Commonwealth, done mostly in photography.

Directions: Pier 8

Salford Quays

M50 3AZ
Take metro to Salford Quays stop and follow the signs.

Other Contact: 0161 876 2000 www.thelowry.com

Manchester United Museum and... Old Trafford Review

Manchester United Museum and Tour
If you're a football fan, even if not a Man United fan, you'll find this interesting. I happen to like football and found the tour of Old Trafford fascinating. You see behind the scenes, visit the press room, the dressing rooms, players lounge, VIP lounge (be sure to check out the photos on the walls of these two rooms) and then down to the pitch. Stand in the tunnel and pretend to be getting ready to head out and play for Man U. Okay, I didn't do that but others on the tour did ;-)
When you're done the tour check out the musuem and see the history of the club, especially the tragic tale of the air disaster in Munich in 1958.
The museum and tour cost £8.50.

Directions: Old Trafford
I took Metrolink to Old Trafford station and followed the signs.

Other Contact: 0161 868 8631

Cathedral Cathedral Review

This Cathedral is the 3rd one to be on this site since the 9th century. Unfortunately there's not really a lot of the older structures remaining, just some stone by the choir and a 14th century arch by the tower.
What is surprising is that the building is here at all considering that in 1940 a 1000lb bomb pretty much destroyed the interior and knocked out all the stained glass. More damage was done in 1996 by the IRA bomb, but that's been pretty much restored.

The Pump House People's... City Centre Review

The Pump House People's History Museum
This building houses an exhibition showing the life and times of England's working class over the past two hundred years. Learn about the Peterloo Massacre, see posters, pamphlets and other documents from various unions. It's quite an interesting museum and seeing what others have done to ensue better working conditions for workers makes you very grateful to these people.
Admission is only £1 but it's free on Fridays.

Address: Bridge St.

M3 3ER

Other Contact: 0161 839 6061 www.peopleshistor

Roman Fort Castlefield Review

The remains of the roman fort are not extensive but still worthwhile to see. The fort was abandoned around 410 AD and you can see a reconstructed north gate and the foundations of a few homes, showing in foreground of this pic. In distance you can see the north gate.

Address: Castlefield
Watch for signs