A trip to Manchester

Up to Manchester for a few days and explored several areas of the city (including visits to some of the Quarters). It's now in the news for the reunion of two brothers who fell out.


Some personal highlights of our brief visit:

- Premier Inn Piccadilly - book a Premier Plus room for a room at the top of the hotel for city/Peak District views - a nice bar area and helpful staff

- Afflecks and the Manchester Shop - a warren of independent shops offering vinyl, music, clothing and all sorts of original gifts, including 'Northerner' merchandise - we also visited Rough Trade records - head for the top floor of Afflecks for the cafe

- Fred Aldous shop - art, gifts and a UK stockist of my favourite 'Field Notes' notebooks and much else of interest

- Castlefield Viaduct - a miniature version of New York's HighLine, which I have walked - managed by the National Trust

- BBC MediaCity UK - interesting area, with Imperial War Museum, North and the Lowry - seating by the water and the quays, artwork

- Manchester Art Gallery - a good range of artwork in different styles well organised, and a lovely cafe where we had lunch, and the Museum close to the University building where the GA Conference takes place

- the city's tram network - easy to navigate and buy tickets with contactless

The Town Hall was shrouded in scaffolding and wrapped so was not visible. This was a pity as it's one of the most impressive buildings in the north of England.

Several places such as the Whitworth were also closed, or a little too far out from the centre to walk easily.

What are your favourite places in Manchester?

Comments