A city of great food, things to do and places to see, this is why you need to spend a weekend in Manchester…
Manchester is one of the UK’s largest and most vibrant cities and is easily accessible from almost anywhere in the UK, taking just over two hours on a train from the centre of London or three hours from Glasgow. There are so many reasons you need to spend a weekend in Manchester and we’ve outlined just a few…
Manchester city centre is fairly small and is comprised of different areas. With many of them located just minutes away from each other, Manchester is the perfect place to walk around and explore. If you’re looking to spend a weekend away and discover somewhere new, then here are a few reasons why you need to spend a weekend in Manchester.
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The Food And Drink
Within the city’s different areas, there are more food and drink establishments than you can shake a stick at. Whether you’re a fan of chain restaurants or prefer small individual cafes, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
If you’re looking to experience the full Manchester experience during your visit, the Northern Quarter is where you should go for some unique and tasty food choices. From freakshakes to Indian food, each street is lined with small eateries bursting with atmosphere.
Drinking is something that Manchester does well, and that’s made clear from the abundance of quirky bars dotted around the city. Spinningfields is an area dubbed “the Canary Wharf of Manchester” and is a hive of activity, especially after 5 pm. The area has created a thriving industry for sophisticated bars, so this is definitely the place to visit for a drink or two.
Things To Do
Manchester has so much to see and do, that you will struggle to fit everything into one weekend. From famous museums to concerts, the list goes on and on. To get your weekend started, why not visit one of Manchester’s many museums. Manchester Art Gallery is located just a 10-minute walk from Piccadilly train station and is right in the centre of the city. Lose yourself in different exhibitions from the biggest names in the art world and be sure to check out the staircase – that’s worth a visit in itself.
Manchester is full of beautiful buildings, many dating back to the city’s industrial heritage. A short walk up Deansgate and you’ll come across John Rylands Library. Inside, it is full of neo-Gothic architecture and artwork. Explore the many hidden caverns and marvel at the carved gargoyles that adorn most of the walls.
No matter your budget, there’s plenty of things to do when you spend a weekend in Manchester. All of the museums in the city are free and there’s even a free shuttle bus that takes you all around the city as an unofficial tour bus. For live music and events, there are locations such as the MEN arena and Manchester Opera House which have events on almost every day of the week.
Hotels
If you prefer a more chilled out weekend in Manchester after a busy week at work, there are plenty of hotels in Manchester to relax and unwind in. Full of boutique hotels, there’s no shortage of a little rest and relaxation in the city. King Street Townhouse affectionately calls itself “a little big grand”, and that it is. With shiny marble and 1930s decor, this hotel is almost straight out of a movie. All visitors here get access to the infinity pool that overlooks Manchester Town Hall and the terrace bar on the floor above. With great views and relaxing loungers, this is the spot to come to if you need a little escape.
If you are in need of an escape that is more spa-focused, The Midland Hotel offers many different packages in their ESPA spa. If you’re here on a girly weekend, the afternoon tea package is a must-try and provides an afternoon full of relaxation, pampering and tea and cake. For couples looking to recharge their batteries, there are many body treatments and massages on offer that you can enjoy together and relax in the spa facilities afterwards.
