Vibe check (Manchester edition)
For me, to explore is to live and to live is to explore and there are many wonderful places to explore in Manchester. Though, Manchester is commonly known for its terrible weather there are many must-see places that make this wonderful city a joy to be part of (and serve as a good break from uni work)! So whether you live here or are just visiting allow this city to take you on an epic journey of discovery… I will take you on some of the possibilities of where you can explore in Manchester.
1. Science and Industry Museum
Location — Liverpool Road, Manchester, M3 4FP
The Science and Industry Museum is representative of the amazing history of the industrial revolution and much more. It provides all those who visit with glimpses into a unique past and inspires future change. The Museum has many exhibitions to intrigue the mind that will certainly keep everyone busy, including trains and aircrafts.
https://www.scienceandindustrymuseum.org.uk/
2. Imperial War Museum North
Location — Trafford Wharf Road, Trafford Park, Stretford, Manchester, M17 1TZ
The Imperial War Museum North (IWM North) is part of a collection of 5 museums that explore the trials and tribulations that modern conflict can bring to people and society. It offers visitors the opportunity to explore a variety of exhibitions that allow you to immerse yourself in a powerful journey. The museum is not only for the history lovers but everyone who wants to experience what it has to offer.
https://www.iwm.org.uk/visits/iwm-north
3. National Football Museum
Location — Urbis Building Cathedral Gardens, Todd Street, Manchester, M4 3BG
Manchester is well known in the football world for its competitive football teams as rivals Manchester United and Manchester City are both champions of the game in their own right. Therefore, any football lover must visit the National Football Museum to explore a amazing collection of football objects. So whether you want to take a picture with the Premier League trophy or join in the fun this needs to be ticked off your places to visit in Manchester.
https://www.nationalfottballmuseum.com/explore-the-museum/
4. Chinatown
Location — Chinatown, Manchester, M1 4EE
Manchester Chinatown is the second largest Chinatown in the United Kingdom. It is home to a variety of stores from restaurants to arts and crafts. It also hosts the Chinese New Year festival with spectacular parades. This year, in February, the lunar new year will be the year of the tiger representing courage and leadership.
5. The John Ryland’s Library
Location — 150 Deansgate, Manchester, M3 3EH
The John Ryland’s Library is a architecturally beautiful building that contains a diverse collection of books, manuscripts, maps, works of art and objects. It offers visitors a chance to learn and digest the wonderful history of the building.
6. Fletcher Moss Botanical Gardens
Location — 18 Stenner Lane, Didsbury, Manchester, M20 2RQ
This breath-taking Gardens is certainly Instagram worthy! It can offer peace and tranquillity when taking a lovely stroll along its flowerbeds but be careful you do not get lost in its beauty.
7. The Trafford Centre
Location — The Trafford Centre, Trafford Park, Stretford, Manchester, M17 8AA
The Trafford Centre is a must visit place for every shopaholic! It is world-renowned for its beautiful design and certainly has many wonderful features including the many stores within the centre and the picturesque water features.
8. The Lowry
Location — The Quays, Salford, M50 3AZ
The Lowry is a cultural must-see theatre to visit. It hosts a cultural variety of plays, operas and ballets.
9. Manchester Museum
Location — Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL
The Manchester museum is adjacent to the University of Manchester where it is home to an amazing collection of natural history exhibitions that range from the epic dinosaur collection to the alluring Egyptian mummies.
10. Peak District National Park
Location — Castleton, Hope Valley, S33 8WS
The Peak District National Park is located across several counties including Derbyshire, Cheshire, Greater Manchester, Staffordshire and Yorkshire. It is certainly exploration worthy with its attractive landscape and allure.
I hope this has given you some ideas for your explorations but remember there is much more to explore in Manchester than on this list. So if you ever have a free morning, afternoon or evening to spend in Manchester know that there is plenty to explore and enjoy!
Have fun exploring!
Love from the Peer Mentoring Team
