For centuries Manchester was one of the world’s most significant hubs of industry and at the forefront of the 18th century’s Industrial Revolution – so much so that it’s thought by many to have been the very first fully industrialised city.
As time marched on, and with its industrial heritage relegated to the pages of the history books, Manchester reinvented itself as a cool and vibrant metropolis with a swagger to match.
This trailblazing city spawned its own cultural scene, “Madchester”, which was a fusion of the city’s pride, unique identity and individual musical sound. It’s also the home of footballing legends, who you can see showcasing their skills at the city’s fierce footballing rivals – Manchester United and Manchester City.
The Quays to the city
The bustling dockland of Salford Quays has emerged from significant regeneration as a stunning waterfront destination that’s packed with things to do. Make a day of it, and start by browsing the Lowry Outlet, featuring 85 stores ranging from famous clothing brands to homeware and cosmetic companies.
The Quays is one of the UK’s prominent media hubs since the BBC relocated many of its staff and departments here to the MediaCity complex.
It’s also home to the Lowry Galleries, where you’ll find the largest public collection of works by this quintessential northern artist, along with films, guided tours and interactive exhibits telling his fascinating life story.
A city united by football
When either of the city’s two world-famous football (be sure not to say ‘soccer’) teams are playing at home, the entire place becomes awash with the red of United or sky blue of City.
The rivalry is real, but it’s mostly good natured and – if you can get a ticket – watching one of Europe’s elite footballing sides in action is too good an opportunity to miss.
Old Trafford is home to the city’s most successful club, Manchester United, and can be found two miles south of the centre. Their rivals Manchester City – revelling in their resurgence and dubbed ‘the noisy neighbours’ – play out of the Etihad Stadium, a few miles east of the city.
If you can’t bag a coveted ticket then a tour of either stadium or a visit to the National Football Museum will help make up for it. The latter can lay claim to being the planet’s biggest football museum. Here you’ll find glittering trophies once held aloft by Manchester’s footballing giants, interactive games, artwork capturing the beauty of the “Beautiful Game” and artefacts dating back to the early 1900s.
Drop in on the deer at Dunham Massey
Car rental in Manchester is a great idea because it means you’re not just limited to the city itself. A short drive down the M56 takes you to Dunham Massey Hall, an opulent English country house managed by the National Trust.
This grand building dates back to the early 17th century and is enclosed by lush formal gardens, which house over 700 plant species. Make your way through the 200-acre deer park, which dates back to the Middle Ages, and spot herds of fallow deer roaming the grounds.
Renting a car in Manchester is the ultimate way to explore this exciting city and the beautiful countryside beyond it.
