Manchester, time to play

Having visited Manchester every year for the last 7 years it is clear to me why 'Lonely Planet' has named Manchester as one of 2016 must see cities.  It's a place that buzzes with energy and vibrancy whilst at the same time has managed to hang on to some reminders of its industrial past.  The city centre is now a sparkling mix of glass and stainless steel.  New buildings are popping up all the time, seemingly juxtaposing with ease with the legacy that remains from previous prosperous times.

The beautiful building that is the Cotton Exchange now has a new lease of life with a theatre in the round, even in here though if you look up you can see the trading boards that remain from the time when Manchester was known as the 'Cottonopolis' of the world.  Now it's a great place to grab a coffee and admire the architecture. 

Two other buildings that are bound to grab any ones attention are The Urbis and The Printworks.  The first of these being a statement in modernism, this flagship building has presented itself in many guises but now houses the National Football museum.  The Printworks in contrast maintains the facade of when it housed one of Manchester's evening newspapers, inside however presents a different face, an artificial playground has been created, a zone of bars and restaurants in a neon lit American street.  Outside of these those that love shopping have pretty much all you could want in terms of retail therapy, where big names such as Selfridges pull in the crowds and seasonal markets add to the appeal.

 

 

Despite all this modernism I myself prefer an area of Manchester that hasn't been rebranded and polished up, the Northern Quarter.  This area has an edgy vibe to it, old warehouses now house independent designers, jewellery workshops, record shops and retro clothes shops.  Worth checking out here is the Manchester institution 'Afflecks Palace', 3 stories of quirky shops popular with students defining their identity.  Add to this independent bars and wine bars, cafes and restaurants and you have the makings of a fine day.

If its culture that you're after a short walk from the city centre is Castlefield.  The historic heart of Manchester and the site of the worlds' first railway station, this area now houses the MOSI, the museum of science and industry.  Good for a few hours delving into Manchester's past.  Following this hop on the tram and follow the line out to Salford Quays.  This area is completely unrecognisable from 20 years ago.  Now the location of the BBCs new production centre this sparkling media city dominates this part of the city.  But if tours of the studios aren't on your list, two museums also found in the area definitely should be. 

  

The first 'the Lowry' Gallery is located within the theatre of the same name.  Here paintings and drawings of Lowrys 'stick men' help you to understand the Manchester of the past.  Also in this space is a temporary exhibition where you can play with the art, making visual images on screens in front of you.  If still time cross the bridge and head to the Imperial War Museum of the north.  This iconic building is styled to represent the fractured world has been designed along the lines of social history and the large exhibition spaces take you on a journey through 20th century conflicts.  This is one of the most impressive museum spaces I have been to for a while, it's worth being there on the hour for the lights go off and a big picture 'story' is projected throughout the space.  A moving reminder of an alternative side to conflict.

So whether its consumer culture, history, art or architecture you want, Manchester has it all on offer in this 24 hour city.  Make it a weekend trip, that way you will have time to grab a tasty curry in Rusholme too.