Manchester – A Contrast of Tradition and the Very Modern
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The John Rylands Library ©Marketing Manchester and Rich J Jones Photography
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Manchester United Football ©Manchester United football
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Media City ©Emma Beard
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The Lowry Hotel Manchester Superior Room
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Deluxe bedroom with city view at Manchester Radisson Blu Edwardian
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Bedroom with a panoramic view at dusk at Macdonald Manchester Hotel & Spa
Manchester is one of the great cities of the UK, known throughout the world as the birthplace of the industrial revolution.
In its heyday, the city was at the heart of the country’s cotton manufacturing industry, prompting the name ‘Cottonopolis’. Today, this remarkable place has a proud history in music, sport, science, politics and arts. This is also a city that, when faced with challenges, has continued to thrive. It offers today’s visitor many memorable experiences, providing a contrast between the traditional and the very modern.
Dates
Dates available on request
Suggested itinerary
Day 1
Travel to Manchester for a walking tour, visit to Old Trafford and gin tasting
Morning: Travel in first class luxury by train to Manchester’s Piccadilly railway station. You’ll be met by one of our experienced tour directors and a Blue Badge Tourist Guide for a 90-minute walking tour of the historic city centre. You’ll see the Free Trade Hall, John Ryland’s Library, Manchester’s secret passages, St Ann’s Square and Manchester’s imposing Victorian neo-Gothic Town Hall. At the end of the tour you’ll visit the Royal Exchange Theatre, once Manchester’s Cotton Exchange, and now an award-winning theatre. We’ll stop for a light lunch.
Afternoon: In the afternoon we’ll head out to Old Trafford Football Ground for a stadium tour. Whether you’re a fan of Manchester United or not, this is a remarkable experience. It starts with time in the museum where you can discover the story of one of the most famous football clubs in the world. You’ll go behind-the-scenes before emerging from the players’ tunnel into the ‘Theatre of Dreams’ itself.
Alternatively, there’s an opportunity to enjoy a Gin Experience at the City of Manchester Distillery, home to Manchester Three Rivers Gin. You’ll take a tour of the distillery, and discover the story of the three rivers and why the distillery is where it is. Unsurprisingly, you’ll be able to sample some of the products. There’s also the opportunity to create your very own personalised bottle of gin to take home!
Evening: You’ll enjoy a pre-dinner champagne drinks reception, accompanied by a harp recital. If the programme didn’t allow time to visit the gin distillery, there’s an option to have a gin tasting before dinner.
Day 2
River cruise, Salford Quays, MediaCityUK, shopping and travel home
Morning: This morning we join our boat in the centre of Manchester for a cruise along the River Irwell to Salford Quays, Manchester exciting new waterfront destination. On the way you’ll see George Stephenson’s 1830s’ railway bridge, Ordsall Hall and Old Trafford football ground. On arrival at Salford Quays you’ll take a 90-minute tour of MediaCityUK, home to the BBC and ITV in the north of England.
Lunchtime: We’ll make our way into the Lowry Outlet Mall next door for lunch in one of the many restaurants.
Afternoon: There’s free time for you to indulge in some retail therapy. There are more than 80 stores with discounts of up to 60% off high street prices. Alternatively, you visit the L.S. Lowry Gallery, or cross the bridge over the Manchester Ship Canal to visit the Imperial War Museum North.
You’ll rejoin the boat to return to central Manchester where you’ll transfer to Piccadilly station for the train home.
Suggested Hotels
The Lowry Hotel *****
Located where Salford meets Manchester on the banks of the River Irwell, The Lowry is a five-star contemporary hotel just a few minutes’ walk from the heart of Manchester city centre.
Radisson Blu Edwardian Manchester Hotel *****
Opened in 2004, the Radisson Blu Edwardian Hotel inhabits the original building of what was the Free Trade Hall, built in 1853 to commemorate the repeal of the Corn Laws. The hotel retains its original façade, heritage and famous artefacts, and is conveniently located near the Central Library and all the city centre attractions.
Macdonald Manchester Hotel ****
Macdonald Manchester Hotel & Spa is Manchester’s largest four-star hotel. Located close to Piccadilly railway station, the hotel features a spa and leisure facilities, but no pool.
