- Destinations
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- Manchester
Manchester
Although now best known for its football teams, Manchester was
once one of England's greatest Victorian cities and the birthplace
of both rail travel and Rolls Royce cars. It is situated on the
east bank of the Irwell River in the north west of the country, and
is the centre of a huge metropolitan area, which now encompasses
the surrounding towns of Bury, Bolton, Wigan, Rochdale, Salford,
Stockport and Oldham. Liverpool is just 30 miles (48km) down river.
The area has long had a reputation as a drab, industrialised
sprawl, but Manchester has succeeded in reinventing itself,
becoming a vibrant metropolis with a nightlife second only to
London. The city boasts more than 50 free museums and galleries, a
world-class sports centre that recently hosted the Commonwealth
Games, and plenty of parks, gardens and other attractions.
The city's architecture is largely a reminder of its central
role in the cotton trade and many of the original warehouses can
still be seen, although modern-day Manchester is now very different
from its heyday as an industrial hub. When the city centre was
badly damaged in an IRA bombing in 1996, much of the central area
was beautifully renovated. Now renamed the Millennium Quarter, it
is a marvellous contrast of splendid Victorian architecture and
towering glass edifices, including the eye-catching Urbis
exhibition centre.
Manchester is home to two of the United Kingdom's largest
universities: The University of Manchester and Manchester
Metropolitan University. The Royal Northern College of Music is
located here as well, bringing the total to roughly 86,000 students
living in the city. This large student population ensures that
there is always a buzz of activity in Manchester.
Manchester City and Manchester United are two of the biggest
football clubs in England and Old Trafford (home to Manchester
United) has become a huge tourist destination. For those more
interested in arts and culture than football, the new Lowry complex
in Salford Quays boasts a fantastic selection of art galleries and
theatres. The city also plays host to countless events, concerts,
festivals and parades, is home to world-class bars and restaurants,
and has plenty of shops and markets. Manchester is also home to the
United Kingdom's largest Chinatown, and a vibrant and friendly Gay
Village, concentrated around Canal and Chorlton Streets.
Information & Facts
Climate
As with the rest of the United Kingdom, Manchester's climate is
highly changeable and unpredictable. In general, however, the
weather in Manchester is mild, with sunny summers and cold, wet
winters. Snowfall is infrequent, but winter days can be frosty and
clear. High-pressure systems can sometimes cause very hot summer
temperatures or very cold winter temperatures, but these tend to
pass quickly. The average temperature in January is around 39°F
(4°C), while the average temperature in July is about 59°F
(15°C).
Getting Around
Manchester is an easy city to negotiate with a substantial
public transport system. The Metrolink Rapid Transit system trams
are fast and efficient, while the Metroshuttle City Centre buses
are free and run on two circular routes, including all major rail
stations, bus stops and Metrolink stops. System One Travelcards
offer a variety of options for discounted, unlimited use of public
transport. There are plenty of car hire companies and taxis
available and the Manchester Airport is only 15 minutes away from
the city centre. Manchester also has a system of cycling paths,
although these can be a bit risky during times of heavy
traffic.
Language
English is the official language, though visitors will be
astonished by the variety of regional accents.
Money
The currency is the pound (GBP), which is divided into 100
pence. ATMs are available in all towns and Visa, MasterCard and
American Express are widely accepted; visitors with other cards
should check with their credit card companies in advance. Foreign
currency can be exchanged at bureaux de change and large hotels,
however better exchange rates are likely to be found at banks.
Travellers cheques are accepted in all areas frequented by
tourists; they are best taken in Pounds Sterling to avoid
additional charges.
Sightseeing
The city's facelift and subsequent urban revival have
invigorated it, ensuring there are always plenty of things to see
and do in Manchester. Chinatown, centred around George and Faulkner
streets, provides a heady array of sights, sounds, and smells, as
does the 'Curry Mile' concentration of sari shops, jewellery stores
and Indian restaurants in Rusholme. For a truly modern experience,
check out the slick Urbis shopping centre.
There are many historical attractions in Manchester as well.
Manchester Cathedral and the town hall are both examples of
beautiful Gothic architecture, and the ruins at Castlefield date
back to the medieval period.
Manchester provides many incentives for culture buffs, including
many theatres, libraries, art galleries, and museums. For the best
view of the whole city, take a spin on the Manchester Wheel,
located in the Millennium Quarter.
Time
Local time in the United Kingdom is GMT (GMT +1 from last
Sunday in March to Saturday before last Sunday in October).