To See

Best known for its football teams and musical exports, Manchester is the most densely populated area of England. The city’s population is just under half a million people and the city centre, which is constantly growing, is always full of life. More recently facilities in city have massively improved due to the 2002 Commonwealth Games which were held here.

Manchester is becoming more cultural as the years pass and today there are loads of museums and galleries to visit. If they aren't your cup of tea you can always visit the local television studios where the world’s longest running soap opera, Coronation Street, is filmed.

After London, Manchester has got the best reputation for nightlife in England with a strong pub and club culture. Don’t forget to check out the live music scene also as Manchester is famed for its artists.

Like so many cities all over the world, one of the best areas to dine out while in Manchester is Chinatown. In saying that, not all restaurants here are Chinese which is good as it means more variation. Visit the Rusholme area also for good food.

For a trip, or short break with added ‘oomph’, arrange your visit at a time when Manchester is staging one of its numerous events. There's the traditional Christmas Markets (December); the mellow Manchester Jazz Festival (July); the really rather funny Manchester Comedy Festival (October); the mouth-watering Manchester Food and Drink Festival (October), and many, many more.

Manchester is accessible via plane, train or bus and once you get there one of Europe’s newest tram systems, along with city buses will bring you to your chosen destinations.