Culture Guides
Destination Guides
Seasonal Guides
The Quays is an area that’s gone from busy industrial dock to 21st century cultural hub in just over 100 years. Opened by Queen Victoria in 1894, the Salford Docks (as they were then known) became the busiest in the UK, serving the ships that came up the Manchester Ship Canal, a waterway built in order to escape the hefty charges levied by Liverpool’s dock and rail companies. Today, The Quays is home to MediaCityUK (the largest media hub in Europe) and studios purpose-built for the BBC’s move up North in 2011.
Two major cultural institutions – Imperial War Museum North and The Lowry – also straddle the Ship Canal, connected by a pedestrian bridge. The Lowry boasts two theatre, galleries, a studio space, restaurant and shop; IWM North’s fragmented design represents a globe shattered by war (inside, it’s completely devoid of right angles) and houses a beautifully-presented permanent collection and series of changing exhibitions that consider the many ways conflict shapes society. Restaurants, bars and even high-end supermarkets (the family-run Booths) complete the offer in the area.
With good transport links to the city centre, The Quays is the sort of place where you could happily lose half a day; or some of your sanity, if you choose to complete the ‘dock to dock’ course of the Great Manchester Swim.
Projects: Dave Lynch – The Art & Science of Play
Dave Lynch will present three models of art. The gallery space will act as a dynamic artists’ pop up studio, meeting hub & venue which will host a series of events.
Projects: Rachel Goodyear – Glimpse
The Lowry galleries are turning into project spaces giving Manchester-based artist Rachel Goodyear room to be impulsive and experimental.
Dont Wake The Damp
Multi-award-winning comedy captains Kill the Beast present a new twisted tale, inspired by 80s sci-fi, 90s gaming and cracking superhero theme-tunes.
Pride and Prejudice
As the Bennet sisters haplessly search for love in Jane Austen’s ultimate romantic comedy, it is Mr Darcy who unwittingly finds his match.
In Conversation: Wayne Hemingway and Lucy Siegle on Fashion and Sustainability
Drawing on issues raised by IWM North’s major special exhibition, Fashion on the Ration: 1940s Street Style, award-winning fashion designer Wayne Hemingway and journalist and author Lucy Siegle discuss fashion and sustainability.
Fashion on the Ration: 1940s Street Style
From ‘onesies’ to wear in the air raid shelter to jewellery created from aeroplane parts, Fashion on the Ration looks at how fashion survived and even flourished under the strict rules of rationing in 1940s Britain.
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time
Based on the award-winning novel by Mark Haddon, adapted by Simon Stephens and directed by Marianne Elliott, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time is a thrilling new stage play from the National Theatre.
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
Starring Jason Manford (The Producers, Sweeney Todd) as Caractacus Potts, Claire Sweeney (Tell Me on A Sunday, Hairspray) as Baroness Bomburst, and Phill Jupitus (The Producers, Hairspray) as Lord Scrumptious/Baron Bomburst.
The Peony Pavillion
An unmissable ballet from one of the greatest companies in the world providing an evening of spectacle and World-class exquisite dancing.
The Wind in the Willows
Kenneth Grahame’s wild tale about the thrill-seeking, lovable menace Mr Toad comes to life in a brand new stage musical.
Manchester District Guides
Northern Quarter, Manchester
Manchester’s most characterful, independent district is a jumbled network of streets to one side of…
Chorlton, Manchester
This left-leaning suburb a few miles south of Manchester’s city centre (and only ten minutes…
Oxford Road, Manchester
Stretching all the way from the Curry Mile – with its glittering sari emporiums, Indian…
Didsbury, Manchester
Follow Oxford Road South through the Curry Mile, along Wilmslow Road, past Platt Fields Park…
Salford, Greater Manchester
Cross over the River Irwell, and you’ll find yourself in another city entirely – Salford….
Beech Road Chorlton, Manchester
It may not quite have the reputation of Benefits Street, but Beech Road in Chorlton…
Manchester Visitor Guides
Second Hand Shopping
We’ve trawled the stalls to find the best second hand shopping in Manchester. From vintage fashions to…
Music Venues in Manchester
Manchester is still a great place to watch new and innovative music – so here’s a guide to where to watch the best live music in the city.
Cinemas in Manchester
The collection of independent cinemas here may be small, but the venues are special enough to make you forget that – here’s our guide.
Theatres in Manchester
If you’re looking for theatre in Manchester, these are our top places to explore.
Art Galleries in Manchester
Manchester’s galleries span ancient to contemporary art, via some of the best collections of paintings, objects and even wallpaper in the country. Here’s our guide.
Museums in Manchester
Manchester is studded with fantastic museums – read our picks of the best here.
Places to go / stay / shop / eat / drink
Things to do right now
Powered by
