The Quays, Greater Manchester

Creative Tourist

Last Updated 11 April 2019

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 (we highly recommend Pier 8 at The Lowry), 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.

Discover our top picks

1. Imperial War Museum North (IWM North)

Image courtesy of Visit Britain

Imperial War Museum North (IWM North), Imperial War Museum North, The Quays, Trafford Wharf Road, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M17 1TZ - Visit now

IWM North was designed by Daniel Libeskind, whose beautiful waterfront building houses a permanent collection, special exhibitions and events that consider the many ways conflict shapes society.

Read more
2. The Lowry

Image courtesy of Visit Britain

The Lowry, Pier 8, Salford Quays, Salford, Greater Manchester, M50 3AZ - Visit now

The Lowry ably combines the performing and visual arts across its two theatres, exhibition and studio spaces. The dance programming is particularly strong, and there’s a good small shop, too.

Read more
3. Ordsall Hall

Ordsall Hall, 322 Ordsall Lane, Salford, Greater Manchester, M5 3AN - Visit now

Ordsall Hall is a spectacularly-preserved Tudor mansion and museum – one of only eight such houses in Lancashire – and is supposedly haunted by the broken-hearted White Lady.

Read more
4. Pier Eight at The Lowry

Pier Eight at The Lowry, Pier 8, The Lowry, Salford Quays, Salford Quays, Greater Manchester, M50 3AZ - Visit now

Pier 8, The Lowry’s in-house fine dining restaurant, is all about fresh produce and bold British flavours

Read more
5. Victoria Warehouse

Victoria Warehouse, Victoria Warehouse, Trafford Wharf Road, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M17 1AB - Visit now

Victoria Warehouse was formerly host to the (in)famous Warehouse Project raves; it’s a flexible event space that includes a boutique hotel, spa, bar and bistro-style restaurant.

Read more
6. The Botanist Media City

Ian Jones

The Botanist Media City, Media City, Salford, M50 2HE - Visit now

The newest branch of the Botanist, featuring high-class herbal-infused cocktails and a variety of world cuisine – including those impressive hanging kebabs.

Read more
7. The Alchemist Mediacity

Ian Jones

The Alchemist Mediacity, The Bund, The Quays, M50 3AB - Visit now

The latest offering from the UK-conquering Alchemist has an energetic vibe similar to others in this highly-regarded chain of restaurants.

Read more

Theatre 12 December 2022–8 January 2023, from £25.00

The Ocean at the End of the Lane at The Lowry

Prepare to be transfixed in this dark, magical tale of a forgotten childhood live on stage at The Lowry this winter.

Families 14 December 2022–8 January 2023, from £15.00

Claus – The Musical at The Lowry

With childhood wonder and festive magic, this world premiere musical brings L. Frank Baum’s classic tale to life.

Families 7 December 2022–8 January 2023, from £21.00

Room on the Broom at The Lowry

Join the adventures of the Witch and her cat in Tall Stories’ magical, musical adaptation of the classic picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler.