48 hours in Manchester
Combine history, sports, books and slap-up meals in one weekend
DAY ONE
What to do
Whether you’re a budding historian or wild about nature, there’s something to interest all minds at the Manchester Museum. You’ll find dinosaur skeletons, mummies and even live frogs! Sporty types will love the National Football Museum, where you can find out about the history of the beautiful game, discover its most famous faces, have a kick-about and lift a (virtual) trophy.
Manchester Museum is free, call 0161 275 2648, visit www.museum.manchester.ac.uk National Football Museum is free, call 0161 605 8200, visit www.nationalfootball museum.com
Where to eat
Vegetarians are in for a treat at Earth Café, in the Northern Quarter’s Buddhist Centre; even dyed-in-thewool carnivores will enjoy the hearty veggie burgers and cheap prices. There are also fresh salads and smoothies, curries and homemade cakes. It’s a no-frills place, but the food speaks for itself.
Mixed platters from £7. Call 0161 834 1996, visit www.earthcafe.co.uk
Where to stay
For a proper treat, book a night at the sophisticated King Street Townhouse. As well as individually decorated rooms and friendly staff, you’ll love the picture-perfect infinity swimming pool on the seventh floor.
From £109 per night. Call 0161 667 0707, visit www.eclectichotels.co.uk/ king-street-townhouse
DAY TWO
What to do
The city’s history is deeply linked to its waterways – the Manchester Ship Canal opened in 1894 and was the largest river canal in the world. To explore a section now, take a ‘waxi’; these cheery yellow water taxis run between Old Trafford, the Trafford Centre and Castlefield, for bargain rates. Meanwhile, bookworms should make a beeline for Chetham’s Library – the oldest public library in the English-speaking world, dating back to 1653.
Waxis cost from £7.20 adult and £4.32 child for a return. Visit manchesterwatertaxis.com Chetham’s Library (suggested donation £3), self-guided tours available at certain times, MonFri. Call 0161 834 7961, visit www.chethams.org.uk
Where to eat
For a slap-up pub lunch you can’t beat the historic Marble Arch. Enjoy the lovely tiled décor while you wait for seasonal British meals such as lemon and garlic roast chicken or honey and black treacle pork belly.
Call 0161 832 5914
Our hearts go out to the people of Manchester at what has been a very difficult time. Despite its recent tragedy, this vibrant city is welcoming visitors and is very much open for business