Manchester is a city in the Northwest of England. It is a centre of the arts, media and big business.
The city is world-famous for its sport. Manchester’s history begins with the Romans who settled here around 79AD and stayed for the next three centuries. Historical records show that by 1322 there was already a textile industry in place and by 1600 cotton was being imported, fuelling Manchester’s growth. By the time of the Industrial Revolution, Manchester had established itself as a major influence in the cotton industry and was well on its way to becoming one of the world’s great industrial cities.
The momentum of Manchester’s growth continues today with urban regeneration schemes seemingly underway around every corner. But, as with all great cities, it is the people that really make the place special and Mancunians have a reputation for their warmth and openness.
Transportation in Manchester
By Road: Ringed by the M60, Manchester is easily accessible by road and is signposted from the M6 that runs north to south on the western side of the city, or via the M62 and M66 which run north on the eastern side of the city.
By Coach: National Express operates regular coach services connecting Manchester with various destinations in the UK, including Victoria Coach Station in London. The National Express terminal is close to the centre of the city on Chorlton Street, within easy walking distance of Piccadilly Gardens – the main terminus for local bus routes.
By Train: The recently redeveloped Manchester Piccadilly Station is Manchester’s main station and is located just a few minutes’ walk to the east of the city centre. Central Manchester is also served by stations at Manchester Victoria, Deansgate and Manchester Oxford Road. Virgin Trains operate numerous services to Manchester, including a fast service from London using the new tilting Pendolino trains capable of speeds of up to 125mph. First TransPennine Express and Northern Rail provide good coverage of destinations in the north of England.
By Air: Manchester Airport is located 10 miles south of the city centre and is the main airport in the region. The airport has a dedicated transport interchange that is open 24 hours and links all trains, coaches and buses into one state of the art building from which moving walkways, lifts and escalators enable easy access to the airport terminals. Signposted off the M56 to the south of the city centre, Manchester Airport is easily reached by road and is well serviced by numerous public transport services.
Housed in an old Edwardian hydraulic pumping station, the People’s History Museum is the national centre for material relating to the history of working people in Britain and provides a fascinating insight into the often harsh working conditions of those employed in the city’s cotton industry. Manchester Cathedral is actually the third to have been built on the site since the ninth century and boasts the widest nave of any church in England. A hi-tech visitor centre at the site includes interesting interactive displays covering the history of the Cathedral and mediaeval Manchester. Museum of Science and Industry in Manchester - This huge complex is set at the site of the oldest passenger railway buildings in the world, and is a great place to learn more about the city’s industrial beginnings and scientific achievements. Close to the Cathedral, Urbis is a striking glass-panelled building that is worth a visit even if only to view the groundbreaking triangular architecture that takes on a different appearance on each side. Epitomising Manchester’s pioneering spirit, the unique exhibition inside explores urban culture and the way we relate to cities. Heading south to the edge of the city, Castlefield was a largely neglected former industrial area until the 1990s when it was transformed with a thriving bar, restaurant and cafe scene. As well as a mock-up of the original Roman Fort, the area is a fantastic testament to the city’s industrial age with labyrinthine canals, viaducts, iron bridges and warehouses.
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