Sidestepping the clichéd comments about rain and industrial gloom, there are strong arguments for choosing Manchester as a city break destination. There is the social and cultural history of one of England’s great urban centres, the sense of vibrancy and vitality of a place in flux, and the architectural wonders of a city with one foot in the past and the other firmly marching forward into the 21st century.
Since it has a relatively compact city centre, Manchester is an ideal option for a weekend getaway. Shops, restaurants, music venues and clubs are a-plenty, especially in the areas between the Arndale Centre, Deansgate, Piccadilly and the famous Canal Street. For those with less disposable income, it is a delight to just walk the streets and soak up the atmosphere of the place. I would definitely recommend a visit to the splendid John Rylands Library and a walk around the canals and bridges in the Castlefield area of town. You could even visit the Lowry arts centre, the City Art Gallery or any of the smaller galleries to be found in the city. In Manchester, delights can be found in the most unlikely of places, where side alleys, backstreets and canal paths reveal hidden spires, public art and music venues.
My favourite area was the Northern Quarter, with its boutiques, trendy record shops, edgy pubs and classy bars. It was here that made me think most of my musical heroes who hail from Manchester: Joy Division, New Order, the Stone Roses and the Smiths all grew out of the vibrancy of this city.
For my trip, the Manchester Time Out Shortlist guide was invaluable for up-to-date practical advice and maps to find my way around. Also very useful were Clare Hartwell’s Manchester Pevsner Architecture Guide and an eccentric walking guide called Morrissey’s Manchester, which details the haunts of Manchester’s favourite miserabilist and his chums from his former band, the Smiths.
There may be rain, and Morrissey and Marr may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but Manchester is a breath of fresh air for anyone looking for a stimulating short break.
Author: Tim Cleary
Date: 10 October 2007
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