Author Archives: Jan Hurst

1. Alternative Christmas Venues Manchester

   20th December 2019 5:17 pm Leave a Comment

   Alternative Christmas in Manchester – with style

   So here it is, the halls are decked and the heralds harked: Christmas is in full swing. This is it, the final weekend before Christmas, but why not try an alternative Christmas venue. 

   Now, you could spend the final few days crawling the Christmas markets for the final touches to that perfectly thought out gift for your nearest and dearest. Or, you could settle for that half-baked scented candle and free hug voucher combo and spend your time on yourself. We see that devil on your shoulder – it’s fine, your mum knows you love her anyway, probably. Looking for some alternative Christmas ideas?

   If the main Manchester Christmas markets aren’t your scene, why not try one of these alternative Christmas venues instead…

    

   

   GRUB

   Sitting pretty at its new Red Bank Projects location in the Green Quarter, GRUB features a rotating line up of some of northern England’s best street food traders. Two separate bars featuring 22 craft beer lines, a dedicated kids’ playroom and flexible events space makes GRUB the ideal place to take either the family or a group of mates. Better still, it’s dog-friendly.

   GRUB is well on its way to being a Manchester institution having spent the past two summers at the Mayfield Gatehouse and winters at Fairfield Social Club. Featuring the popular Plant Powered Sunday – Europe’s first weekly vegan food event – GRUB is the modern market layered with cool. Good times are guaranteed.

   Where: 50 Redbank, Manchester M4 4HF

   Open: Fridays: 4pm – 10pm

   Saturdays: 12pm – 10pm

   (Plant Powered) Sundays: 12pm – 6pm

    

   

   Stall

   Not enough GRUB for you? Well, we have good news. The GRUB team are hosting Stall, an alternative Christmas market in Manchester’s newly developed Kampus neighbourhood.

   Featuring stalls from 20 different local traders, the market will sell everything from clothes, jewellery and homeware to food and drinks. 12 lines of locally-brewed craft beers and GRUB’s ‘Offy’ bottle shop only just scratch the surface of the delights available. Vegan fish and chips, wood-fired pizzas and deep-fried calzones are just a handful of examples of the mouth-watering treats available.

   Stall endeavours to work directly with business owners to ensure a close connection between maker and customer, building the relationship and understanding of the time and care that has gone into making everything on sale.

   Open: Friday, Saturday and Sunday until December 22.

   Where: Just off Aytoun St, Manchester M1 3AE

    

   

   Levenshulme Market

   The last Levenshulme Market weekend of the year will feature a bumper list of alternative Christmas attractions. Carols from the SHE Choir and unique twists on festive classics from John Hincock will provide the backing to what promises to be a party send-off to the market’s debut decade.

   As well as the Market Bar, there will be street food from Fritto, Little Yeti and The Ottomen amongst others. Meanwhile, the continuation of the Three Minute Portrait project gives you another opportunity to get your portrait drawn against the clock by a local artist.

   A community-run social enterprise, the market is asking for donations to Mustard Tree this weekend, a Manchester charity supporting those homeless or in poverty in the local area. The marker is not-for-profit and focuses on giving back to the community, so your festivities will all contribute to a good cause.

   Where: Stockport Rd, Manchester M19 3AB

    

   Open: 5pm-9pm, Friday 20th December 2019

    

    

    

   

    

    

   Altrincham Market

   Following on from a special full week of the market, this weekend will see the final Altrincham market weekend before Christmas – though the market is be open on Christmas Eve. Open since 1879, the multi-award-winning market is home to upwards of 60 independent traders.

   On top of the currently-running Christmas market, Saturday (21^st Dec) will see the special Twilight Market featuring a cheese, bread and wine tasting. The event will feature regional cheeses provided by Winter Tarn Dairy, bread from the Lovingly Artisan micro-bakery and wine from Reserve.

   The market is fully family-friendly and also dog-friendly, so you don’t have to leave Rover at home. The market also offers plenty of gluten-free and vegan options.

   Where: Greenwood Street, Altrincham W14 1SA

   Open: Friday: 10am – 4pm

   Saturday: 9am – 4pm

   Sunday Twilight Market: 9am – 7:30pm

   Christmas Eve: 9am – 3pm

   Photo (Claire Harrison)

   

   Mackie Mayors

   Situated on the edge of the Northern Quarter in a grade II listed market building from 1858, the Mackie Mayor high-end food market boasts endless food options. Mackie Mayors was redeveloped by the brains behind Altrincham’s reinvigorated market.

   Featuring long German-style communal benches, the market is designed with a sense of community in mind. Grab some delicious speciality cuisine from a far-flung culture and come together to enjoy the spirit of diversity. It even has a really cute under the stair play area for the kids!

   Showcasing a varied and mouth-watering array of small local food and beverage businesses, there is something for everyone here. The perfect way to end a day battling through the last minute Christmas crowd chaos.

   Where: 1 Eagle St, Manchester M4 5BU

   Open: Friday & Saturday: 9am-11pm

   Sunday: 9am-6pm

   Monday: Closed

   Tuesday: 9am-6pm

    

   

   The Lodge – Salford Quays

   The Lodge is a sweet and warm pop-up tent in the heart of MediaCityUK and has been set up once again by the team behind The Dockyard.

   A collection of teepees in the midst of a collection of other local business stalls draws you inside with its warm lights and bark chip floor. The bar sells a range of local beers from the nearby seven bro7hers and the city centre Runaway as well as a selection of hot drinks and soft drinks to keep the whole family happy.

   If things get a little chilly the staff have a selection of blankets to wrap up warm in. A lovely intimate alcove of a venue to snuggle up to the ones you love and hide away from the Christmas crowds.

   Where: Dockyard Pub, Media City, Salford M50 2EQ

   Open: Mon-Sun 11am-11pm

2. Derby Day Defectors: Three players to see both sides of the Manchester derby

   6th December 2019 4:59 pm Leave a Comment

   The Manchester Derby from both sides

   It’s that time of year again, when the streets buzz with the excited chatter of expectant children; people come together and the icy winter air is expelled from living rooms and pubs across Manchester by the television’s warming glow. You guessed it: it’s derby day.

   The Manchester derby has never been bigger, nor have fans been more fiercely divided. So as the city prepares to block their rival-supporting neighbour on Twitter for 90 minutes, we take a look at three players who crossed the Manchester derby divide, playing for both City and United, and their time at each club.

   Read from behind the sofa if you must – legends or not – these players are the walking-talking embodiment of a half-and-half-scarf.

   

   Manchester City Football – Ethiad Stadium tour

    

   Carlos Tevez

   Legend may be a stretch for Tevez, but his time at each club certainly was memorable. Carlos Tevez arrived at Manchester United in August 2007 amid a cloud of controversy that rarely settled during his time in Manchester.

   Having scored the goal – against United, no less – that saved West Ham from relegation on the final day of the 2006-07 season, the Premier League found third party ownership of Tevez breached their rules. West Ham were hit with a record £5.5million fine and made further compensation payments totalling £20million Sheffield United, who had been relegated in their stead.

   A successful spell at United – two leagues, a cup and a Champions League medal – came to an abrupt end when Tevez rejected a reported £25.5million deal to stay at Old Trafford in favour of a move to Man City. This would normally be enough controversy for any player, but this story doesn’t end here.

   A huge blue billboard featuring Tevez and the words Welcome to Manchester was erected at the border of Manchester and Trafford – a jab from City fans at the Trafford location of United’s stadium.

   However, controversy followed Tevez across the city. Things came to a head in September 2011 when Tevez refused to come off the bench in a Champions League game against Bayern Munich. He was placed on gardening leave amid widespread condemnation among fans and media alike.

   Having failed to find a new club, Tevez remained at City and rejoined the squad. He made his return to action in March 2012 in a 2-1 win over Chelsea. It was later revealed Tevez came close to retiring from football during this period.

   Having scored 58 times in 113 City appearances, Tevez eventually left City for Juventus in June 2013, where he enjoyed a mercifully uncontroversial two years.

   Did you know: Tevez fronted a band with his brother Diego, finding chart success in Argentina with their song ‘Lose Your Control.’ He was also caddy to friend and golfer Andrés Romero at the 2012 Open Championship.

    

    

   

   Manchester United Football Ground (NCNManchester Marketing)

    

   Denis Law

   A legend of the game through and through, Denis Law signed for City on a then British record transfer fee of £55,000 in March 1960 with the club beating out United for his signature. However, his time at Maine Road was limited by City’s poor form and Law’s ambition as 21 goals in 44 games that season earned Law a move to Torino.

   Law only stayed in Turin for a year, returning to Manchester in 1962 with United.

   Hitting his peak in the 1964-65 season, Law scored 46 goals in all competitions – a club record to this day – before winning the Ballon d’Or and notching a league-high 28 goals in the 1965-66 season as United won their first league title since the Munich Air disaster.

   Law’s United days were not all smooth sailing, however. He was transfer-listed by manager Matt Busby after refusing to play unless he received a pay-rise. Busby drafted an apology letter and instructed to Law to sign it before the media, proclaiming ‘no player will hold this club to ransom.’ Law later claimed it was all for show as Busby had secretly handed him his pay-rise.

   After increasing injury troubles Law rejoined City on a free transfer after 11 years, 404 appearances and 237 goals at United – only Bobby Charlton and Wayne Rooney have more United goals.

   In the last game of the 1973-74 season, City beat a relegation-threatened United side in the Manchester derby with a back-heeled 81^st minute winner from Law. He didn’t celebrate, believing his goal to have relegated United, and eventually left the pitch with his eyes firmly on the ground as chaos broke loose around him.

   Angry fans charged onto the pitch, knowing United would be playing 2^nd Division football for the first time since 1938. The match was abandoned, but the result stood. Unbeknownst to Law, United would have been relegated regardless of his goal due to results elsewhere.

   Law retired n 1974, his final goal coming in a pre-season game against Sheffield United. A statue of him with Bobby Charlton and George Best now stands outside of Old Trafford.

   Did You Know: Law once scored six goals in a cup tie against Luton Town but the strikes were chalked off when the match was abandoned with 20 minutes to go.

    

   

   Manchester United Football Museum, Manchester – Inside the Stadium – Pitch (NCN)

    

   Billy Meredith  

   The stories of City’s acquisition of Meredith claim that, following a tip off to his talents, two City officials went to Meredith’s Welsh hometown of Chirk to sign him. However upon arrival they were chased from the town and only allowed to talk to the player – who was working in a mine at the time – once they’d bought his colleagues a round of drinks.

   Meredith signed as an amateur for City in 1984, commuting between games and while maintaining his job in the mines.

   In his second game for the Citizens, Meredith scored twice against Newton Heath – the club that would go on the become Manchester United – going on to score 12 in 18 games that season before ending the following season as top scorer.

   On the final day of the 1904-05 season, the player found himself at the centre of a scandal that rocked the foundations of English football. In the game versus Aston Villa, a scuffle broke out between City’s Sandy Turnbull and Villa captain Alex Leake. Upon further investigation, the FA discovered that Meredith had attempted unsuccessfully to bribe Leake into throwing the match. The FA suspended Meredith for the entirety of the 1905-06 and City refused to pay his wages.

   The winger denied the charge but refused to give evidence. But things took a turn after he claimed he had attempted to bribe Leake but only on the orders of City boss Tom Maley. He was immediately transfer-listed. The FA acted on the information, however, fining City £900 (equivalent to around £110,000).

   United signed Meredith from City on a free transfer in 1906 while he was still serving his ban. He went on to win two First Division titles and an FA cup while avoiding another bribing scandal that hit the United ranks in the 1914-15 season.

   He returned to City on a free, playing 25 games in 1921-22 as well as City’s farewell game at the old Hyde Road stadium the following season.

   Did You Know: Meredith holds the record for being both Manchester clubs’ oldest ever player, featuring for United aged 46 years and 281 days and for at 49 years and 245 days for City.

    

   Inspired by dreams of the Manchester derby? Want to experience the grandeur of City and United firsthand? Why not book a stadium tour.

   Written by Jack Meredith (No relation to Billy)

    

3. Live Music in Manchester

   5th December 2019 9:41 am Leave a Comment

   The BEST live music venues in Manchester

   Manchester has been a hub for new talent and world-class music for as long as we can remember! From the 60s where the Bee Gees and Top of the Pops began in Rusholme, through to the 70s, which saw the rise of punk, with the Sex Pistols playing their first northern gig in Manchester’s Free Trade Hall and the beginnings of Joy Division. Following up with the post-punk era, which saw the Smith’s lyrics entwine our city with ethereal sounds whilst they continue to be one of Manchester’s recognisable bands. On to the late 80s and 90s when we became affectionately known as ‘Madchester’ thanks to the new club scene led by the infamous Haçienda, along with Happy Mondays and the Stone Roses. Continuing into the millennium in which some of the most iconic Manchester bands continue to put our city on the musical map, including Oasis, The Verve, and The Courteeners.

   Whilst Manchester has a whole history of being one of “the most musical” cities in the UK, our city continues to develop the music scene with a whole roster of musicians, artists, new sounds and big events within the inner Ring Road of Manchester, and further afield. Here are some of our recommended venues to catch the next rising musicians on the scene!

    

   

    

   Band on the Wall

   25 Swan Street, Northern Quarter (M4 5JZ)

   A landmark in Manchester’s music scene past and present, Band on the Wall is one of our favourite venues for live music. The building dates back to the early 1860s where it started life as the “George and Dragon”.  The name Band on the Wall derived in the 1930s when a stage was installed high on the back wall on which musicians played! The venue has and continues to see a whole host of music genres passing through its stage, from its period as a Jazz club In the early 70s to the new sound that was punk in the late 70s, with Buzzcocks, Joy Division and The Fall playing some of their earliest gigs here. Since its rebirth in 2009, Band on the Wall continues to host some of the best up and coming artists across many genres, as it continues to be a cornerstone of Manchester’s thriving music scene.

   Don’t miss:

   Joe Keegan @ Band on the Wall, Saturday 7^th December 2019, doors 7:30pm

   A Manchester-based musician bringing his Irish folk music roots to the city.

    

   Gorilla

   54-56 Whitworth St, Deansgate (M1 5WW)

   Under the railway arches of Oxford Road station, you’ll find the industrial bar and venue, Gorilla. Part of the Trof family (those who run the Deaf Institute) this former theatre is not only a live music venue but also boasts a Gin Parlour, restaurant and nightclub! With its 60s inspired décor and 600 capacity venue, this is a live music venue not to be missed! Gorilla has been a building dedicated to the arts and music since it opened in 1986, and it shows no signs of stopping! Some of our very own Manchester bands played here from when they began including James and Doves!

   Don’t miss:

   Buzzcocks @ Gorilla, Sunday 15^th December, doors 7pm

   Greater Manchester legends of the music scene, continuing their legacy in punk music in the city!

    

   Night and Day Café

   26 Oldham Street, Northern Quarter (M1 1JN)

   By day, experience Night & Day’s chip shop roots and sample their impeccable menu for a relaxed lunch in the city. By night, the venue holds host to some of the city’s musical giants as well as artists from across the world. It’s hard to keep count of the big names that have walked through the door in the small exterior of Night and Day Café; from Johnny Marr to the Mumford and Sons. Since 1991 Night and Day Café is one of Manchester’s signature small venues with a big reputation!

   Don’t miss:

   The Lathums @ Night and Day Café, Friday 6^th December 2019, doors 8pm

   Upcoming indie band from Wigan quickly gaining momentum, The Charlatans frontman Tim Burgess is also a fan!

    

   YES

   38 Charles Street, University Corridor (M1 7DB)

   One of the youngest music venues on our list, with not only one but FOUR floors dedicated to music and entertainment (and pizza!). A basement for suitably dingy club nights, the ground floor where you can find every pizza slice you could want, available all day until late – from as little as £2.60. On the 1^st floor is the bright pink gig venue. Complete with a roof terrace with potted plants for an urban jungle experience, you are not short for space at YES that opened in 2018. Since then it has become an essential tour stop for emerging artists from across the UK as well as across the waters.

   Don’t miss:

   Abbie Ozard + special guests @ YES, Thursday 12^th December 2019, doors 7:30pm

   Indie pop riser from Manchester, honing in on blissful melodies, and bittersweet lyrics.

    

   The Deaf Institute

   135 Grosvenor Street, University Corridor (M1 7HE)

   The roots of this grade II listed building is in the name, previously an institute for deaf and dumb adults when it was built in 1877. Then in 2008, it made a triumphant return as a small music venue with a big reputation. Across 3 floors, including a terrace and a bar & kitchen you are not short of entertainment whatever your taste. With an array of club nights and live music gigs, there’s something for everyone at the Deaf Institute.

   Don’t miss:

   Dirty Laces @ The Deaf Institute, Sunday 22^nd December, doors 7:30pm

   A Manchester rock and roll 5-piece, embodying raw guitar music and high energy performances.

    

   Albert Hall

   27 Peter St, Spinningfields/Deansgate (M2 5QR)

   Another favourite live music venue of ours is the Albert Hall on the border of Spinningfields district (not to be mistaken for the Royal Albert Hall in London!). This impressive building started life as a Wesleyan chapel in 1908. A grade II listed building, it makes for an unlikely live music venue hosting big-name acts since 2012, and between 1999 – 2011 it was even a nightclub! The gothic and baroque style interior makes for a dramatic effect and is also excellent for the acoustics in there! The Manic Street Preachers and Sam Smith are just some of the big names to grace the Albert Hall stage. This venue is one worthy of a place on our list!

   Don’t miss:

   Bongo’s Bingo @ Albert Hall, various dates from 16^th of December, doors 6pm

   A classic game of Bingo with a twist! It’s been reinvented with added mayhem, dance anthems, and class prizes!

    

   So what are you waiting for, Manchester is perfect for every music fan, whatever your taste there’s something for everyone. And whilst you’re here, did you know we also offer private walking tours or taxi tours with a knowledgeable guide who will take you to musical hot spots around the city? To find out more about Manchester Music Tours, click here!

    

    

4. Manchester to the Lake District

   5th November 2019 3:26 pm Leave a Comment

   Manchester to the Lake District

   Explore the best the North West has to offer with Manchester Sightseeing Tours

   Did you know we’ve put together an easy-to-follow itinerary from Manchester to the Lake District so you don’t have to! Not only that but in your package, we include your train tickets to Windermere, as well as tickets for all-day bus travel, Lake Windermere cruise, and the World of Beatrix Potter, all in one easy pack that allows you to make the most of your day out to the Lake District! We do the organising so you don’t have to!

   

   Bowness Pier

   We at Manchester Sightseeing trialed the journey ourselves, here’s our verdict!

   Starting from Manchester Piccadilly we boarded the train to Windermere, enjoying the gorgeous countryside of Lancashire up to the Lake District with a quick change at Oxenholme. Before we knew it we arrived at Windermere station and found the stand with no problem for the 599 bus to Grasmere.

   When in Rome… Or in our case, the Lake District, you simply have to ride the upper deck of an open-top bus, come rain or shine and take in that fresh air and panoramic views; we were lucky to have the sun shining on our day to the Lakes. However, the British weather is unpredictable at best, so it does pay to be prepared for all weather. But remember, you can’t have lakes without rain!

   

   Lake Windermere

   We arrived in the quaint village of Grasmere, the home of the famous poet William Wordsworth and made our way to Grasmere gingerbread. Now forget what you know about gingerbread; Grasmere gingerbread is a whole new experience, this gingerbread has been made since the 1850s in what was once the village school. This intensely ginger biscuit crumbles in your mouth in a taste explosion; it definitely isn’t to be missed.

   A quick pit stop at Lucia’s Takeaway Coffee Shop to pick up a sausage roll for lunch and we head back on the bus to the next village – Lakeside, where we climb aboard the Swan ‘Steamer’ boat and enjoy a relaxing cruise across the lake with the wind blowing in our hair, enjoying the dramatic landscape surrounding Lake Windermere.

   

   Lakeside

   Windswept, we arrive at Bowness-on-Windermere pier and pick up a coffee from one of the lovely cafes on the shores of the lake, the locals here are lovely and friendly and we received our coffee with a warm welcome.

   Next stop, the World of Beatrix Potter! For a nostalgic revisiting of our childhoods, cherished bedtime stories are brought to life in this exhibition dedicated to all things Peter Rabbit and Jemima Puddle Duck. We wandered around Mr. McGregor’s garden, ears pricked in case he came with his rake to chase us away! A quick look in the gift shop for some souvenirs and our day is coming to an end!

   

   Beatrix Potter World

   Just before heading back on the bus to the train station we stop at the Hole in t’ Wall Inn for a cosy drink and a snack. A last farewell to Lake Windermere, and we’re on our way back after a busy day of exploring.

   There’s plenty to see and do on our day trip to the Lake District, you’re sure to be returning home having had a great day out with new memories to cherish. Even if the Lake District is completely unfamiliar to you we’re on hand with some excellent advice and recommendations and we’re only on the other side of the phone if you have any questions whilst out and about. This tour is not to be missed!

   Trips available every day (except Christmas Day, see availability)

   Book here

    

   

   Lake Windermere

    

   Written by: Ffion Hughes and Michelle Tatton

   If you have any questions or comments, please let us know. Thank you.
   

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5. Halloween in Manchester

   22nd October 2019 3:41 pm Leave a Comment

   Halloween in Manchester – Frightening fun for all the family

   Join witches and monsters galore for a frightening Halloween in Manchester city centre this October. We at Manchester Sightseeing have combined the best the city has to offer in things to do over October half term, including Halloween and Bonfire Night events that are fun for all the family!

   

    

   Sea Life Manchester becomes the Ascarium

   Manchester Sightseeing offers up to 30% off your Sea Life Manchester ticket, where you are invited to ‘explore the ocean depths and discover the spooky creatures lurking beneath the surface’ this half term! Don’t miss the attractions’ very own ‘Mermaid Scaretacular’ running on the 31st of October from 6pm to 9pm.* Have no fear if you can’t make the Scaretacular, Sea Life Manchester’s magical mermaids are also making an appearance on the 26th and 27th of October between 12pm and 3pm.

   The Ascarium event is included in the standard online admission price with the Manchester Sightseeing discount.*

   

    

   Brick or Treat, Legoland Discovery Centre

   Your little monster can build their own spooky creations and add them to the Legoland Discovery Centre’s Haunted Hall of Fame. Join in the monster disco dancing party or follow the clues on the Scavenger hunt for a ‘fang-tastic’ day out. Don’t forget the Manchester Sightseeing discount code fo up to 30% off your general admission ticket!

   Running 17th October – 2nd November

   

    

   Grimm Rita’s Creepy Carnival

   Along New Cathedral Street you’ll find a family-friendly freakshow bursting at the seams with street performers and sideshow stalls, not forgetting a traditional helter-skelter. The Strolling Bones parade is not to be missed either, led by Grimm Rita herself, as it heads to Dr. Mancenstein’s Castle…

   26^th October – 27^th October, Saturday & Sunday 10am – 6pm

   Free

    

   Dr. Mancenstein’s Mad Science Castle & the Poisonous Maze

   Meet Manchester’s mad scientist, Dr. Graphena Mancenstein (and her monster, Liam) in what’s left of their exploded castle. Expect science, slime, and more in an unmissable street theatre experience. Afterwards, take a stroll through the grounds of her castle where you’ll encounter all sorts of monstrous creatures hidden in the hedges.

   26 Oct 2019 – 27 Oct 2019, Saturday & Sunday 10am – 6pm

   Free

    

   Trick or Treat Trail

   Starting at Exchange Square, pick up a map and set off in your fancy dress along the Trick or Treat Trail through the city centre. A different character at every checkpoint has a special treat (or trick) for you along the spooky trail.

   Market Street, Manchester Arndale, New Cathedral Street, House of Fraser, The Printworks, St Ann’s Square, the Old Bank Residency NOMA.

   26 Oct 2019 – 27 Oct 2019, Saturday & Sunday 10am – 6pm

   Free

    

   Monsters in the city

   Whilst you’re walking around the city centre look up and keep your wits about you! Taking over some of Manchester city centres landmarks are giant monsters overlooking the streets below, keep an eye out, you can’t miss them!

   Look out for them at Manchester Arndale, Selfridges, House of Fraser, The Printworks, Depot at Mayfield, The Royal Exchange, Spinningfields, Piccadilly Place, INNSiDE by Melia and Native at Ducie Street Warehouse.

   25th October – 31st October

    

   Creepy Crafts at the John Rylands Library

   Get creative at the creepy crafts ‘Origaaami’ workshop at the historical John Rylands Library.

   29th October, 2pm – 4pm 

   Free, no booking required

   

    

   So go on, get out and about with the kids this Halloween, you’re in for all sorts of tricks and treats!

    

   *Our discount is only valid on day time general admission.

   Written by: Ffion Hughes and Michelle Tatton

   If you have any questions or comments, please let us know. Thank you.
   

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6. What to Do in Manchester in the Summer Holidays

   7th August 2019 11:35 pm Leave a Comment

   The Summer holidays are here. 6 weeks of no school and days to fill with activities. Thankfully, Manchester is an excellent city to keep you and the children occupied. Here is a selection of family friendly activities.

   🐟🐠 Legoland and SeaLife Discovery Centre

   Based at the Trafford Centre just outside of the city centre are the excellent family-friendly Sealife Centre and Legoland Discovery Centre. Sealife has over 5,000 creatures from the world’s waters, including sharks, seahorses, octopus, jewllyfish and rays. Legoland is a hands-on indoor attraction based on the iconic bricks, perfect for getting the creative juices flowing for both chidlren and adults. Remember to download your FREE vouchers here.

   

   SEA LIFE, Manchester – Cow Nosed Ray

   ⚽️ National Football Museum

   The National Football Museum in Cathedral Gardens houses the largest collection of football memorabilia in the world. Its collections chart the rise of the beautiful game through the ages with some incredible artefacts and exhibitions. There is now an entry fee (unless you reside in the borough of Manchester) but it is well worth the expense.

   🤔🚌 Secrets of the City Bus Tour

   Our Secrets of the City Bus tour is perfect for residents and newcomers alike. It gives a fresh look on the city of Manchester, celebrating its long history of innovation and enterprise. Departing every Saturday at 11am and 2pm with live guide commentary, it is a perfect way to spend a morning or afternoon getting to know Manchester better, especially if it’s raining.

   Our summer sale is now on with tickets from only £6!

   

   🏟️ Football Stadium Tours

   Manchester is perhaps best known for its rival football teams, United and City. United have dominated modern football to become one of the biggest and most successful football teams in the world. While ‘noisy neighbours’ City have closed the gap in recent years to rise to the pinnacle of world football. Both of their stadiums are available for stadium tours throughout the summer so you can go behind the scenes and discover how the clubs got to where they are today.

   

   Manchester City Football – Etihad Stadium, Manchester © Courtesy of Marketing Manchester

   🚂👀 East Lancashire Railway

   Just outside of Manchester steam trains depart from Bury on the heritage East Lancashire Railway line to Rawtenstall. With a freedom of the line ticket available here you can step back in time and explore the picturesque East Lancashire countryside at your leisure.

   

   East Lancashire Railway, Bury © Liam Barnes

   🎡🎢 Alton Towers Resort

   Alton Towers Resort is the nation’s favourite theme park. With awesome roller coasters and a host of family attractions including CBeebies land, it is an excellent day out for the whole family. On our day trip to Alton Towers Resort it is just a short train and taxi ride away.

   🌄⛰️ The Lake District

   England’s most beautiful National Park is an excellent choice for a day trip. We have a selection of trips to choose from by both bus and train. Our most family-friendly trip is the Lake District Cruise, Steam Train and Peter Rabbit, including return train travel, all-day bus travel in the central Lakes zone, a return Windermere Lake Cruise, a return steam train ride and entrance to the World of Beatrix Potter. It is a day trip jam packed with excellent activities that takes you to the Lakes and back in a day.

   

   The World of Beatrix Potter, Bowness-on-Windermere, Cumbria – Peter Rabbit © The World of Beatrix Potter Attraction

   Whatever you end up doing, we hope you have the best time during the Summer Holidays in Manchester and share some amazing memories! 🙌

    

    

   Written by: Dan Bridges

   If you have any questions or comments, please let us know. Thank you.
   

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7. Manchester: The ULTIMATE Guide

   21st June 2019 12:37 am Leave a Comment

   Visiting an unfamiliar city, particularly for the first time, can be a daunting experience. There’s often a lot of information to digest quickly and it’s hard to make the most of your time in a new place without some insider tips. Fortunately, we’ve already covered some of the language barriers you may come up against. Check out our post here and brush up on your Manc.

   

   Manchester central library – meeting point for Discover Manchester walking tour

   In this post, we will turn to some more general queries into the ultimate guide for your visit to Manchester.

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   🛬➡️🏙️ How do you get from Manchester Airport to Manchester city centre?

   There are several options for travelling into the city from the airport. We recommend using the train. Trains depart for the city centre from the station at the heart of the Airport (between terminals 1 and 2) every 10 minutes, 7 days a week. The journey takes approximately 20 minutes to Manchester Piccadilly. Tickets can be booked online in advance for a significant saving but can also be purchased at the station. From Manchester Piccadilly, there are excellent transport links by rail, bus and Metrolink for onward travel to destinations across the city and the wider region.

   Alternatively, taxis to the city centre take between 20 – 40 minutes (depending on traffic) or the Metrolink line to the city centre takes approximately 45 minutes, with onward connections to other Metrolink lines.

   

   🍔🤗🍻 Where are the best places to eat and drink in Manchester?

   Manchester has one of the most vibrant restaurant and bar scenes in the UK; there is always somewhere new to try! The liveliest area in the city is the Northern Quarter. The former commercial district is now home to (allegedly) the highest concentration of licensed premises in the country so you are certainly spoilt for choice. The selection of bars and restaurants is eclectic, with cuisines and cultures from around the world represented.

   

   🤔💡🏙️ What is there to do in Manchester?

   Manchester isn’t just about football, although many visitors come to Manchester because of the city’s football teams. There is now an extensive programme of activities that cater for all interests and budgets in Manchester. From walking tours to river cruises, bus tours to food walks, there is plenty to do when visiting Manchester. Manchester has excellent shopping opportunities, with the city centre’s Arndale housing most high street brands and nearby Market Street and St Ann’s Square covering the rest. Manchester is also a popular destination for the big screen. Outside of the city centre there is the Trafford Centre, which is easily reached by bus (X50 from Manchester city centre). It is not uncommon for the streets around the city to be transformed into different film sets from time to time. You might even be lucky enough to see one!

   

   Secrets of the City Bus tour with LIVE guide – Book today!

    

   🚌🚕🚃 What is the best way to get around Manchester?

   Manchester has excellent transport links to all parts of the city and wider area. The Metrolink tram network connects Altrincham and Manchester Airport in the south to Bury and Rochdale in the north. The trams are the quickest and easiest way to travel across the city. Within the city centre there is a Free Bus that connects the city’s major train stations. Running every 10 minutes at peak times it is convenient (and cost-effective) way of travelling around the city centre. Manchester also has excellent rail networks to the wider region, so it is easy to get to many of the region’s top destinations. If you need some inspiration, check out our day trips from Manchester.

   

   🌆🎉🍽️ Make the most of your evening.

   Manchester’s nightlife is second to none. There is something going on across the city every day & night of the week. From food markets to live music, bowling to bingo, there is never a dull evening in Manchester. For theatre goers there are several theatres across the city that stage the biggest shows: the Palace, Opera House and Royal Exchange in the city, and the Lowry in Salford Quays. Manchester has a proud musical heritage and has produced some of the world’s greatest musicians. This legacy lives on in the city with live music venues catering to every taste. The MEN Arena, O2 Apollo and the O2 Ritz host bigger acts, while less established acts can be seen at many others venues. Band on the Wall, Matt and Phreds and the Deaf Institute are some of our favourites, but there are plenty more places besides.

    

   We hope that this helps you make the most of your time in the fantastic city of Manchester and that you enjoy your stay here. This is by no means a comprehensive Manchester guide but there is some more information about what to do in Manchester in other parts of our site. If you have any questions then please do get in touch.

   Have a safe and wonderful visit.

   We know you’ll love Manchester as much as we do!

   Written by: Dan Bridges

   If you have any questions or comments, please let us know. Thank you.
   

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8. Day Trips from Manchester Sightseeing: Visit Gothic Chester!

   30th May 2019 12:09 am Leave a Comment

   Chester is a city that is high up on overseas visitors’ agendas – and for good reason. Chester is another walled city in the North West with an illustrious history, from the Romans right the way through to the present day. For visitors based in Manchester, there is no better way to see the city of Chester than on a day trip with Manchester Sightseeing.

   We offer 2 different day trips to Chester – one that includes an all-day hop-on, hop-off bus ticket, a 30-minute river cruise and walking tour with a professional guide, and one that includes lunch at Chester Cathedral and a walking tour with a professional guide.

   

   The first day trip to Chester gives a comprehensive tour of Chester – by bus, by boat and by foot. Once you arrive at Chester train station, catch the hop-on, hop-off sightseeing bus from right outside the station exit and head into the city. The bus is an excellent way to explore and has stops at all the main attractions in the city. There is also an informative commentary on board so you don’t miss any of the sights. The bus calls at The Groves on the River Dee, where the Chester Boat departs from. On the half-hour city cruise, you will travel upstream to the city limits, seeing the city of Chester from a different perspective. The tranquil cruise is an excellent way to explore Chester with the opportunity to see some beautiful riverside properties and spot some of the local wildlife that lives along the banks of the river. Finally, the day trip includes a 90-minute walking tour with an official tourist guide. The local guides are extremely knowledgable and you will discover much of Chester’s fascinating and long history on one of their tours.

   Go Gothic!

   Our second day trip to Chester includes a walking tour as above together with a lunch of soup and sandwiches at Chester cathedral’s Refectory Cafe. Chester Cathedral was founded as a Benedictine Abbey in the 11th century and now boasts the most complete collection of monastic buildings in the country. Rebuilt in the Gothic style in the 13th century, it is now one of the UK’s most beautiful cathedrals. After exploring the cathedral, enjoy a delicious lunch in the cathedral’s Refectory cafe.

   During each day trip to Chester, there is ample opportunity for you to explore at your own pace with plenty of free time. Your train ticket is valid on any train between Chester and Manchester all day, so you are free to return when you wish. Whether you see something on the bus or walking tour that you want to explore in more detail or you want to shop on Chester’s two-tiered medieval shopping galleries, The Rows. Whatever you choose to do, we will provide all the information you require. Our day trip includes a travel pack with maps, travel tips, local information and even suggested places to eat and drink so you can make the most of your day exploring Chester.

   Experience this day trip and book today!

    

   Written by: Dan Bridges

   If you have any questions or comments, please let us know. Thank you.
   

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9. What’s New For Summer 2019

   15th April 2019 10:05 pm Leave a Comment

   Easter has been and gone… 🥚🥚

   …but it marks the beginning of the summer sightseeing season! As usual, we have several new tours and day trips to bring you this summer. Unfortunately, Manchester Ship Canal Swimming Tours will not be joining the programme this year (although there’s still time for next year). There’s still plenty to do with Manchester Sightseeing this summer in Manchester.

   Here’s a run down of the all new things we can help you do in Manchester this summer:

   Steam Railway and Bury Market

   Just a short journey outside of Manchester city centre is the market town of Bury. From here you can join the East Lancashire Railway and step back in time on a steam train through the picturesque East Lancashire Countryside. While you’re in Bury, make sure to visit Bury Market, Britain’s Favourite Market 2019, and the Bury Transport Museum (free entry).

   

   Manchester Music: The Hacienda Years Walking Tour

   Every Saturday morning at 11:00 our professional tourist guides will be leading a walking tour celebrating Manchester’s incredible musical heritage. Focusing on the Hacienda Years, when Manchester music was its peak, the tour covers Factory Records, Joy Division, New Order, the Smiths and more of Manchester music’s major players.

   

   Secrets of the Northern Quarter Walking Tour

   Every Saturday at 14:30 a new walking tour of the Northern Quarter will depart from Piccadilly Gardens. The Northern Quarter is the beating heart of Manchester’s indie scene. Explore Manchester’s hippest district with a professional guide and discover the area’s unique history.

   

   Tatton Park, English Country House and Gardens & Knutsford

   Tatton Park is the ancestral estate of the Egerton family. It is home to an exquisite neoclassical mansion, tranquil ornamental gardens, a working farm and 1000 acres of parkland. Nearby is the quaint Cheshire town of Knutsford, where novelist Elizabeth Gaskell lived during her adolescence and which provided the inspiration for Cranford. This beautiful place is definitely worth a visit.

   

   Liverpool: Private Beatles Taxi Tour

   Liverpool is perhaps most famous for being the hometown of the Beatles. On our new day trip to Liverpool you can visit locations across the city made famous by John, Paul, George and Ringo. It even includes entry to the Beatles Story, the world’s largest exhibition solely dedicated to the lives of the Fab 4. It is a must for Beatles fans.

   

   Liverpool F.C. and Anfield Stadium Tour

   After the Beatles, Liverpool is most well known for its football. It is home to Liverpool F.C., the Kings of Europe, who play at the iconic Anfield stadium. On a stadium tour you can walk in the footsteps of the greatest players to ever pull on the red shirt and go behind the scenes of one of the world’s greatest football clubs.

   

   Best of Manchester: City of Firsts

   Last but by no means least, we are launching our very own bus tour this summer: Best of Manchester: City of Firsts. Starting from 4th May it will be a 90-minute tour with a LIVE professional guide celebrating Manchester’s innovative spirit. Over the years Manchester has been the cradle of revolution, the birthplace of ideas and a global centre of innovation, our tour features over 100 facts and tales about the discoveries made in Manchester. From submarines to atomic theory, railways to computers, Manchester has continually given the world grounbreaking and innovative technologies. Discover this unique heritage on our brand new tour. You’ll even get a FREE Manchester snack and drink to sample.

   

    

   Written by: Dan Bridges

   If you have any questions or comments, please let us know. Thank you.
   

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10. Day Trips from Manchester Sightseeing: Medieval York, the Cathedral and Vikings

    26th March 2019 7:33 am Leave a Comment

    

    City walls with York Minster in the distance © Visit Britain, Diana Jarvis

    The walled city of York has a history as long and diverse as any other in the UK. It is one of the country’s most iconic destinations. With the winding, cobbled streets of the city centre, the spectacular York Minster and the jaunty buildings of Shambles, York is a great day out.

    Once we arrived in York we hopped-on the sightseeing bus right outside of the station, The route circles the city and is a great way to orientate yourself when you arrive. We hopped-off at Clifford’s Tower, the last remaining remnant of York Castle, where there is unparalleled views of the city from the walls.

    From here we headed into the city centre along the winding streets, making our first trip up Shambles. It is one of the oldest and best preserved medieval shopping streets in Europe and, allegedly, was the inspiration for Diagon Alley from Harry Potter (hence the Harry Potter themed gift shops located on the street). The top windows of the buildings are so close together that a person leaning out of one window could shake hands with someone leaning out of the opposite window.

    The Minster was just a short walk from here. York Minster is the second most important church in the Church of England, after Canterbury Cathedral. It was built 900 years ago with construction taking nearly 250 years. It is one of Western Europe’s most beautiful churches with one of the finest collections of medieval stained glass in the world. Free guided tours leave every 30 minutes.

    Home of the Yorkshire Pudding Wrap!

    After the Minster it was time for lunch. You are spoilt for choice with where to eat in York. The city has a vibrant food and drink scene. There are Yorkshire Pudding wraps (basically a roast dinner burrito), traditional British pub fayre and a street food market selling global cuisine, amongst others. Every dietary preference is catered for.

    We used the break for lunchtime to study our York Pass guidebook and work out what we wanted to do in the afternoon. There’s so much to see that you have to be selective. We opted for the Roman Baths, a humble museum beneath a pub showcasing the remains of a Roman bath house, and Fairfax House, which is a model Georgian home with an unparalleled collection of period furniture and was one of the best parts of the trip. Before heading back to the station we visited Jorvik, one of York’s most popular attractions. They have recreated a Viking village modelled on the finds of an archaeological dig that uncovered the remains of York’s Viking precursor – Jorvik.

    We just about had time to call into York Brewery to sample their locally-brewed ales before catching the train back to Manchester. It was a  busy but fulfilling day out. A day trip to York is highly recommended!

    Experience this day trip and book now!

     

    Written by: Dan Bridges

    If you have any questions or comments, please let us know. Thank you.
    

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11. Hidden Manchester Facts

    22nd February 2019 2:52 pm Leave a Comment

    Manchester is full of many things to see and do but did you know that the City also hides many peculiar facts… Read on and you could learn something new about Manchester.

    Blue Post Box on Liverpool Road

    There is a blue post box on Liverpool Road near to the Air and Space Hall. It is a relic from the early days of airmail, when post boxes designated for airmail only were painted blue instead of red. Separate post boxes for airmail did not last long and were abolished in 1938. Manchester’s blue post box is one of only 2 surviving examples, the other one being in Windsor.

    If interesting post boxes are your thing (they’re certainly ours) then Manchester is the place to be. Manchester is one of the few places to have a green one. The Vicorian post box on Rochdale Road is one of only a handful to survive in its original green after all post boxes were painted red to make them more distinctive.

    Manchester also has gold post boxes in Piccadilly Gardens and Albert Square (and another one in Bolton) to commemorate cyclists Philip Hindes’ and Jason Kenny’s gold medals, and British Cycling’s overall performance at the 2012 Olympics.

    Perhaps most amazingly of all is the regular red post box that stands, as it always has done, on Corporation Street. What makes this post box interesting is that when the 1996 IRA bomb devastated the surrounding area, one of the only structures still standing was this post box.

    

    Busiest Bus Route in Europe

    The Oxford/Wilmslow Road Corridor is Europe’s busiest bus route. During normal weekday service, there are buses scheduled every minute along the route between Withington and the city centre. For the half mile stretch closest to the city, between the Royal Northern College of Music and Oxford Road Station, this rises to one every 30 seconds. How fastidiously drivers stick to the timetables is impossible to measure.

    The remarkable frequency of buses makes the route the busiest in Europe in terms of the number of buses. Past studies have estimated passenger numbers as low as 3.5 people per bus, so whether this level of service is necessary is debatable. Nevertheless, Manchester can be proud to have such a prestigious title, however inefficient it might be.

    Greater Manchester has nearly 12,000 bus stops across its 10 boroughs. This works out at nearly 10 per square kilometre. Wherever you are in Manchester, you do not have to look far for a bus stop and when you find one, you won’t be waiting long.

    Manchester was the First Nuclear Free City

    In 1980 Manchester became the world’s first Nuclear Free City. At the height of the Cold War, when paranoia about nuclear disaster was ever-present in people’s minds, Manchester declared that it wanted no part in the siting, production or transport of nuclear material within its boundaries. While the Government advised local authorities to step up their planning in case of nuclear war, Manchester advocated a policy of disarmament, stating that there was no defence against nuclear war and disarmament was the only chance of survival.

    Despite the campaign against nuclear weapons, Manchester is home to some to the Guardian Underground Telephone Exchange, the Cold War era tunnels built in preparation for a nuclear attack. The intended purpose of these tunnels was to secure communications in the event of an attack. Yet as soon as they were completed, they were rendered useless with the advent of the much more powerful hydrogen bombs.

    The tunnels have played a part in recent Mancunian history when a fire tore through the tunnels in 2004. The fire knocked out telephone service across much of Manchester for several days. Even some parts of Sweden lost internet access due to the fire.

    The University of Manchester’s Nobel Laureates

    If the University of Manchester was a country, it would be 7th on the list of countries to have produced the most Nobel laureates. Amongst its current and former staff and students, the University of Manchester has 25 winners of a Nobel Prize.

    The accolades have been awarded across Physics, Chemistry, Economics and Physiology/Medicine. Notable winners include Ernest Rutherford, the father of Nuclear Physics, William Lawrence Bragg, who was at the time the youngest ever recipient of the Nobel Prize for Physics, and Kostya Novoselov and Andrei Geim, who shared the Nobel Prize for Physics in 2010 for their development of graphene.

    The University of Manchester’s proud academic history  is testament to the innovative spirit of the city.

    

    Only Pub Named after a Potato!

    The Oxnoble on Liverpool Road is the only pub in the UK that is named after a potato. The pub takes its name from the ox noble variety of potato, a Georgian tuber that was ‘yellow without and within, very prolific, not to fit to eat’.

    Early patrons of the pub, local barrow boys known as the Oxnobles because they unloaded fruit and vegetables brought into the city by barge at nearby Potato Wharf, are the reason for the unusual name.

    Manchester is home to several other unique public houses. One of which, the Peveril of the Peak, on Great Bridgewater Street, is the only detached pub in Manchester city centre. The Grade II listed pub is one of the most iconic in the city, with its green tile clad exterior and traditional interior. The table football table inside is supposedly the oldest table to have been in continuous use since its installation in 1955.

    

    John Rylands Library houses one of the oldest fragments of the New Testament

    John Rylands Library is a spectacular gothic library in Spinningfields. Now part of the University of Manchester, the library was a gift to the city from Enriqueta Rylands when it opened in 1900. She also wanted it to serve as a memorial to her late husband, John Rylands. The library houses one of the world’s most important collections of rare books and manuscripts.

    The most significant item in the collection is the Fragment of the Gospel of St John, a scrap of papyrus dating from the 2nd century AD. On each side of the scrap of papyrus are fragments of lines from the Gospel of St John. It is believed that this is the earliest example of the New Testament ever found.

    St Ann’s Church is the Centre of Manchester

    There is a mark on the tower of St Ann’s, a few feet from the ground, that marks the historical centre of Manchester. It is a cartographer’s mark that all measurements to Manchester were made. On mile stones that indicated the distance to Manchester, the distance was measured to this mark.

    After the construction of the Town Hall, the centre was moved there. Manchester Town Hall is one of the grandest civic buildings in Western Europe. Designed by Alfred Waterhouse, a heavyweight of Victorian gothic revival architecture, the Grade I listed building is the ceremonial headquarters of Manchester City Council. Inside, the Great Hall is decorated with Ford Madox Brown’s Manchester Murals detailing the history of the city. Unfortunately, the Town Hall is closed to the public for another 6 years while refurbishment work is carried out.

    Written by: Dan Bridges

    If you have any questions or comments, please let us know. Thank you.
    

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12. Day Trips from Manchester Sightseeing: Liverpool and ‘The Beatles Story’

    4th February 2019 6:43 pm Leave a Comment

    This year, we will feature reports on each of our Day Trips from when we attended them. First up is Liverpool, the city of the Beatles, the River Mersey and Scousers, which we visited in the summer of 2018.

    

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    Our Day Trip to Liverpool

    The train from Manchester Piccadilly to Liverpool Lime Street is a little over an hour. The welcome you receive when you walk out of Lime Street into Liverpool – with St George’s Hall to the right and St John’s Beacon and the rest of the city to the left – is surely one of the best views from the steps of a train station in the UK.

    The first stop on the Day Trip was the hop-on the City Explorer sightseeing bus, which departed from Queen Square, just a short walk away. The bus comes frequently so we weren’t waiting long. It was a beautiful sunny day (as it always is in Liverpool) so we went straight to the top deck to sit in the sunshine. On board was a live local guide, who made sure we didn’t miss any of the sights as we left the city centre and headed up towards the Universities. She was friendly and approachable, encouraging questions from passengers.

    The bus turned onto Hope Street, at either end of which sit Liverpool’s two beautiful cathedrals, both are free to enter (although donations are welcome). You can hop-off at either one to take a look around. We chose not to visit the Metropolitan Cathedral and stayed on until the Anglican Cathedral, which is the UK’s largest Cathedral (and the 5th largest in the world).

    Liverpool’s Anglican Cathedral dominates the city’s skyline; there are not many places from where it cannot be seen. The building is one of the most spectacular in the UK. On the day we visited there was a temporary exhibition showcasing the surface of the moon, with a scale ‘moon’ hanging from the ceiling in one of the wings, adding a surreal element to the grand interior. It takes about half an hour to explore the cathedral, although there is also an option to go up the tower (for an additional charge), where the views are phenomenal on a clear day, if you wish to extend your visit.

    We hopped back on the bus from the same stop we hopped off at and returned to the city centre, passing China Town, the bohemian Baltic Triangle and the recently-developed Cain’s Brewery Village, featuring bars, restaurants and vintage boutiques. The bus then travels alongside the Mersey towards Liverpool’s historic waterfront. The views of the cathedral from here give a true sense of its colossal size.

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    The next stop on the tour was the Beatles Story at the Royal Albert Dock. The Beatles Story tells the entire history of the Beatles, from their origins in skiffle bands, through Beatles Mania to the breakup of the band and their solo careers. It is the largest exhibition in the world solely dedicated to the Fab Four. For any Beatles fan it is a haven of trivia and memorabilia.

    After the Beatles Story we wandered around the Royal Albert Dock, a symbol of Liverpool and the heart of its waterfront, with its iconic red pillars. The final stop on the tour was a river cruise on the Mersey Ferry, the bus does stop there but we decided to walk the short distance to the ferry terminal along the waterfront.

    If you’re not familiar with the Gerry and the Pacemakers hit Ferry ‘Cross the Mersey, you definitely will be after the 50-minute River Explorer Cruise. The cruise departs Pier Head on the hour, every hour for a relaxing journey up the Mersey, stopping at Seacombe and Woodside before returning to Pier Head. The views over both the Wirral peninsula and Liverpool are spectacular. However, the Liverpool side of the river steals the show. It is clear to see why Liverpool’s waterfront is a world heritage sight as it is unparalleled, certainly in the UK. There are plenty of unique photo opportunities from the top deck of the ferry.

    Once we returned to Pier Head we had some free time to explore Liverpool before we returned to Manchester. There are several museums and art galleries across the city centre to choose from but we chose to visit the Cavern Club on Matthew Street. There is always live music on, usually in tribute to the Beatles, and it is one of the most atmospheric venues in the city. It is a must for any Beatles fan visiting Liverpool.

    After singing along to some Beatles hits we had to tear ourselves away and head back to the train station for the journey back to Manchester. We had a fantastic day out in Liverpool and would highly recommend a visit!

    Experience this tour and book now!

    Written by: Dan Bridges

    If you have any questions or comments, please let us know. Thank you.
    

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13. Manchester: A City of Firsts

    7th January 2019 2:46 pm Leave a Comment

    The first month of the year is a time for New Year’s Resolutions; a time when people are invigorated to kick old habits, or form new ones; a time for reflection on both the year past and the year to come; a time for a fresh start and reinvention. New Year, new you.

    To celebrate the beginning of the New Year, we are celebrating some of the ‘new things’ (ideas, inventions, revolutions) that began in Manchester.

    Did you know Manchester did that!?

    Manchester and its inhabitants have regularly produced ideas, technologies, movements and ideologies that have defined the modern world. It is a city of ‘firsts’: the birthplace of ideas, the cradle of revolutions and a centre of innovation. The amount of new things to have come from the city is remarkable considering that Manchester has only existed as a significant centre of population for 250 years. It was as a result of Manchester’s ability to innovate and reinvent itself that it became a leading global city and catapulted itself from market town insignificance to a leading player on the world stage.

    Here is a list of just some of the things that Manchester has given the world:

    🛤️ Liverpool – Manchester Railway – First Intercity Passenger Railway

    On the 15^th September 1830 the Liverpool and Manchester railway opened and revolutionised public transport. The railway connecting Liverpool and Manchester was not only the world’s first intercity passenger railway, but also the first railway to rely solely on locomotives drawn by steam power, the first to be entirely double track for its whole length, the first to have a signalling system, the first to be fully timetabled and the first to carry mail. It was the second revolutionary transport system in the city, after the Bridgewater canal, Britain’s first canal wholly independent of a natural waterway. The canal brought coal into the city just a short distance away from the terminus of the new railway. Ironically, it was the canal’s success and near monopoly on transport of raw materials into Manchester that fuelled the desire for the railway, as it was believed the Bridgewater canal and its operators were generating excessive profits (this same issue regarding the railway would later lead to the construction of the Manchester Ship Canal).

    The opening of the railway kicked off the age of mass transit, making it easier for people to travel than ever before. Over the following decades 1,000s of kilometres of railway line were laid, connecting cities up and down the country, but it was Manchester that paved the way for this revolutionary form of transport.

    

    ✌️ Vimto

    In 1908 at 19 Granby Row, John Noel Nichols, a seller of herbs and spices, invented an herbal tonic that would give drinkers ‘vim and vigour’. Thus, Vimto was born here in Manchester. The drink, originally known as Vimtonic, became incredibly popular locally, particularly among temperance advocates, who praised the non-alcoholic nature of the cordial. Vimto is a drink that is not universally loved, but is fiercely defended by those who do enjoy the slightly medicinal fruit cordial. However, the drink enjoyed enough success that the company soon outgrew its Granby Row offices and relocated to Salford, with a further move to Wythenshawe later in the century, before finally moving out of Greater Manchester to nearby Haydock.

    Vimto has a very strong export market in the Middle East where it is the most popular drink consumed during Iftar, the sunset feast during the month of Ramadan. The high sugar content makes Vimto an ideal beverage after a day of fasting and sales skyrocket during this time.

    To celebrate Vimto’s origins in Manchester the ‘Monument to Vimto’, an oak sculpture carved by Kerry Morrison, has stood in Granby Row since 1992. It is well worth a visit to see the iconic sculpture.

    

    🥕 Vegetarianism

    In 1800 William Cowherd, a Christian Minister in Manchester, established a new congregation at a chapel built with funds from his own pocket. It was at this church that Cowherd advocated a life of self-improvement and temperance, with particular focus on abstinence from alcohol and meat. To join the church, worshippers had to sign a pledge to avoid both of these. Therefore, Cowherd was the leader of the first organisation in the modern Western world to preach and practice a vegetarian diet. In this he was one of the philosophical forerunners of the Vegetarian Society, founded in Kent in 1846 and the first such society in the modern Western world. The Vegetarian Society, appropriately due to Cowherd’s influence, held its first General Meeting in Manchester the following year.

     

    ⚛️ Atomic Theory

    John Dalton’s atomic theory is a pillar of modern science. It was in Manchester at the beginning of the 19^th Century that Dalton put forward his theory, which became a cornerstone of chemical study. While modern atomic theory is much more complex than what Dalton proposed, and some elements of his theory have been disproved, the core of his theory still stands today. Dalton’s groundbreaking theory was that elements were made up of indivisible and indestructible particles called atoms; that each of these atoms in any element were of equal size and weight, but atoms of differing elements were different sizes and weights; that atoms of different elements combine in simple ratios to form compounds and that atoms are rearranged in chemical reactions.

    Some parts of Dalton’s theory have since been disproved. Notably, atoms are neither indivisible nor indestructible but contain even smaller particles and can be destroyed in nuclear reactions. This was a discovery that again was made in Manchester when Ernest Rutherford ‘split the atom’ and became the first person to create an artificial nuclear reaction, thus creating the discipline of nuclear physics.

     

    🔥 First Law of Thermodynamics

    James Prescott Joule was a physicist born in Salford. He studied under John Dalton, another Manchester-associated luminary also featured in this list, at the Manchester Literary and Philosophical Society. After his studies, Joule began working in the family brewery, where he began experimenting with electricity. His experiments on the amount of mechanical work necessary to produce a unit of heat led to the discovery that both mechanical work and heat are forms of energy. This became the basis for the theory of the conservation of energy or The First Law of Thermodynamics. For this research, Joule received the Royal Medal in 1852.

    As a lasting testament to Joule’s contribution to the study of energy, Joule has given his name to the unit of energy – a single unit of energy is known as a Joule (J).

    💻 Manchester Baby – World’s first electronic stored program computer

    In 1948 the Manchester Small-Scale Experimental Machine, ‘Baby’, was the first computer to store and run a program when the computer successfully determined the highest factor of a number. By modern standards the computer was incredibly rudimentary, but it was the first success in stored memory computing that would eventually lead the plethora of devices available today.

    The Manchester Baby had less computing power than a calculator while measuring more than 5m in length and 2m in height (and weighing a ton) but the importance of the machine to modern computing should not be underestimated. You can see a replica of the Manchester Baby at the Science and Industry Museum in Castlefield, with demonstrations of how the computer worked running on selected days.

    🌧️ Mackintosh Raincoats

    Appropriately for a city as perennially wet as Manchester, Charles Macintosh’s iconic waterproof outwear was made in the city . Macintosh discovered that sandwiching a rubber solution between pieces of cloth made the garment waterproof. In South america, latex had been used in a similar way for centuries, however, latex was too unstable to ship to Europe and so there was huge demand in Europe for waterproof clothing. In 1824 Macintosh opened a factory next to the Birley brothers’ cotton mill on Cambridge Street where he could produce his rubberised fabric. Although the resulting coats were waterproof, the manufacturing process left an unpleasant smell. As a result, the coats were not initially successful, despite the armed forces and merchant navy creating a steady demand. After some collaboration with Thomas Hancock, another entrepreneur experimenting in the waterproofing of clothing using rubber, and an eventual merger, Macintosh’s coats became much more successful and are now a byword for waterproof coats.

     

    You can learn about all of these ‘firsts’, and more about Manchester’s incredible history, on our very own premium bus tour. The weekly ‘Best of Manchester: City of Firsts’ tour departs from Liverpool Road every Saturday at 11am and 2pm. Or, for a more tailored experience, book a private tour where the route and content can be customised to suit your interests.

    Written by: Dan Bridges

    If you have any questions or comments, please let us know. Thank you.
    

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14. What to Do During ‘Limbo Week’

    27th December 2018 11:28 am Leave a Comment

    There’s no more presents left to open. Turkey sandwiches are beginning to get boring. The Boxing Day sales have been and gone. Rush hour has ceased to exist. Offices up and down the country are deserted and close early in the afternoon. You seem to have much more time than usual and you’re spending most of it in pyjamas that are a little tighter than they were a week ago.

    Or, you’re lucky enough to be on holiday and are wondering what to do in Manchester.

    Either way, the week between Christmas and New Year (‘Limbo Week’) is a strange time.  The country takes a while to get going again after grinding to a complete halt for Christmas and the slower pace leaves much more time for activities. There’s no need to spend this extra time watching endless Christmas TV specials, though, there’s plenty to do in the city.

    Are you stuck in ‘Limbo Week’? 🤔

    Despite the slowdown it’s still business as usual for many of Manchester’s sightseeing activities. So you can get out and explore the city, whether you’re just visiting or you’ve got more time than usual. Or, if you want to go further afield, check out our Day Trips from Manchester for some great days out.

    Here is a selection of our favourite tours running this week:

    Discover Manchester Walking Tour

    Whatever the occasion and no matter the weather, a professional local guide will lead a 90-minute walking tour from the Central Library at 11am every day. There’s no festive slow down for Manchester’s tour guides, so get yourself booked on this excellent introductory tour to Manchester.

    Private Walking Tour

    Likewise you can still book a private tour with one of our guides for a personal guided tour of Manchester city centre. Tours can begin from any city centre location while the content and route are entirely flexible, so can be adapted to suit your interests and needs. Great for a group of friends or colleagues.

    Sightseeing Manchester Bus Tour

    With 15 stops across Manchester, Salford and Salford Quays, including several of the city’s top attractions, Sightseeing Manchester’s hop-on, hop-off bus tour is the best way to see the city. Tickets are valid for 48 hours so you get two days to make the most of the service.

    Manchester United or Manchester City Stadium Tour

    Football comes thick and fast over the Christmas period with matches played every few days. For football fans, a tour of either Manchester United’s Old Trafford or Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium is the perfect way to supplement the festive fixtures.

    Day Trips from Manchester

    Despite the Limbo Week slow down and festive engineering works, most of our Day Trips are still running. You can go to Chester, York and the Lake District by train and back in a day, with some of the top attractions at each destination included. The trains will be quieter than usual, too. Result.

    There’s plenty to keep you occupied this Limbo Week that doesn’t involve picking through the empty wrappers in the selection box, so get out and explore Manchester!

    Written by: Dan Bridges

    If you have any questions or comments, please let us know. Thank you.
    

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15. Last Minute Christmas Gift Vouchers

    18th December 2018 11:02 am Leave a Comment

    Christmas Gift Vouchers from Manchester Sightseeing 🎟️

    It’s now only 1 week until Christmas. Despite your best intentions, you still have presents to buy (don’t forget the work Secret Santa). The shops are now unbearable and you can’t guarantee that anything ordered online will be here by Christmas.

    What options are there to get a decent present that will arrive by Christmas?

    Gift Vouchers are the answer to your present buying woes. More specifically, Gift Vouchers from Manchester Sightseeing.

    With nearly instant delivery (within 24 hours) they are guaranteed to arrive before Christmas and are valid until the end of October 2019. Gift Vouchers can be purchased for any of our Sightseeing Tours and Day Trips and are the perfect gift for visitors to Manchester or even those that have lived here for years.

    Give the gift they didn’t know they wanted this Christmas with a Gift Voucher from Manchester Sightseeing.

    Here are a few of our favourites:

    Hop-On, Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus

    Explore Manchester, Salford and Salford Quays on Sightseeing Manchester’s open-top Sightseeing Bus. With 15 stops across the city, including the top museums and attractions, it is the best way to explore Manchester.

    Discover Manchester Walking Tour

    Manchester was the cradle of the Industrial Revolution, a centre of groundbreaking innovation and the birthplace of ideas that have changed the world. Discover Manchester’s incredible history on a walking tour of the city centre with a professional tourist guide.

    Manchester United Museum and Stadium Tour

    Go behind the scenes at Manchester United’s Old Trafford, the Theatre of Dreams, and walk in the footsteps of the famous players and managers that have made Manchester United the club they are today.

    Manchester City Stadium Tour

    Delight your family with a tour of Manchester City’s state-of-the-art Etihad Stadium. Go behind the scenes at the home of the Champions of England and see how Manchester City have joined football’s elite.

    Robinsons Brewery Tour

    Robinsons are a traditional family brewer and have a worldwide reputation for real ale. Learn how they make their award-winning ales on a tour of their brewery before tasting the beers in their Unicorn Bar.

    Day Trip to Liverpool

    Just a short train ride from Manchester is the city of Liverpool. The home of the Beatles, two spectacular cathedrals and a world famous waterfront. With our day trip to Liverpool explore Liverpool on the hop-on, hop-off sightseeing bus, visit the Beatles Story and take a ferry ‘cross the Mersey.

    Day Trip to York

    York has a history as rich as any in the UK. Discover the Roman, Viking and Medieval origins of the city on our day trip to York with the York Pass, which includes entry into many of York’s top attractions.

    

    Written by: Dan Bridges

    If you have any questions or comments, please let us know. Thank you.
    

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