Fringed by the Pennines to the north and the east and Cheshire to the south, Manchester is a lively English city with bustling streets and a skyline that boasts buildings built over many eras.
The city is famed for being the home of the UK’s largest indoor shopping centre, Arndale, and Christmas is a popular time of the year to visit to take in the lights and excellent Christmas shopping.
History
Manchester boasts a long and interesting history which dates back to Roman times when a fort was built in Castlefield. The fort later attracted a medieval town, which began life as a small hamlet belonging to the then bustling town of Salford. Manchester grew in notoriety during the Industrial Revolution due to its warehouses, cotton mills and factories. Today its cultural and historical importance aids its claim to being the UK’s second capital city.
Sightseeing
Old Trafford is one of the most popular landmarks in the city and informative tours can be enjoyed around the world-famous football ground. History buffs will likely prefer roaming Manchester’s first class museums, from the Lowry to the Imperial War Museum North. Meanwhile, Victorian and contemporary architecture can be admired, with the Gothic-style Town Hall in Albert Square and the looming CIS building that towers above the rest of the skyline being must-sees.
Shopping
by far the most rewarding time to visit Manchester is during December when visitors can Christmas shop until they drop among thousands of lights and decorations. Arndale Centre, the UK’s largest indoor shopping centre, is home to more than 240 different shops. But across the city there are plenty of opportunities to soak up the local shopping scene, with Market Street hosting stalls selling roasted chestnuts lit and festive gifts in among boutique shops and large department stores.
Eating and drinking
Manchester is home to a cosmopolitan array of cafés, pubs, bars and restaurants and some of the tastiest food can be sampled in one of the many ethnic eateries found throughout the city. Expensive fine dining can be enjoyed in one of the city’s plusher suburbs such as Cheshire while local delicacies such as Eccles cakes, Lancashire hotpot and corned beef hash can be tasted during a Christmas shopping trip to Manchester. Canal Street attracts late night partiers, as does Printworks with its many bars and clubs.
Where to stay
Accommodation in the city is as varied as its culture, with a host of different places to lodge in, from bed and breakfasts through to five-star hotels. Hotels with heritage sit among international chain brands and the centre of Manchester boasts the largest congregation. If you are visiting the city during the Christmas period a hotel in the centre or close to the main train station is the ideal way to ensure you don’t lose valuable Christmas shopping time during your stay.
Getting there
Manchester is served by a well-used international airport, which is only a 20-minute journey from the heart of the city and is readily accessible via taxi, bus or hire car. Christmas is a popular time to visit and getting to and from Manchester during the festive period can be a little chaotic therefore forward planning is advantageous if you want to reserve a car or train seat.
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