Manchester

[nia]

I'll be in Manchester for some days and have some spare time. Any recommendations for what to see or do?

Thanks 

[Master Ray]

LOVE Manchester, been there hundreds and hundreds of times (it's not too far from where I live)... but a little more information?

When are you coming over, what are you interested in, where are you staying, etc?   

[Bunny]

Been there once lol. I think its a city Id like to visit again though. Quite liked it.

[Master Ray]

Been there once lol. I think its a city Id like to visit again though. Quite liked it.

Really, mate?  Didn't know last Sunday was your first venture into Manchester!  Just assumed you'd been there before... damn, now I feel doubly bad because I couldn't make it the other day!   

it is a great city, we'll try and make it again for another gig sometime.

[Bunny]

Been there once lol. I think its a city Id like to visit again though. Quite liked it.

Really, mate?  Didn't know last Sunday was your first venture into Manchester!  Just assumed you'd been there before... damn, now I feel doubly bad because I couldn't make it the other day!   

it is a great city, we'll try and make it again for another gig sometime.

Definitely. Looked well busy and lots to do and see.

[nia]

LOVE Manchester, been there hundreds and hundreds of times (it's not too far from where I live)...

Oh great, you're a local! 

but a little more information?

When are you coming over, what are you interested in, where are you staying, etc?   

I'll be there from Aug 17-20th. Will probably stay in a hotel near Royal Exchange Theatre - is this a good area? I like old parts of towns. Or maybe some hostel, I haven't booked yet.

I'm not that much into tourist attractions, I like to learn how the locals live. Usually I drive around by public busses, get out where it looks interesting, walk a while, and so on. Also like arts and theatre. And music of course. Oh and flea markets and antiques and second hand stores (but can't take much stuff with me anyway).

What about a little NMA family meetup on Saturday or Sunday? 

[Master Ray]

Well, if you're staying near The Royal Exchange Theatre then you're right in the heart of Manchester!  Good area with everything you could want right on your doorstep!

Manchester is quite compact.  You won't be far from the 'attractions'.  But there are some other things that you can do as well...

My top few ideas... see if there is a band playing nearby that you'd like to see.  Several great venues (The Ritz, Albert Hall, The Academy venues, The Deaf Institute, Band On The Wall...) Manchester crowds are always well up for it!

If you're interested in Manchester and its history, take a walking tour.  Several are available, Google it!

Consider a half day or full day at Salford quays, a few miles away, easily accesible by tram.  The Lowry Gallery, Imperial War Museum North, a tour of the BBC studios (only available on certain days)...

If you are into beautiful old buildings, then The John Rylands Library is certainly worth a look.

If you're in Manchester for four days, why not a train trip to a nearby city?  Liverpool is great and not so far away.  Chester is also worth a look if you like ancient history.

And there are many fine pubs in Manchester...

As for a potential NMA-pals meet in Manchester, post a thread, not sure if I can make it (financial bad times...  ) but hey, put it out there, I'll do my best to make it, I know some damn fine places to drink in lovely Manchester!

Feel free to get back to me if you want any elaboration as to any of the things I mentioned...   

[nia]

My top few ideas... see if there is a band playing nearby that you'd like to see.  Several great venues (The Ritz, Albert Hall, The Academy venues, The Deaf Institute, Band On The Wall...) Manchester crowds are always well up for it!

Thanks I'll look them up!

Will also have a look at the Lowry Gallery and the John Rylands Library

If you're in Manchester for four days, why not a train trip to a nearby city?  Liverpool is great and not so far away.  Chester is also worth a look if you like ancient history.

Well it's only 2,5 days since I'll arrive on Friday evening and will leave on Monday afternoon. So I'll concentrate on Manchester itself.

And there are many fine pubs in Manchester...

As for a potential NMA-pals meet in Manchester, post a thread, not sure if I can make it (financial bad times...  ) but hey, put it out there, I'll do my best to make it, I know some damn fine places to drink in lovely Manchester!

Would be great if you could make it! 


Are there many antiques stores in Manchester? In which area can I find them?

Can you recommend a good place for having breakfast? English breakfast of course...  or some other place to eat at (something simple, not too expensive)

Thanks a lot, Master Ray! 

[Master Ray]

Utterly no idea about antique stores, sorry! 

Plenty of places around Manchester do 'the full English' (and what a marvellous thing it is!) but I would always recommend the Wetherspoons chain... some people aren't fond of them, but I swear that their large breakfast is superb, tasty and cheap, eaten many of them over the years!  There is a Wetherspoons very close to the Royal Exchange, The Moon Under Water on Deansgate, which also happens to be a lovely building (it used to a cinema where I saw many films, many moons ago!), see if you can sit upstairs for a better view of the lovely decoration!

[Ghosttrain]

The nicest Wetherspoons Pub i have ever been to was/is also a cinema in Hexham,the pub is downstairs and they still show films upstairs.

[nia]

but I swear that their large breakfast is superb, tasty and cheap, eaten many of them over the years!  There is a Wetherspoons very close to the Royal Exchange, The Moon Under Water on Deansgate, which also happens to be a lovely building (it used to a cinema where I saw many films, many moons ago!), see if you can sit upstairs for a better view of the lovely decoration!

Sounds perfect, thanks! 

[lostockboy]

And of Course Afflecks Palace which is an indoor market is always worth a browse and can be found at 52 Church St, Manchester M4 1PW which is just of Piccadilly Gardens.

[Master Ray]

Aw, forgot Afflecks Palace!  Might be just your cup of tea, nia!  https://www.afflecks.com/

[nia]

Thanks a lot, lostockboy and Master Ray, it's on my list 

[lostockboy]

Thanks a lot, lostockboy and Master Ray, it's on my list 

Your more than welcome.