The City
Manchester, the so-called “Capital of the North”, is situated in the south-central part of North West England and has a population of 458 100. It is the second most visited city in the United Kingdom and has a rich history. It is a centre of arts, media, higher education and commerce. Since 2002 the city has undergone an urban renaissance and now it is a thriving and energetic city that offers trendsetting music and fashion, friendly local pubs, over 90 museums and art galleries, great football, Modern and Victorian architecture.
Tourism
Airport
Coordinates: 53°21’14”N 002°16’30”W
Manchester Airport is located 13.9 km from the city centre of Manchester, England. It is the fourth busiest airport in the United Kingdom.
Airlines
The following airlines have regular flights to Manchester Airport:
- KLM Royal Dutch Airlines (from Johannesburg and Cape Town)
- Air France (from Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban)
- Virgin Atlantic Airways (from Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban)
- Emirates (from Johannesburg and Cape Town)
What to see
- Manchester Art Gallery – Showcasing over six centuries' artwork including modern artworks and is renowned for their 19th century British paintings
- Museum of Science and Industry – Openend in September 1983 at the Liverpol Road Station
- Castlefield Urban Heritage Park – An urban park offering a variety of tourist attractions such as pubs, walkways, boat rides and more
- Manchester Museum – Started in 1821 by a small group of wealthy men after the death of manufacturer and collector, John Leigh Phillips
- Chetham’s Library and School of Music – Founded in 1653 it is the oldest public library in the English-speaking world
- Godlee Observatory – Situated on the roof of the University of Manchester, the telescope was given to the City of Manchester by Francis Godlee in 1903
- People’s History Museum – Formerly known as the National Museum of Labour History and the Pump House People's History after changed its name to People's History Museum in 2001
- Eastwood RSPB Reserve – Contains a variety of plants and animals on an acid soil
- Lowry Art Complex – Situated at the Salford Quays in Greater Manchester, which opened its doors in 2000
Events
- Caribbean Carnival of Manchester – An annual Caribbean carnival and parade.
- National Winter Ales Festival - A two-day event with a selection of 200+ British and foreign beers, ales, ciders and perrys.
- Manchester Christmas Markets – Perfect for alternative gift ideas, enjoy the banter and advice of stallholders from all over the continent.
- Manchester Irish Festival – Two weeks of partying, music, comedy, theatre, sport and dance around the city.
- Manchester International Festival – A series of large-scale world premières at venues across the city centre.
- Family Friendly Film Festival – Screenings and workshops at venues across the city.
Accommodation
Search over 80 hotels in Manchester, United Kingdom
General Information
Manchester is one hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time and the currency used is the British Pound. Manchester has a great, reliable public transport system that includes trains, a Metrolink tram system, buses and taxis. There are free city shuttle buses that connect the four main railway stations and bus terminals.
Weather
Manchester has a temperate maritime climate with cool summers and mild winters. Summer is from June through August with temperatures reaching mid 20°C’s. Summer and autumn are the best times of year for visiting Manchester. and is the best time of year to visit this city.
