Manchester

Flybe operate year round flights to/from Manchester, increasing to 6 flights a week from March to October 2012.

Discover Manchester

Manchester is a vibrant, cosmopolitan city offering a unique city break experience.  The birthplace of the Industrial Revolution, its entrepreneurial and innovative spirit has helped the city lead the world in the fields of engineering, politics, arts, sports and music.  Manchester is a city of firsts - the first computer, professional football team and passenger railway to name just a few. 

Today, the city has everything you need for the perfect break, with award-winning attractions, excellent shopping and an exciting nightlife, not to mention the wide variety of accommodation and direct flights to its award-winning airport.

Culture & Entertainment

There are over 90 museums and galleries, most of which are free to enter.  Check out the Pre-Raphaelite collection at Manchester Art Gallery or see how social history has developed at the People’s History Museum.  Trace Manchester’s industrial heritage at MOSI (Museum of Science & Industry), located at the site of the world’s oldest surviving passenger railway station or the effect of war on the world at the Imperial War Museum North.  For historical houses, estates and charming gardens try Chatsworth or Tatton Park. 

Visit the Royal Exchange Theatre for classic plays and drama, the Palace Theatre and Opera House for West End musicals and spectacular shows or Contact Theatre for contemporary performance.

With renowned artists such as Joy Division, New Order, The Smiths, Take That and Oasis from the city, some say the M in Manchester is for ‘Music’.  From international pop acts to the Hallé Orchestra at The Bridgewater Hall the city caters for everyone’s tastes. 

Manchester International Festival

Manchester International Festival, the world’s first international festival of original, new work and special events takes place in Manchester biannually. Its third outing is scheduled for summer 2013.

Shop ‘til you drop

From haute couture to vintage classics, Manchester has it all. From shopping malls and departments stores to market stalls and boutiques – you will not be disappointed. High street brands can be found at Manchester Arndale and The Trafford Centre.  Find names like Mulberry, Armani and Vivienne Westwood at The Avenue, King Street, Selfridges or Harvey Nichols.  For those one-off retro designs and vintage kitsch the Northern Quarter has independent stores galore - second-hand boutiques and the alternative department store, Afflecks.  You can find a hidden handmade gem or works of local artists at Manchester Craft and Design Centre.

For a different shopping experience there are markets around the city offering local farmers’ produce, flowers, fashion and more.  Manchester Fashion Market showcases local designers and funky hand-made clothing and jewellery.  In Piccadilly Gardens the Farmers’ Market has local produce and over Christmas the European markets become popular attractions.  For superb produce all year round, visit Manchester Arndale Market.

Nightlife

Manchester’s nightlife is legendary.   There are hundreds of pubs, bars and clubs to choose from.  Lively Deansgate Locks and The Printworks are for those who want to party the night away.

The bohemian Northern Quarter has a choice of unique, independent bars.  Try a cocktail in the atmospheric Apotheca or continental beers at Odd Bar. There’s also Matt & Phred’s jazz bar for live music.

Manchester started a club revolution, with the legendary Hacienda paving the way for dance clubs across the UK.  Choose from rock, pop, dance, house, R&B and hip-hop for your perfect night out.

Food & Drink

Let your taste buds take you all over the world - from Italian to Chinese, Caribbean to Nepalese, Manchester offers a range of over thirty cuisines at every price range.  There’s Chinatown, with everything oriental and Rusholme also known as ‘Curry Mile’, with Asian takeaways and restaurants.

For real ale and traditional pub grub there’s Sam’s Chop House, Sinclair’s Oyster Bar, Lass O’Gowrie or the Peveril of the Peak to name just a few.

Manchester Food & Drink Festival in October is an annual celebration of the quality and diversity of food and drink in the city, with celebrity chefs, cookery demonstrations and tasting sessions.

Sports/Outdoor

Manchester is synonymous with sport, particularly the success of the 2002 Commonwealth Games. It is the birthplace of the first professional football league and home to four Premiership football clubs.  Come and visit Old Trafford, Manchester United’s legendary ground, for a behind the scenes museum and stadium tour or even try and catch a game.

If you’d like to take part then there are world-class facilities such as the Aquatics Centre, the Manchester Velodrome and National Indoor BMX Arena.  There are over 100 golf courses in the region, most notably Royal Birkdale, Hoylake and Royal Lytham courses.

For outdoor pursuits like hiking, hand-gliding and rock climbing try nearby National Parks like the Peak District or Lake District.  Both offer stunning scenery and countryside throughout the year.

All things considered, it’s no wonder Manchester was voted Sport City of the Year by SportsBusiness magazine in 2008.

Accommodation

Whether you’re looking for five star luxury or budget accommodation, Manchester has something for every need.  For special offers and online booking go to www.visitmanchester.com

Gateway

Manchester is the gateway to the North of England.  The city’s central location means that it is just over two hours by train to London, an hour from historic cities of Chester, York, Liverpool and lively Blackpool.  Served by excellent rail and road links, the beautiful Lake District and Wales are also just a couple of hours away.

Manchester’s award-winning international airport prides itself on being one of the world’s busiest and friendliest. 

Manchester Airport is the alternative gateway to the Britain.  It handles over 22 million passengers per year and serves over 200 destinations worldwide, with over 100 in Europe. 

Flybe operate flights to Manchester, all year round, from 30th October 2011.  Book today at www.flybe.com

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