As the commercial and cultural capital of Lancashire, Manchester is a renowned center for art, media and higher education.
Along with Salford and eight other municipalities, it forms the Metropolitan County of Greater Manchester, which is now home to around 3 million people.
Like neighboring Liverpool, Manchester has undergone a renaissance with the introduction of initiatives such as the Castlefield Project, with its many canals and its museum complex on Liverpool Road. The expansion of the town’s leisure and sporting facilities has greatly enhanced its appeal for tourists, making it one of the best places to visit in the North of England.
In this ARTICLE, we take a look at the top 9 rated things to do in Manchester. And wait until you see what’s at number one, something you might not have thought of. So don’t forget to watch till the end.
Number - 9
Fresh off a major redevelopment, the Whitworth Art Gallery has a vast collection of over 55,000 works of art. Named after the nearby park,
the gallery’s ultra-modern facilities are housed in a mix of old and new buildings overlooking a very pleasant green space.
The oldest collections themselves date back to 1889, and its stellar collection of sculptures and mostly modern works of art have seen it consistently rank among Manchester’s top attractions. Other notable collections include watercolors, textiles and even wallpaper. Works by the likes of Francis Bacon, Van Gogh and Picasso can all be enjoyed, along with a large collection of outdoor art. A cafe and shop are located on the premises, and a variety of fun events and activities are available for individuals and families.Â
NUMBER - 8
Manchester Art Gallery.
Manchester Art Gallery holds one of the largest art collections in Britain outside of London. The gallery includes works by Pre-Raphaelite, 17th-century Flemish masters, French Impressionists including Galguin, Manet and Monet, and German artists such as Max Ernst.Â
Also from well-known English artists including Stubbs, Constable and Turner. The gallery’s impressive sculpture collection includes works by Rodin, Meliol, Jacob Epstein and Henry Moore. For more arts and culture tourist attractions, visit Home, Manchester’s International Center for Contemporary Visual Arts and Independent Film. Located at 70 Oxford Street, the venue is renowned for its regular performances of everything from music to comedy.
NUMBER - 7
Britain's oldest public library,
Check out Chethams Library. Chetham’s Hospital, just north of Manchester Cathedral, is part of the 1422 block. Originally a priest’s residence, it now houses a music school and Chetham Library, England’s oldest public library. In continuous use since 1653, the library contains more than 100,000 books, more than half of which were printed before 1850.Â
Chethams is also famous as the meeting place of Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels during Marx’s visit to Manchester. Guided tours are available. Other libraries of note are the Manchester Central Library next to the Town Hall and the Portico Library, which houses the literary collections of Dalton and Jules, founders of the Manchester Literary and Philosophical Society. Victorian John Rylance Library, Now part of the University of Manchester, it is also worth visiting for its many special collections, including medieval texts, a Gutenberg Bible and William Caxton’s collection of early prints.
NUMBER - 6
National Football Museum.
Yes, there is such a thing. Home to two of Europe’s top football teams, Man City and Man United, Manchester is a great place to pay tribute to the country’s favorite game. Your first stop should be the National Football Museum. This football shrine houses interesting memorabilia related to the game, including gems like the first rule book, as well as historic trophies and apparel.
A variety of great short movies showing the history of the sport while fun hands-on, in that case, the displays provide plenty of extra entertainment for the youngsters. Visit their website for special events and program details. It is worth visiting one or indeed both of the Manchester team’s home stadiums.Â
Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium offers a variety of fun tour options, including behind-the-scenes and deluxe dinner tours. Old Trafford, home of Manchester United, offers guided tours that offer access to private boxes and walks around the grounds.
NUMBER - 5
visit St. Mary's Catholic Church.
Another religious site worth visiting in Manchester and a hidden gem is St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Built in 1794 and located next to the historic Market Hall, it is also known locally as a hidden gem. But don’t let the structure’s rather plain exterior deter you from looking inside.Â
Here you will find many fine Victorian carvings. Highlights include the marble high altar, statues of saints and a unique Expressionist-style Stations of the Cross. Guided tours are available.
NUMBER - 4
Manchester Museum.
Manchester Museum is another excellent university museum in the city to include in your itinerary. The museum is notable for its exhibits on natural history, archeology and anthropology, with its earliest collections dating back to 1821. The museum itself was established in 1888. Notable as the UK’s largest university museum, its vast collection of over 4.5 million works of art includes examples from around the world.
It is well known for its vast Chinese cultural collection. Just to note, the Manchester Museum is closed for major renovations until the end of 2022.
NUMBER - 3
Manchester Cathedral.
Located on the banks of the River Irwell, Manchester Cathedral, officially the Cathedral and Collegiate Church of St. Petersburg. Mary, St. Denis, and St. George, mostly between 1422 and 1506 and raised to cathedral status in 1847. Especially interesting are its chapels on either side of the nave and choir. It was built between 1486 and 1508, with further additions and alterations in almost every subsequent century.
Of particular note is the choir stall, which houses some of the country’s most richly decorated misirchords. St John’s Chapel is the chapel of the Manchester Regiment, and the Little Lady Chapel has wooden screens dating from 1440. The octagonal chapter house, built in 1465, contains murals depicting Christ in modern clothing.
NUMBER - 2
Imperial War Museum North.
The Imperial War Museum North or IWM North is also worth a visit, especially if you have an interest in war history. Opened in 2002, this wing of the Imperial War Museum is a popular attraction for its collection of war vehicles and aircraft.
Highlights of a tour include audiovisual presentations and exhibits on the history of warfare and its role in shaping civilization. There are numerous static displays of large machines such as tanks, aircraft, artillery, and handheld weapons. A shop and cafe are located on the premises.
NUMBER - 1
Museum of Science and Art.
Vigyan Science and Industry Museum is located on the site of the world’s oldest railway station. Its 12 galleries include the Power Hall, water and steam-powered machines from the golden age of the textile industry, as well as vintage made in Manchester cars, including a rare 1904 Rolls-Royce. The history of the city from Roman times through the Industrial Revolution to the present day is documented in the station buildings.
