January 17, 2013
Manchester never fails to surprise us, and, as the city that split the atom, nor should it really. Home to some of the UK’s most iconic institutions and icons, its innovation and ideas reverberate worldwide. These experiences will ensure you see the best that the city has to offer, as well as providing some truly unforgettable memories.
Old Trafford Stadium © Paolo Camera
Whether a football fanatic or not, a visit to the award-winning Old Trafford Museum is a must for any visit to Manchester. But getting your photo taken with the trophies is only the beginning. Take a tour of the “Theatre of Dreams” in the company of iconic players from Manchester United’s history, including David May, Alex Stepney, Stuart Pearson and Sammy Mcllroy. This is quite simply the best way to explore this football club’s fascinating history.
Check upcoming tours at www.manutd.com. (All tours priced at £120 per person, or £220 for two people, Museum and Tour only £11 for adults, £8.50 for juniors) Tel: 0161 868 8000.
Cloud 23 Bar. © Cloud 23
Take a trip to Cloud 23 and experience the best view in Manchester through floor-to-ceiling windows, located on the 23rd floor of Beetham Tower – the city’s tallest building (and largest in the UK outside of London). Open for champagne, cocktails and even Afternoon Tea, this is one bar that won’t disappoint on the uniqueness-front. Stand on the glass section to see right through to the street below – an experience like no other.
www.cloud23bar.com, Open Sun-Thurs 11am-1am (Fri & Sat Until 2am). Hilton Manchester, 303 Deansgate, Manchester, M3 4LQ. Tel: 0871 230 2209.
MediaCityUK © readephotography
Walk in the footsteps of some of your favourite stars of television and radio and take a peek behind the scenes of a whole host of programmes such as Match of the Day, Blue Peter, Dragon’s Den, BBC Breakfast, Radio 5 Live, the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra and many more. In a tour that lasts approximately 1 ½ hours, your guide will take you through the BBC’s North England home and on a fascinating journey through the world of TV and Radio.
Tours take place on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 10.30, 12.30 and 15.00; and on Saturdays and Sundays. Pre-booking essential. Tel: 0370 901 1227, http://www.bbc.co.uk/showsandtours/tours/salford.shtml
Indoor Skydiving © Airkix
Experience the ride of your life at Manchester’s vertical wind tunnel, where you’ll get to understand what it feels like to skydive – without all the hassle of going outside! An instructor will help you into a neutral flying position and then, once you’ve mastered the basic moves, new tricks can be learned. You don’t have to have any experience and it’s available for those aged 4 years old and up, making it an unforgettable experience for the whole family.
www.airkix.com, Tel: 0845 331 6549, infomcr@airkix.com.
The Museum of Science and Industry © Keith Williamson
A visit to the first industrial city in the world wouldn’t be complete without hearing the deafening noise of working cotton machinery and crawling through an atmospheric Victorian sewer. At MOSI you can see all aspects of the history of Manchester industry, whether it be by standing on the platform of one of the oldest surviving passenger railway stations in the world, or getting involved with the interactive science Experiment centre.
www.mosi.org.uk 10am – 5pm Mon-Sun. Museum of Science & Industry, Liverpool Road, Castlefield, Manchester, M3 4FP. Tel: 0161 832 2244.
Katie is an author for the Virgin Atlantic blog. Despite her urban London residency, Katie can often be found exploring far-flung corners of the globe in search of exciting new experiences and stories. A self-confessed night-owl, she makes it her mission to search out the best cocktail bars and live music venues on each and every expedition. Follow Katie @kt_saramanning
