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Manchester |
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DESTINATION INFORMATION
Manchester is a major city and metropolitan borough in the north of England, historically notable for its central role in the Industrial Revolution. Today it is a centre of the arts, the media, higher education and commerce, and considered by many to be the country's second city, although this status is traditionally given to Birmingham.
In June 1996, the IRA detonated a large bomb in the city centre, the largest detonated on British soil. Whilst causing over 200 injuries, it caused no deaths, and the principal damage was to the physical infrastructure of nearby buildings. The subsequent reconstruction meant that large areas of the city were regenerated, creating new city focal points for both shopping and entertainment. Taking over a decade to complete, the latest and final part of the renovations have produced Europe's largest city centre shopping mall, The Manchester Arndale.
Manchester is also well-known for its sporting connections, being home to Manchester City and Manchester United football clubs and Lancashire County Cricket Club. In 2002 the city very successfully hosted the XVII Commonwealth Games.
The city has a number of busy squares, plazas and shopping streets, many which are now pedestrianised. It is also home to a vibrant and exciting range of restaurants, bars and clubs, spanning the famous 'curry mile' in Rusholme, the second-largest Chinatown in Europe, modern bars and bistros at Deansgate Locks in the city centre. There are now many top-class restaurants, as well as several art galleries and museums, an Opera House and several theatres.
Manchester is twinned with many cities worldwide, including Amsterdam, Chemnitz in Germany, Córdoba in Spain and St Petersburg, Russia, as well as others in China, Israel and Pakistan.
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WHAT TO DO
- People's History Museum ~ The only museum dedicated to the working people of Britain and the story of how they organised to change society, improving life for future generations. The museum is housed in a former Edwardian pumping station on the banks of the River Irwell, in the heart of Manchester. The museum is based in the world's first industrial city. Interactive displays, developed especially with families in mind, are located throughout the main galleries.
- Manchester Museum ~ Situated at the University of Manchester, Oxford Road. Four floors of displays and exhibitions in 15 galleries featuring collections from all over the world. See the famous Egyptology galleries; The World of Nature featuring mammals, birds and live animals; Ethology collections from South Amercia and the Museum's own collections of fossils and minerals. Groups welcome.
- The Lowry ~ For Manchester's role at the heart of the Industrial Revolution, see LS Lowry's well-loved paintings at The Lowry in The Quays, 2 miles from the city centre. The collection numbers around 350 Lowry works; many of his drawings depict Salford where he lived and worked for thirty years. This child-friendly space offers regularly-changing exhibitions to suit every taste.
- Urbis Exhibition Centre ~ Located in the city centre, this is an innovative attraction dedicated to urban culture, with exhibitions on everything from the future of cities to the history of punk rock. This state-of-the-art exhibition takes visitors on an interactive whirlwind tour of the world's greatest cities - including, of course, Manchester itself, the world's first industrial metropolis.
- The Pankhurst Centre ~ The home of Emmeline Pankhurst and family. The birthplace of the Women's Social and Political Union, this museum displays information about the Pankhursts and the Suffragette Movement.
- Old Trafford and the City of Manchester Stadium ~ Sports fans can revel in Manchester's sporting prowess at the tours and exhibitions of Manchester's sports arenas and stadiums. Manchester United Museum and Tour offers a unique insight into arguably the world's most glamorous football club ~ all its triumphs and tragedies. The highlight for most is chance to walk down the tunnel onto the hallowed pitch in the footsteps of Charlton, Best, Cantona, Giggs, Rooney et al. Local rivals, Manchester City also has a museum and stadium tour with interactive exhibits.
- The Museum of Science and Industry ~ A favourite with residents and tourists alike and tells of much more than just science and industry. For a sense of the city's pioneering spirit, check out the list of Manchester Firsts - the first computer and the first to split the atom being just two examples.
- Imperial War Museum North ~ About people and their stories, and how lives have been and still are shaped by war and conflict. This museum uses thought-provoking and innovative display techniques to put you right in the centre of the experience using a dramatic display of projected images and sound. The Main Exhibition Space also houses thousands of objects from a T34 Russian tank and Harrier jump-jet to clothing, to diaries and works of art. Situated at The Quays.
- The Trafford Centre ~ Situated just 5 miles outside Manchester city centre, visitors have the choice of 230 stores along 3 miles of granite and marble boulevards. Stores range from designer and high fashion outlets along Regent Crescent including the first Selfridges outside London to favourite High Street names. The centre's leisure and dining area ~ The Orient ~ hosts 36 restaurants and fast food eateries. It is also home to the Odeon 20 screen cinema - one of the largest in the UK.
- Open-Top Bus Tour ~ Departing from St Peter's Square.
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