Things To Do In Manchester

Overview of Manchester

Manchester, often referenced as “The Capital of the North,” was an enormously potent city during the United Kingdom’s industrial revolution, serving as the beating heart for cotton and textile industries. Manchester’s industrial heritage created it’s rail nexus, canal system, textile powerhouses and export industry. In the modern era, Manchester has rebuilt after losing it’s industrial advantages. The city has cleaned up it’s dockyards, preserved its museums and expanded its service industries. Now, there are many things to do in Manchester.

Things To Do In Manchester

John Rylands Research Institute and Library

This library is a huge Victorian-Gothic masterpiece with an immense collection of rare books and manuscripts. John Rylands Library’s outstanding collection includes several medieval illuminated manuscripts, the oldest known fragment of the New Testament and an original Gutenberg Bible.

The Washhouse

This venue is a laundromat disguising an underground bar.  Visitors stopping by for a drink must call ahead to book a “washing machine” and receive the entry code. Afterwards, arrive at the washing machine and hammer in the code on a mystery phone. Let the voice on the opposite end of the line know you’re there to do a load of laundry. Afterwards, the hidden door will swing open, admitting visitors into the bar.

Salford Museum and Art Gallery

Located near Peel Park and the University of Salford, this museum recreates the Victorian era by designing mock-up streets, installing authentic Victorian street signs and adding a flair of winter ambiance to the displays. Admission into the museum is free.

The Manchester Bee

The Machester Bee is the de-facto mascot of Manchester often seen as a symbol of a bee scattered throughout the city. The insect was adopted as a symbol of hard work and prosperity during Manchester’s Industrial Revolution. The bee can be found on lampposts, murals, artworks and other surfaces throughout town.

Science and Industry Museum

Manchester is home to a wide number of museums following different themes. The Science and Industry Museum of Manchester hosts extensive displays on the themes of energy, sewage constructure, textile production, transportation systems, communication networks and computing capabilities.

Manchester Museum

As another prominent musuem in Manchester, the Manchester Musuem displays exhibits focusing on the natural history, archaeology and anthropology environments found in the region and beyond. The museum, housed in a neo-Gothic building, showcases over 4.5 million items from every continent on Earth. Operated by the University of Manchester, the museum is a valuable resource for academic research and teaching.

Manchester Art Gallery

The Manchester Art Gallery is a free admission publicly owned art museum. The buidling is home to numerous artworks and sculptures covering a wide range of styles, influences and creative designs.

Chetham’s Library

This interesting old library, established in 1653, has remained an institution of Manchester for generations. Many scholars studied within the library, including Karl Marx while he developed his economic philosophies alongside Friedrich Engels. The library is one of the oldest public collection libraries in the United Kingdom.

A Monument to Vimto

“Vim Tonic” eventually shortened to Vimto, was a locally popular soft drink which had a small but loyal commercial following in Manchester. The drink never gained much popularity, but it did gain it’s own monument. Located in Manchester, a giant wooden soda bottle is painted with the distinct logo at the place where it was invented.

Gnome Island on Clipper’s Quay

Though Manchester’s shipping canals are no longer operational as major ports, they’re still a proud part of the city’s legacy and offer scenic views. This is especially true at Gnome Island, a small concrete round patch which hosts a family of gnomes. The tiny cultural landmark is best viewed from the promenade near the Wharfside tram stop.

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