Somewhere to stay with kids in Manchester

[GraciousPiglet]

Single mum here and want to take my kids to Manchester at Easter. We have family in the Peak district and are coming up from Cornwall so want a bit of a city break as they live very remotely normally.

We want somewhere to stay for about 3 nights. The kids are young, 3&5 so go to bed early. A hotel not much fun as I'm just stuck in a room with them, so ideally an apartment or an air bnb I guess. I've literally no clue.

Would like to stay quite centrally but will be driving and don't know what driving and parking in the city is like.

We wouldn't want anything noisy or party like. I hear lots of people go to Manchester for girls/lads weekends away. Am guessing probably not fun for a quiet family to stay amongst them!

Happy to stay further out if that's better. Lol I really don't know! I'm not a city dweller at all.

Please help!

Hi I would think about Didsbury it's about 5 miles south of the city centre and quite suburban but with some fantastic bars and restaurants including Simon Rimmers veggie restaurant Greens (booking essential it's very popular). Not many hotels but some Airbnb apartments available. There are frequent buses into the city and also a metrolink stop.

Another option is to look around Salford Quays there is lots to do with kids we go quite a lot for a day out. It has media city, the Blue Peter garden and also you can see where they film coronation st (well the building and the tops of roofs!) There are a few hotels and a ton of apartments so I would expect a few airbnbs too. It has the Lowry art gallery & theatre and the outlet mall is there with shops, cinema & cafes. Also has a metrolink stop / frequent buses into the city centre.

Both Didsbury and Salford Quays are close to the motorway network. I'm afraid I can't help with whether it is noisy at night as we've never stayed over.

Thanks! I had a look at these places, they are pricey but I can see a few things that could suit.

Can you tell I'm feeling nervous? Not really done a city with the kids before!

My first though was Salford Quays - the waterside is hugely entertaining for children even if you’re doing nothing more than strolling along. And the tram from central Manchester is great fun for littles, too. The Lowry centre, Imperial War Museum and Media City are all engrossing for all ages. Also it’s much easier to park there and get the tram into the centre. (15 /20 minutes max.)

There’s a Premier Inn right on the waterfront from where you can watch all the water sports happening outside. (Should be lively by Easter.) The hotel itself isn’t exciting - so if you could find self catering accommodation in the same area that would be perfect for you.

(I wouldn’t personally choose Didsbury as a destination. Nice place to live but nothing exciting right there - and nothing to tell you you’re actually in Manchester!)

I was going to say Salford Quays as well

Placematking because we're taking the DC to Manchester in the summer to see the football and need accomodation.

Does anyone know what the parking situation is like at Salford Quays? Thanks

Salford Quays water sports. Your children would be too young for the activities but they’re wonderful to watch. Loads of space to run around on the Quay.

Imperial War Museum North

Whitworth Gallery.

RHS Bridgewater One place your car might be useful. Although of course you have the Pennines and the Peak District on the doorstep.

Manchester is an excellent choice with small children. Only Liverpool tops it (grandeur, art, beaches …) but that would be further from your family.

@currering

Does anyone know what the parking situation is like at Salford Quays? Thanks

There’s a big carpark there and a couple of smaller ones. I think the hotel has its own parking too

This page from the Whitworth has all you need to know about Manchester!

www.whitworth.manchester.ac.uk/visit/whatsoninthearea/

Thanks @Hoppinggreen !