You things to do in Manchester

[Whitetruck]

I'm going as "support crew" for DP and some friends who are running the marathon. Before anyone gets started on his unreasonableness, I'll say I'm a runner too he's done it for me, no he doesn't "need" the support, but it is lovely to have it and I'd.like to be there to support him and (hopefully) see him do well, or pick up the pieces if he doesn't.

That said Manchester is a long way from home for us and I've never been so feel I should.make an effort to see the City's highlights while I'm there.

So I need some suggestions of things I can either pop out and do on my own for a couple of hours or things he (and friends) can join me on whilst either wanting to rest ahead of the marathon or recover afterwards, please.

What are are the most important things to see in Manchester?

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What do you like to do? food? Museums? Shopping?

I'm not a fan of Manchester but the library at Chetham's is well worth a look. There's also a Comedy Store, but that probably wouldn't work timing-wise unless perhaps he wants an early night before the marathon and you want to go out for the evening.

There's an art exhibition on at the Whitworth called Women in Revolt that I think will be interesting.

Central library might have exhibitions
Whitworth art gallery
Manchester museum
People's history museum
Old Trafford / Etihad stadium tour if you're into football
Curry on Rusholme's "curry mile"
Salford Quays / Media city is nice for a walk or marathon recovery shuffle by the river/canal
Trafford Centre for shopping
Mayfield park for the UK's newest urban park
Salford Museum and art gallery
Manchester cathedral

Manchester Central Library has an excellent display about the archives - lots of interactive displays so you can really explore film clips, 'open' documents etc.

Manchester Art Gallery is wonderful and has a nice cafe.

John Rylands Library is probably my favourite place to take visitors - gorgeous architecture and interesting exhibitions.

Museum of Science and Industry for the Cotonopolis exhibit.

People's History Museum is very moving.

There's a reconstruction of part of the Roman fort at Castlefield (near the Science museum) if you are passing. Not a huge amount to see, but worth a look if passing by.

Outdoor wanders - Mayfield park, castlefield bowl
castlefield viaduct (national trust, you need tickets).

You can walk up the canal from Castlefield to the gay village, come through Sackville gardens and see the Alan Turing statue then onto mayfield park via the Vimto statue.

Central library on St Peter’s Square is pretty cool, the Emmeline Pankhurst statue is there and the town hall behind.

St Anne’s square, king street, spinningfields and the corn exchange are good for shopping and food. I guess if you’re coming from another city shops are shops 🤷‍♀️.

Me and DD went to Manchester 10 Years ago for my 50th
I had found, to my surprise, a Gt Gt Grandmother was from Hulme and she was married to my Gt Gt Grandfather (Londoner) in the Cathedral. Just a shame it was closed with scaffolding up on our visit

Places we liked were

The People's History Museum
Affleck's
Printworks (many eateries)
Salford Quays and the Lowry Gallery
Northern Quarter