Manchester Travel Trade & Groups Guide 2018-2019

visitmanchester.com/traveltrade

This is a city that marches forward; a city that celebrates diversity; a city that lives and loves; and a city that opens its arms to all.

Manchester Gateway to the North

Contents Why Manchester? 03 04 06 08 10 15 18 22 26 28 30

Choose Manchester This is the Place Whatâ€™s New? Events Calendar Bookable Sightseeing Discover Shop Play Eat Drink Explore Greater Manchester

Stay 32 Stay The North 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43

Gateway to the North Maps Cheshire The Lake District, Cumbria Lancashire Liverpool City Region North East England Peak District & Derbyshire Yorkshire Wales

Itinerary Ideas 44 45 46 47

Day Trip Weekend | Long Weekend North of England Themed Itineraries

Bookable Excursions 48 Bookable excursions Transport 52 53 55 58

Getting to Manchester Manchester Airport Getting Around Manchester Coach Parking City Centre Map

Symbols Key Pre booking required

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N

Meet & greet Group discounts Guided tours

Driver/guide concessions Gift shop Restaurant Tea room/cafe Picnic area Toilets Disabled toilets Disabled access Coach parking

Coach parking nearby

O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Coach pick-up/ drop-off point

Education officer on-site

Teacher/ pupil packs Packed lunch Study area Worksheets Ideal pupil to teacher ratio Group size Average length of visit Private Dining Leisure facilities

Conference Facilities

visitmanchester.com/traveltrade ďż˝ 1

2 ďż˝ visitmanchester.com/traveltrade

Choose Manchester Welcome to the new Manchester Travel Trade & Groups Guide. We’ve changed the format this year to make it as easy as possible to find the information you need in order to include Manchester in your itineraries and programmes. The guide is divided into sections, each covering a different area of itinerary planning, from an overview of what Manchester has to offer including sightseeing, events and restaurants to sample itineraries and bookable, commissionable product. There is also a dedicated section on the North. With the city’s central location and Manchester Airport, UK’s 3rd largest, Manchester is the perfect gateway to the region. Find inspiration for experiences and excursions which can’t be found anywhere else in the country.

HOME

Here to help Our team are on-hand to provide the support you need. Marketing Manchester is the professional body for advice and assistance, we can help with your itinerary planning and facilitate introductions to partners in the tourism sector in Greater Manchester. We can also provide:

• Promotional literature and content,

including maps, destination guides (including Chinese and Arabic versions), copy and images

• Help with the organisation of familiarisation visits

• Regular updates via our travel trade and groups e-newsletter

• Manchester Masters, an interactive travel

Ullswater Steamer, Lake District

trade training programme, to help you package and sell Manchester and the surrounding area

• MICE support, our colleagues in the

Business & Events Team can assist with bids, venue and accommodation searches, as well as spouse programmes

visitmanchester.com/traveltrade � 3

This is the Place Whether you know us for our football, music or something else – you’ll have some idea of what Manchester is about, but it’s not until you explore for yourself that you start to understand what the city stands for. This is a city that marches forward; a city that celebrates diversity; a city that lives and loves; and a city that opens its arms to all. The city is set against a backdrop of intriguing heritage and history, with innovation and invention its backbone. The industrial revolution, which was instigated by Manchester’s first steam-powered mill, shaped the world’s economy. Manchester continued to be a city of firsts, being birthplace of the first passenger railway, first computer and votes for women. The city has a story to tell.

Travelling to Manchester is easy by rail, air or road, with its central location there is excellent connectivity from across the UK and there are over 225 direct flights to Manchester Airport from around the world. Upon arrival into the city there is a slick network of trams, free buses, boats and a new hop-on hop-off bus to help explore the city region.

Manchester is the third most visited city in the UK, welcoming more visitors from around the world than ever before, looking to discover the thriving culture, energy and spirit of the city.

Manchester is the perfect gateway to the North, with inspiring cities, including Liverpool, Chester and York and the natural beauty of the Lake District, Peak District and Wales, all a stone’s throw away. There are now excursions available from Manchester to these destinations and more, see pages 48-51.

Today, Manchester is one of Europe’s most vibrant city break destinations and according to Lonely Planet it is one of the top 10 world cities to visit. The region offers everything from ground-breaking arts & culture, diverse shopping, renowned food, drink and nightlife to stunning countryside, stately homes and gardens.

4 � visitmanchester.com/traveltrade

Energetic, diverse and individual, Manchester is a city with true character. Choose Manchester as the next destination, it will surprise, delight and embrace all of its visitors in a way that only Mancunians know how.

St Peter’s Square

‘Baby’ at the Museum of Science & Industry

DID YOU KNOW? Worker Bee Symbolising industry, work ethic and co-operation, the humble worker bee has been a symbol of Manchester since the 1800s. Today the bee can be seen all over the city - in our city crest, street art and on lampposts and bins. This summer there will be 80 giant bee sculptures around the city as part of Bee in the City.

Votes for Women

Manchester’s Baby

It’s been a hundred years since women were given the right to vote, thanks to the UK Suffragette Movement. It was born in Manchester, when Emmeline Pankhurst held the first meeting of the Women’s Social and Political Union at her home in 1903. Today, the house is the Pankhurst Centre, a museum that keeps the history of the Pankhurst family alive.

The first modern computer was built at the University of Manchester. Called ‘Baby’ it was built using technology developed for WWII communications equipment and ran the world’s first stored program in 1948. A replica can be seen at the Museum of Science & Industry.

Industrial Revolution

Stevenson Square

Manchester was the world’s first industrial city. It was classed as the cotton-making capital of the world in the 18th century and dubbed ‘Cottonopolis’ and the ‘Warehouse City’ during the Victorian era. This proud heritage can be seen through the city’s stunning architecture and is on display at its museums and galleries.

Rolls Royce In 1904 Frederick Royce produced the first car at his factory. He soon attracted the attention of Charles Rolls and following a meeting at The Midland Hotel, they set up the world-famous car manufacturing company. Today the outstanding fourstar hotel is renowned for its award-winning restaurants, The French and Mr. Cooper’s, and luxury Spa.

visitmanchester.com/traveltrade � 5

What’s New? With Manchester’s increasing popularity and international recognition, the city’s offering continues to grow with new hotels, attractions and events appearing on an ongoing basis. Manchester Airport’s expanding international route network is making Manchester more accessible than ever before.

6 � visitmanchester.com/traveltrade

Mackie Mayor

HOTELS Stock Exchange Hotel Former Manchester United stars Gary Neville and Ryan Giggs (GG Hospitality) have been redeveloping the historical Stock Exchange building into a boutique 40-room hotel, due to open in the Spring.

Cow Hollow Hotel A restored turn-of-thecentury textile warehouse with only 17 rooms, offering a number of complimentary features including an evening champagne and antipasti cart. Open now.

Crowne Plaza & Staybridge Suites The first dual-branded ‘double decker’ hotel in the north of England, will boast a 212-room Crowne Plaza and 116-room Staybridge Suites when it opens in May.

FOOD & DRINK Mackie Mayor The former market building in the Northern Quarter has been brought to life, bringing together some of the best local food and drink traders, including Fin Fish Bar, Little Window, Black Jack Brewery, Baohouse and Nationale 7.

Real Junk Food Project With a unique concept offering pay-as-you-feel meals using quality assured food that would otherwise be thrown out. The Real Junk Food Project aims to tackle the issue of waste food, currently offering tasty

dishes from a pop-up on Oxford Road and plan to open a permanent unit in 2018.

FLIGHTS

Piccadilly – Victoria Beer Mile

Thomas Cook Airlines have announced a new route from Seattle to Manchester starting in May 2018. Reinforcing the airline’s position as the largest longhaul carrier from Manchester, serving more US routes than any other airline, including Boston, Las Vegas, LA, Miami, Orlando, New York and San Francisco.

Seattle – Manchester

Manchester is now home to the UK’s largest concentration of small breweries, including Cloudwater – ranked fifth in the world, Alphabet Brewing Company, Track, Black Jack Brewery, Runaway Brewery with many offering beer tours, brew taps and events.

2019 – 2020

EVENTS Bee in the City

RHS Garden Bridgewater

A public art trail across the city will consist of 80 giant bee sculptures designed by different artists for nine weeks (July – Sept) before being auctioned off to raise money for the We Love MCR charity.

The RHS will be creating a stunning new boutique 156-acre garden by bringing back to life the lost historic grounds at Worsley New Hall in Salford in phase one of RHS Garden Bridgewater. Scheduled to open 2019.

Great Exhibition of the North, 22 June-9 Sept 18

Factory Manchester A major £110 million arts and cultural development, and new permanent home for Manchester International Festival (MIF) is due to open in 2020.

Based in NewcastleGateshead, the free event will reveal how the North of England’s great art, culture, design and innovation has shaped our lives, with the dramatic story told in imaginative and powerful ways.

London Road Fire Station

Trailblazer for The Factory, 10-21 Oct Created by Heiner Goebbels, part-performance, partconstruction site, Everything that happened and would happen is a re-enactment of history, always on the verge of collapse - only to be rebuilt as if nothing had happened.

Transformation is set to begin in 2018 creating a new destination and doorway to the city. Boutique hotel brand, The Zetter Group will open a property and there will be a range of dining and leisure establishments.

visitmanchester.com/traveltrade � 7

JUNE

Until 12 May

Miss Saigon Palace Theatre, city centre atgtickets.com

Sounds from the Other City Chapel Street, Salford soundsfromtheothercity.com

15-26

Blood Brothers Palace Theatre, city centre atgtickets.com

Great CityGames City centre greatcitygames.org

Great Manchester 10K Run City centre greatrun.org/great-manchester-run

1-31

Salford Dragon Boat Festival Helly Hansen Watersports Centre, Salford sdbf.co.uk

The Greater Manchester Fringe Festival Various venues, Greater Manchester greatermanchesterfringe.co.uk

6-22

Buxton International Festival Buxton, Derbyshire buxtonfestival.co.uk

21-29

Cities of Hope Various city centre venues citiesofhope.net

7-8

The Sparkle Weekend Sackville Gardens, city centre sparkle.org.uk

19-22

Dot to Dot Festival Various city centre venues dottodotfestival.co.uk

12-15

Wigan International Jazz Festival Wigan, Greater Manchester wiganjazzfest.co.uk

13-15

26-28

East Lancashire Railwayâ€™s 1940s Weekend Starts Bury Bolton Street Station, Bury eastlancsrailway.org.uk

Festa Italiana Manchester Cathedral Gardens, city centre festaitalianauk.com

Ironman UK 2018 Bolton, Greater Manchester ironman.com

18-22

RHS Flower Show Tatton Park, Cheshire rhs.org.uk

19-22

Bluedot Jodrell Bank, Cheshire discoverthebluedot.com

20-28

Manchester Jazz Festival Albert Square, city centre manchesterjazz.com

2323 Sep

Bee in the City Various city centre venues beeinthecitymcr.co.uk

27March 2019

Lest We Forget?: Remembering the First World War Imperial War Museum North, Salford iwm.org.uk/visits/iwm-north

28-29

MCM Manchester Comic Con Manchester Central mcmcomiccon.com

2-3

The King Street Festival King Street, city centre kingstreetfestival.com

9-10

Parklife Festival Heaton Park, Greater Manchester parklife.uk.com

14-17

Tour of Tameside Various venues, Tameside sportstoursinternational.co.uk

Manchester Day Parade City centre manchesterday.co.uk/parade

276 July

Sounds of the City Castlefield Bowl ticketline.co.uk

298 July

Manchester Beer Week City centre mcrbeerweek.co.uk

8 ďż˝ visitmanchester.com/traveltrade

Bluedot

JULY

MAY

Events Calendar 2018-2019

Wigan Live Festival Wigan, Greater Manchester wiganlivefestival.co.uk

24-27

Bolton Food & Drink Festival Bolton, Greater Manchester boltonfoodanddrinkfestival.com

24-27

Manchester Pride City centre manchesterpride.com

825 Nov

Wave (part of 14-18 NOWâ€™s tour of the iconic poppies) Imperial War Museum North, Trafford

14-16

Head for the Hills Ramsbottom Cricket Ground, Bury headforthehills.org.uk

278 Oct

Manchester Food & Drink Festival City centre foodanddrinkfestival.com

5-21

Manchester Literature Festival Various venues, Greater Manchester manchesterliteraturefestival.co.uk

11-14

The Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair Upper Campfield Market, city centre greatnorthernevents.co.uk

12-14

Buy Art Fair Manchester Central, city centre buyartfair.co.uk

17-21

Manchester Oktoberfest Albert Square, city centre manchester-oktoberfest.co.uk

18-21

Manchester Folk Festival Various venues, city centre manchesterfolkfestival.org.uk

18-28

Manchester Science Festival Various locations, Greater Manchester manchestersciencefestival.com

27-28

Halloween in the City Various city centre venues cityco.com/event/ halloween-in-the-city

Early Nov

Christmas Lights Switch On Albert Square, city centre visitmanchester.com

Mid Novlate Dec

Manchester Christmas Markets Various city centre locations visitmanchester.com

tbc

Bolton Winter Festival Bolton, Greater Manchester boltonwinterfestival.com

tbc

OCTOBER

17-18

Indy Man Beer Con Victoria Baths, Manchester indymanbeercon.co.uk

NOVEMBER

Rochdale Feel Good Festival Rochdale, Greater Manchester rochdalefeelgoodfestival.co.uk

4-7

DEC

Manchester Caribbean Carnival Alexandra Park, Manchester themanchestercarnival.com

JAN

AUGUST SEPTEMBER

11-12

Chinese New Year Celebrations Various city centre locations

Check out visitmanchester.com for the latest updates, more events and information.

Manchester Pride

Sport

Exhibition

Music

Theatre

Festival

Cultural

Shopping

Food & Drink

LGBTQ

visitmanchester.com/traveltrade ďż˝ 9

Bookable Sightseeing Manchester can be seen from many perspectives, tours can be taken by foot, bus, boat or train. There’s also a wealth of award-winning attractions and unique experiences covering heritage, music, culture, food and sport to choose from. Here are just some of the city’s bookable sightseeing and attractions. Travel trade enquiries welcome, with some offering net rates. If you would like to contract any of these, contact traveltrade@ marketingmanchester.com for introductions.

TOURS BY FOOT

Manchester Food Walks Combine a fascinating take on Manchester’s history and culture with food from the city’s best traders, every weekend. manchesterfoodwalks.co.uk

Manchester Guided Tours A range of walking tours from Blue Badge Guides including a daily Discover Manchester tour at 11am. manchesterguidedtours.com

New Manchester Walks Themed tours including topics such as politics, art, music and football. newmanchesterwalks.com

Skyliner Tours Includes the award-winning ‘Modern History of the Northern Quarter Tour’, the city’s heritage told through its renowned street art. theskyliner.org

BY BOAT

Castlerose Boat Stay Self-catering break in Manchester on a stylish wide-beam hotel boat. boatstay.co.uk City & the City Tour

City & the City Tour A fascinating guided tour of Manchester followed by behind-the-scenes at the Etihad Stadium (3-3.5 hrs). mancity.com/tours

Scanchester Tours A multi-stop tour revealing the food and drink stories of the city. scanchestertours.com BY BUS

Manchester Music Tours Award-winning and internationally renowned, created by Inspiral Carpets’ drummer – Craig Gill covering Oasis, The Smiths, Joy Division, Stone Roses and more. manchestermusictours.com

Sightseeing Manchester A 90-minute hop-on-hop off bus tour with 14-stops at key areas and attractions including Old Trafford and The Quays. Starts at Albert Square. sightseeingmanchester.com

10 � visitmanchester.com/traveltrade

City Centre Cruises Dining experiences and matchday travel (to Old Trafford) available. citycentrecruises.co.uk

Manchester River & Canal Tours One-hour tour along the Manchester Ship Canal and the River Irwell departing from the city centre. manchesterrivercruises.com

Manchester Ship Canal Cruise - Mersey Ferries A fascinating six-hour journey to Liverpool with live commentary from a Blue Badge Guide including return by coach. merseyferries.co.uk

Wandering Duck A fully hosted boat tour where visitors can steer the boat and work the locks. wanderingduck.co.uk

Chester Zoo

A chance to relive some of Manchester City’s greatest moments. mancity.com/grouptours

Skiing, snowboarding or snow games all year round at the UK’s largest indoor ski-slope. chillfactore.com

SEE P. 23 FOR MORE

Chill Factore

Crystal Maze The ultimate team challenge, testing skill, mental and physical ability. the-crystal-maze.com

HOME A purpose-built centre for international contemporary art, theatre, film and books. homemcr.org

Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre Home to the Lovell Telescope, with interactive exhibits, displays and talks. jodrellbank.net

Legoland Discovery Centre

Hands-on fun for 3 – 12-year olds including a 4D cinema. legolanddiscoverycentre.co.uk

Manchester United Museum & Stadium tours Behind the scenes at Manchester United’s Theatre of Dreams. manutd.com/en/ visit-old-trafford

SEE P. 25 FOR MORE

Over 20,000 animals and 500 different species, a monorail and waterbus. chesterzoo.org

SEE P. 24 FOR MORE

Manchester City Stadium & Club Tours SEE P. 12 FOR MORE

ATTRACTIONS

National Football Museum The world’s biggest and best football museum, with interactive Football Plus+ experiences. nationalfootballmuseum.com

Quarry Bank Mill Fascinating industrial heritage on the site of a cotton mill and waterwheel. nationaltrust.org.uk/ quarrybankmill

Royal Exchange Theatre Unique circular stage for world-class theatre productions. royalexchange.co.uk

Tatton Park An 18th century mansion and elegant gardens set in a 1000-acre deer park. tattonpark.org.uk

UNIQUE East Lancashire Railway Afternoon Tea, Rail Ale Trails and special events on a steam locomotive are available on this beautifully restored railway. east-lancs-rly.co.uk

Manchester Three Rivers Gin School Award-winning interactive experience at Manchester’s first gin distillery. manchesterthreerivers.com

Robinsons Brewery A fascinating tour of the brewing process (old and new) including beer sampling. robinsonsvisitorcentre.co.uk

Selfridges Personal Shopping Includes 3-hour personal shopping consultation, Champagne Afternoon Tea and £100 gift voucher. visitmanchester.com/ shopping

World of Wedgwood Unique, interactive visitor centre experience celebrating the very best of British craftsmanship. worldofwedgwood.com

East Lancashire Railway

visitmanchester.com/traveltrade � 11

(R)OUND UP YOU(R) P(A)CK (A)ND (S)TART YOU(R) ADV(E)NTURE (A)T

Discover over 21,000 amazing animals and 500 species, just 40 minutes from Manchester City Centre!

www.chesterzoo.org/groups CHESTER ZOO Upton by Chester, CH2 1EU 0870 720 1507 � groups@chesterzoo.org chesterzoo.org/groups Discover over 21,000 wonderful animals and 500 different species including some of the most endangered and exotic in the world. With discounted admission for groups of 15 or more paying visitors, we’re a fantastic day out for explorers, young and old. Whether you’re looking to get outdoors or have fun with nature, it’s more fun as a group, just ask the elephants! Save up to 30% when you book online. Free all day parking and free coach driver admission. Only 40 minutes away from Manchester city centre. Opening times: Daily from 10am. Closes 4pm - 6pm depending on the seasons. Closed Christmas Day & Boxing Day.

ABECDIGHJ KLMPQSTR U V W 10:1

6 hrs

12 � visitmanchester.com/traveltrade

Book in advance and SAVE

30%

EAST LANCASHIRE RAILWAY Bolton Street, Bury, BL9 0EY 0333 320 2830 (Opt 2) customer.services@eastlancsrailway.co.uk eastlancsrailway.org.uk An award-winning heritage railway running steam and diesel trains along a scenic 12-mile route, less than 30 minutes from Manchester city centre. There are a wealth of facilities, including real ale pubs, traditional buffets, a museum and lots of events, including the popular 1940s Weekend. For a unique group experience climb onboard the railway’s Orient Express style carriages for a luxurious dining experience. Opening times: Trains run every weekend throughout the year and Wed - Fri from Apr - Sept. Open Bank Holidays. Closed Christmas Day.

ABCDEFGHIJK ABECDFGHJ LMNOPQRST KLNOPQST U V W 10:1 10:1

10-400 10-400

2-3 2-3

ELIZABETH GASKELL’S HOUSE 84 Plymouth Grove, Manchester, M13 9LW 0161 273 2215 enquiries@elizabethgaskellhouse.co.uk elizabethgaskellhouse.co.uk/group-tours Enjoy a bespoke tour of the beautifully restored historic home of Elizabeth Gaskell, the famous author of North and South, Cranford and Mary Barton. With its restored rooms, Victorian-style garden and welcoming Tea Room, knowledgeable guides will provide a personally tailored tour of the house, covering the restoration, its history and the lives of the Gaskell family. Opening times: Wed, Thur, Sun, 11am-4.30pm. Pre-booked private group tours are available on Mon, Tues, Fri & Sat between 9-5pm. Admission Prices: From £10 per person for a private tour and refreshments.

ADFHJKL NOV W 10-60

2 hrs

visitmanchester.com/traveltrade � 13

IMPERIAL WAR MUSEUM NORTH The Quays, Trafford Wharf Road, M17 1TZ 0161 836 4000 � LearningNorth@iwm.org.uk iwm.org.uk/North Explore a timeline of conflicts from the First World War to the current day and hear how war shapes lives through extraordinary stories of ordinary people at Imperial War Museum North. Immerse yourself in personal memories of life on the home and fighting fronts, in a powerful and poignant 360° cinematic experience and uncover themes of modern conflict in our permanent and temporary exhibitions. Opening times: 10am – 5pm daily. Last admission 4.30pm. Closed 24, 25, and 26 December Admission Prices: Free

AFHEIJKLM QSTU V W 10:1

120

2 hrs

JODRELL BANK DISCOVERY CENTRE Macclesfield, Cheshire, SK11 9DW 01477 571766 jodrell.visitor.centre@manchester.ac.uk jodrellbank.net Home to the impressive Lovell Telescope, Jodrell Bank has stood as an icon for British science and engineering for over 70 years and its scientists and researchers continue to work at the forefront of modern astrophysics. Groups can explore the wonders of the universe through a range of interactive exhibits, displays and talks. A range of food and drink packages, along with free coach parking and discounts are available for groups. Opening times: Daily, 10am - 5pm Admission Prices: From £5 per person

ABCDEFGHI JKLMPQST U V W 10:1

10-50

1.5-3.5 hrs

14 � visitmanchester.com/traveltrade

Discover Manchester is a UNESCO City of Literature, where leading novelists Anthony Burgess and Elizabeth Gaskell called home. It is where the legacy of the Bee Gees, Joy Division, The Smiths, Oasis and the ‘Madchester’ music scene stands proud. Today Manchester enjoys a thriving cultural scene with everything from national museums, acclaimed music, stand-out exhibitions and ground-breaking theatre and events. Here are some of the highlights:

ART The Whitworth The ‘gallery in the park’ featuring internationally important collections including wallpapers and textiles and contemporary exhibitions from leading international artists.

The Whitworth

Manchester Art Gallery Manchester’s world class collection of fine and decorative art and costume in a building designed by Sir Charles Barry. Includes pre-Raphaelite paintings and watercolours by Turner.

The Lowry

Centre for Chinese Contemporary Art The UK’s leading organisation for the promotion of contemporary Chinese art, championing cutting-edge work by Chinese artists in its RIBA award-winning building location.

The world’s largest public collection of works by one of the most popular British artists of the 20th century, L.S. Lowry.

visitmanchester.com/traveltrade � 15

LITERATURE John Rylands Library A stunning example of neo-Gothic architecture, housing one of the finest collections of rare books and manuscripts in the world.

Elizabeth Gaskell’s House The Grade II* listed Regency villa where Victorian novelist Elizabeth Gaskell, author of now classic novels including North and South, Wives and Daughters and Cranford lived.

Chetham’s Library Dating from 1421, is the oldest surviving public library in the English-speaking world and where Friedrich Engels and Karl Marx developed their political ideologies.

The International Anthony Burgess Foundation Archive, library, research centre and performance space holding the largest collection of Burgess’ belongings in the world, the prolific writer of A Clockwork Orange.

MUSEUMS Museum of Science & Industry One of Manchester’s four national museums documenting 250 years of transformational discoveries that originated in Manchester.

Imperial War Museum North One of the top Large Visitor Attractions in the country, telling the story of people who have lived, fought and died in conflicts since the First World War.

People’s History Museum The UK’s only museum dedicated to the history of British democracy over two centuries, join a march through time showing ‘There have always been ideas worth fighting for...’.

Manchester Museum This Grade II* listed gothic building boasts an archive of over 4 million pieces and is home to a cast of one of the most complete T-Rex skeleton ever found, nicknamed Stan.

John Rylands Library

16 � visitmanchester.com/traveltrade

IWM North

Albert Hall

THEATRE

MUSIC

Royal Exchange Theatre

Albert Hall

The UK’s biggest theatre in the round located in what was once the largest cotton trading room in the world.

This Grade II listed building and former chapel is one of the city’s best and most unique venues hosting an eclectic mix of the best classical, rock, pop and dance music.

Oldham Coliseum Theatre One of the oldest theatres in Britain, still in operation is about to undergo a several million-pound transformation.

HOME An arts complex containing cinemas, two theatres and a large gallery. With a programme of premieres, award-winning plays and ground-breaking local, national and international work.

The Bridgewater Hall One of the finest concert halls in Europe hosts over 250 performances a year including classical, rock, pop and jazz. Home to the Hallé orchestra, one of the world’s top symphonic ensembles.

Band on the Wall Award-winning venue at the heart of the city’s famous 1970s post punk scene has a reputation for bringing the best jazz, folk, blues and international music to the city.

O2 Ritz Manchester Grade II* listed building that has hosted the likes of The Beatles and The Smiths. Today hosts a range of new and established artists across all genres.

The Palace Theatre The city’s premier touring venue, hosting major productions such as Miss Saigon and Blood Brothers.

visitmanchester.com Royal Exchange Theatre

visitmanchester.com/traveltrade � 17

Shop Manchester is the shopping capital of the North. From the boutiques of King Street and designer labels of Spinningfields to the high-street cornucopia of Manchester Arndale and Northern Quarter independents, there’s something for every budget and style.

Selfridges

Manchester Arndale on Market Street is in the heart of the city centre, with over 240 stores including high-street favourites Topshop, Marks & Spencer and the brand new Timberland and Victoria’s Secret. Nearby, St Ann’s Square and Deansgate feature brands including Molton Brown, & Other Stories and Oliver Bonas as well as Manchester’s oldest department store, House of Fraser, Kendals on Deansgate. Two of the UK’s biggest premium department stores, Selfridges and Harvey Nichols can be found on New Cathedral Street and Exchange Square whilst at Spinningfields, The Avenue boasts the likes of Mulberry and Armani. 18 � visitmanchester.com/traveltrade

The bohemian Northern Quarter embodies Manchester’s creative diversity and is the place to pick up original gifts, vintage clothing, vinyl and art. Manchester Craft & Design Centre houses 19 craft studios, with jewellery, ceramics and textiles, and the alternative department store, Afflecks Palace, is an Aladdin’s cave of everything from top hats to tattoos. Manchester’s markets are renowned, our much-loved Christmas Markets never disappoint, attracting visitors from far and wide with its international food, drink and gifts. The Maker’s Market runs monthly across the city region including in the Northern

Christmas Markets

TOP TIPS Luxury designer labels | Selfridges, Harvey Nichols, King Street, Spinningfields Something unique by a local artist | Manchester Craft & Design Centre

Oklahoma, Northern Quarter

Quarter and the award-winning Altrincham Market is the best place for local produce, antiques and handmade gems. The intu Trafford Centre is one of the UKâ€™s largest shopping destinations, popular with groups, offering a fabulous selection of over 200 stores, restaurants and cafes. It is also home to SEALIFE, LEGOLAND Discovery Centre and Laser Quest. Further afield is McArthur Glen Designer Outlet Cheshire Oaks with a wide range of iconic brands such as Ralph Lauren, Hugo Boss and Barbour alongside Nike, Adidas and Clarks. It is the one-stop for all the must-have fashion labels, with discounts of up to 60%.

Best high street brands under one roof | intu Trafford Centre, Manchester Arndale Christmas Markets | open at the start of November for around 6 weeks, check website for info. Tax-free shopping | available (at participating retailers) for international visitors from outside the EU, ask in-store. visitmanchester.com/ shopping

visitmanchester.com/traveltrade ďż˝ 19

MCARTHURGLEN CHESHIRE OAKS Client - McAG DESIGNER OUTLET Outlet - Cheshire Oaks

Type Area - N/G Bleed - 3mm

Initials - MD Scale - 100

Kinsey Road, Ellesmere - Press Port, CH65 9JJ Ad Type Date - 27–04–2018 Effective DPI - 300 0151 358 5600 � cheshireoaksdesigneroutlet.com File Name - Cheshire Oaks Half Page Publication - CHESH0018_41_Cheshire Oaks Half Page_116x89mm_AW enquires@cheshireoaksdesigneroutlet.com Size - 116x89mm

Cheshire Oaks was the first and remains the UK’s largest Designer Outlet. With over 360,000 square feet of retail space, comprising more than 145 designer and high street boutiques, in addition to restaurants and cafés, the centre offers up to 60% off the RRP in all of the brands all year round. Cheshire Oaks provides some amazing exclusive discounts for groups who book in advance. Opening times: Mon - Fri 10am to 8pm, Sat 9am to 8pm, Sun 10am to 6pm. Please see website for bank holiday opening times.

BCDEGHI JKLMO U V W 10:1

3 hrs

20 � visitmanchester.com/traveltrade

Put us in the frame

for your next group trip For a shopping trip like no other, come join us at intu Trafford Centre. We’re the only place in Manchester you’ll find Stradivarius, Pull & Bear and Zara Home, plus we’ve got the biggest Topshop outside London and 65 delicious dining options. We’re home to the blockbuster ODEON with the new IMAX VR, the amazing SEA LIFE, and the newly refurbished LEGOLAND® Discovery Centre. What’s not to love?

INTU TRAFFORD CENTRE intu Trafford Centre, Manchester, M17 8AA 0161 749 1717 / 1718 marketing.trafford@intu.co.uk intu.co.uk/traffordcentre intu Trafford Centre offers an unrivalled experience for group travel that includes special offers for group visits. Featuring a fabulous selection of stores from high street favourites to exclusive brands, intu Trafford Centre is a unique shopping experience. With 65 restaurants and cafés from around the world and a wide range of leisure venues such as LEGOLAND Discovery Centre, SEA LIFE and ODEON, there’s something for groups of all ages. Opening times: Mon-Fri 10am-10pm, Saturday 10am-9pm, Sunday 12 noon-6pm. Bank Holidays 10am-8pm. Leisure venue opening times vary so please check website.

ABCDEGHIJK LMOPSTU W 30:1

Full day

visitmanchester.com/traveltrade � 21

Play Known the world over for its football, Manchester also offers international events and fixtures as well as sports-themed activities for those who want to get involved in the action. Blue or Red? A trip to Manchester wouldn’t be the same without a visit to either (or both) the homes of 2017/18 Premier League Champions Manchester City FC and Manchester United, offering behindthe-scenes tours and hospitality packages. These fascinating tours, coupled with their passionate guides (often lifelong supporters) allow a unique glimpse into footballing life. Experiences can be upgraded to VIP packages for the chance to meet footballing legends.

As well as being the home of Manchester City FC, the Etihad Stadium is part of the Sportcity district, the largest concentration of sporting venues in Europe, hosting major cycling, squash, Taekwondo and netball events. The HSBC UK National Cycling Centre is home to Team GB, offering guided tours of the facilities, alternatively, visitors can hire a bike and helmet for a turn of the tracks at the Velodrome. Close to Manchester United’s ground, Lancashire County Cricket Club’s Emirates Old Trafford will host six World Cup matches and the Ashes Test in 2019, whilst also in

22 � visitmanchester.com/traveltrade

Trafford, there’s Chill Factore, the UK’s largest indoor ski slope, iFLY indoor skydiving, miniature golf at Playgolf or PlayFactore for the kids. KICKair in the city centre, is the North West’s largest indoor freestyle park, with trampolining, indoor rock climbing, warrior courses and jump basketball. The Great City Games is a huge draw and sees some of the world’s greatest athletes compete head-to-head on the streets of Manchester every summer, part of a great weekend of sport in the city, built around the Simplyhealth Great Manchester Run, Europe’s biggest 10k.

Manchester City FC

TOP TIPS First Team Players | Manchester City FC’s new Tunnel Club hospitality experience gives exclusive access to the First Team pre-game whilst the Platinum Experience includes an appearance from one of the First Team, see mancity.com for details. Match Tickets | Thomas Cook Sport sell match ticket and hotel packages or contact the Clubs directly for hospitality packages and unique experiences, email traveltrade@ marketingmanchester.com for more info. Football Fixtures | Premier League and UEFA Champions League matches take place from August until May. Rugby | The region is home to rugby union team, Sale Sharks and rugby league Wigan Warriors, check press for fixture info. See Olympic & World Champions | Some tours at the Velodrome coincide with training sessions, call to 0161 223 2244 to book.

Manchester United FC

CHILL FACTORE Trafford Quays Leisure Village, Manchester, M41 7J 0161 749 2225 � groups@chillfactore.com chillfactore.com Give your group exhilarating and exciting experiences on real snow. Chill Factore boasts a unique array of fun-filled activities to excite and inspire. Enjoy the thrills and spills of our Summit Challenge, or get your competitive streak out on our Sub-Zero. Our team can help you craft an amazing adventure – all we ask you to do is wrap up warm. Opening times: Seasonal, please see website for details. Closed Christmas Day. Admission Prices: Dependant on group size and chosen activity

AHJKLNQS U V W 10:1

8-50

2 hrs

visitmanchester.com/traveltrade � 23

MANCHESTER CITY FOOTBALL CLUB Etihad Stadium, Etihad Campus, Ashton New Road, M11 3FF 0161 444 1894 (Option 4, Option 2) tours@mancity.com ďż˝ mancity.com/grouptours Go behind-the-scenes of Manchester City and explore the state-of-the-art Etihad Stadium in all its glory. Walk in the footsteps of your favourite players, from their arrival and pre-match preparations for the big game, to their post-match media obligations. Gain a true understanding of the journey that they take on a matchday. Opening times: 9am-5pm, but groups can be accommodated whenever suits.

ACDEFJKLM NOPV W 15+

24 ďż˝ visitmanchester.com/traveltrade

1.5 hrs

MANCHESTER UNITED MUSEUM & STADIUM TOUR

Manchester United, Sir Matt Busby Way, Old Trafford, M16 0RA 0161 868 8000 � museum.enquiries@manutd.co.uk � manutd.com Bring groups to Manchester United and they can walk in the footsteps of greatness. From the world-famous players’ tunnel, through to the home team dressing room and the pitch-side dugout, it’s an experience not to be missed. Get your groups closer to the moments that made history in the Museum, with around 2,500 objects telling an incredible story, including the unrivaled Trophy Room. Opening times: 09:30- 17:00. Not open on home match days Admission Prices: From £18pp for adults, £12pp for children and concessions.

ABCDFGHJKLM OPQSTU V W 10:1

10+

2 hrs

visitmanchester.com/traveltrade � 25

Eat Manchester’s food and drink scene has undergone a renaissance over the past few years, with every cuisine represented for all budgets and tastes. Every district of the city has a different offering whether it’s local independents, established chains, street food or high-end dining – perfect for both groups and FITs. The city has attracted the UK’s most renowned chefs, including Michelin starred Aidan Byrne, at the helm of Manchester House and the new 20 Stories; and Michael O’Hare with his out-of-this-world, ‘space-age Asian food’ at Rabbit in the Moon located at the top of the National Football Museum. Stand-out and relatively new to the scene is the up-market WOOD Manchester with their modern interpretation of traditional flavours; Bundobust, authentic Indian street food at its best and Mackie Mayor, a reclaimed market hall housing bao, artisan coffee, fresh fish and more. Manchester’s café culture is thriving with the new Ancoats Coffee Co., Foundation Coffee House and Porter & Cole offering the best of the bean. For a hearty brunch the popular Federal Cafe, Ezra & Gil and Pot Kettle Black are recommended.

26 � visitmanchester.com/traveltrade

The annual Manchester Food & Drink Festival takes place in October celebrating the best of what the region has to offer, whilst there are weekly food festivals and culinary tours such as GRUB Food Fair and Manchester Food Walks to satisfy the most discerning appetites. The bohemian Northern Quarter and Ancoats are home to acclaimed independents perfect for a quick bite or something a little different, including favourites, Rudy’s Neapolitan Pizza, Teacup and Japanese tea room, Cha-ology. Mowgli, Wahaca, Tampopo, Salvi’s and Pho can be found at the Corn Exchange, a dining destination in itself. Manchester’s Chinatown is a riot of colour and flavour, with restaurants, bakeries and shops serving everything from Cantonese, Japanese, Thai and Vietnamese. The lively Rusholme, in the south, is a mile-long stretch of Indian, Bangladeshi and Middle Eastern establishments open until the early hours of the morning.

Tea Cup Kitchen

visitmanchester.com/food

CORN EXCHANGE Exchange Square, Manchester, M4 3TR enquiries@cornexchangemanchester.co.uk cornexchangemanchester.co.uk The Corn Exchange is home to a mouthwatering mix of 13 new restaurants, and a 114 room Roomzzz Aparthotel. Nestled in the heart of the Medieval Quarter with the Cathedral, National Football Museum, Chetham’s Library, Selfridges and Harvey Nichols as its neighbours, it is the perfect refuelling point for hungry visitors to the city. A wide selection of sizes and styles of restaurant means a range of great options for those travelling in groups. Opening times: Please see website for details on opening times for each venue. Closed Christmas Day.

BCGHLV

1-100

1.5 hrs

visitmanchester.com/traveltrade � 27

Drink Manchester’s nightlife is renowned, whether it’s enjoying a pint of real ale with the locals or dancing the night away, the city has it all and everything in between. Each district boasts its own unique style and collection of pubs, bars and nightclubs. Here’s just a few of the best. Northern Quarter

Spinningfields

Manchester’s cultural hotspot bursting with independent bars, restaurants and music venues. The original NQ bars, Common, Bay Horse Tavern, Soup Kitchen are still going strong alongside newcomers, Flok, the Convenience Store and Washhouse.

Amongst the high-end shopping outlets and fine restaurants, there’s the upmarket Australasia, Neighbourhood and favourites Oast House and The Refinery to name but a few. One of the city’s most popular nightspots.

Deansgate Locks & Castlefield

The Gay Village

The converted arches on Deansgate Locks are lively, where the likes of Lola Lo, Revolution and Lock 91 are located. Whilst picturesque canal-side Castlefield is home to Dukes 92, Atlas Bar, and Oxnoble, perfect for al fresco drinking.

Piccadilly – Victoria Beer Mile Manchester is now home to the UK’s largest concentration of microbreweries, with many offering tours, brew taps and events, find Cloudwater, Alphabet Brewing Company, Track, Black Jack Brewery, Runaway Brewery.

A beacon of celebration in the city, the Village is both party central and a living piece of social history. Home to lively bars and clubs including the Molly House, New York New York, Napoleon’s and many more. Bay Horse Tavern

28 � visitmanchester.com/traveltrade

visitmanchester.com/ nightlife

Food & Drink Listing Below is a list of the food and drink establishments we have in membership. Many are interested in tour operator and group business, offering special deals and a tailored service, email traveltrade@marketingmanchester.com for more information. AFTERNOON TEA

SPANISH

Cloud 23 at The Hilton

El Gato Negro

Harvey Nichols Bar & Brasserie

La Tasca

The Lowry Hotel

Lunya

Opus One at Radisson Blu Edwardian

Iberica

The Tea Rooms at The Midland

SOUTH AMERICAN

AMERICAN

Grafene

All Star Lanes Burger & Lobster The Grill on New York Street

CHINESE

The Grill on the Alley

Ocean Treasure 235

Hard Rock Cafe

Tattu Restaurant & Bar

Yang Sing

Annies

HALAL

The Café at the Museum

Fazenda

Hey Little Cupcake!

Mowgli

Leo’s Fishbar

Thaikun

CAFÉ

BRITISH

Zouk Tea Bar & Grill

The Albert Square Chop House

JAPANESE

Alston Bar & Beef

Sapporo Teppanyaki

Grafene

Shoryu Ramen

Harvey Nichols 2nd Floor Brasserie & Bar

PAN ASIA

Hawksmoor

Australasia

James Martin Manchester Manchester House Mr Cooper’s Mr Thomas’s Chop House The Northern Quarter Restaurant and Bar The Refinery, Spinningfields Sam’s Chop House WOOD - Manchester

Wagamama Vermillion

FRENCH Adam Reid at The French

Fazenda

VARIOUS INTERNATIONAL The Alchemist Piccadilly The Alchemist Spinningfields Artisan Kitchen and Bar Banyan Bar & Kitchen Corn Exchange Refuge by Volta

BARS

Band on the Wall Blackdog Ballroom Bierkeller Birdcage Nightclub Dirty Martini Gasworks Brew Bar Gorilla Junkyard Golf Club The Printworks Revolución de Cuba Robinson’s Brewery Trof Tariff & Dale Waxy O’Connors

ITALIAN Don Giovanni Salvi’s Cucina

For more go to visitmanchester.com/food

Vapiano

visitmanchester.com/traveltrade � 29

Explore Greater Manchester Greater Manchester is made up of ten unique districts all offering a rich heritage, stunning countryside and hidden gems to discover. Easily accessible by tram, train or bus, exploration is recommended for those who want to delve deeper into the city-region’s history and natural beauty. Here are just some of the highlights.

Bookable attractions marked with *. Quickest journey from Manchester suggested.

Bolton

Bury

Oldham

Bolton offers captivating museums, beautiful countryside and a fantastic calendar of events throughout the year, including one of the UK’s largest Food & Drink festivals.

Bury boasts a diverse combination of awardwinning attractions, renowned food, drink and shopping. Unique experiences include steam locomotive journeys and real ale trails.

Gateway to the Peak District, Oldham retains many features of its proud history as a powerhouse of the Industrial Revolution and at the same time offering modern attractions.

Bolton Food & Drink Festival* boltonfoodanddrinkfestival.com Bolton Museum, Aquarium & Archive boltonlams.co.uk/aquarium Smithills Hall* friendsofsmithillshall.co.uk

Bury Art Museum & Sculpture Centre* buryartmuseum.co.uk East Lancashire Railway* eastlancsrailway.org.uk Fusilier Museum* fusiliermuseum.com

20 mins

30 � visitmanchester.com/traveltrade

30 mins

Dovestone Reservoir visitoldham.com Oldham Coliseum* coliseum.org.uk* Saddleworth Museum* saddleworthmuseum.co.uk

30 mins

Dovestones

Salford Quays

Rochdale

Stockport

Trafford

Running alongside the Pennines, Rochdale is best known as the birthplace of the Co-operative Movement and has some of the most beautiful countryside in the region.

Made famous in the 19th Century as the home of the nation’s hatting industry as well as countless listed buildings, heritage attractions and monuments.

Ellenroad Engine House Museum* ellenroad.org.uk Hollingworth Lake Country Park & Visitor Centre rochdale.gov.uk/ leisure-and-culture Rochdale Pioneers Museum rochdalepioneersmuseum.coop

Air Raid Shelter* stockport.gov.uk/topic/ air-raid-shelters Robinson’s Brewery* robinsonsbrewery.com Staircase House* stockport.gov.uk/topic/ staircase-house

Home to Manchester United, Trafford is a borough of contrasts, where the urban, cultural and waterfront offer meets the fashionable suburbs and picturesque countryside.

13 mins

Salford Salford showcases the very best in heritage, arts, culture and stunning scenery. It is home to the region’s contemporary waterfront destination and iconic buildings. The Quays – home of The Lowry, Imperial War Museum North, BBC Tours thequays.org.uk Ordsall Hall salfordcommunityleisure. co.uk/culture/ordsall-hall Sounds from the Other City* soundsfromtheothercity.com

20 mins

Altrincham Market & Market House altrinchammarket.co.uk Dunham Massey* nationaltrust.org.uk/ dunham-massey intu Trafford Centre* intu.co.uk/traffordcentre

8mins

Tameside Tameside was once a centre for cotton, engineering, coal mining and hatting. Its landscape encompasses urban centres, moorland and the spectacular vistas of Werneth Low. Museum of Manchester Regiment | Portland Basin Museum tameside.gov.uk/ librariesandleisure Stalybridge Country Park tameside.gov.uk/Countryside

10 mins (Ashton-under-Lyne)

30 mins (Altrincham)

Wigan Situated halfway between Manchester and Liverpool, the area has a fascinating heritage, charming pubs, tranquil countryside, lakes and award-winning attractions. Allgates Brewery Tour* allgatesbrewery.com Haigh Hall & Woodland Park* haighwoodlandpark.co.uk Museum of Wigan Life* wigan.gov.uk

40 mins

visitmanchester.com/traveltrade � 31

Stay From five-star luxury to budget beds, countryside retreats to serviced apartments, Manchester offers something for every occasion and budget. With an additional 4,500 hotel rooms coming in the next three years alone, the city regionâ€™s accommodation offering continues to grow at a rapid pace. Here are just some of what Manchester has to offer. High End

Countryside Retreats

The ultimate in luxury with all the extra frills, an unforgettable experience guaranteed.

For beautiful views just outside of the city, these combine comfort with peace and quiet, perfect for some R&R and pampering.

Five Star

Mottram Hall

Hotel Gotham The Lowry Hotel Radisson Blu Edwardian Four Star DoubleTree by Hilton

The Light Aparthotel

Serviced Apartments

Worsley Park Marriott Hotel & Country Club The Mere Golf Resort & Spa Oddfellows on the Park Stanneylands

Hilton Manchester Deansgate

A home away from home, there are a number of three to five star Aparthotels perfect for groups and business trips.

Hotel Football Old Trafford

La Reserve Aparthotel

INNSIDE Manchester by Melia (new)

CitySuites

Staybridge Suites Manchester

King Street Townhouse

The Light ApartHotel

Dakota

Quay Apartments

Stock Exchange Hotel

Hilton Garden Inn Manchester Emirates Old Trafford

Macdonald Manchester Hotel & Spa The Midland Hotel The Principal Manchester

New & Coming Soon The Cow Hollow Hotel Crowne Plaza Oxford Road

SACO Manchester Piccadilly Staycity Aparthotels

For more hotels and info go to visitmanchester.com

Budget Beds Manchester has a broad budget offer with hostels and established national chains. Castlerose Boat Stay The Castlefield Hotel Hatters Hostel Hilton Chambers Hostel Holiday Inn Manchester City Ibis

King Street Townhouse

The Pendulum Hotel YHA

32 ďż˝ visitmanchester.com/traveltrade

Odfellows on the Park

MACDONALD MANCHESTER HOTEL & SPA 91 London Road, Manchester M1 2PG 0344 879 9088 � groups.manchester@macdonald-hotels.co.uk � macdonaldhotels.co.uk/manchester Manchester’s largest four-star hotel is situated in the heart of the city centre within walking distance from Piccadilly Station. Combining beautiful bedrooms with a first-class bar lounge and Scottish Steak House. Our team are driven to deliver an outstanding guest experience for the most comfortable and luxurious stay. With complimentary WIFI, luxury spa & fitness suite and meetings rooms. Bedrooms: 338 (Double 211; Twin 99; Family 10; Panoramic Suites 16; Suites 2)

AGHJKLNXYZ

HOLIDAY INN MANCHESTER CITY CENTRE 25 Aytoun Street, Manchester, M1 3AE 0161 694 2401 � bde@himanchestercity.com himanchestercity.com Opened in 2016 and centrally located by Piccadilly Gardens, we are a perfect and modern choice for group accommodation. Our range of well-designed room and suite options are suitable for all budgets and length of stay. Our rooms are all furnished to ensure maximum comfort, equipped with 40-inch LCD TVs, bedside plug sockets and USB ports, private bathrooms and complimentary high speed Wi-Fi. Bedrooms: 298 (Doubles: 190; Twins: 61; Executive Rooms: 26; Junior Suites: 19; Feature Suites: 2)

ABCGHJKLNO RZV 10 rooms - 150 rooms

visitmanchester.com/traveltrade � 33

Gateway to the North With Manchester’s position in the heart of the UK, it’s the perfect gateway to the North of England and Wales. The region offers a diverse combination of stunning national parks, historic cities and cosmopolitan destinations. All can be done in a day or overnight from Manchester by rail or road, more info on commissionable excursions can be found on pages 48-51.

34 � visitmanchester.com/traveltrade

Haworth, Yorkshire

NORTH OF ENGLAND

Alnwick Northumberland National Park

NORTHUMBERLAND Newcastle & Gateshead Hexham Sunderland Carlisle Durham CUMBRIA DURHAM Keswick Lake District National Park

Windermere

Yorkshire Dales National Park

Scarborough YORKSHIRE York

Lancaster

Harrogate

LANCASHIRE Bradford Blackpool GREATER MANCHESTER Manchester Liverpool

Whitby

North York Moors National Park

Peak District National Park

MANCHESTER AIRPORT

CHESHIRE Chester

Leeds

Hull Doncaster

Sheffield

London – Manchester

2hr 6 mins

NORTH WALES

visitmanchester.com/traveltrade � 35

Cheshire visitcheshire.com

Tatton Park

Chester

Chester City Centre A classical yet contemporary city steeped in 2,000 years of history and treasures - including the Roman Amphitheatre and the 500-year-old Chester Cathedral.

Chester Zoo

Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet The UK’s largest outlet shopping destination, find everything from favourite high street stores to luxury designer brands, all at up to 60% less.

Chester Zoo

Tatton Park

The UK’s favourite zoo is home to over 21,000 endangered and exotic animals.

Cheshire’s Tatton Park is an elegant 18th century mansion set in 1,000 acres of parkland with a stunning 50-acre garden, farm, shops, restaurant and tea room.

36 � visitmanchester.com/traveltrade

Anderton Boat Lift Cheshire’s award-winning attraction is a giant and impressive structure designed to lift cargo boats 50 feet between the River Weaver and the Trent & Mersey Canal.

3 4

1 hr 1 hr 15 mins

The Lake District, Cumbria golakes.co.uk

Ullswater

Windermere Lake Cruises Visitors can take a cruise on Englandâ€™s largest lake, right at the heart of the English Lake District UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway This beautiful journey begins from Ravenglass and runs across the estuary, through the hills to the final destination of Dalegarth Station near Boot.

The Lakes Distillery A behind the scenes glimpse of a working distillery. With expert guides, visitors will explore the stillroom, cask warehouse and sample three of the Lakes spirits.

Mountain Goat Renowned for their exciting and inspiring guided sightseeing tours around the beautiful English Lake District that reach every corner of the destination.

Dove Cottage & the Wordsworth Museum The traditional Lakeland cottage was home to the famous poet William Wordsworth. A guided tour can be taken of the cottage, to hear about day-to-day life of the Wordsworth family.

3 4

1hr 40 mins 1hr 35 mins

visitmanchester.com/traveltrade ďż˝ 37

Lancashire visitlancashire.com/trade

1 Blackpool

Midland, Morecambe 2

Lancaster Castle

The Blackpool Tower

Martin Mere

Five amazing attractions in one, The Blackpool BIG Ticket gives great value admission to 5 attractions plus Madame Tussaudâ€™s Blackpool and SEA LIFE Blackpool. Group rates available.

Rare and endangered waterbirds can be hand-fed year round at this internationally rated wetland centre which is a magnet for thousands of wild ducks, geese and swans in winter.

Lancaster Castle Owned by Her Majesty the Queen, who is Duke of Lancaster, Lancaster Castle is one of the oldest working crown courts in the country.

Holmes Mill Features a beer hall that is home to 42 hand pulls and a minimum of 24 individual cask beers at any one time plus bistro, hotel, food hall and more. Tours and beer tasting events available.

38 ďż˝ visitmanchester.com/traveltrade

Tea at The Midland, Morecambe Beautiful views of Morecambe Bay and the Lake District fells can be enjoyed from the art deco splendour of The Midland, that has welcomed many famous guests from Coco Chanel to Sir Laurence Olivier.

3 4

1hr 1 hr 10 mins

Liverpool City Region visitliverpool.com/traveltrade

Beatles statues at Pier Head

The Beatles Story

Tate Liverpool

Mersey Ferry

Part of Liverpool’s UNESCO City of Music offer, The Beatles Story is the world’s largest permanent exhibition purely devoted to the Fab Four, with audio guides in 11 languages.

The home of contemporary art in the north is located in the historic Albert Dock. Recent exhibitions include works from Andy Warhol, Pablo Picasso and Roy Lichtenstein.

Liverpool’s stunning waterfront is at the heart of its UNESCO World Heritage Site. The best views are from the iconic Mersey Ferry that links Liverpool to Wirral.

Liverpool FC Stadium Tour

Merseyside Maritime Museum

Visitors can see the home team dressing room, learn about players past and present, take part in a lively press conference and touch the famous ‘This is Anfield’ sign before going pitchside.

Explore how Liverpool developed into one of the British Empire’s most significant ports with trading links across the globe. Also home to the International Slavery Museum.

3 4

40 mins 45 mins

visitmanchester.com/traveltrade � 39

North East England visitnortheastengland.com

Hadrian’s Wall

Great Exhibition of the North A celebration of the North of England’s pioneering spirit with exhibits, live performances, and unforgettable experiences.

Alnwick Castle The magnificent medieval Alnwick Castle is one of the largest inhabited castles in England and has starred in film and TV productions including Harry Potter and Downton Abbey.

Durham Cathedral

Hadrian’s Wall

UNESCO World Heritage Site, Durham Cathedral’s stunning architecture and exquisite stained glass make it one of Europe’s finest Norman buildings and is set grandly on a rocky promontory next to Durham Castle.

The UNESCO World Heritage Site is the bestpreserved frontier of the Roman Empire and the nation’s finest Roman monument, great stretches of the Wall remain intact in Northumberland.

Angel of the North Designed by British sculptor, Antony Gormley, it is the UK’s most famous piece of public art. Believed to be the largest angel sculpture in the world at 54m wide and 20m high.

40 � visitmanchester.com/traveltrade

3 4

2hr 50 mins 2hr 40 mins

Peak District

marketingpeakdistrictandderbyshire.com

Chatsworth House, © Chatsworth House Trust

Chatsworth

Caverns at Castleton

Monsal Trail

The UK’s favourite stately home has hosted kings and queens and been the location for TV and film including Pride & Prejudice and The Duchess.

Treak Cliff Cavern has some amazing stalactites and stalagmites and along with Blue John Cavern, this is the only place to find Derbyshire’s semi-precious mineral, Blue John.

The trail offers an amazing journey though narrow cuttings and over impressive viaducts above the River Wye. Bike hire available.

Bakewell Perhaps best known for its unique and delicious Pudding, Bakewell is idyllically situated on the banks of the river Wye, with its medieval five-arched stone bridge and quaint courtyards.

Heights of Abraham Today the Heights is famous for its landmark cable car which provides a spectacular journey across the Derwent Valley.

3 4

50 mins 1hr 5 mins

visitmanchester.com/traveltrade � 41

Yorkshire yorkshire.com

Harewood House, Leeds

York Minster

JORVIK Viking Centre

The Royal Armouries

This masterpiece is the largest gothic cathedral north of the Alps, with one of the largest pieces of medieval stained glass in Europe.

A journey back in time over 1,000 years to Viking York, aboard a ride experience with sights, sounds and smells. The centre’s gallery also has Viking artefacts on display.

The UK’s national museum of arms and armour is the sister museum to the world-famous Tower of London, with medieval jousting competitions and impressive displays.

Harewood House The 18th century Harewood House is one of the Treasure Houses of England, with art and furniture collections to rival the finest in the world.

Betty’s Tea Rooms Iconic to Yorkshire, with the original and first Harrogate shop opening in 1919, serving up stunning Afternoon Teas in traditional, elegant surroundings.

42 � visitmanchester.com/traveltrade

York

3 4

1hr 15 mins

3 4

50 mins

1hr 40 mins

Leeds 1hr 10 mins

North Wales traveltrade.visitwales.com

Zip World

Bodnant Garden & Food Centre A 100-acre National Trust garden, with views down to the River Conwy and across to Snowdonia. The Food Centre is a vibrant showcase for the best in Welsh wild, organic and farm-raised food.

Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways As the oldest independent railway company in the world, it operates magnificent steam train journeys 40 miles through the spectacular Snowdonia National Park.

Pontcysyllte Aqueduct 200 years after its debut, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is considered a marvel of modern engineering. Can be explored on foot or by boat.

Zip World Home to Europe’s longest and fastest zip wire rides, with speeds of over 100 mph about 500 feet over a 200-year-old slate quarry and pristine mountain lake.

UNESCO Castles of King Edward I Edward I’s UNESCO World Heritage Site colossal fortresses: Beaumaris, Caernarfon, Conwy, and Harlech were constructed around Snowdonia in the troubled 13th century.

3 4

2hrs 2hrs

visitmanchester.com/traveltrade � 43

Itinerary Ideas Whether you’re developing an itinerary for a day, weekend or more – Manchester offers so much to see and do. We have put together some ideas to show you how to get the most out of the time in the region.

(Bookable products marked with *, otherwise attraction is free to enter.)

MANCHESTER Day Trip - Day 1 Morning Discover Manchester Walking Tour* – providing a fascinating insight into the city’s heritage, culture and key places to visit. Themed tours available. Museum of Science & Industry – located on the site of the first passenger railway station, where the city’s industrial heritage and impact on the world is explored.

Afternoon Manchester City Stadium & Club Tour* – a behindthe-scenes tour of the Etihad Stadium and a glimpse into the life of a footballer. John Rylands Library – a masterpiece of Victorian Gothic architecture houses a world-class collection including the oldest known piece of the New Testament.

44 � visitmanchester.com/traveltrade

Mackie Mayor – the renovated old market hall is now a haven for local independent food operators and microbreweries. The rest of the evening can be spent in the Northern Quarter.

Chetham’s Library

GREATER MANCHESTER Weekend - Day 2 Morning Sightseeing Manchester Bus Tour* - 90-minute hopon hop-off tour of Manchester, stopping at key attractions and places of interest. Alight at The Quays, the city-region’s waterfront destination. The Lowry – the UK’s largest collection of works by L.S. Lowry. Imperial War Museum North – distinctive building designed by Daniel Liberskind, explores the subject of conflict and how was shapes lives. Afternoon BBC Tour* – behind-thescenes of some of the country’s most popular TV channels and programmes. The Lowry

Hop back on the Sightseeing Manchester bus to return to the city centre. Manchester Three Rivers Gin School* - interactive gin experience by the city’s first gin distillery.

Afternoon Return to the city centre

More Days to Explore – Day 3 Morning A tram can be taken to Bury for Bolton Street Station (25 mins). East Lancashire Railway* - a captivating journey on a vintage steam train takes in viaducts, historic towns and picturesque villages.

Explore the picturesque village of Ramsbottom, boasting independent retailers and outdoor markets.

Manchester Art Gallery – one of the country’s finest art galleries, combining historic collections with contemporary exhibits. National Football Museum* – interactive activities and amazing exhibits including the replica World Cup trophy made in 1966. Spinningfields – for highend dining and stylish bars.

Bury Transport Museum – with stunningly restored vehicles, original artefacts and interactive exhibits.

visitmanchester.com/traveltrade � 45

NORTH OF ENGLAND ITINERARIES Liverpool - Day 4 Unescorted rail day excursion available from Manchester, see page 49.

Mersey Ferry River Cruise* – ‘across the Mersey’, the city from a different perspective.

Lake Windermere Cruise – most scenic views of the Lakeland fells.

Evening meal in Liverpool or return to Manchester.

Afternoon

Morning Liverpool City Explorer* – 60-minute hop-on hopoff bus tour to 14 iconic locations. Liverpool Cathedral – Europe’s largest Anglican cathedral. Afternoon The Beatles Story* - the world’s largest permanent exhibition purely devoted to The Beatles located on the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Albert Dock.

Lake District – Day 5 Daily scheduled escorted coach tour from Manchester, see page 50. Morning

Hawkshead – the medieval village where William Wordsworth attended Grammar School. Overnight excursions also available – check visitmanchester.com/ traveltrade for more details.

Hill Top – explore Beatrix Potter’s (creator of Peter Rabbit) former home. Tarn Hows – beauty spot with a stunning mountain backdrop.

46 � visitmanchester.com/traveltrade

Lake Windermere

Staircase House

THEMED ITINERARIES Stately Homes & Gardens

Lancashire Foodie Tour

The Best of Manchester Shopping

Morning

Bramhall Hall, Stockport* Tudor Manor House and one of the most beautiful treasures of England. Staircase House* – beautifully restored medieval 15th century townhouse.

Michelin starred Northcote - cookery class (half or full day) with expert chefs - an intimate, first-hand experience of a Michelin star kitchen.

Selfridges Luxury Shopping Experience* - 3-hour personal shopping and styling followed by Afternoon Tea, includes delivery and access to personal shopper for the duration of visit.

Afternoon Tatton Park* - set in 1,000 acres of beautiful parkland, includes the Mansion, Old Tudor Hall and impressive gardens.

Afternoon Chefs Table seasonal lunch (min. numbers apply) at Northcote. Ribble Valley - an area of natural beauty, stopping at Dunsop Bridge, the exact geographic centre of Great Britain.

Afternoon Northern Quarter – bursting with independent record stores, vintage clothing outlets, gift shops and studios including Afflecks Palace and Manchester Craft & Design Centre.

For more stately homes go to visitmanchester.com visitmanchester.com/traveltrade � 47

Bookable Excursions Here are a list of the bookable excursions and experiences from Manchester. Net rates available for travel trade.

48 ďż˝ visitmanchester.com/traveltrade

Pontcysyllte Aqueduct

MANCHESTER SIGHTSEEING TRIPS & TOURS

Lake District Cruise, Steam Train & Peter Rabbit

manchestersightseeingtours.com

Return train, Lake Windermere Cruise, return trip on Lakeside Haverthwaite Steam Railway and World of Beatrix Potter entrance. £69pp (£37pp)

All packages unescorted, including day return travel from Manchester, Meet & Greet before departure and travel pack. Prices quoted per adult, child price quoted (£). 10% trade discount.

Liverpool & ‘The Beatles Story’ and River Cruise

Alton Towers Theme Park & Resort

Return direct train travel. Sightseeing bus tour with live commentary – City Explorer, entrance to The Beatles Story, River Explorer Cruise on the Mersey Ferry. £61pp (£40pp)

Return train to Stoke-onTrent, private return transfer from station to Alton Towers, day ticket for Alton Towers. From £74pp (£40pp)

Blackpool Seaside Resort Return train travel to Blackpool, bus and tram day ticket, Blackpool BIG Ticket includes Blackpool Tower Eye with 4D Cinema, Blackpool Tower Dungeon, Blackpool Tower Circus, SEA LIFE Blackpool and Madame Tussaud’s. £75pp (£51pp)

Chatsworth House & Gardens, National Park and Bakewell Pudding Day Trip Return train travel to Sheffield, bus transfer to Chatsworth House, entrance to Chatsworth House & Gardens and Bakewell. £66pp (£39pp)

Historical Chester, with lunch at the Cathedral Return direct train, Chester walking tour, Chester Cathedral and lunch. £50pp (£39)

Liverpool Cathedral

Amazing Secret Places in Stockport

Chester Zoo

Return train travel, entrance to Hatworks, Air Raid Shelter, Staircase House, tea & cake at the 1931 Plaza Theatre. £13pp (kids go free) (No commission available)

Direct return coach travel (daily service) and zoo entrance. £32pp (£24pp) (No commission available)

Cheshire Oaks & Blue Planet Direct return coach travel (daily service), VIP discount card – 10% in selected stores, Blue Planet Aquarium Discount Voucher – up to 30% off. £14pp (£5pp) (No commission available)

Lake District – Cruise, Poetry & Grasmere Gingerbread Return train, full day bus travel in the Central Lakes zone, Dove Cottage, Wordsworth Museum, Grasmere Village & Gingerbread and Lake Windermere Cruise. £69pp (£37pp)

World of Wedgwood & Luxury Afternoon Tea Return train travel to Stoke-on-Trent, return car transfers, entrance to World of Wedgwood Museum & Factory tour, and Throw a Pot ‘or’ Design a Plate at the Wedgwood Factory. £88pp (£66pp)

York, the Cathedral & Vikings Return train travel, Sightseeing Pass worth £75 includes Jorvik Viking Centre entrance, York Minster and more. £84pp (£55pp)

visitmanchester.com/traveltrade � 49

MOUNTAIN GOAT

BUSY BUS

mountain-goat.com

busybus.co.uk

Lake District Guided Bus Tour

Fully escorted tours with driver guide, return coach travel from Manchester on the same day. All tours £44pp. Prices do not include entry fees. Trade rate available.

Departure: 09:00 from city centre. Pre-booking required. Return: 19:00 (approx.). Fully escorted tour with driver guide, return coach travel from Manchester, Lake Windermere Cruise, Hill Top (Beatrix Potter’s former home and grounds, additional price to enter), stunning Tarn Hows and medieval Hawkshead. £69.90pp (£55.45pp) Trade rate available.

Lake District Includes Castlerigg Stone Circle, Grasmere and Gingerbread Shop, Ambleside and Lake Windemere Cruise. Operates on Tues & Sat (optional days and groups on request).

50 � visitmanchester.com/traveltrade

North Wales Includes Llandudno, Conwy Castle, Snowdonia NP, Betws y Coed, Pontcysyllte Aqueduct. Operates on Wed & Sun (optional days and group on request).

Yorkshire Includes Wensleydale creamery, Hardraw Force, Malham Cove, Ribblehead Viaduct, Hawes Yorkshire NP. Operates on Thurs (optional days and groups on request). For the latest departures check website.

Ribblehead Viaduct

Grasmere Gingerbread shop

REAL YORKSHIRE TOURS realyorkshiretours.co.uk Fully escorted tour with Blue Badge driver guide, return executive travel from Manchester. 10% trade discount available, potential discount for large groups.

Yorkshire Dales Highlights Tour Includes Malham Cove, Ribblehead Viaduct, cheese sampling in Wensleydale, traditional pub lunch followed by villages of Kettlewell, Kilnsey and Burnsall. £270pp

Bronte Country Tour Includes Hebden Bridge, Heptonstall through the Moors to Haworth, St Michael’s Church. Parsonage Museum, Ponden Hall and Grade I Piece Hall in Halifax. £270pp

The Best of Yorkshire Food & Drink (2 nights, 3 days) Includes 2 nights B&B in a luxury hotel, lunches and 3 course dinners in two Michelin Starred restaurants - TheStar at Harome (meet the chef) and The Pipe & Glass, includes visit to local cider maker, cheese maker, microbrewery, Hemsley and Yorkshire Rapeseed. From £800pp

Yorkshire TV & Film Location Tour (2 nights, 3 days) Includes 2 nights B&B in luxury hotels, 3 course dinners in Leeds, includes Calderdale and Haworth – Bronte Country; North York Moors (Heartbeat, Harry Potter, Dracula), Castle Howard (Victoria, Brideshead Revisited), Whitby via Blakey Ridge (American Werewolf in London) and Yorkshire Dales (Calendar Girls) Cow & Calf Rocks, Malham Cove and more. £700pp

Contact traveltrade@marketingmanchester.com for introductions. visitmanchester.com/traveltrade � 51

Getting to Manchester Manchester is one of the best connected and accessible cities in the UK. Its central location means itâ€™s the perfect base to explore the region.

There are direct flights from 225 destinations world-wide to Manchester Airport (see page. 53 for more information). On arrival the journey to the city centre is easy by train, Metrolink or taxi, taking around 20 minutes. manchesterairport.co.uk

Excellent motorway links mean Manchester is easily accessible by road, with the M60 ring road connecting the city to the national network. NCP manages over 13,000 car parking spaces including parent and child, blue badge and green bays for low emission vehicles. ncp.co.uk

Direct services operate between London and Manchester every 20 minutes with Virgin Trains and there are frequent services from all major UK towns and cities. There are four main stations: Piccadilly, Oxford Road, Victoria and Deansgate with Piccadilly the main arrival point for visitors from the Airport and around the UK. Operators include: TransPennine Express, CrossCountry Trains, Great Western Railway, Northern Rail and Virgin Trains. nationalrail.co.uk

Manchester Airport

National Express provides coach services from throughout the UK into Chorlton Street Coach Station in the city centre. nationalexpress.co.uk Manchester Piccadilly

Journey Times Destination

Rail

Road

Chester

53 mins

55 mins

Lake District

1hr 40 mins

1hr 35 mins

Liverpool 33 mins 55mins Leeds

50 mins

1hr 5 mins

Peak District

1hr 43 mins

1hr 5 mins

Newcastle

2hr 50mins

2hr 40 mins

York

1hr 15 mins

1hr 40 mins

Edinburgh

3hr 15 mins

4 hrs

London

2hr 6 mins

3hr 55 mins

52 ďż˝ visitmanchester.com/traveltrade

Marple Aquaduct

Manchester Airport UK’s Global Gateway in the North

With three terminals handling over 27.9 million passengers each year, Manchester Airport is the UK’s Global Gateway in the North. Over 50 airlines ensure Manchester Airport is directly connected to over 220 destinations and is no more than one-stop away from anywhere in the world. Manchester Airport offers a host of facilities and services to help ensure hassle-free travel:

Airport Shopping & Dining Exclusive tax and duty-free savings on shopping and wide selection of food and drink options to choose from.

Free Wi-Fi With up to four hours of free Wi-Fi to stay connected to the outside world across all three terminals.

Airport Parking Great value Short Stay, Long Stay on and off-site parking to the ultimate convenience of Meet & Greet parking.

Manchester Airport

DIRECT FLIGHTS There are direct flights from destinations world-wide including:

Lounges Provide a tranquil environment to do some last-minute work or some relaxation before the flight, offering complimentary refreshments and Wi-Fi.

Disabled Access A pioneering new access guide has been designed which provides disabled customers with the information they need to plan their journey door to door.

Manchester Airport App A free, one-stop guide for flight and airport information to download – the perfect travel companion.

EUROPE Aberdeen Alicante Amsterdam Athens Barcelona Berlin Bilbao Billund Bremen Brussels Budapest Cologne Copenhagen Cork Dublin Dubrovnik Dusseldorf Frankfurt Glasgow Gran Canaria Granada Hamburg Hannover Helsinki Inverness Isle of Man Istanbul Knock Krakow Larnaca Lisbon London Lyon Madrid Malaga Milan Munich Murcia Naples Nice Nuremberg Oslo Paris Pisa Porto Prague Preveza

Rennes Reykjavik Rome Shannon Stockholm Tenerife Turin Venice Vienna Warsaw Zagreb Zurich NORTH AMERICA Atlanta Boston Chicago Houston Las Vegas Los Angeles New York Orlando Philadelphia San Francisco Seattle Toronto Vancouver MIDDLE EAST Abu Dhabi Doha Dubai Jeddah Muscat ASIA Beijing Hong Kong Islamabad Lahore Phuket Singapore AFRICA Casablanca Marrakech Addis Ababa

visitmanchester.com/traveltrade � 53

54 ďż˝ visitmanchester.com/traveltrade

Getting Around Manchester Getting around the city and surrounding areas is easy once you’re here thanks to the fleet of buses, trams and trains available and as the city is compact, it is easy to explore on foot. Journey Planning

By Hop-on Hop-off Bus

By Train

Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) is the organisation that coordinates public transport across the city-region. Its website has a wealth of information and a number of journey planning tools. tfgm.com

Sightseeing Manchester is the city’s hop-on hop-off bus service, with 15 stops the 90-minute tour of Manchester stops at key attractions and places of interest including out to The Quays and Old Trafford. sightseeingmanchester.com

In addition to the UK’s inter-city links, the rail network connects Greater Manchester’s neighbouring towns and districts including Ashton-under-Lyne, Bolton, Oldham, Rochdale, Stockport and Wigan. tfgm.com/trains

By Metroshuttle Bus

By Tram

System One

Within the city centre, Metroshuttle provides a free ‘hop on, hop off’ service linking all of the main rail stations, shopping districts and business areas. tfgm.com/metroshuttle

The Metrolink tram network offers frequent services to popular venues and attractions across the region, Travelcards are perfect for exploring, offering unlimited travel across the network. Tickets must be purchased before boarding. metrolink.co.uk

A System One Travelcard combines local bus, train and tram travel, allowing visitors to transfer seamlessly from bus to bus or from one transport mode to the other as many times as they like. systemonetravelcards.co.uk

By Bus Commercial bus services run throughout the night across Greater Manchester. tfgm.com/buses

By Foot Manchester is easily explored on foot, with a city centre that can be navigated within 20 minutes. City Hosts are dotted around the centre to help with visitor information including directions, public transport, events and more.

Metrolink St Peter’s Square

visitmanchester.com/traveltrade � 55

56 ďż˝ visitmanchester.com/traveltrade

Metrolink travelcards offer unlimited travel – the perfect way to see more of the region’s sights and attractions. Whether an individual or a family, buy your great value travelcard before boarding the tram.

visitmanchester.com/traveltrade � 57

Coach Parking Metrolink under construction (due to open in early 2017)

Manchester provides on-street short stay parking for coaches wanting to drop off or pick up visitors close to a number of city centre attractions and venues. There are also some medium stay coach stands where coaches can park for longer periods, as well as designated coach parks that offer longer, overnight and weekend coach parking to visitors who pre-book in advance of their arrival.

Short stay drop-off bays (max. 20 minutes) 1 2 3 4 5

Chorlton Street Liverpool Road Whitworth Street Lower Mosley Street John Dalton Street

2 bays 2 bays 2 bays 2 bays 1 bay

7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14

Byrom Street Charles Street Cheetham Hill Road Great Bridgewater Street Great Ducie Street Dutton Street Store Street Water Street Corporation Street

2 bays* 2 bays* 9 bays** 1 bay 3 bays** 9 bays* 6 bays 1 bay* 3 bays

Medium stay coach stands (max. 4 hours)

Long Stay & Overnight (Pre-booking essential) 15 16

Etihad Stadium (Sportcity) Pre-book by calling +44 (0)161 227 3151

Old Granada a Studios Albert Hall

IWM North (The Quays) Enquiries – please call +44 (0)161 836 4000

17 The Quays Enquiries – please call +44 (0)161 848 1850 (Min parking time of 3hours)

IWM North

Mersey Ferry docking point

To The Quays, Chorlton, MediaCityUK, Altrincham, Eccles, East Didsbury & Manchester Airport approx. 15, 16, 20, 28, 30, 32 & 50 minutes by Metrolink from Manchester city centre.

The Quays

HOME

To MMU Birley, Faculty of Education, Faculty of Health, Psychology and Social Care (Princess Road, A5103)

* Dual use coach bays may be used by buses and goods delivery vehicles/parking bays.

58 � visitmanchester.com/traveltrade

Etihad Campus & National Cycle Centre

To Heaton Park, Bury, Oldham & Rochdale approx. 10, 23, 24 & 48 minutes by Metrolink from Victoria

Etihad Campus

Etihad Stadium 1 Angel n u Square ANGEL SQUARE

Manchester’s Districts Central Retail District Featuring the biggest names in fashion including high street favourites.

Centre e for Chinese o Contemporary Art

Piccadilly The main gateway into Manchester with Piccadilly train station and Piccadilly Gardens.

Manchester Craft & Design Centre

Exchange Square Exchange Sq. to St Peter’s Sq. opening 2017

Corridor Manchester Home to the city’s two universities, a host of cultural attractions and nightlife. Northern Quarter Manchester’s creative urban heart with independent fashion stores, record shops and cafés.

Urban Exchange

To Etihad Campus (approx 1/2 mile), Droylsden & Ashton approx. 8 & 20 minutes by Metrolink from Piccadilly Station

Spinningfields A district of offices and high-end shopping and some of the city’s best restaurants and bars. First Street Manchester’s cultural and office district featuring the new multi arts centre HOME and the UK’s first Melia INNSIDE hotel. Castlefield The place to escape from the hustle of city life. A residential neighbourhood with waterside restaurants, pubs and bars. Chinatown Made up of oriental businesses including Chinese, Thai, Japanese and Korean restaurants. NOMA A neighbourhood of offices, homes, public spaces, shops and restaurants.

To National Speedway Stadium and Belle Vue Speedway approx. 2.8miles

All Saints Business School & Student Hub

The Deaf Institute

** Only between 7pm and 4am

Petersfield Manchester Central Convention Complex, The Bridgewater Hall and Great Northern. The Gay Village Unique atmosphere with restaurants, bars and clubs around vibrant Canal Street. Civic Quarter Home to iconic listed buildings such as the Town Hall and Central Library. Medieval Quarter An area rich in culture and history. It is the home of some of the city’s oldest buildings. 48 St. John’s A new unique residential neighbourhood, a community of creativity and innovation.

visitmanchester.com/traveltrade � 59 Manchester Business School West

Essential Information Below is some useful information to pass onto clients or customers. Manchesterâ€™s Visitor Information Centre

Luggage Storage

Our knowledgeable team provide tourist information and advice including maps and visitor guides as well as discounted tickets for many events and attractions across the region. Manchester souvenirs are also available. Address Manchester Visitor Information Centre 1 Piccadilly Gardens, Manchester M1 1RG T: 0871 222 8223 E: touristinformation@visitmanchester.com Opening Times Monday - Saturday: 9.30am - 5:00pm Sunday: 10:30am - 4:30pm

Visitor Information For the latest information go to visitmanchester.com. We also have foreign language versions available, Chinese visitmanchester.com/cn and Arabic visitmanchester.com/ar (from July 2018).

Manchester Piccadilly Station Left Luggage Office, Platform (Track) 10, Manchester Piccadilly Station, Manchester, M1 2PB T: 0161 236 8667 E: manchester@excess-baggage.com

Tax Free Shopping VAT refunds are available at Manchester Airport for those living outside the EU. Visitors must ask retailer (participating in the scheme) at the point of purchase and submit the claim at the airport before they depart.

International Credit Cards UnionPay accepted at: Burberry, Harvey Nichols and Selfridges. Alipay accepted at: Holland & Barrett, Selfridges, Watches of Switzerland The Body Shop, REISS, Burger & Lobster, Chatime, Dong Guan, Han Dynasty, K2, Peking Duck, Benkana, Sakana, Umezushi, Feida, Mr Yum.

Marketing Manchester makes every effort to ensure that the information contained in this guide is correct at time of going to print but changes may occur after press. Therefore we cannot accept liability for any loss or damage arising from its use. However if you do spot any errors or omissions please contact traveltrade@marketingmanchester.com. The information within this guide and the design are copyright Marketing Manchester and no part of this document may be reproduced in part or wholly by any means, electronic or mechanical, without prior permission of the publishers in writing. Marketing Manchester Lee House, 90 Great Bridgewater Street, Manchester, M1 5JW T: +44 (0)161 237 1010 marketingmanchester.com visitmanchester.com

Marketing Manchester is the agency charged with promoting the city-region on a national and international stage, and is part of the Manchester Growth Company. Visit Manchester is the Tourist Board for Greater Manchester and is a division of Marketing Manchester. They are funded by 400 commercial members and the organisations below.

Designed and Published: Marketing Manchester May 2018

60 ďż˝ visitmanchester.com/traveltrade

Marketing Manchester

Published on Jun 22, 2018

Manchester Travel Trade & Groups Guide 2018-19

A comprehensive guide on Manchester for the travel trade, including everything from sightseeing, events and restaurants to sample itinerarie...

Manchester Travel Trade & Groups Guide 2018-19

Published on Jun 22, 2018

A comprehensive guide on Manchester for the travel trade, including everything from sightseeing, events and restaurants to sample itinerarie...

manchestermagazine

Go explore