Magnetic Manchester

Once the dour seat of Britain's Industrial Revolution, Manchester has come through into the 21at with another bang.

The cotton mills and streets of depressing housing that was prevalent right up until the eighties have been replaced by ritzy museums, folksy markets, thumping arts venues and superb shopping. Everything about Manchester is zingy. From the home of the world's largest football club to the bohemian northern quarter to the gay village to the Trinity Bridge, the sites are plentiful and absorbing. Manchester is a very cosmopolitan city and its districts are more like molecular communities connected by a terrific tram service than a sprawling major city.



Chinatown is best visited at night under its glaring neon glow where the food ranges from budget to high end or if you prefer Indian, then Curry Mile in Rusholme is your destination. In the Gay village you'll find everything if you want to party and if you want upscale then it's off to Didsbury you go. Joining the multitude of bars, restaurants and entertainment venues, Manchester's cultural scene is more than satiable. The Imperial War Museum North, The Lowry, The Gallery of English Costume, The Museum of Science and Industry, The People's History Museum and The Jewish Museum are the major drawers. Search out a couple of Manchester's secrets; Chetham's Library is the oldest English Language Public Library in Europe and the Parsonage Gardens is a quaint, tranquil retreat from the bustling streets. If you want to go shopping you are spoilt for choice; the Trafford Centre, The Arndale Centre, Deansgate, St. Anne's Square, The Avenue and Market Street will have you emptying your wallet in no time.

Designer label stores are multitudinous thanks to a high concentration of Premier League Footballers who live in the Cheshire countryside. Hire a car, see the gorgeous scenery and admire their fabulous homes.