There are approximately 500,000 Mancunians to be found in the north west of England. Manchester is also the third most visited city within the United Kingdom by international guests behind England and Scotland’s capital cities, London and Edinburgh. Manchester is also a favourite with tourists from the UK
Manchester was founded in 79 AD by the Romans. In the first century, following the Roman conquest of Britain, General Agricola ordered plans to construct a fort to ensure that Roman interests in Chester and York would be guarded against challenge provided by the Celtic tribe identified as the Brigantes that were located within the area during these times. This Roman fort and settlement was Mamucium.
The city of Manchester is recognised by having two of the most famous football teams in the world as well as having a diverse range of culture.
Museums
Manchester is home to numerous museums honoring the city’s wealthy heritage through the years beginning with its Roman beginnings to its involvement within the Industrial Revolution.
The Museum of Science and Industry is situated on the site of the world’s oldest remaining passenger railway station. The 7.5 acre site is housed in five properties. This family friendly museum tells the story of Manchester’s historical past in science and industry through several galleries and collections.
The Manchester Museum can be found on The University of Manchester grounds. The museum has 4 floors of displays and exhibits in 15 galleries. Here you may come across galleries of famous Egyptology and also the astounding wonders of nature which includes Stan the T-Rex, a skeleton of a sperm whale as well as a host of live animals.
Manchester Art Gallery houses 1 of the country’s finest art collections. The gallery has undergone a £35m transformation to bring its collection to visitors in imaginative new ways. Different talks, tours and hands on activities are available regularly.
Music
A host of the United Kingdom’s much loved groups of all time have emerged from the Manchester music scene. Well liked groups such as The Smiths, The Buzzcocks, Joy Division, The Stone Roses, New Order and Oasis all originated from Manchester. Manchester was credited as the home of indie in the 1980′s when a host of bands burst on to the scene. This scene was identified as the ‘Madchester’ scene, centred around The Hacienda nightclub.
Sport
Manchester has a wonderful history in sport. Probably the most widely recognised is its two football teams that ply their trade in the Barclays Premier League. Manchester United play at Old Trafford, the Theatre of Dreams and Manchester City play at the City of Manchester Stadium, which was also home to the Commonwealth Games in 2002.
There are a number of wonderful sporting arenas to be found in Manchester such as the National Squash Centre, Manchester Aquatic Centre and The Manchester Velodrome, recognised as being one of the best indoor cycling tracks in the world.
Where to stay?
As Manchester is the third-most visited city in the United Kingdomby overseas guests, you’ll find plenty of places to stay whether you might be searching for hotels in Manchester city centre or accommodation a little further afield in the surrounding suburb areas.There are plenty of luxury 4 and five star hotels in and about the city centre however, not all the accommodation has to becostly. A number of of the best value hotel chains also have hotels dotted across Manchester to suit everyone’s requirements and spending budgets.