As the leading passenger transport company in Manchester, Swans Travel Limited are pleased to offer our ʻmanchester connectedʼ destination management service, specifically focused on the needs of all business, leisure & tourism visitors to the city. With our environmentally friendly fleet of satellite tracked Mercedes Benz Taxi’s, Chauffeur Cars and Coaches, we can guarantee maximum service delivery throughout Greater Manchester, from airport - station transfers to meetings, conferences, hospitality & leisure events. Please contact our dedicated ‘manchester connected’ team, who are available 24/7 to deliver a complete travel solution from one to ten thousand passengers.
0161 681 0999 e: enquiries@swanstravel.com w: www.swanstravel.com
CONTENTS 2 3 4 5 7 8 10 11 12 14 16 16 17 19 20 22 24 25 26 28
Why Manchester? What’s New in Manchester What’s On 2015/16 Theatres & Shows Top 10 Visitor Experiences Shopping Capital of the North Home & Gardens Great Value Manchester Home to International Sport Food & Drink Youth & Education Winter Wonderland Explore Greater Manchester Gateway to the North West of England Plan your trip - Itinerary Ideas Manchester Airport Visit Manchester Travel Trade Support Coach Parking Getting To & Around Manchester
LISTINGS 5 5 7 7 7 8 8 10 11 12 13 14 17
D UNH A M M A S S E Y
Manchester Tourism Awards 2014 winners
R O YA L E X C H A NG E T H E AT R E
Palace Theatre & Opera House The Royal Exchange Theatre HOME IWM North (Part of Imperial War Museums) The Lowry Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet intu Trafford Centre Tatton Park MOSI (Museum of Science & Industry) Manchester United Museum & Tour Belle Vue Coach Hire Hard Rock Cafe Manchester
M A NC H E S T E R M US E UM
Manchester Markets
Visit Manchester makes every effort to ensure that the information contained in this guide is correct at time of going to print but changes often 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: prakash.chohan@marketingmanchester.com The information within this guide and the design are copyright Visit Manchester/ 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. Cover image: Manchester Day Parade
WHY MANCHESTER? Manchester has a unique history and heritage from its early beginnings as a Roman Fort named ‘Mamucium’, to today’s reinvented vibrant and cosmopolitan city. Visitors nowadays find a city of old and new architecture sat side by side, with stories around every corner. Attracting visitors with its fine traditions of football, sport, culture, music and world-class events, Manchester is quite rightly, the third most visited destination in the UK welcoming over one million visitors to the region.
Known as ‘King Cotton’ or ‘Cottonopolis’, Manchester played a unique part in changing the world for future generations. With this rich heritage visitors can learn about the many firsts Manchester can lay claim to, including the first passenger railway station, the first programmable computer, the world’s first professional football league, the splitting of the atom and the birthplace of vegetarianism.
Some fun facts about this great City:
N O M E AT P L E A S E Inspired by the sermons of the aptly named Rev. William Cowherd, the vegetarian movement began in 1809 in Salford, Greater Manchester. The locally-based Vegetarian Society holds events year round and fantastic vegetarian food can be enjoyed in restaurants across the city-region.
ROLLS ROYCE It was in 1904 that Charles Rolls and Henry Royce first met in Manchester’s city centre Midland Hotel. Two years later they set up the famous company which bears their names, Rolls-Royce Ltd. A permanent statue to this event can be seen in the hotel’s entrance.
SSSH, THIS IS A LIBRARY! Founded in 1653 the Chetham’s Library is the oldest public library in the English speaking world. It is also the site of a meeting between Marx and Engels where parts of the Communist manifesto were written at a table, which is still in situ.
TV HISTORY Manchester is home to the world’s longest running TV soap opera, Coronation Street. Starting on December 9th 1960, it has been on our screens ever since and visitors can now tour the cobbled streets of the famous set.
BUZZZZZZZZZZZ Adopted by Manchester in the 19th Century, the Manchester Bee symbolizes the industrious nature of the city and its people. The bee can be found on a variety of Manchester’s street furniture and can be seen within the mosaic floor in Manchester’s Town Hall.
2 |visitmanchester.com/traveltrade
W H AT ’ S N E W I N M A N C H E S T E R 2015 is set to be a spectacular year with new hotels, new direct flights and re-openings as well as exciting developments taking place across the region.
NEW FLIGHTS Currently there are over 200 direct routes into Manchester Airport, connecting the city to Europe, North America and the Far East. The most recent launched in December, the long-awaited Cathay Pacific service began between Hong Kong and Manchester four times a week. The new route makes Manchester the first airport outside London to offer a direct route to China. From summer 2015, the number of flights between New York and Manchester will increase to three daily services, plus three times a week with Thomas Cook, who are also starting a new direct Miami service in May. →manairport.co.uk
THE WHITWORTH A stunning new extension is the centrepiece of a £15m transformation reconnecting the gallery with the surrounding Whitworth Park. Doubling the public space and creating state-of-the-art new facilities with a characteristically bold and varied programme. The Whitworth now offers expanded gallery spaces, a learning studio and study centre, collections access zone, art garden and café nestling amongst the trees.
→whitworth.manchester.ac.uk
C O R O N AT I O N S T R E E T T H E T O U R EXTENDED THROUGH 2015 Continuum Leading Attractions, the company behind Coronation Street The Tour has announced that the attraction will continue to operate throughout 2015. Over 300,000 people have already visited Coronation Street The Tour since it opened in April 2014 with an expected 10,000 to visit following the extension. The tour is now one of the most significant visitor attractions outside of London, providing a unique opportunity for visitors to go behind the scenes of the world’s longest running soap. It will eventually close to make way for a cultural quarter, hotels and residential development by Allied London, so book your group now.
→coronationstreettour.co.uk
D I S C O V E R M A N C H E S T E R D A I LY WA L K I N G T O U R A guided tour around the city centre giving you a taste of the history, architecture and culture and showing you the major sites, including Manchester Town Hall and the Royal Exchange. Expect tales of heroes and villains, stunning architecture and a bit of unexpected history on an easy 90 minute walk around the city centre. From 1st April. →manchesterguidedtours.com
E L I Z A B E T H G A S K E L L’ S H O U S E Elizabeth Gaskell’s House on the outskirts of Manchester city centre was the home of Elizabeth Gaskell, one of the 19th century’s most important women writers. An exciting £2.5 million renovation project has been undertaken to convert the house into a major visitor attraction and a centre for the community on its doorstep. Focusing on the cultural and literary heritage of Elizabeth Gaskell and her family and complementing Manchester’s social and political history already richly documented in the city, Elizabeth Gaskell’s House offers plenty for both literary and history fans alike. →elizabethgaskellhouse.co.uk
HOME Formed by the merger of the two of Manchester’s best-loved arts organisations, Cornerhouse and the Library Theatre Company, HOME is the city’s newest cultural hub and will include a 500 seat and 150 seat theatres, five scinema screens, a gallery space, digital production, broadcast facilities and a cafe bar and restaurant. →homemcr.org
CORN EXCHANGE DEVELOPMENT Undergoing a £30 million redevelopment to transform into a culinary haven due to open in June 2015. Twelve restaurants have already been confirmed as tenants, with more to be announced. Mexican restaurant, Wahaca have been confirmed as one of the flagship tenants alongside other firsts for the city, including: Vapiano, a German owned Italian restaurant franchise; Pho, a Vietnamese street food restaurant; Cabana, a Brazilian churasscaria; and The Cosy Club, Banyan Bar & Kitchen and Eclectic Grill, from the group behind the popular Piccolino restaurants. →cornexchangemanchester.co.uk
A C C O M M O D AT I O N U P D AT E
HOTEL FOOTBALL Owned by former Manchester United stars Ryan Giggs and Gary Neville, this brand new 133 bedroom hotel aims to provide the ultimate fan experience. The hotel, which looks directly over Old Trafford, home of Manchester United Football Club, will house the second Cafe Football, serving food inspired by the beautiful game. The hotel will also feature a five-a-side rooftop football pitch, known as ‘Heaven’, situated on the 12th floor. Heaven will have a retractable roof and cater for parties of up to 180 guests.
→hotelfootball.com
HOTEL GOTHAM Bespoke Hotels is developing the high-end, 5* boutique Hotel Gotham which promises to be lively, fun and a little bit naughty. Opening in April 2015, the hotel is located in one of the city’s most spectacular listed buildings, designed by Edwin Lutyens. The former Midland Bank at 100 King Street is an art deco masterpiece. Of the 60 bedrooms, four will be inner sanctum suites. There will also be a destination restaurant, prohibition-style bar and roof-top members-only club. →hotelgotham.co.uk
INNSIDE MANCHESTER INNSIDE Manchester will be Meliá Hotels International’s first UK site outside of London. The 208 bedroom hotel will launch as part of Manchester’s 20 acre First Street Development project. The business-lifestyle brand offers sleek designs, clean lines, bright rooms and spaces, and excellent service to business and leisure travellers alike at accessible prices. →innside.by.melia.com/manchester
KING STREET TOWNHOUSE Opening in summer 2015 the intimate King Street Townhouse, “a baby grand hotel”, is the fifth venue in Eclectic Hotels’ portfolio of luxury townhouse hotels and members’ lounges in Greater Manchester. The former bank and Grade II listed building will offer a luxurious and unique experience to its guests. The hotel offers 40 bedrooms and suites, gym and spa treatment rooms, afternoon tea and conferencing and event space for up to 200 people. A real distinguishing feature of the hotel is its south facing rooftop infinity spa pool, with views of Albert Square and Manchester Town Hall. →kingstreettownhouse.co.uk
visitmanchester.com/traveltrade | 3
W H AT ’ S O N 2 0 1 5 / 1 6 A guide to the key cultural, sporting and event highlights happening across Greater Manchester. MARCH - JUNE 2015
J U LY - S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 5
OCTOBER - FEBRUARY 2016
18 - 19 April
UCI BMX Supercross World Cup National Cycling Centre
2 - 19 July
Manchester International Festival (MIF) Various city venues
8 - 11 Oct
Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair City Centre
19 April
Greater Manchester Marathon Old Trafford Football Stadium
4 July
Great Manchester Swim Salford Quays
10 Oct
Rugby World Cup, England v Uruguay Manchester City Stadium
21 April - 1 May
The Rolling Stone Royal Exchange Theatre
9 - 12 July
Wigan International Jazz Festival Wigan Town Centre
12 - 25 Oct
Manchester Literature Festival Various venues
1-4 May
Great British Bear Bash City Centre
10 - 12 July
Sparkle Gay Village, City Centre
Nov
Manchester Science Festival Museum of Science & Industry (+ other venues)
9 May
Great City Games City Centre
19 July
Ironman UK Triathlon Bolton
1 – 10 Nov
Manchester Comedy Festival Various venues
10 May
BUPA Great Manchester Run City Centre
22 - 26 July
Tatton RHS Flower Show Tatton Park
6 Nov
Christmas Lights Switch On Albert Square, City Centre
21 May
HOME – opening First Street City Centre
25 - 26 July
MCM Manchester Comic Con Festival Manchester Central
13 – 23 Nov
Christmas Markets City Centre
22 May
Dot to Dot Festival City Centre
31 July 6 August
Dig the City: Manchester Flower Festival City Centre
8 Dec - 9 Jan 2016
The Bodyguard Palace Theatre
30 - 31 May
Grillstock Festival City Centre
31 July 9 August
Manchester Jazz Festival Various venues
31 Dec
New Year’s Eve Fireworks City Centre
3 June - 25 July
Wicked The Lowry, Salford Quays
22 - 25 August
Bolton Food and Drink Festival Victoria Square, Bolton
Jan 2016
Manchester Beer & Cider Festival Manchester Velodrome
6-7 June
Parklife Heaton Park
28 - 31 August
Manchester Pride City Centre
Jan 2016
Re:play Festival HOME
14 June
Manchester Day City Centre
29 - 31 August
Manchester Picnic, City Centre
Feb 2016
Queer Contact Contact Theatre
28 June
Great Manchester Cycle City Centre
7-9 Sept
Soccerex Global Convention Manchester Central
8 Feb 2016
Chinese New Year Chinatown, City Centre
22 - 25 May
The Lost Carnival Burrs Country Park, Bury
10 - 21 Sept
Manchester Food & Drink Festival City Centre
KEY
29 June - 12 July
wonder.land Palace Theatre
18 - 20 Sept
Ramsbottom Festival Ramsbottom Cricket Club
Exhibitions
Theatre
Sport
24 - 27 Sept
Buy Art Fair Old Granada Studios
Music
Food & Drink
Cultural
MIF
DIG THE CITY
4 |visitmanchester.com/traveltrade
CHINESE NEW YEAR
T H E AT R E S & S H O W S Manchester has the most theatres of any city outside of London; it also hosts some of the best shows from the West End. So whether you’re into big-name musicals, ballet, opera, plays or comedy, enjoy a theatre break and soak up some culture, as Manchester definitely has something for you.
C O N TA C T T H E AT R E
T H E PA L A C E T H E AT R E & O P E R A H O U S E
Contact is Manchester’s pioneering theatre for explosive new performance bringing together an unexpected mix of ideas, young people, artists, cultures and experiences. With a varied programme combining local, international and national touring theatre, you can see the latest in new writing, hip-hop theatre, contemporary dance, music and visual arts.
The Palace Theatre and its ‘sister’ theatre the Opera House are two of the premier venues in the North West. With a combined capacity of almost 4,000 seats the theatres are well placed to host the biggest touring productions in the UK. 2015 will see shows such as Blood Brothers, The King’s Speech and The Bodyguard on offer. Group discounts are available. MIF will also be show-casing their brand new musical wonder.land in July.
THE LOWRY A spectacular home to entertainment and the arts, The Lowry is an architectural flagship with a unique and dynamic identity. Inside you will find two stunning theatres alongside galleries showcasing artists of local, national and international renown. WICKED, the global musical phenomenon that tells the incredible untold story of the Witches of Oz returns to Manchester this summer.
R O YA L E X C H A N G E T H E AT R E Housed in one of the most beautiful buildings in the city, you need only step inside to begin a journey into the world of the Royal Exchange Theatre. A part of the UK’s theatre scene for over thirty years, the theatre attracts high calibre actors to perform in its varied, classy productions.
T H E PA L A C E T H E AT R E & O P E R A H O U S E Palace Theatre, Oxford Street, Manchester, M1 6FT Opera House, Quay Street, Manchester, M3 3HP
+44(0)844 871 3038 | manchestergroups@theambassadors.com | atgtickets.com/manchester Hosting some of the most iconic shows, including The Lion King, Jersey Boys and Mary Poppins, the Palace Theatre & Opera House are the North West’s most prestigious and historic theatres. We offer many benefits for our groups: No Booking Fees, Generous Discounts, Coach Drop Off Points, Launch Invites, Meal Deals and Afternoon Tea plus a dedicated theatre based sales team to cater to your needs. Make the most of 2015 and give your group the very best in live theatre.
→Booking Line opening times: Mon-Fri, 10am-6pm, closed Bank Holidays →Group size: 10+ →Average length of visit: 3 hours →Admission prices: Prices vary according to the show.
Pre-booking required
Meet and greet
Driver/guide concessions
Toilets
Group discounts
Disabled toilets
Packed lunches
Guided tours
Disabled access
Study area
Gift shop Restaurant
Tea room/cafe
Picnic area
Education officer on-site
Coach Parking on-site
Coach Parking nearby
Coach drop off/pick up point Teacher/pupil pack
Worksheets 10:1
Ideal pupil to staff ratio
T H E R O YA L E X C H A N G E T H E AT R E St Ann’s Square, Manchester, M2 7DH
+44(0)161 615 6702 | groups@royalexchange.co.uk | royalexchange.co.uk The Royal Exchange Theatre is one of the region’s most iconic spaces. We offer a great range of group perks to make organising your trip hassle-free. • Great group discounts – you can save up to 50% on seats • FREE seats for groups over 20 • Reserve now, pay later • Amend your booking at any time before final payment…plus no deposit required!
→Opening times: Various →Group size: Min 10/Max 100 →Average length of visit: 3 hours →Admission prices: Various
Pre-booking required
Meet and greet
Tea room/cafe
Coach drop off/pick up point
Picnic area
Driver/guide concessions
Toilets
Group discounts
Disabled toilets
Guided tours
Disabled access
Gift shop
Restaurant
Education officer on-site
Teacher/pupil pack Packed lunches Study area
Coach Parking on-site
Worksheets
Coach Parking nearby
10:1
Ideal pupil to staff ratio
visitmanchester.com/traveltrade | 5
TOP 10 VISITOR EXPERIENCES 1 . D I S C O V E R M A N C H E S T E R D A I LY WA L K I N G T O U R A guided tour around the city centre giving you a taste of the history, architecture and culture and showing you the major sites, including Manchester Town Hall and the Royal Exchange. Expect tales of heroes and villains, stunning architecture and a bit of unexpected history on an easy 90 minute walk around the city centre. From 1st April. → manchesterguidedtours.com 2. MOSI (MUSEUM OF SCIENCE & INDUSTRY) Located on the site of the world’s oldest surviving passenger railway station, MOSI’s mammoth collection of real life models, machines and galleries pay tribute to the city’s industrial heritage and tell the story of its revolutionary contribution to the modern world as we know it. → mosi.org.uk 3 . B B C T O U R AT M E D I A C I T Y U K Visitors can walk in the footsteps of their favourite celebrities, take a peek behind the scenes of a host of BBC channels and programmes and take part in their own TV production. Tour guides will entertain and surprise, giving a fascinating insight into how TV and radio work. Tours last approximately 1.5 hours and must be pre-booked. → bbc.co.uk/showsandtours 4 . C H I N AT O W N The largest Chinatown outside London, this colourful district is bursting with authentic restaurants, bakeries and businesses. Every year Manchester’s Chinese New Year spectacular celebrations light up the city with dancing dragons in the famous parade, food stalls and special promotions. → manchesterchinatown.org.uk 5 . E A S T L A N C A S H I R E R A I L WAY East Lancashire Railway has teamed up with some of the city’s official tour guides to create the now infamous Rail Ale Trail. Go on a journey to discover some of the Irwell Valley’s most beautiful locations and exceptional pubs, all linked together by the railway. → eastlancsrailway.org.uk
6. IWM NORTH One of the most celebrated museums in Britain today, IWM North is about people and their stories, about how lives have been and still are shaped by war and conflict. The award-winning building by international architect Daniel Libeskind is a symbol of the world torn apart by conflict and stands proudly at Salford Quays. → iwm.org.uk/visits/iwm-north 7 . TAT T O N PA R K The magnificent historic estate is home to a neo-classical Mansion, awardwinning gardens, a rare-breed farm and 1,000 deer park. Visitors can enjoy guided tours of the Tudor Hall and 1930’s working farm as well as local seasonal produce at The Stables and Gardener’s Cottage. There is also the annual RHS Flower Show and special Christmas events. → tattonpark.org.uk 8 . C O R O N AT I O N S T R E E T T H E T O U R Tours along the cobbles of Coronation Street have been extended throughout 2015. With the main set recently relocated to MediaCityUK at Salford Quays, fans can take a guided tour behind the scenes of the former site. Have a picture taken at the bar of the Rovers Return and learn fascinating facts behind the making of the world’s longest running soap. → coronationstreettour.co.uk 9. THE LOWRY Discover some quirky facts about The Lowry’s design and development along with a brief history of the Manchester Ship Canal from docks to a new leisure destination. Have a tour of the Galleries, where you can learn more about their namesake LS Lowry with an introduction to the man and his work. → thelowry.com 10. MANCHESTER UNITED MUSEUM & TOUR CENTRE Only at the Old Trafford Museum & Tour Centre, Manchester Tourism Award’s Large Visitor Attraction of the Year, can you see the stadium through the eyes of Manchester United greats themselves. Or get even closer to the world of Manchester United and share 130 years of football in the Museum. →manutd.com/museum For more information about what’s on in Manchester: → visitmanchester.com
GREATER MANCHESTER’S WATERFRONT
Greater Manchester’s spectacular waterfront, world class entertainment, leisure and cultural attractions on the banks of the Manchester Ship Canal. The Quays is an exciting destination for any group day out or overnight stay. 6 |visitmanchester.com/traveltrade
I WM North Lowry Outlet Mersey Ferries Emirates Old Trafford Copthorne Manchester Hotel Manchester Cruises Quays Culture The Lowry City Centre Cruises MediaCityUK
Make your group visit stress free and enjoy a host of benefits including: › › › › ›
Themed tours and object handling sessions at IWM North Great discounts for 10+ at many Lowry shows Group discounts available for Mersey Ferries A private cruise for your group with City Centre Cruises Enjoy up to 70% off RRP in a wide range of branded outlets
thequays.org.uk
HOME 2 Tony Wilson Place, First Street, Manchester, M15 4FN +44(0)161 200 1500 | groups@HOMEmcr.org | homemcr.org
HOME, Manchester’s new centre for international contemporary visual art, theatre and film, opens in May 2015. With UK and world theatre premiers, new exhibitions and five screens showing the best in UK and international independent film and a café bar serving delicious home cooked food, HOME is the perfect place for your group outing.
→Admission prices: All visual art exhibitions are free. Theatre tickets start from £10 with concessions available. Cinema tickets start from £3. Coach driver and guide concessions available.
Pre-booking required
Meet and greet
Tea room/cafe
Coach drop off/pick up point
Picnic area
Education officer on-site
Teacher/pupil pack
Driver/guide concessions
Toilets
Group discounts
Disabled toilets
Packed lunches
Guided tours
Disabled access
Study area
Gift shop
Coach Parking on-site
Worksheets
Restaurant
Coach Parking nearby
Ideal pupil to staff ratio
IWM NORTH
( PA R T O F I M P E R I A L WA R M U S E U M S )
The Quays, Trafford Wharf Road, Manchester, M17 1TZ
+44(0)161 836 4063 | adavies@iwm.org.uk | iwm.org.uk/visits/iwm-north/groups The award-winning IWM North provides a unique experience for visitors to explore the impact of war on people’s lives. Housed in a stunning steel-clad building designed by world-renowned architect Daniel Libeskind, the building was purpose built to enhance the unrivalled collections. Pre-booked groups can enjoy free coach parking, complimentary passes to the top of the AirShard with a view of Manchester, meet and greet on arrival, an area to store belongings, a room for lunch (subject to availability) and access to downloadable resources.
→Opening times: 10am-5pm daily →Group size: Min 10 →Average length of visit: 2.5 hours →Admission prices: FREE
Pre-booking required
Tea room/cafe
Meet and greet
Picnic area
Coach drop off/pick up point Education officer on-site
Driver/guide concessions
Toilets
Teacher/pupil pack
Group discounts
Disabled toilets
Packed lunches
Guided tours
Disabled access
Gift shop
Coach Parking on-site
Worksheets
Restaurant
Coach Parking nearby
10:1
Ideal pupil to staff ratio
Study area
THE LOWRY Pier 8, Salford Quays, M50 3AZ
+44(0)843 208 6003 | groups@thelowry.com | thelowry.com/groups The Lowry is the perfect venue for a group day out or night at the theatre. Groups can take a tour of the Galleries or enjoy one of our many theatre productions. The Lowry is situated on The Quays - a perfect waterside location for a group visit. Groups receive fantastic benefits too including ticket discounts, no booking fees and long reservation periods.
→Opening times: The Galleries are open 11am-5pm daily. For performance times visit our website For bookings, the groups line is open Mon to Fri, 9:30am - 5:30pm →Group size: 10+ →Admission prices: see website
Pre-booking required
Meet and greet
Tea room/cafe
Coach drop off/pick up point
Picnic area
Education officer on-site
Driver/guide concessions
Toilets
Teacher/pupil pack
Group discounts
Disabled toilets
Packed lunches
Guided tours
Disabled access
Study area
Gift shop
Coach Parking on-site
Worksheets
Restaurant
Coach Parking nearby
10:1
Ideal pupil to staff ratio
visitmanchester.com/traveltrade | 7
S H O P P I N G C A P I TA L O F T H E N O R T H and Harvey Nichols – offer high-end fashion, beauty and dining across the most exclusive designer brands. In nearby Spinningfields, you’ll find The Avenue’s catwalk of luxury stores, bars and restaurants where footballers are often seen shopping, dining and partying.
From stylish shopping malls to specialist markets stalls, quirky boutiques to vintage treasure troves – the city offers a unique and diverse shopping experience.
H I G H S T R E E T H E AV E N
QUIRKY AND RETRO
Market Street is the city’s central shopping artery which encompasses high street names and department stores. Alongside Market Street is Manchester Arndale, with over 200 stores, home to favourites such as Next, River Island and Topshop. St Ann’s Square and neighbouring Deansgate are home to British brands such as Molton Brown, Fat Face and French Connection and Manchester’s oldest department store, House of Fraser.
The Northern Quarter has always been famed for its emporiums and independent shops, selling all sorts of weird and wonderful products. From vintage clothes, to edgy fashion and quirky gifts, the Northern Quarter has it all and is the perfect antidote to the big name brands of the high street. Nestled on Tib Street is the fabulous Afflecks Palace, a totem of indie commerce, offering everything from top hats to tattoos where visitors can shop or unwind.
DESIGNER LUXURY
The best times to visit Manchester for a bargain are during the January and summer sale seasons, in between you’ll find mid-season sales when visitors can buy exclusive labels at a fraction of the price. →visitmanchester.com/shopping
The city centre is a focal point for the fashion conscious. Head all the way down Market Street to Cross Street, where you’ll discover the start of a designer boutique heaven. New Cathedral Street and Exchange Square, home to two of the UK’s biggest department stores – Selfridges
CHESHIRE OAKS DESIGNER OUTLET Kinsey Road, Ellesmere Port, Cheshire, CH65 9JJ
+44(0)151 348 5600 | coaches@cheshireoaksdesigneroutlet.com | cheshireoaksdesigneroutlet.com Cheshire Oaks is the UK’s largest Designer Outlet covering a quarter-million square feet of retail space, with over 145 stores. Designed as individual boutique stores with an open-air shopping mall it is the ideal destination for a day out combining leisure and shopping. Cheshire Oaks is located just 15 minutes from the historic city of Chester with restaurants, cafés, children’s play areas, baby changing and fully accessible facilities; Cheshire Oaks offers everything you need to make shopping easy and enjoyable. Only 40 minutes from Manchester city centre.
→Opening times: Mon-Fri: 10am-8pm, Sat: 9am-7pm, Sun:10am-6pm, larger stores open from 11am-5pm. Restaurants open till late. →Group size: Min 20→Average length of visit: 2 hours
Pre-booking required
Tea room/cafe
Coach drop off/pick up point
Meet and greet
Picnic area
Education officer on-site
Driver/guide concessions
Toilets
Teacher/pupil pack
Group discounts
Disabled toilets
Packed lunches
Guided tours
Disabled access
Study area
Gift shop
Coach Parking on-site
Worksheets
Coach Parking nearby
Ideal pupil to staff ratio
Restaurant
INTU TRAFFORD CENTRE intu Trafford Centre, Manchester, M17 8AA
+44(0)161 749 1717 | marketing.traffordcentre@intu.co.uk | intu.co.uk/traffordcentre intu Trafford Centre offers an unrivalled experience for group travel. As well as a fabulous selection of stores and 60 restaurants and cafes, the Centre also provides offers for group visits. With high street favourites to exclusive designer brands into Trafford Centre is a shopping experience to rival London’s Oxford Street. With a choice of eateries from around the world and leisure venues such as Laser Quest, LEGOLAND Discovery Centre and SEA LIFE there’s something to suit groups of all ages.
→Opening times: Mon-Fri 10am-10pm, Sat 10am-9pm, Sun 12pm-6pm, Bank Holidays 10am-8pm. Restaurant and leisure venue opening times vary so please check with individual venues →Group size: Min 10 →Average length of visit: Full day →Admission prices: N/A but see individual leisure venues for details
8 |visitmanchester.com/traveltrade
Pre-booking required
Tea room/cafe
Coach drop off/pick up point
Meet and greet
Picnic area
Education officer on-site
Driver/guide concessions
Toilets
Teacher/pupil pack
Group discounts
Disabled toilets
Guided tours
Disabled access
Gift shop
Coach Parking on-site
Worksheets
Restaurant
Coach Parking nearby
30:1
Ideal pupil to staff ratio
Packed lunches Study area
SE
A
LI
FE
OD
EO
N
cin
em
aw
ith
IM
AX
60
re st a
ur an ts
an
d
ca fé
s
Ta xfre
e
sh
op
pi
ng
Capture This! A shopaholic’s paradise, an adrenaline junkie’s heaven, a diner’s delight... all under one splendid roof! With breathtaking architecture the photo opportunities are endless. Just a short bus ride from Manchester City centre and with shopping ‘till 10pm weekdays in a fabulous choice of stores, there really is no place like intu Trafford Centre for a great day out. You’ll also find tax-free shopping for visitors from outside the EU. Perfect if you fancy taking home a treat!
Don’t miss out!
HOMES & GARDENS
DUNHAM MASSEY
Located in the opposite direction is Chadkirk Chapel & Country Estate in Stockport. Visitors can relax and cherish the peach and tranquillity that is present inside the beautifully restored 14th Century chapel. Learn about the history and its association with the 7th Century missionary St Chad.
Manchester is known for its bustling city life full of wonderful things to do but it has a quieter side just waiting to be discovered. Home to many luscious green country parks and historic manors, Manchester’s parks and gardens are a great place for visitors to explore all year round, with many offering events and exhibitions throughout.
Further south of the city, in the rolling hills of Cheshire, Tatton Park in Knutsford is where groups can enjoy a year round programme of events set in glorious landscape. The RHS Flower Show, Christmas Concerts and Classic Car Shows are just a few events that attract groups from all over the UK. Other country parks and manor houses include:
Just outside the city centre is Ordsall Hall in Salford, a Grade I Tudor manor house that has been a home to everything from Tudor nobility to cattle. Today it is an engaging heritage site with hands-on exhibitions and immersive room settings for visitors to enjoy.
• Bramall Hall → stockport.gov.uk/bramhall • Dunham Massey → nationaltrust.org.uk/dunham-massey
For grandeur and grade listed buildings set in stunning surroundings, Heaton Park, four miles north of the city centre, will not disappoint. One of the largest municipal parks in Europe, it hosts large scale events and festivities throughout the year. With no less than eight listed structures, the grade II listed park is on English Heritage’s Register of Historic Parks and Gardens.
• Haigh Hall → wlct.org/wigan/haigh/hall • Fletcher Moss Park → fletchermossgardens.org.uk • Smithills Hall → boltonmuseums.org.uk • Wythenshawe Park → manchester.gov.uk/parks
TAT T O N PA R K Knutsford, Cheshire WA16 6QN
+44(0)1625 374 416 | tatton@cheshireeast.gov.uk | tattonpark.org.uk/visit/groups Tatton Park is a magnificent historic estate just 20 minutes from the city centre. Itineraries are organised throughout the 1000 acre deerpark incorporating the Neo-Classical Mansion, 50 acres of award-winning Gardens, lively tours of the Tudor Old Hall and working 1930s Farm. Locally sourced ingredients including meat and vegetables from the estate are featured in the restaurant menus and there are several speciality shops to visit. Annual events include the RHS Flower Show and Christmas Mansion. NEW: visit Cristina Rodrigues‘ art in the Mansion.
→Opening times: High Season Mon - Sun 10am-7pm (Mansion, Gardens, Old Hall, Farm). Low Season Tue - Sun 10am-5pm (Christmas Mansion). →Group size: Min 15/Max 100 →Average length of visit: 3-4 hours →Admission prices: Totally Tatton
Ticket (3 attractions) Adult £9, Child £5. National Trust members free access to Mansion and Farm.
10 |visitmanchester.com/traveltrade
Pre-booking required
Tea room/cafe
Coach drop off/pick up point
Meet and greet
Picnic area
Education officer on-site
Driver/guide concessions
Toilets
Teacher/pupil pack
Group discounts
Disabled toilets
Guided tours
Disabled access
Study area
Gift shop
Coach Parking on-site
Worksheets
Restaurant
Coach Parking nearby
5:1
Ideal pupil to staff ratio
Packed lunches
G R E AT VA L U E M A N C H E S T E R Manchester offers lots of things to see and do on a budget, from museums to music, gardens to galleries. Here’s our guide to Manchester for less.
AT T R A C T I O N S
FREE CITY CENTRE TRANSPORT
Many of Manchester’s attractions offer free entry, including the below;
Running every 10-15 minutes, the Metroshuttle offers a free city centre bus service linking the key attractions, hotels and shopping districts with bus and rail stations.
• Astley Cheetham Art Gallery • Castlefield Gallery • Central Art Gallery • Central Library • Chetham’s Library • Elizabeth Gaskell’s House • Hall i’th’ Wood Museum • HOME • IWM North • John Rylands Library • Manchester Art Gallery • Manchester Museum • Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI) • Museum of Manchester Regiment • National Football Museum • People’s History Museum • Portland Basin Museum • Salford Museum and Art Gallery • Stockport Story Museum • The Monastery • The Whitworth • Working Class Movement Library
PA R K S A N D G R E E N S PA C E S Get away from the hustle and bustle of city life and take in the fresh air in one of Manchester’s many parks and green spaces. • Alexandra Park, Oldham • Blackleach Country Park, Salford • Broadfield Park, Rochdale • Clifton Country Park, Salford • Fletcher Moss, Didsbury • Hollingworth Lake Country Park and Visitor Centre, Rochdale • Stamford Park, Tameside
F R E E A F T E R N O O N R E C I TA L S Relax and enjoy a free afternoon concert at one of the locations below: The RNCM is a world-class music college and performance venue that offers an extensive programme of events, ranging from classical music to jazz. Some events are free, including regular lunchtime concerts that take place at 1.15pm most Mondays and Thursdays. →rncm.ac.uk Chetham’s students give concerts of outstanding quality in The Carole Nash Hall in the breath-taking new school building. Concerts take place at 1.30pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays during term-time, and are free of charge.→chethams.com Made up of up to 20 trebles and nine Lay-Clerks, Manchester Cathedral’s Choir is something not to be missed. The choir can be heard as they practice in the quire of the Cathedral on most Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 4.50 pm – 5.20 pm, and on most Saturdays from 2.15 pm – 3.15 pm. →manchestercathedral.org Booking is advisable, for more information visit the venues website.
FREE CITY BUS
MOSI (MUSEUM OF SCIENCE & INDUSTRY Liverpool Road, Castlefield, Manchester, M3 4FP
+44(0)161 833 0027 | education@mosi.org.uk | mosi.org.uk The Museum of Science & Industry tells the story of where science met industry and the modern world began. From textiles and computers to light bulbs and locomotives, the Museum brings to life the story of Manchester, through shows, demonstrations and regularly changing exhibitions. Based on the site of the world’s first passenger railway, the Museum is a great day out for groups and offers bespoke itinerary planning, group discounts and more.
→Opening times: 10am - 5pm daily. Closed 24, 25, 26 December and 1 January →Average length of visit: 3 hours →Admission prices: Free entry. Some exhibitions may charge.
Pre-booking required
Tea room/cafe
Coach drop off/pick up point
Meet and greet
Picnic area
Education officer on-site
Driver/guide concessions
Toilets
Group discounts
Disabled toilets
Packed lunches
Guided tours
Disabled access
Study area
Gift shop
Coach Parking on-site
Restaurant
Coach Parking nearby
Teacher/pupil pack
Worksheets 7:1
Ideal pupil to staff ratio
visitmanchester.com/traveltrade | 11
H O M E T O I N T E R N AT I O N A L S P O R T There’s no doubting Manchester’s global reputation when it comes to sport. Whether visitors want to watch or take part, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy some of the world’s best facilities and great group experiences. As the mecca of Premiership football, fans are well catered for with both Manchester City and Manchester United Football Clubs offering behind the scenes tours and hospitality packages as well as VIP experiences. Keep an eye out for the brand new CFA Tour Experience at Manchester City which will be launching very soon. There’s also enough to keep the adrenaline junkies happy, from Salford Watersports Centre, PlayGolf Manchester at Trafford Quays Leisure Village, to the UK’s largest indoor real snow slope at Chill Factore, outdoor adventures at Aerial Extreme and Go Ape! Check individual venues for events and great offers. The city has a reputation for hosting global sporting events. In 2015, the city will host the UCI BMX Supercross World Cup in April and England versus their playoff opponent Uruguay in the Rugby World Cup in October. Lancashire County Cricket Club at Emirates Old Trafford, the National Cycling Centre, also known as the Velodrome, the Regional Tennis Centre and National Centre for Squash at SportCity, all host international championships for those who want to experience the electrifying atmosphere as a spectator.
UCI BMX SUPERCROSS WORLD CUP
MANCHESTER UNITED MUSEUM & TOUR Sir Matt Busby Way, Old Trafford, Manchester M16 0RA
+44(0)161 868 8000 | toursenquiry@manutd.co.uk | manutd.com/museum Most people have heard something of the triumphs and tragedies both on and off the pitch at Old Trafford, but how much of the Manchester United story do you really know? Blending historical exhibits with state-of-the-art interactive experiences, the Manchester United Museum & Tour Centre brings the remarkable legend to life like never before. Book your visit today. Call +44(0)161 868 8000 or visit manutd.com/museum and book online.
→Opening times: Museum: 9.30am-5pm, Tours (every 10 minutes): 9.40am- 4pm. →Admission prices: Group adults: £16.00, Group juniors: £10.50
Pre-booking required
Meet and greet
Tea room/cafe Picnic area
Coach drop off/pick up point
Education officer on-site
Driver/guide concessions
Toilets
Teacher/pupil pack
Group discounts
Disabled toilets
Packed lunches
Guided tours
Disabled access
Gift shop
Coach Parking on-site
Restaurant
Study area
Coach Parking nearby
Worksheets Ideal pupil to staff ratio
BELLE VUE COACH HIRE Discovery House, Crossley Road, Stockport, Manchester
+44(0)161 947 9477 |sales@bellevue-mcr.com | bellevue-mcr.com Belle Vue (Manchester) are a leading UK coach brand operating a fleet of 70 vehicles across the North West, the UK & Europe. This award-winning business is quality branded to ISO9001 status and nominated annually for ‘UK Coach Operator of the Year’ at industry award ceremonies. The transport provider’s diverse fleet of executive and corporate vehicles will cater for any corporate or hospitality event in the North West. One call does it all.
→Opening times: Mon-Fri 8am-6pm, Sat 9am-12am →Group size: Min 1/Max 1,000 →Admission prices: N/A
Pre-booking required
Tea room/cafe
Meet and greet
Picnic area
Driver/guide concessions
Group discounts
Guided tours
Gift shop Restaurant
12 |visitmanchester.com/traveltrade
Toilets
Coach drop off/pick up point Education officer on-site
Packed lunches
Disabled access
Study area
Coach Parking on-site
Teacher/pupil pack
Disabled toilets
Coach Parking nearby
Worksheets 5:1
Ideal pupil to staff ratio
Football’s Greatest Memories; Your Own Stories Fantastic city centre location Relaxing CafÊ Shop packed with unique football gifts Coach drop off point outside Tailored packages for your group To find out more or to book your visit please e-mail groups@nationalfootballmuseum.com or call us on 0161 871 8145
FREE ADMISSION OPEN DAILY Urbis Building Cathedral Gardens Manchester M4 3BG
nationalfootballmuseum.com L @FootballMuseum F /NationalFootballMuseum
National Football Museum is a registered charity no 1050792
FOOD & DRINK
ARTISAN
NEIGHBOURHOOD
This year will see the opening of an abundance of exciting places to eat and drink, ensuring Manchester’s restaurant and bar offering goes from strength to strength. As well as high end restaurants and cuisines from all over the globe, the city’s ever-growing good value eateries and gourmet burger joints are also plentiful. Spanish restaurant Iberica, has taken over the former All Saints site on The Avenue at Spinningfields. Michelin-starred chef Nacho Manzano has created the a la carte Spanish menu, with attention to detail being lavished on authentic Iberian interiors. March will see the opening of Asha’s on Peter Street, the Indian restaurant backed by Bollywood legend Asha Bhosle. The venue will be the second Asha’s in the UK. The menu includes modern and traditional takes on Indian cuisine and includes Asha’s personal notes on many of the dishes.
In April Manchester can expect a new Solita restaurant in the north. Rumours abound that Prestwich will be the place to welcome Solita’s unique brand of Italian-American cuisine, at a 100-cover venue with al fresco dining too. More news on the relocation of celebrated Ripponden restaurant El Gato Negro to Manchester are still to be announced, but it’s predicted to be mid-2015. Chef Simon Shaw is yet to announce the “perfect location” in the city centre to expand and develop his Spanish tapas restaurant. July is set to see the first openings inside the Corn Exchange following its £30million transformation into a dining destination. Twelve restaurants have already signed up to the former shopping mall, the most exciting as far as we’re concerned being the acclaimed Mexican street food eatery Wahaca from Masterchef UK winner Thomasina Miers. There will also be new branches of chain restaurants Pizza Express, Zizzi and Byron burgers alongside new operators to Manchester; Vapiano, Cabana Brasilian Barbecue, The Cosy Club, Pho Banyan Bar and Kitchen and new locations for Salvi’s and Tampopo.
Another addition in March will also be the eagerly-anticipated launch of Hawksmoor, the steak restaurant that has been a big hit in London but will now be aiming to wow everyone in Manchester. They have taken over one of the sites inside the revamped Grade II-listed Courthouse building on Deansgate, sitting alongside the Handmade Burger Co.
Annual Food and Drink Festivals across the region throughout the year bring ‘foodies’ together. Expect taster sessions, celebrity chef demonstrations, children’s food workshops and more.
Burger and Lobster will follow hot on the heels of Hawksmoor in March, another hip London restaurant hoping to inspire diners too. As the title suggests, they serve only burgers and lobster at the venue, which will be set inside the very grand Ship Canal House on King Street.
→visitmanchester.com/food
HARD ROCK CAFE MANCHESTER The Printworks, Manchester, M4 2BS
+44(0)161 831 6700 | manchester_salescoord@hardrock.com | hardrock.com/manchester Located in the heart of the city centre, Hard Rock Cafe Manchester is the largest Hard Rock in the UK showcasing an awe inspiring collection of rock memorabilia. We have set menus in place for groups of 20 or more and can accommodate up to 100 people for a meal. We can offer bespoke opening times to fit with your agenda and special memorabilia tours of the cafe to enhance your trip. Our team of dedicated individuals looks forward to welcoming your group.
→Opening times: Restaurant and Bar: Mon-Sun 12pm - 11pm. Please check the website for up to date information. We are closed on Christmas Day.→Group size: Min 20/Max 100 →Average length of visit: 3-4 hours
14 |visitmanchester.com/traveltrade
Pre-booking required
Tea room/cafe
Meet and greet
Picnic area
Education officer on-site
Driver/guide concessions
Toilets
Teacher/pupil pack
Group discounts
Disabled toilets
Packed lunches
Guided tours
Disabled access
Study area
Gift shop
Coach Parking on-site
Restaurant
Coach Parking nearby
Coach drop off/pick up point
Worksheets 4:1
Ideal pupil to staff ratio
R E S TA U R A N T S & B A R S Here are some of the best restaurants and bars that Manchester has to offer. For a full list visit
R E S TA U R A N T S AMERICAN Dog Bowl →blackdogballroom.co.uk Hard Rock Cafe →hardrock.com Henry J Bean’s →henryjbeans.co.uk
BRITISH Albert Square Chop House →albertsquarechophouse.com
→www.visitmanchester.com
Yang Sing La Vina Tapas & Wine →yang-sing.com →lavina.co.uk
FRENCH
SOUTH AMERICAN
63 Degrees →63degrees.co.uk
Bem Brasil Bar & Restaurant →bembrasilrestaurants.com
Fazenda →fazenda.co.uk Nawaab Gaucho →nawaab.com →gauchorestaurants.co.uk Zouk Tea Bar and Grill THAI →zoukteabar.co.uk
INDIAN
ITALIAN
Chaophraya →chaophraya.co.uk
Annies →anniesmanchester.co.uk
Croma →cromapizza.co.uk
Beef and Pudding →beefandpudding.co.uk
Don Giovannis →dongiovannis.co.uk
Damson MediaCityUK →mediacity.damsonrestaurant.co.uk
Dough →doughpizzakitchen.co.uk
The Fisherman’s Retreat →fishermansretreat.com
The Alchemist Piccadilly Gusto →thealchemist.uk.com →gustorestaurants.uk.com
Grill on New York Street →blackhouse.uk.com/grill-on-new-york-street
Jamie’s Italian →jamieoliver.com/italian/restaurants/manchester
Grill on the Alley →blackhouse.uk.com/grill-on-the-alley
Artisan Kitchen and Bar Piccolino →artisan.uk.com →individualrestaurants.com/piccolino
Handmade Burger Co →handmadeburger.co.uk
Bakerie Rosso →bakerie.co.uk →rossorestaurants.com
Harvey Nichols 2nd Floor Restaurant →harveynichols.com
JAPANESE
James Martin Manchester →jamesmartinmanchester.co.uk Manchester House Restaurant →manchesterhouse.uk.com Mr Thomas’s Chop House →tomschophouse.com The Northern Quarter Restaurant and Bar →tnq.co.uk The Old Wellington →nicholsonspubs.co.uk
Thaikhun →thaikhun.co.uk Vermilion Cinnabar →vermilion.uk.com
VARIOUS
The Alchemist Spinningfields →thealchemist.uk.com
The Botanist →thebotanist.uk.com/location/deansgateSapporo Teppanyaki manchester →sapporo.co.uk
MALAYSIAN
BARS
Apotheca Ning →apothecabar.co.uk →ningcatering.com
MEDITERRANEAN Papa G’s Grill & Bar →papags.co.uk
MEXICAN
Panama Hatty’s →panamahatties.co.uk Richmond Tea Rooms →richmondtearooms.com PAN ASIA
Blackdog Ballroom →blackdogballroom.co.uk The Green →thegreenmanchester.com Kosmonaut →kosmonaut.co The Oast House →theoasthouse.uk.com
Red House Farm shop & Tea Rooms →redhousefarm.co.uk
Australasia →australasia.uk.com
Revolution Deansgate →revolution-bars.co.uk/Deansgate
The Restaurant Bar & Grill →therestaurantbarandgrill.co.uk
Tampopo Albert Square →tampopo.co.uk
Taurus →taurus-bar.co.uk
Sam’s Chop House →samschophouse.com
Tampopo Exchange Square →tampopo.co.uk
The Whiskey Jar →thewhiskeyjar.com
SPANISH Velvet →velvetmanchester.com The Molly House →themollyhouse.com CHINESE Ocean’s Treasure La Tasca →oceantreasure235.co.uk →latasca.com/venue/manchester-deansgate
Many of the above offer great opportunities for groups and are interested in tour operator business, offering special deals and a tailored service. Contact Prakash Chohan for more information: prakash.chohan@marketingmanchester.com
visitmanchester.com/traveltrade | 15
Y O U T H & E D U C AT I O N Manchester offers fantastic group activities for children, young people and students who are looking to do something fun, educational or both. From great sporting facilities, engaging entertainment and engrossing educational visits, there is plenty to do to keep younger groups happy. Manchester museums and galleries provide a host of experiences and activities aimed at younger visitors, whether it is learning about Stan the T.Rex at Manchester Museum, delving first hand into the exhibitions at Manchester Art Gallery or marvelling at hands-on experiments at MOSI. 2015 sees the launch of the newly redeveloped Whitworth, a stunning art gallery set in beautiful park land and HOME, the new contemporary theatre, film, and visual arts centre. Many of the museums and galleries have education officers that can assist in tailoring visits to tie in with the national curriculum as well as special areas set aside for packed lunches and convenient drop off points. Visitors can follow in the footsteps of their favourite sporting legends with various tours available including Manchester City and Manchester United Football Club tours that offer a behind the scenes peek at the life of a footballer.
Offering both matinee and evening shows Manchester theatre’s offer fantastic rates for groups and a great family friendly programme throughout the year. Make sure you visit their websites to register for more information.
TOP FIVE ACTIVITY HIGHLIGHTS • CBBC Tour at MediaCityUK • Manchester Art Gallery • Manchester Museum • Museum of Science & Industry (MOSI) • The Whitworth
Feeling adventurous? Chill Factore, Helly Hanson Watersports Centre and the Manchester Climbing Centre offer fantastic days out for groups wanting to learn anything from snowboarding to kayaking, climbing to building a raft, as well as educational and team building days. Explore the outdoors up high with team bonding favourites Go Ape and Aerial Extreme. Visitors can fly through the trees on a zip wire or tackle obstacle courses suspended up to 10 metres off the ground. For something a little tamer but just as much fun Chester Zoo, Sea Life Manchester, CBBC Tour and the LEGOLAND Discovery Centre offer an exciting day out, as well as offering bespoke educational visits for various ages.
MANCHESTER MUSEUM
Hotel of the Year The Lowry Hotel Large Tourism Event of the Year Manchester International Festival Small Tourism Event of the Year Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair Restaurant of the Year Manchester House Large Visitor Attraction of the Year The Lowry Small Visitor Attraction of the Year BBC Tours Serviced Apartments of the Year The Place Aparthotel
16 |visitmanchester.com/traveltrade
Tourism Experience of the Year Wandering Duck Tourism Star of the Year Andrew Archibald – The Lowry Hotel Sustainable Tourism Award Novotel Manchester Centre Best Entertainment Venue of the Year The Met Tourism Retailer of the Year Afflecks Business Tourism Award The University of Manchester Conferences and Events People’s Choice Award for
WINTER WONDERLAND Flamboyant shop window displays and festive lighting adorn the streets, creating the perfect atmosphere for late night shopping. Award-winning Christmas Markets line the city’s streets, while Spinningfields is transformed into a winter wonderland. Manchester is a wonderful place to visit at Christmas.
CHRISTMAS LIGHTS SWITCH ON F R I D AY 6 T H N O V E M B E R The countdown to Christmas officially begins with Manchester’s spectacular Christmas Lights Switch-On at Albert Square in early November. Featuring special guest performances and a suitably spectacular grand finale firework display, best of all –it’s free!
EUROPEAN CHRISTMAS MARKETS F R I D AY 1 3 N O V E M B E R T O W E D N E S D AY 2 3 D E C E M B E R . Each year, early November sees the return of the UK’s largest award-winning Christmas Markets. Enjoy mouth-watering international food, drinks and delicately crafted Yuletide gifts. Soak up the atmosphere and visit over nine different sites throughout the city centre, with more than 300 festooned stalls and chalets, accessible to all.
MANCHESTER ICE RINK Open seven days a week from mid-November, Manchester Ice Rink provides a unique opportunity to skate under the stars. The only ice rink in the city centre offers under 10s the chance to skate with ‘penguin and seal guides.’
CHRISTMAS MARKETS
V I S I T S A N TA Santa will be waiting to greet you in his spectacular grotto this Christmas at Manchester Arndale. The city’s favourite festive experience for families provides a magical winter wonderland in the heart of the city, where you can meet Santa and tell him your Christmas wishes. Intu Trafford Centre also has a variety of festive features this season including Santa’s grotto.
M U S I C A N D T H E AT R E Manchester offers an array of evening entertainment throughout the winter months, from Cinderella at the Opera House to The Bodyguard at the Palace Theatre. Manchester’s Bridgewater Hall, home of the world famous Halle, hosts a series of concerts, while carol services can be enjoyed at the iconic Manchester Cathedral. Tatton Park’s magnificently decorated Mansion also provides a delightful, festive experience for groups of all ages.
L AT E N I G H T S H O P P I N G In the lead up to Christmas there’ll be plenty of extra time to buy gifts during the late night shopping hours. In the city centre Manchester Arndale and most retailers, including Selfridges, Harvey Nichols and House of Fraser, all extend their opening hours until 8pm and sometimes beyond.
SPINNINGFIELDS
MANCHESTER MARKETS Various locations
+44(0)161 234 7357 | manchestermarkets@manchester.gov.uk | manchestermarkets.com Manchester is home to a wonderfully diverse collection of markets all bursting with fresh, innovative, quality produce making them the perfect attraction for groups. Choose from local markets filled with variety and character and specialist markets which take place throughout the year. The award winning Christmas Markets can be found in eight locations across the city, adding bags of festive character to group tours and excursions.
→Admission prices: FREE
Pre-booking required
Meet and greet
Coach drop off/pick up point
Picnic area
Education officer on-site
Toilets
Teacher/pupil pack
Group discounts
Disabled toilets
Packed lunches
Guided tours
Disabled access
Study area
Gift shop
Coach Parking on-site
Worksheets
Restaurant
Coach Parking nearby
Ideal pupil to staff ratio
Driver/guide concessions
Tea room/cafe
visitmanchester.com/traveltrade | 17
Be the leader of the pack... Virgin Trains takes the stress out of group travel. We serve over 40 destinations up and down the UK and on our 125mph Pendolino trains there’s no faster way for the whole gang to travel. Just book your tickets, get a discount, sit back and relax. Now there’s a bright idea. Email group.reservations@virgintrains.co.uk or call 03331 030 909 (select Option 1)
virgintrains.com @virgintrains
virgintrains
E X P L O R E G R E AT E R M A N C H E S T E R Greater Manchester comprises of ten distinct districts, each with a range of experiences on offer for visitors, including: canal cruises, unique events, local food and drink, market shopping and the great outdoors. Here are the top pick of the nine districts surrounding Manchester:
BOLTON
ROCHDALE
TA M E S I D E
Bolton offers the complete package of great attractions, superb shopping and a strong sense of history and heritage. Its varied events programme includes the Bolton Food & Drink Festival, bursting with local produce and celebrity chef demos.
Rochdale town centre is the world’s co-operative capital. Set beneath hills and wild moorland at the edge of the South Pennines, its beautiful landscape offers a great mix of rolling hills, the peace and quiet of the countryside and buzzing towns.
Tameside stretches eastward from Manchester to the fringes of the Peak District National Park. Its landscape encompasses urban centres, moorland and the spectacular vistas of Werneth Low.
→ visitbolton.com
→ visitrochdale.com
• Bolton Museum, Aquarium and Archive • Go Ape! Rivington • Smithhills Hall
• Hollingworth Lake • Pioneers Museum (home of Co-operative
BURY Bury is great for groups. Discover nostalgic steam trains, fascinating museums and an exciting programme of events including the 1940s weekend, Ramsbottom Chocolate Festival and the popular Rail Ale Trails. Bury offers excellent shopping from an award winning market and high street names to a wealth of independents retailers.
→ visitbury.com • Bury Market • The Fusilier Museum • East Lancashire Railway
OLDHAM From Saddleworth’s glorious countryside to Oldham’s Victorian heritage and striking modern features, Oldham retains many features of its proud history, as a powerhouse of the Industrial Revolution. In contrast, Saddleworth is a gateway to the Peak District National Park.
movement)
• Museum of the Manchester Regiment • Portland Basin Museum • Werneth Low Country Park
• Rochdale Town Hall
TRAFFORD
SALFORD
Trafford is a borough of contrasts, where the urban, cultural and waterfront offer in the north meets the fashionable suburbs and picturesque countryside in the south bordering Cheshire.
There are acres of beautiful countryside, miles of waterways, and an abundance of culture and history waiting to be discovered in Salford. Heritage is a strong theme with over 250 listed buildings whilst the city is embracing a digital future with MediaCityUK, the new home of the BBC in the north.
→ salford.gov.uk • The Lowry • Ordsall Hall • Salford Museum and Art Gallery
STOCKPORT Stockport is an ideal location to explore; there are fascinating treasures hidden in and around the region. From bustling modern shopping areas to quaint, cobbled streets, Stockport also lies on the edge of Cheshire and the Peak District.
→ visitoldham.com
→ visit-stockport.com
• Gallery Oldham • Oldham Coliseum Theatre • Saddleworth Villages
• Bramall Hall • Hat Works Museum • Staircase House and Stockport Story Museum
ORSDALL HALL, SALFORD
→ tameside.gov.uk
→ visittrafford.info • IWM North • Intu Trafford Centre / Legoland Discovery Centre • Manchester United Football Museum & Tour
WIGAN Half way between Manchester and Liverpool, Wigan is full of variety, offering fascinating heritage, country parks, charming pubs and a diverse events programme throughout the year.
→ wlct.org/tourist-information/tourist- information.htm
• Haigh Hall & Country Park • Museum of Wigan Life • The Trencherfield Mill Engine
FUSILIER MUSEUM, BURY
visitmanchester.com/traveltrade | 19
G AT E WAY T O T H E N O R T H W E S T O F E N G L A N D Manchester is perfectly placed to explore the rest of the north of England. With Cheshire to the south, Merseyside to the west, Lancashire and Cumbria to the north and Derbyshire to the east, visitors are spoilt for choice. Here’s a guide to each of these regions and how they can be combined into your itinerary.
CHESHIRE & CHESTER (40 MINUTES)
MERSEYSIDE (45 MINUTES)
A region bursting with character and variation, Cheshire offers quaint market towns and villages dotted throughout the largely unspoilt landscape. The city of Chester is a wonderful combination of history and retail with the jewel in the crown being the complete circle of defensive walls. Traces of the city’s Roman past are still evident with the amphitheatre, bathhouses and temples attracting thousands of visitors each year.
Just 45 minutes from Manchester, Liverpool offers an array of museums, galleries and theatres. Cultural highlights include the Tate Liverpool, the Maritime Museum and the Walker Art Gallery. The city sights can be viewed from the famous Mersey Ferry, one of the oldest ferry services in the world. The region is also home to miles of beautiful coastline and award-winning golf courses.
Other highlights include: • Tatton Park • Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet • Chester Zoo
Other highlights include: • Albert Dock • The Beatles Story • Mersey Ferries
→visitchester.com
→visitliverpool.com
→visitcheshire.com
TAT T O N PA R K
ALBERT DOCK
LANCASHIRE (60 MINUTES)
DERBYSHIRE (70 MINUTES)
An area of outstanding natural beauty, Lancashire combines stunning landscapes with fascinating history and an abundance of stately homes and museums. There is also Britain’s favourite seaside resort, Blackpool, home to the famous Blackpool Illuminations stretching six miles and attracting more than 3.5 million visitors every autumn.
The spectacular landscapes of the Peak District National Park to the grandeur of Chatsworth House, Derbyshire seems a world away. For the best walks in the area, Peak Walking Adventures provide a guided walking service, bringing the countryside to life. Groups will fall in love with the beautiful Chatsworth 1000 acre park with its house, garden, farmyard, adventure playground and more.
Other highlights include: • Blackpool Tower Eye & 4D Experience • Lancashire Witch Trails • The Forest of Bowland →visitlancashire.co.uk
Other highlights include: • Alton Towers • Lyme Park & Gardens • Poole’s Cavern & Country Park →visitpeakdistrict.com
BLACKPOOL
20 |visitmanchester.com/traveltrade
LY M E PA R K
CUMBRIA (100 MINUTES) Stunning waterfalls, lakes and mountains and three areas of recognized natural beauty, ensure the scenery in Cumbria is truly unique. Home to the Lake District National Park, it offers picturesque towns, villages, famous stone circles and historic castles for you to explore. There is an abundance of attractions to choose from, including Rydal Mount and Dove Cottage, the homes of William Wordsworth; or Hill Top, the home of Beatrix Potter, where she wrote many of her famous children’s stories. Other highlights include: • Windermere Lake Cruises • Muncaster Castle and Gardens • Grasmere Gingerbread Shop →golakes.co.uk
LAKE DISTRICT
DISCOVER THE STORY OF FOUR BOYS THAT CHANGED THE WORLD ‘Living History’ audio guides are available in ten different languages and beautifully narrated by John Lennon’s sister, Julia.
Special trade rates available. For more details contact Ginette Goulston-Lincoln on 07958 448 002 or ginette@goulston-lincoln.com
beatlesstory.com • Tel +44 (0) 151 709 1963 visitmanchester.com/traveltrade | 21
PLAN YOUR TRIP - ITINERARY IDEAS Whether staying for a day or three – there’s so much to do and see. Here are some suggested itineraries to help you with your planning.
O N E D AY T R I P AM Book yourself onto a Discover Manchester walking tour or one of the many walking tours available with the city’s Blue Badge Guides. These tours are quirky, informative and highlight some of the city’s incredible history and personality. They are also a great way to familiarise yourself with the city. Tours start every day at 11am and last 1 hour 30 minutes. LUNCH For traditional British food and real ale the Victorian Chop Houses – Albert Square, Sam’s and Mr. Thomas’ Chop Houses, each with its own personality, offer a seasonal menu that includes fish and chips, steak & kidney pudding and corned beef hash. After lunch, head to one of the city’s main tourist attractions. All of the below are situated within the city centre and are free of charge. All are easy to walk to but Metroshuttle free bus services also cover all attractions across three routes. Choose from: John Rylands Library Experience the gothic splendour of one of Manchester’s most beautiful buildings and discover the library’s world famous collections through themed displays and hands-on activities → www.manchester.ac.uk/library Manchester Art Gallery One of the country’s finest art collections in spectacular Victorian and contemporary surroundings. Highlights include outstanding Pre-Raphaelite paintings, craft and design and early 20th Century British art. → www.manchestergalleries.org National Football Museum The striking National Football Museum thrills football fans from around the world. There are over 140,000 items across three floors, interactive exhibits and famous memorabilia on display, including the 1966 World Cup Final ball and Maradona’s ‘Hand of God’ shirt from 1986. → www.nationalfootballmuseum.com
22|visitmanchester.com/traveltrade
Museum of Science and Industry MOSI is based on the site of the former Liverpool Road Railway Station, the oldest surviving passenger railway station in the world, which opened in 1830. From the world’s first industrial city to 24-hour party capital, MOSI takes you on a journey through Manchester’s heritage with sights, sounds and even smells! → www.mosi.org.uk People’s History Museum After a £12.5 million development, this architecturally impressive museum has doubled in size, allowing more of its collection to be on display. Visitors can discover fascinating stories and hands-on exhibits that bring thousands of objects to life, including the world’s largest collection of political banners. → www.phm.org DINNER SUGGESTIONS Yang Sing Highly acclaimed Cantonese restaurant serving market fresh, gourmet food and individually designed banquets. → www.yang-sing.com Ning Fresh, authentic and delicious Halal food with a twist of style and individuality. Oriental chic and Northern Quarter charm. → www.ningcatering.com Australasia Modern Australian cuisine combines Pacific Rim flavors underpinned by European cooking traditions, all set in beautiful surroundings. → www.australasia.uk.com Bem Brazil A continuous array of roasted and grilled meats as well as unlimited visits to the banquet-style buffet. →bembrasilrestaurants.com For more restaurant options see page 15. LATE EVENING Manchester’s nightlife is legendary, with the city’s districts offering a different experience. From the bohemian Northern Quarter, bursting with unique independent bars and pubs, to Deansgate Locks a stretch of trendy bars and clubs under railway arches. For cocktails overlooking a magnificent panoramic view across the city, Cloud 23 on the 23rd floor of the Hilton Hotel or Manchester House in Spinningfields is a must visit.
T H R E E D AY T R I P DAY 1 AM Manchester City Stadium and Club Tour As 2013/14 Premier League Champions, a tour of Manchester City’s home at the Etihad Stadium showcases the pride, the passion and the heritage of this great football club. See how it feels to be grilled by the media in the press conference room hot seats, visit the inner sanctum of the City dressing room and discover the story of a much-loved football club.
PM Afternoon Tea at the Radisson Blu Edwardian Hotel Relax over afternoon tea at the Radisson Blu Edwardian. Formerly the historic Free Trade Hall, the surroundings are dramatically theatrical and make the perfect setting for afternoon tea. DINNER SUGGESTIONS: Artisan Kitchen & Bar → www.artisan.uk.com Gusto → www.gustorestaurants.uk.com
LUNCH Vermilion & Cinnabar Famously created by Miguel Cancio Martins (Buddha Bar, Paris) and known for its design and sensual Asian atmosphere. Vermilion guests will savour delicate Asian fusion flavours imparted through exotic, fresh and specially selected ingredients and spices.
Rosso Restaurant → www.rossorestaurants.com
DAY 2
Lowry Outlet Mall Manchester’s only factory outlet, the Lowry Outlet Mall is open seven days a week and offers top quality high street names at up to 50% off. With over 80 stores you may be in need of a rest, so settle down to catch the latest blockbuster film at the cinema or grab a bite to eat in one of the many restaurants.
AM Head to The Quays – jump on the Metrolink tram system or catch a cab for the ten minute journey out of the city. Spend the morning at The Quays, Greater Manchester’s stunning waterfront destination in Salford offering world-class attractions, dazzling architecture and superb shopping. Choose from one of the following attractions: The Lowry The Lowry is an arts and entertainment venue with two theatres and galleries showcasing the work of LS Lowry alongside other contemporary artists. Imperial War Museum North (IWM North) One of the most celebrated museums in Britain today, Imperial War Museum North is about people and their stories, about how lives have been and still are shaped by war and conflict. Make sure you don’t miss ‘The Big Picture’ show. Manchester United Museum and Stadium Tour Re-live the clubs triumphs, tragedies and trophies at the Manchester United Museum. From the dizzy heights of the Sir Alex Ferguson Stand, to the atmosphere soaked players’ dressing room, every moment will seem to carry the roar of 76,000 fans in your ears.
EVENING Head out for an early evening meal before a night at one of the many theatres within Manchester. After dinner, visitors can experience a touring West-End show or musical at the renowned Palace Theatre or Opera House. Alternatively, the Bridgewater Hall hosts classical concerts by the Hallé Orchestra, touring artists and musicians.
LUNCH For award-winning modern British cuisine, Damson MediaCityUK overlooks the plaza and BBC North. With over 140 covers the restaurant is well catered for groups and even offers private dining and a chef’s table for an extra special experience. PM From The Quays, Intu Trafford Centre is just 15 minutes away.With over 240 shops, the complex is home to Sea Life Manchester, LEGOLAND Discovery Centre, Namco Funscape bowling and Aerial Extreme, a high rope adventure course. With shopping until 10pm on weekdays, there’s something for groups of all ages. DINNER SUGGESTIONS Chaophraya → www.chaophraya.co.uk Sapporo Teppanyaki → www.sapporo.co.uk
BBC Tour Join a tour at the BBC over at MediaCityUK and walk in the footsteps of a whole host of celebrities. The well-informed tour producers will entertain and surprise as you get a fascinating insight into how TV and radio work. You will also have the chance to take part in your own television productionin the interactive studio.
Zouk Tea Bar & Grill → www.zoukteabar.co.uk
DAY 3
Back in the city centre, groups of 25-50 people can charter a private cruise on a vessel with City Centre Cruises. Departing from Castlefield you can enjoy a three course Sunday lunch on board whilst taking in the sights of the River Irwell, Salford Quays and the Bridgewater Canal. Football cruises are also available to Old Trafford.
AM East Lancashire Railway Just twenty minutes from the city centre, East Lancashire Railway is a steam train ride through beautiful landscapes and sweeping valleys. As well as dining trains and special events, groups can take part in specially designed Real Ale Trails, stopping off at microbreweries to sample the region’s finest ale. LUNCH Venture back to the city centre for lunch at Hard Rock Cafe, the UK’s largest Hard Rock, will rock your senses serving what can only be described as “The Official Food of Rock”, generous drinks and an awe-inspiring collection of rock memorabilia. PM Elizabeth Gaskell’s House was the home of the famous author and her family. Her novels include Mary Barton, Cranford, North and South and Wives and Daughters and are enjoyed on television, stage and radio. This beautifully restored home has spectacular period rooms, a garden and tea room for visitors to enjoy.
EVENING For real ale in a traditional pub, visitors are spoilt for choice, from the famous Castle Hotel – known for its local beers and live music, to the Britons Protection renowned for its fantastic choice of whiskies. There’s also The King’s Arms, Bar Fringe and Marble Arch for a Great British pint.
DINNER SUGGESTIONS: Albert Square Chophouse → www.albertsquarechophouse.com Beef and Pudding → www.beefandpudding.co.uk Grill on the Alley → www.blackhouse.uk.com EVENING For a different after dark experience, groups will love All Star Lanes, the American bowling alley, diner and cocktail bar complete with private lanes for groups and parties.
visitmanchester.com/traveltrade | 23
MANCHESTER AIRPORT
With three terminals handling over 22 million passengers each year, Manchester Airport is the global gateway to the North of England. Ninety airlines ensure Manchester Airport is directly connected to over 200 destinations and no more than one-stop away from anywhere in the world. Whether travelling for business or pleasure, Manchester Airport offers a host of facilities and services to help ensure hassle-free travel:
AIRPORT SHOPPING AND DINING
Join the vast number of savvy shoppers already taking advantage of exclusive tax and duty free savings at the airport. Make the most of the wide selection of food and drink options available across all three terminals.
DISABLED ACCESS
A pioneering new access guide has been designed, which provides disabled customers with all the information they need to plan their journey from door to door.
FREE WIFI
ESCAPE LOUNGES
For those looking to start their holiday in style, or simply enjoy some peace and quiet to complete last minute business, the Escape lounges in Terminal1, 2 and 3 offer a tranquil environment. Here you can also enjoy a host of complimentary refreshments and take advantage of the free WiFi.
FOR THE KIDS
If you need to keep the kids entertained or use up some of their excess energy before a long flight, there are now two free soft play areas. These are located in both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.
Stay connected to the outside world, with free WiFi for up to 60 minutes.
THE MANCHESTER AIRPORT APP
For the perfect travel companion download the Manchester Airport app, it’s your one-stop guide for flight and airport information. Even better it’s completely free to download on your smartphone.
A I R P O R T PA R K I N G
There is a parking option to suit every need, from great value Long Stay parking to the ultimate convenience of Meet & Greet parking. For the latest information visit → manchesterairport.co.uk or follow @manairport on Twitter.
DIRECT CONNECTIVITY There are direct flights from over 200 destinations worldwide including: Europe
Ireland West Airport Knock - Flybe
Rome (Ciampino) - Ryanair/Jet2
Aberdeen - Flybe
Isle Of Man (Ronaldsway) - Flybe
Rome (Fiumicino) - Jet2
Philadelphia Intl – American Airlines
Amsterdam – easyJet/KLM
Lisbon – TAP Portugal
Shannon – Aer Lingus
Toronto – Air Canada/Air Transat
Antwerp - KLM
Stockholm (Arlanda) - SAS
Vancouver – Air Transat
Barcelona – Jet2/Monarch
London (Heathrow) British Airways/Virgin Atlantic Airways
Stuttgart - Germanwings
Washington D.C - United Airlines
Athens – Aegean/easyJet
Lyon - easyJet
Venice – Jet2/Monarch/easyJet
Berlin (Schonefeld) - easyJet
Madrid - Ryanair
Warsaw - Ryanair
Middle East
Bilbao - easyJet
Malaga – Jet2/Monarch/Ryanair
Zurich - Swiss International Air Lines
Abu Dhabi – Etihad Airways
Bruxelles – Brussels Airlines
Moscow - easyJet
Cologne (Bonn) - Germanwings
Munich – easyJet/Lufthansa/ Singapore Airlines
Copenhagen Kastrup - easyJet Cork – Aer Lingus Dublin - Aer Lingus/ Ryanair Dusseldorf – Flybe/Lufthansa Frankfurt - Lufthansa Gothenburg – British Airways Glasgow - Flybe Hamburg – Germanwings/easyJet Hanover - Flybe Helsinki - Finnair
24 |visitmanchester.com/traveltrade
Murcia (San Javier) – Jet2/Ryanair Naples - Monarch Nice – Jet2/Ryanair Oslo – SAS/Ryanair Paris (Charles De Gaulle) Air France/Flybe/ Pisa – Jet2 Prague (Ruzyne) – Jet2 Rennes (St Jacques) - Flybe
North America Atlanta – Virgin Atlantic Calgary - Air Transat
Doha – Qatar Airways Dubai - Emirates Jeddah – Saudi Airlines
Chicago (Ohare) - American Airlines
Asia
Las Vegas (McCarran Intl) – Thomas Cook/Virgin Atlantic
Hong Kong – Cathay Pacific Singapore – Singapore Airlines
Miami - Thomas Cook New York (John F. Kennedy Airport) – American Airlines/ Delta Air Lines New York (Newark Liberty) – United Airlines
For a full list of direct flights please visit:
→ manchesterairport.co.uk
V I S I T M A N C H E S T E R T R AV E L T R A D E S U P P O R T Whether you are planning individual or group travel programmes, ensure that Visit Manchester is your first point of contact for free, professional and practical advice. We have a dedicated team who can provide information and assistance on:
GROUND HANDLERS Below are some of the largest and longest established wholesale tour operators specialising in bringing visitors to the UK. As well as offering full travel packages, they can provide assistance with ground arrangements such as accommodation booking and transfers, along with other destination management services.
• Itinerary planning • Destination information and collateral
Inbound Operator
Telephone
Website
AC Tours
+44 (0) 20 7737 3414
actours.co.uk
• Conference and incentive product
Angela Shanley Associates
+44 (0)20 7387 8812
asalondon.co.uk
T R AV E L T R A D E E - N E W S L E T T E R
Asia Europe TCI
+44 (0)20 3006 5309
asiaeuropetci.com
For new developments, news and up to date information, sign up for our quarterly Manchester travel trade e-newsletter by sending your details to: traveltrade@marketingmanchester.com
China Europe Travel Ltd
+44 (0) 1895 876178
ecconnect.co.uk
China Holidays
+44 (0)20 7487 2999
chinaholidays.co.uk
CHR Travel
+44 (0)12 7987 4286
chrtravel.com
Discover Travel & Tours
+44 (0)870 290 1010
discovertravelandtours.com
Europe Incoming
+44 (0)20 8994 5001
europeincoming.com
European Travel Service
+44 (0)20 7730 7182
etsuk.com
Evan Evans Tours
+44 (0)20 7950 1777
evanevanstours.co.uk
Glamorous Travel
+44 (0) 161 921 8784
glamorous-travel.com
Golden Tours
+44 (0)20 7341 6250
goldentours.com
Great Days
+44 (0)161 928 9966
greatdays.co.uk
GTA/Kuoni
+44 (0) 20 7716 2400
gta-travel.com
Hospitality Line
+44 (0) 20 8289 9595
hospitalityline.co.uk
JAC Travel
+44 (0)20 8563 7878
jaconline.com
MIKI Travel
+44 (0)20 7507 5000
miki.co.uk
Miramar Travel
+44 (0) 20 7851 1599
miramartravel.hk
Omega Tours Ltd
+44 (0) 1908 685026
uk.omegatravel.net
Premium Tours
+44 (0) 20 7713 1311
premiumtours.co.uk
Saltours
+44 (0)20 7724 7711
saltours.com
Scancoming
+44 (0)20 7935 0101
scancoming.com
Select Travel
+44 (0) 1480 455 850
selecttravel.com
Sovereign Tourism
+44 (0)20 7491 2323
sovereigntourism.com
• Production of bid documentation and support
Trafalgar
+44 (0)20 7468 4137
trafalgar.com/uk
• Organisation of site visits
Travco
+44 (0)20 7739 3333
travco.co.uk
Travel Agenda
+44 (0) 20 7607 8282
travel-agenda.com
• Images • Familiarisation visits
MEET THE TEAM You can meet the Visit Manchester team at a number of events throughout the year including: World Travel Market, ExploreGB, MAMA, Destination Britain North America, Destination Britain APMEA, Destination Britiain China, USTOA Annual Conference.
C O N TA C T U S Our team are here to help, please feel free to contact our travel trade team for any advice or assistance. UK & Groups: Prakash Chohan E: prakash.chohan@marketingmanchester.com T: +44 (0)161 238 4573 International: Emma Gordon E: emma.gordon@marketingmanchester.com T: +44 (0)161 238 4592
MANCHESTER FOR MICE Manchester has a proven track record of hosting world-class events and is firmly established on the worldwide conference and events stage as a leading destination. Visit Manchester provides a variety of free services to assist you in event planning including: • Venue location service • Accommodation booking service
• Social and partner programme planning
(Manchester based)
(Manchester based)
Contact the team to find out how they can make your event a success: T: +44 (0)161 238 4597 E: conference@visitmanchester.com W: visitmanchester.com/conference Twitter: @mcr_conf
USEFUL WEBSITES Groups & Travel trade information: visitmanchester.com/traveltrade Visitor information: T: +44 (0)871 222 8223 E: touristinformation@visitmanchester.com W: visitmanchester.com Twitter: @visit_mcr
visitmanchester.com/traveltrade | 25
C O A C H PA R K I N G 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 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.
- FREE
Short stay drop-off bays (20 minutes)
1 Chorlton Street
2 bays
2 Liverpool Road
2 bays
3 Lower Mosley Street
2 bays
4 Oxford Street
2 bays
5 Princess Street
1 bays*
6 Miller Street
9 bays
7
6 bays
The Lowry, Salford Quays
Manchester City Centre
Medium stay coach stands (max. 4 hours)
8 Charles Street
2 bays*
9 Great Bridgewater Street
1 bays
10 12
Store Street
4 bays
Water Street
2 bays
Cheetham Hill Road
9 bays
13 Great Ducie Street
Manchester s compact city centre contains lots of exciting things to see and do. To help, we ve colourcoded the city s diverse districts and included listings on the back. Explore and enjoy.
NOMA A newly developing neighbourhood of shops, restaurants, homes, public spaces, hotels and offices.
Central Retail District Featuring the biggest names in fashion, including high street favourites.
Northern Quarter Manchester s creative, urban heart with independent fashion stores, record shops and cafés.
The Gay Village Unique atmosphere with restaurants, bars and clubs around vibrant Canal Street.
Petersfield Manchester Central Convention Complex, The Bridgewater Hall and Great Northern.
Piccadilly The main gateway into Manchester, with Piccadilly train station and Piccadilly Gardens.
Spinningfields A newly developed quarter combining retail, leisure, business and public spaces.
Chinatown Made up of oriental businesses including Chinese, Thai, Japanese and Korean restaurants.
Castlefield The place to escape from the hustle and bustle of city life with waterside pubs and bars.
Oxford Road Home to the city s two universities, a host of cultural attractions and nightlife.
Manch Are
13
Job Centre
3 bays**
Long Stay & Overnight (Pre-booking essential)
14 Tariff Street (Town Centre Car Parks)
Pre-book by calling +44 (0)7920 230 621 (£25 per 24 hours / £25 weekend)
15 Ducie Street (Town Centre Car Parks)
Pre-book by calling +44 (0)7920 230 621 (£15 per 24 hours / £25 weekend)
16 Great Jackson Street (Euro Car Park) (£10 per 24 hours)
17 Etihad Stadium (Sportcity)
1
Pre-book by calling +44 (0)161 227 3151 (£40 per 24 hours)
11
2
18 IWM North (The Quays)
ANPR System in place Enquiries – please call +44 (0)161 836 4000 (£10 per 8 - 10 hours / £15 per 24 hours) * Duel use coach bays may be used by buses and goods delivery vehicles ** Only between 7pm & midnight
4
26 |visitmanchester.com/traveltrade
To The Quays, Chorlton, MediaCityUK, Altrincham, Eccles & East Didsbury approx. 15, 15, 21, 25, 28 & 31 minutes by Metrolink from Manchester city centre
3
HOME
5 16 To MMU Birley, Faculty of Education, Faculty of Health, Psychology and Social Care (Princess Road, A5103)
To Heaton Park, Bury, Oldham & Rochdale approx. 10, 20, 23 & 47 minutes by Metrolink from Victoria
12
1 Angel n u Square
hester ena
ANGEL SQUARE
Etihad Campus
6 Etihad Stadium
17 Centre for o Chinese Contemporary Art p
Manchester Craft & Design Centre
14
7
10 1
5
16
To Etihad Campus (approx 1/2 mile), Droylsden & Ashton approx. 8 & 20 minutes by Metrolink from Piccadilly Station
15 16
18
approx. 25-40 minutes by bus from Piccadilly Gardens
Urban Exchange
Mersey Ferry docking point
Emirates Old Trafford
This list was correct at the time of going to print and can be subject to change. Please contact Manchester Visitor Information Centre Supported by by calling +44 (0) 871 222 8223 (calls charged at 10p per minute) for advice on coach parking.
9 4 8
All All Saints Saints Business Business School School && Student Student Hub Hub
visitmanchester.com/traveltrade | 27
GETTING TO & AROUND MANCHESTER
Connectivity to the rest of the country means that Manchester is an ideal gateway. Once visitors arrive in the city, getting around couldn’t be easier with a fleet of buses, trains and trams.
GETTING TO MANCHESTER
GETTING AROUND MANCHESTER
Manchester’s central location, coupled with excellent transport links, makes it one of the most accessible cities in the UK.
Whatever your preferred mode of transport, Manchester has it covered, offering a comprehensive local public transport system.
ROAD
BUS
Manchester is well connected to the rest of the UK via excellent motorway links. The M60 ring road connects the city to motorways north, south, east and west.
Buses are an excellent way to see the city and the wider region of Greater Manchester. A comprehensive network offers fast and frequent services to many destinations. Across Greater Manchester, Arriva (→arrivabus.co.uk), First (→firstgroup.com) and Stagecoach (→stagecoachbus.com) to name a few operate a comprehensive bus network to get you out and about.
The city offers ample coach friendly facilities so that visiting groups, their coaches and drivers can enjoy a pleasant stay. On page 26 - 27 you will find a map of all of the short, medium and long stay coach parking facilities in Manchester city centre, at the Etihad Campus and at The Quays.
TRAINS Manchester is easy to travel to from across the UK. Direct services between Manchester and London run conveniently every 20 minutes with Virgin Trains: +44 (0)8457 48 49 50 → nationalrail.co.uk Operators include: • CrossCountry Trains →crosscountrytrains.co.uk • First Great Western
→ firstgreatwestern.co.uk
• Northern Rail → northernrail.org • TransPennine Express → tpexpress.co.uk • Virgin Trains
→ virgintrains.co.uk
COACH National Express and Megabus provide services from all over the country into Chorlton Street Coach Station in the heart of the city centre (→ nationalexpress.co.uk) and (→ uk.megabus.com)
The System One Travelcard combines bus, train and tram travel. It covers a wide-reaching area from across Greater Manchester, saving you money and making your travel planning much simpler. → systemonetravelcards.co.uk
TRAMS Metrolink is Manchester’s tram system. It allows easy travel within in the city centre and further afield. Because Metrolink runs every few minutes you don’t need a timetable, you can just turn up and go anytime from early morning until late in the evening. Tickets are available from ticket machines on all platforms but not on-board, so be sure to purchase before you travel.
TRAMS – AIRPORT EXTENSION The new Metrolink airport extension runs from the airport as far as Cornbrook initially. There are frequent connections to the rest of the network from Cornbrook, with trams heading towards Altrincham, Bury, Ashton, East Didsbury, Eccles and Rochdale. Services run every 12 minutes on the airport line. → metrolink.co.uk
TRAINS Local rail services connect Manchester Airport with Greater Manchester and the city centre. There are three key train stations in the centre: Manchester Piccadilly, Manchester Victoria and Manchester Oxford Road. Piccadilly is the main hub and is most visitors’ principal arrival point in the city. → nationalrail.co.uk
T R A N S P O R T F O R G R E AT E R M A N C H E S T E R Transport for Greater Manchester will help you choose the right services and tickets for public transport travel in the city centre and beyond. Call Traveline +44 (0) 871 200 22 33 or go to → tfgm.com.
28 |visitmanchester.com/traveltrade
You can also visit a Travelshop at the main bus stations in Greater Manchester, including Manchester Piccadilly Gardens and Shudehill Interchange.
R E F F O ... . . E . . V . I . . . S LU ....
E...X..C.............
Tour m u i d C Sta F y t i C th ester bined wi n Street h c n Ma com ronatio r - Co u o T aster The m t e k ic call T 1 9999 k o o To b 0333 32 k /tours on .co.u tion c f c it m rma or vis more info for
.. . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . ... . . . . . . . . ..
Join us on a fascinating trip around the home of Manchester City Football Club.
N O R W O U OP G H EN 20 15 H T
Take the tour, walk the cobbles. Coronation St ™ & © ITV Studios Ltd. 2015. Licensed by ITV Broadcasting Limited. All Rights Reserved.
Book your group tour today! Call Ticketmaster 0844 453 9000. Combine your visit to Coronation Street The Tour with a Manchester City FC Stadium Tour for a great day out.
www.coronationstreettour.co.uk