Exploring Manchester

Manchester is a major city located in northwest England.

Castlefield Urban Heritage Park is a great place to begin exploring the city. Here you can see impressive restored Victorian houses along old canals. There is a reconstructed Roman Fort.

The Bridgewater Canal was constructed in 1762 to transport coal from the coal mines at Worsley to Manchester. There are many old warehouses along the canal that have been restored into shops, hotels, restaurants, and offices. Enjoy a trip on one of the Bridgewater tour boats.

The Science and Industry Museum is located in the world's oldest railroad station, There are 12 galleries including the Power Hall displaying water and steam-driven machines from the golden age of the textile industry. You can see vintage-made- in Manchester care among them a rare 1904 Rolls Royce. Also, the history of Manchester from Roman times through the Industrial Revolution to the present day is documented here.

Manchester Cathedral sits on the banks of the River Inwell and is officially known as the Cathedral and Collegiate Church of St. Mary, St. Denys, and St. George. The cathedral was built between 1486 and 1508.

St. Mary's Catholic Church was built in 1794 and is located next to the historic Market Hall. Locally the church is known as "The Hidden Gem." It has Victorian carvings and among the highlights is the marble high altar, statues of saints, and a unique Ezpressionist-style station of the cross. Guided tours are available.

Chethams Hospital dates from 1422. It used to be a residence for priests and today is home to a music school and Chetham Library which is the oldest public library in England. The library has over 100,000 books with most of them printed before 1850. Guided tours are available.

The University of Manchester has a variety of institutes and halls of residence.

The Victorian John Rylands Library is part of Manchester University. It has special collections among them medieval texts, a Gutenberg Bible, and a collection of early printing by William Caxton.

Whitworth Art Gallery is also at the university. It is known for its collection of British watercolors, drawings, prints, modern art, and sculpture, It has one of the largest textile and wallpaper collections outside of London.

Nearby is the Manchester Museum with an extensive collection of scientific artifacts and Egyptian exhibits.

The Manchester Art Gallery has one of the largest art collections in Britain outside of London. The gallery has artworks by the pre-Raphaelites, Flemish masters of the 17th century, French Impressionists, and German artists as well as well-known English artists. There is an impressive sculpture collection with works by Rodin, Maillol, Jacob Epstein, and Henry Moore.

HOME is Manchester's international center for contemporary visual arts and independent film. It offers performances of everything from musicals to comedies.

Chinatown in Manchester has one of the largest Chinese communities in Britain with a richly decorated arched gateway. It is interesting to explore with many shops and restaurants. At the Centre for Contemporary Chinese Art, you'll find unique Chinese handicrafts and artwork.

Manchester Town Hall was built in the neo-Gothic style in 1877 and sits on the pedestrianized Albert Square. It has a tower offering panoramic views of the city, Take a look at the Council Chamber with Ford Madox Brown murals that depict the history of the city.

The Manchester Central Convention Complex is one of the largest such sites in England. It offers many musical performances all year long. It is housed in a building that was constructed amid the former Victorian Railroad Station on Windmill Street.

Heaton Park is the biggest park in Greater Manchester and one of the largest municipal parks in Europe. Heaton Hall was built in 1772 and is located in the heart of the park. For sports lovers, there is an 18-hole golf course, driving range, and mini putt and tennis courts. You can enjoy boating on the lake, taking a look at the animal farm, walking in the woodlands and ornamental gardens and children can enjoy the adventure playground.

Fletcher Moss Botanical Garden was founded in 1917. It is part botanical garden and part wildlife habitat. There are many walking trails. People enjoy strolling or picnicking. You can play tennis, rugby, or football. Enjoy relaxing at the cafe.