There's more to Manchester than people realise...

I agree. Manchester doesn't get the love it deserves.

Okay, maybe not love but at least a second look.

I've been wanting to visit Manchester after reading another thread here by TexasTravelmom, who was traveling there for a concert. And your article makes it look even more interesting, wasleys!

I like visiting "real" cities in other countries, but when I saw that it held the the oldest surviving public library in the English-speaking world, I was hooked! It will definitely be on my list of future destinations! Thanks, wasleys!

This is a thread from a few months ago which I contributed to which gives a lot of information about what there is to see and do in Manchester -https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/england/a-visit-to-manchester

I just visited that part of England for the first time; two nights in Manchester, and three in Liverpool (including a day trip to Chester). While that article is a bit over the top -- I would not describe Manchester as either "gorgeous" or "fairy-tale" -- I definitely agree that it is well worth a visit, especially for those who are already familiar with London and looking to try something different. The library and museums are very good, people are friendly, the center city is vibrant and very walkable. And the same is true of nearby Liverpool, which does get a bit more attention (noting that it's included in RS UK books, while Manchester is not). A lot of that is because of the Beatles, but there is much more to Liverpool than that -- I had a great time in Liverpool and didn't run out of excellent stuff to see and do, while not seeing one Beatles thing (except for the display about them in the Museum of Liverpool). And if for contrast you want a town that actually is more stereotypically "gorgeous" and "fairy tale", Chester is that. I found that this area is in fact very good for a winter visit, despite the short days and dreary weather, as urban England with plenty of indoor attractions is a better focus then than the countryside. I flew into Manchester (good connections from US on Aer Lingus), then took train Liverpool to London, and home from London after also spending a few days there. A good combination of destinations for a 10 day trip.

I’ve been taking a closer look at Manchester since I learned a few months ago that Aer Lingus flies there nonstop from JFK. Among other attractions, Rabbie’s runs tours out of Manchester to the Lake District, the Peak District, the Yorkshire Dales, and North Wales, Snowdonia, and Chester. The city would also be a good place to fly into for a trip exploring northwest England, including Cumbria (I have some ancestors who lived in and around Carlisle).

I like visiting "real" cities in other countries, but when I saw that it held the the oldest surviving public library in the English-speaking world, I was hooked!

Ohh, see this appeals to me too. After watching Scott and Bailey I was a bit giddy to be in Manchester, however briefly, at the airport and on the train.

I spent a couple of nights there last year and am happy to be going back for a scheduled couple of nights in May. These threads have now made my list of places to see much longer….. it’s possible I will need to add a night. Agreed you can’t call it beautiful or lovely, but definitely interesting! Now I need to re-watch Scott and Bailey….. (makes me think of Emma, who mentioned this on the forum).

Has everyone seen 24 Hour Party People? It's a great Manchester movie. Tony Wilson was a bit of a visionary in my opinion. One of the north west's great intellectuals. As well as Factory Records and his work on Granada TV, his ideas about urban living probably still have some echoes in what Manchester has become today.

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0274309/

In May, 2024 I am doing exactly what NancyG wrote.
We have flights on Virgin Atlantic nonstop from Orlando to Manchester, and have already booked tours with Rabbies.
We travelled on Aer Lingus this past July to Manchester (also nonstop from Orlando) but used York as our base which was excellent for trips to the Yorkshire Dales and Moors and surrounding area including a day trip to Newcastle.
We did not spend too much time in Manchester - just an overnight and a visit to the Emirates Stadium but we may spend some more time in the city this time.

Mary and TexasTravelmom, I totally forgot that Scott and Bailey took place in Manchester! I loved that show and now will also have to watch it again.