Manchester Vacations

Socialism and universal suffrage both began in Manchester. Marx and Engels even wrote The Communist Manifesto here. Fitting then that The People’s History Museum—housed in a refurbished Edwardian pumping station—should find its home in this city. It brings political science to life on an interactive journey through 200 years of British democracy.

For a more current take on the humanities, tourists will stroll down Oxford Road, known by Mancunians as The Cultural Corridor for being packed with galleries, museums and theatres. Modern art lovers head to Cornerhouse, while natural history buffs can spend hours in The Manchester Museum.

Anyone remotely interested in soccer can’t visit Mancunia without taking a tour of Old Trafford, home of the world’s most famous football club, Manchester United. Fans can jog down the players’ tunnel, and try to kick a ball as hard as Wayne Rooney in the stadium’s museum.

Those who consider shopping a sport love what Manchester has to offer. For a high-end, big-brand spree, King Street is the place to be. Travellers can find quirkier one-off items and local talent in the Northern Quarter at stores like Retro Rehab and No Angel.

A great new addition to the city’s landscape of eateries, Richmond Tea Rooms is a Tim Burtonesque take on British tradition. Clashing and colourful, it takes high tea even higher.

Food lovers head to Isinglass for its down-to-earth Mancunian approach to going local. Traditional British dishes like Cumberland Sausage and Mash are made with ingredients sourced from close-to-home.