One of my favourite past-times in the UK (when I have the free time of course) has been travelling to the many cities and towns within England, Wales, and Scotland. This article is about one of the larger metropolitan cities, Manchester. It is a captivating city with a rich tapestry of history, culture, and innovation. As a pioneering hub during the Industrial Revolution, Manchester’s industrial heritage is still evident in its red-brick architecture and historical landmarks. Renowned for its music scene and sporting passion, particularly in football, with the two major Manchester clubs, it also offers a vibrant array of experiences.

As I have stayed in Manchester with friends over multiple trips, I want to focus on some of my best experiences in the city. I have played laser tag and went bowling in the heart of the city, but this article is more about the scenic beauty of the city rather than the fun activities you can do with friends.

First off, Platt Fields Park in Manchester is a peaceful 70-acre oasis, offering green spaces, lakes, and woodlands for relaxation and recreation. With its scenic beauty, well-maintained pathways, and community events, it’s a cherished gem in the city. One of my favourite things about this park is the amount of and variety of birds in the park. With the Holy Trinity Platt Church in the background, it proved to be an excellent and picturesque evening stroll.

Whitworth Park and Museum offer a captivating blend of green tranquillity and artistic inspiration. The park’s lush gardens and lakes were also great to walk around. Adjacent to it, the Whitworth Art Gallery exhibits an impressive collection, seamlessly integrating contemporary architecture with nature. A harmonious haven for nature lovers and art enthusiasts alike. Some of my favourite items from the area are shown below.

Next up is the John Rylands Library which is a magnificent neo-Gothic architectural masterpiece. It looks absolutely stunning from both the inside and out. Housing a vast collection of rare books and manuscripts, it offers an enchanting experience for bibliophiles and history enthusiasts alike, inspiring generations with its literary treasures. It was interesting to see it being used by students and researchers alike as a very beautiful study space.

Lastly, the University of Manchester which dates back to 1824, has multiple buildings within the city, but I was taken aback by the Whitworth Hall, located at the heart of the University of Manchester’s main campus. It is a magnificent neo-Gothic building named after Sir Joseph Whitworth and hosts various university events and serves as a symbol of academic prestige and community gathering. While I saw it at night, it was still absolutely a sight to behold, reminding me oddly of Hogwarts in the magical world of Harry Potter.

There are endless other activities and places to visit in the city which I haven’t touched upon, including the Manchester Art Gallery, bohemian Northern Quarter, Science and Industry Museum, as well as the two giant stadiums of Old Trafford and the Etihad stadium. Manchester offers a lot of diversity and culture even in terms of food options, of which I enjoyed Arabian food the most. If you enjoy traveling, and large metropolitan cities with an abundance of things to do, Manchester is for you.

Cheers,

Shaulan