As excited as I am at the prospect of moving back to Germany and exploring Düsseldorf and the Rhineland, I am going to miss Manchester hugely.
I moved here in 2008, but it’s only really been in the last 18 months I feel I’ve started to make the most of what Manchester has to offer and get to know the city. As I’ve mentioned before, starting this blog has helped me to see the city in a different light and pushed me to explore parts of the city I’d never seen before.
But I still have a few things I want to tick off my list before I go, so I have compiled the below Manchester bucket list. Over the next six weeks I hope to tick as many of these gems off my list as I can, while I try not to add anything else on to it…
Manchester is the birthplace of industry
1. Museum of Science and Industry
I’m ashamed to say that despite moving to Manchester over five and a half years ago, I still haven’t paid a visit to what is arguably the best museum in town.
2. Having a pint in the Marble Arch
I am on strict orders from my office’s resident Bridezilla to visit this long-standing pub on a Saturday afternoon for a pint to soak up its incredible atmosphere. I was a big fan of The Angel in the Northern Quarter so I’m game.
3. Daytrip to Crosby beach
While technically not in Manchester, this suggestion was too good to ignore. Recognisable for its Anthony Gormley sculptures, Crosby beach is meant to be one of the best beaches in easy reach of the city.
Manchester Central Library
4. Manchester Central Library
Closed for extensive renovations since 2010, the library finally reopens on 22nd March 2014. Though I’m away for the opening, I will definitely be paying a visit before I move.
5. The People’s History Museum
Another museum I’ve not yet been to is the People’s History Museum in Spinningfields, which focuses on the history of labour and working people in the UK. I’ve heard great things and entry is free – why not?
6. The Coronation Street set tour
Corrie is the UK’s longest running soap and a cornerstone of Mancunian heritage, which, thanks to the TV habits of my flatmate, I’ve found myself getting really into. Now that the set has been painstakingly recreated in Salford Quays, the old set will be open to the public for the first time in 15 years.
Manchester’s skyline
7. Almost Famous
Manchester has a lot of great restaurants, and Almost Famous is one I’ve still never tried. People regularly queue just to get a table, so I’m willing to bet its burgers are pretty good…
8. Chetham’s library
The oldest public library in the English-speaking world and the regular meeting place of Marx and Engels, this one has been on my list for a while. Its opening times (Mon-Fri 9-5pm) have made it a bit inaccessible, but I’m hoping to fit in a quick trip before I leave.
9. Imperial War Museum North
I went to this museum a few years ago, but it’s been on my list to revisit for a while now – the temporary exhibit when I last went was brilliant.
Manchester town hall
10. Taking a tour of the town hall
Manchester town hall is a beautiful building, but I’ve yet to go inside – something I’m hoping to rectify before I leave. FACT: The building was recently used for filming for the upcoming Frankenstein film starring Daniel Radcliffe.
11. Having a pint in The Peveril of the Peak
This unique little pub seems to appear in a lot of Manchester ‘must-see’ lists, so I’m keen to see what the fuss is about…
12. Manchester cathedral
Including this is a bit of a cheat, as I actually went yesterday, but the cathedral had already secured a spot on my list, and deservedly so: it’s beautiful.
13. Inkifi
I’ve made no secret of my love for instagram(in fact, I talk about it every chance I get) and a friend recently introduced me to a great Manchester-based company where you can get your instagram shots printed as polaroids, framed photos or canvases. I’m pretty proud of my instagram photos of my Manchester and so what better way to commemorate my time here?
Castlefield
So there you have it – my definitive Manchester bucket list. What do you think – is there anything you would add to the list?
Good luck with crossing off everything on your list. I love the last couple of pictures, the Manchester town hall looks gorgeous! 🙂
Thanks – I’m quite proud of them actually – struggling to decide which to get printed.
The town hall is one of my favourite buildings – it’s been used in films a lot as Westminster Palace.
You know my booking boyo! Xx
MOSI: it’s a date.
I love that autumn canal shot. I’ve been on one very drunken night in Manchester, so I might print this out for future reference, I’m planning to go back one day and experience it properly!
Thank you – it’s one of my faves. I would definitely recommend a repeat visit to Manchester – this photo was taken in Castlefield, which isn’t far from the town centre. It’s a great place for a stroll and has some good beer gardens to enjoy the rare bit of sunshine we get.
I never think of Manchester as a touristy kind of town but this list is perfect – something to occupy a first-time or a repeat visitor in town for a long weekend. Brilliant.
Thank you! It doesn’t have a reputation as a tourist hotspot, but it’s the third most visited city in the UK. Now I know Manchester, I love showing visitors around – it has so much history.