After a hectic few days of packing, unpacking and farewells, I am now settled in my temporary accommodation in Düsseldorf. As I nervously await the first day in a new job (tomorrow – eek!), it seems like the perfect time to take a look back at my Manchester bucket list to see just how well I go on – and how many trips back I’ll need to take to complete it.
Chetham’s Library
Chetham’s Library
Visiting Chetham’s Library was always going to be difficult thanks to its opening hours (Mon-Fri 0900-1700) but I was determined to head to this little hidden gem during my two weeks between jobs – and I’m glad I did.
The term ‘hidden gem’ is very apt for this tiny little library found in the centre of Manchester. Covering two wings on one floor in an old rustic building, the beautiful library is a little pocket of history. For me, the main draw was the window bay in which Friedrich Engels and Karl Marx used to meet in Manchester, to study and discuss their works. Pretty impressive.
Almost Famous
I found my first visit to the pretty famous Almost Famous incredibly disappointing. For ages, people have harped on about the genre-defying burgers and the great atmosphere. What I encountered felt like eating a burger on garden patio furniture in the corner of a dark, aggressive club.
In fairness, the venue has recently changed and moved in to a former club. But the owners seem to be trying to keep the club feel. In a restaurant. It’s dark. The music is loud. And the bar is circular and tacky.
And to top it all off, my burger wasn’t even that nice.
Imperial War Museum North
Imperial War Museum North
The Imperial War Museum is one of Manchester’s premier attractions. I first went a few years ago but wanted to fit in a return trip before I left to check out the new temporary exhibition.
The exhibition, From street to trench, focuses on the ways WW1 forever changed the North West; from women working at home, to soldiers on the front. The exhibition has a lot for local history buffs, including a recording of a busy Salford street in around 1910.
It was well worth the return trip – if only for the gift shop. Definitely didn’t brave the observation deck though.
What’s left?
That brings us to the end of attractions I managed to fit in before leaving Manchester – so how did I do?
Castlefield, Manchester
- Museum of Science and Industry
- Having a pint in the Marble Arch
- Daytrip to Crosby beach
- Manchester Central Library
- The People’s History Museum
- Coronation Street set tour
- Almost Famous
- Chetham’s Library
- Imperial War Museum North
- Manchester Town Hall tour
- Having a pint in the Peveril of the Peak
- Manchester cathedral
- Inkifi
The result: 6/13.
Oh well, looks like there are at least 7 reasons for me to head back to the Capital of the North!
Have you been to any of the places on my bucket list?
Comment below!
Not a bad score! The library looks great, I’ll definitely try and get there on my next Manchester trip. I finally visited the People’s History Museum earlier this year and love the MOSI, but don’t recognise all the places on your list so might pinch a few ideas!
Please do! There’s so much going on in Manchester under the surface. I really enjoyed MOSI, but the People’s History Museum will have to wait til next time.
Hope you get chance to make it to Crosby beach soon – it looks fantastic and strange at the same time!
Me too – heard some really good things!
Great list inspiring my own ‘ must do more local travel’ list. Shame you missed Crosby beach! That’s where I’m from originally and as much as I love Manchester I do miss living near the beach. The statues are ace and they will still be there on your next trip back 🙂 Good luck settling in
At least you’re close enough to nip back whenever you want to feel the sea breeze! Funnily enough, I spent two weeks in my hometown after leaving Manchester and tried to do the same thing and take advantage of some local sights…