Best Arts and Culture Places in Southowram

"While not a museum per se, Manchester Art Gallery is home to exhibitions focusing on the development of the arts over time and eras of history. If you are a fashion lover, this should definitely be one of your sightseeing stops, as they usually host at least one exhibition connected to fashion."

"There is so much amazing street art in the city and some of the works are really Instagrammable. Some of my favourite paintings were the one of Arya Stark and, of course, Eleven from the Stranger Things. Some other street art in Manchester that I loved included these works in the photos below."

"Imperial War Museum North (IWM North), Imperial War Museum North, The Quays, Trafford Wharf Road, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M17 1TZ - Visit now. IWM North was designed by Daniel Libeskind, whose beautiful waterfront building was based on a globe shattered by war and houses a permanent collection, special exhibitions and events that consider the many ways conflict shapes society. The museum is open again now with a number of changes in place to ensure your visit is safe and enjoyable."

"Imperial War Museum North (IWM North), Imperial War Museum North, The Quays, Trafford Wharf Road, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M17 1TZ - Visit now. Discover how war shapes lives in this award-winning Daniel Libeskind building representing a globe changed by conflict. See objects which have changed the course of history such as the Field Gun which fired the first shell of the First World War and a large section of twisted and rusted steelwork from the collapsed World Trade Center."

"Another grand old building that a lucky few can get wed inside, John Rylands is still in use as a functioning library (as part of the University of Manchester library), although many visitors come simply to admire the architecture. The building is actually a vast memorial to the late John Rylands, conceived by his wife and designed by Basil Champneys. Similar in style to the Town Hall, this is another example of neo-Gothic architecture that is revered worldwide."

"You may crave some culture next, and Manchester is more than able to accommodate. The John Rylands Library is an excellent choice with late 19th century gothic architecture to appreciate and fresh, new exhibits rotating through every couple of months. You will be captivated by the juxtaposition of old and new and enthralled by the art and imagination of the works inside."

"Leeds Art Gallery reopened in October 2017 following an extensive refurbishment, including works on its original Victorian roof and renovation of the Central Court - meaning visitors can now see the stunning glass ceiling as part of the gallery. As well as the gallery’s main collection, artist room feature regular exhibitions. The Headrow, Leeds,LS1 3AA, open Tuesday-Saturday 10am-5pm, Sundays 11am-3pm, closed Mondays."

"This major gallery is packed with 19th- and 20th-century British heavyweights – Turner, Constable, Stanley Spencer, Wyndham Lewis et al – along with contemporary pieces by more recent arrivals such as Antony..."

"Over the past 125+ years, the Whitworth has seen many transformations but none so much as its recent £15 million development, resulting in accolades such as RIBA National Award and Art Fund’s Museum of the Year 2015. Now home to an internationally important collection numbering 60,000 works - blending high-profile names like Blake, Spencer, Rembrandt and Moore with fresh new talent - the gallery’s principal aim remains the same: ‘the perpetual gratification of the people of Manchester’."

"Manchester's second most important art gallery is arguably its most beautiful, following a restoration that saw the doubling of its exhibition space through the opening of its sides and back, and the construction of glass-screened promenades. Inside is a fine collection of British watercolours, the best selection of historic textiles outside London and galleries devoted to the work of artists from Dürer and Rembrandt to Lucian Freud and David Hockney."

"From 19 May – 1 July, The Whitworth is open for film screenings of its new exhibition, Imran Perretta: the destructors. The Whitworth Café, Art Garden and Collections Care Centre are also open from 19 May to 1 July. The rest of the gallery remains closed while the next exhibitions are installed, following COVID-19 safety guidelines."

"If you’re looking for locally crafted ceramics, prints, jewellery or art work, Manchester Craft and Design Centre is the perfect place to discover something unusual. Located in a former Victorian fish market, the beautifully restored building is home to two floors of studios, where artists, potters and craftspeople create and sell their work in one space. There’s also a great café on the ground floor and you can often discover interesting art installations or musical performances there."

"Described as ‘The place to make, see and buy contemporary craft and design in the North West’, Manchester Craft & Design Centre is situated in the centre of the city’s creative Northern Quarter. The centre has been managed by Manchester City Council since 1982 and has been helping both practitioners and design enthusiasts through its work. The centre houses 18 working studios as well as organising exhibitions and events to promote local talent."

"Manchester Craft and Design Centre is sometimes overshadowed by more popular sights, however, I think it’s a Manchester spot that shouldn’t be missed. Housed in a former fish market building, the Craft and Design Centre is now a hub for…you guessed it, craft and design. Independent entrepreneurs hire studio space where they can also sell their goods."

"This one might just win the title of the most family-friendly bar in all of Leeds. A grown-up hangout where kids are warmly welcomed, Outlaws Yacht Club goes out of its way to make families feel at home. There’s a ramp for easy buggy access, vintage board games to get stuck into, children’s books for quieter relaxation, LEGO to construct and even a tiled wall to scribble on."

"A café, bar, record shop and exhibition space, Outlaws Yacht Club is not your usual drinking hole. As looks go, the venue is filled with cool sofas surrounded by artwork, as well as cutesy touches like vintage typewriters and globes."

"By now we all know that an Instagram guide is never complete without the mention of at least one ridiculously aesthetic cup of coffee. Arguably one of the most trendy cafes in the entire country, Foundation Coffee is an Instagrammer’s dream come true. Its slick black, white and wooden interior, monochrome floor tiles, booths and coffee that’s served on wooden trays combine to create an ultra-modern spot built for social media users – even the bathrooms are Instagrammable!"

"Surely one of the most stylish coffee shops in the entire country, Foundation is an Instagrammer’s dream. Even the bathrooms are worthy of a photograph in this impeccably designed café that focuses on a slick black, white and wooden interior. You’ll want to snap everything from the sleek booths to the perfectly designed menu, monochrome floor tiles and steaming cups of coffee that arrive on wooden trays."

"You have two different options to choose from here – their buttermilk pancakes come topped with sweet ‘n’ sticky stewed apple and cinnamon or you can try their vanilla-poached strawberry topping, which comes sprinkled with pistachio and smothered in maple syrup. If you’re lucky, you might even be treated to a third, ever-changing option on their specials menu. Olive & Rye, 18-20 Queens Arcade, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 6LF."

"Olive & Rye, Queens Arcade, 18-20 Briggate, Leeds, LS1 6LF - Visit now. The humble sandwich is a lunchtime staple but forget about those boring meal deals, for the true sandwich experience head to Olive & Rye in the stunning Queen’s Arcade. And if you want to make your own at home, this superb deli is packed with meats, cheeses and chutneys."

"Olive & Rye is a spacious, rustic cafe with creative dishes made with locally-sourced ingredients. We’re talking chorizo baked beans on sourdough toast, buttermilk blueberry pancakes and homemade crumpets. They’ve also got a range of fresh sandwiches and salads, or you can just nip in for a brew and a slice of cake."

"Super stylish and situated within the Trafford area, Boombae is a salon that packs a punch – with super cool murals dotted around the venue that can only be described as ‘Instagrammable’. The salon specialises in hair extensions, so is perfect for anyone looking for a bit of a makeover to debut after months in lockdown, with facials, make-up, teeth whitening, nails and more on the menu if you’re looking for a bit of a pamper day. Boombae, 480 Chester Rd, Old Trafford, Stretford, M16 9HE."

"If you’d prefer a more relaxed environment away from luxurious hotels, Spa Satori is located in the heart of Manchester’s hipster neighbourhood. Offering a variety of treatments for both men and women, the spa focuses on beauty treatments such as facials, waxing and brows alongside a variety of massages, holistic treatments, acupuncture and detoxing procedures. Opt for their Ultimate Stress Relief massage if your day-to-day life has left you feeling tense and exhausted."

"Satori Northern Quarter is an ultimate sanctuary to rest your tired and weary body. Managed by Jennie Lawrenson, a highly qualified therapist, she is dedicated to providing the ultimate wellness for all her clients. Passionate in helping all customers to reach their optimum health and wellness, she provides different services and treatments that are sure to aid you and take away all the pain that you are feeling in your body."

"Spa aficionados who have “been there, done that” might want to try Spa Satori. These guys cater to both men and women with seriously necessary signature treatments like Moody Cow, Men Are From Mars, and Hangover Recovery. There’s also a selection of Ethical Body Wraps, specialist treatments like Reiki healing, reflexology, and colonic hydrotherapy."

"Set in 9 acres of wooded grounds, the 4-star Weetwood Hall Estate is a 17th-century manor house with an award-winning pub, The Stables, which shows Sky Sports and features a cobbled courtyard. The hotel is just outside Leeds centre, a 10-minute drive from Leeds Airport with complimentary car parking on-site. The contemporary bedrooms feature Yorkshire biscuits, a flat-screen TV with Sky Sports and Video Cast, a work desk and Wi-Fi access, toiletries and tea/coffee making facilities."

"This hotel and venue occupies a 17th-century manor house and more modern buildings, set in extensive wooded grounds. It truly wows with its Mediterranean dining and offers guests a mixture of contemporary and more traditional rooms, some with four-poster beds."