Romantic Restaurants, Getaway Places in Guide

"Based on the site of the oldest surviving passenger railway station, the Science and Industry Museum is perfectly placed to tell the story of the discoveries and innovations that began in Manchester and went on to change the world. Its collection includes the models used by John Dalton to demonstrate his atomic theory, laying the foundations of modern chemistry, and parts from the world’s first commercially available computer. The Air and Space Hall is one of its most popular attractions, housing historic aircraft, cars and other vehicles, as well as a flight simulator."

"Science and Industry Museum, Liverpool Road, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M3 4FP - Visit now. A sprawling museum dedicated to Manchester’s industrial past, outstanding scientific achievements and ideas that change the world. Situated on the site of the world’s first inter-city railway and part of the National Science Museum Group, experiments, activity packs, performances, festivals and changing exhibitions help to bring science to life, answer all the questions and spark all the new ones."

"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."

"The Imperial War Museum North is another Salford attraction that’s most definitely worth a visit. It’s within walking distance of The Lowry so you could easily combine the two for a day out in Greater Manchester. The focus of the museum is modern conflicts and the building itself was designed to purposefully confuse and unsettle visitors through illogical angles and leaning floors."

"The award winning museum explores how our lives have been shaped by war, from a soldier’s last letter home, to the fall of New York City's World Trade Center. Address: The Quays, Wharf Road, M17 1TZ. Telephone: 0161 836 4000"

"Also known as the National Museum of Democracy, the People’s History Museum (PHM) tells the history of working people in the UK. It’s a national centre that provides opportunities for all visitors to learn about the ideas and lifestyle of people’s lives, including everything from equality, social justice, and a fair future for all. Located on the bank of the River Irwell, it combines a restored historic building and two permanent galleries in the centre city of Manchester."

"As the cradle of the industrial revolution, and the incubator of movements from communism to women’s suffrage, Manchester has a rich history of progressive and radical thinking. The People’s History Museum takes visitors on a march through time, charting the centuries-long struggle for equality and democracy through the largest collection of political material in Britain. Fittingly, entry is free."

"Part of the University of Manchester, this museum is well loved for its collection of dinosaur fossils - especially the gigantic T Rex called “Stan”. Stan the T Rex, Manchester Museum. The museum has one of the UK’s best collections of Egyptian mummies and other artefacts - a must for those interested in Egyptology."

"For individuals who love the Ancient Egypt, the University of Manchester has a collection for you. In addition to mummies, the museum has three galleries purposely devoted to Egyptology. The museum opened its doors in earlier 1880s and their collection focuses on anthropology and archaeology."

"Head to the late-Victorian neo-Gothic building for amazing architecture which will add a splash of sophistication to your feed. John Rylands Library was opened to the public in 1900 and looks more like a castle or cathedral rather than a place to loan out books. Venture into the Reading Room with its ornate wooden carvings and designs, for the best photos."

"John Rylands Research Institute and Library, 150 Deansgate, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M3 3EH - Visit now. Regularly named one of the finest libraries in the world, make like you are in Hogwarts together and be wowed by this incredible place with regular free family trails and creative sessions."

"The John Rylands Library is breathtaking in a kind of ‘Hogwarts sort of way’. Named for John Rylands but actually founded by his wife, it is the kind of place where you never stop looking up, even when you manage to score an alcove in the soaring Reading Room for yourself."

"Black Dog Ballroom NWS, New Wakefield Street, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M1 5NP - Visit now. One of Manchester’s most beloved roof tops can be found at Black Dog Ballroom, the New York-inspired speakeasy and eatery best known for its fancy fast food, cocktails and pool tables. Take a peek upstairs and you’ll find a light, airy space, with atmospheric fairy lights and squashy sofas dotted alongside a BBQ area in the corner."

"Every Saturday and Sunday between 12pm – 4pm you can get bottomless brunch which includes any dish from the brunch menu and bottomless selected drinks for just £25 per person. Said dishes include the classic full English and some American favourites such as waffles and pancakes!. There are also some great vegan options too, including a Full English and ‘veggs benny,’ a take on eggs benedict."

"A true bargain spot in the Northern Quarter, Black Dog Ballroom always has a host of deals on come lunchtime in Manchester. On Mondays, food is 50% off, while throughout the week, they stick on a £6 lunch deal, which includes tasty bites such as pepperoni pizza and cheeseburgers."

"The elegant venue's menu features a generous helping of vegan options, from breakfast and lunch to evening meals and small plates. Their unique and flavourful menu can be accompanied with a selection of vegan-friendly beers, gins, and cocktails."

"There's a slightly different theme at Plau, which is all about sharingrather than ordering food specifically for you. The menu offers vegetarian orvegan options on many of their staple dishes. Findthem along Friargate, Preston."

"Cibo is a new Italian restaurant situated on Liverpool Road in the heart of Castlefield. Formerly Per Tutti, the restaurant has enjoyed an £180,000 revamp, including the installation of a huge glittering disco ball, funky modern art and quirky mirrors."

"The restaurant's stately Grade II listed building is worth the visit alone. Most, though, come for the accessible, authentic Italian food for which Jamie Oliver's chain is well known."

"Since opening their doors in November 2015, Hope Mill Theatre has become one of the most successful independent venues in England. Located in Ancoats, they produce full scale musicals from their Grade II listed former mill. The theatre will be reopening this summer, as well as hosting Hope Fest, an outdoor arts and culture festival."

"This wonderful independent venue, located out in New Islington, was one of the few theatres that managed to reopen last year after lockdown. It'll be back again with a reduced capacity and socially distanced seating for a Meet Me At Dawn, from HER Productions. You can get tickets at hopemilltheatre.co.uk."

"The seat of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Salford is among the largest Catholic places of worship in the North of England. The diocese, one of the first to be founded in England since the Reformation 300 years earlier, was set up in 1850 while the building was completed in 1848. The architect was Matthew Ellison Hadfield, who designed several Roman Catholic churches in the mid-19th century, all in the Gothic Revival style."

"Before he founded the Scout Movement, Robert Baden-Powell set up the Salford Lads’ Club in Ordsall in 1903. The idea behind clubs like these was to keep young boys in deprived areas out of trouble, and channel their energy into constructive pursuits and sport. The list of former members here is illustrious and includes the actor Albert Finney, the Busby Babe Eddie Colman and guitarist Graham Nash of the Hollies and Crosby, Stills and Nash."

"This one is a bit of a trek from the Manchester city center (we went here as part of a private black cab taxi tour of the city), but it is a must-visit spot for music fans. Devotees of The Smiths come from all over the world to recreate their famous photo take in front of the Salford Lads Club for the inside sleeve of their 1986 album, The Queen is Dead. Go have your own Morrissey moment!"

"Located a 20 minute walk away from the Peel Park campus, Salford Lads' Club was established in 1903 as a purpose built club for boys. The club was famously featured on the cover for the The Smiths album 'The Queen is Dead'."

"Stood high on Castle Hill dominating Clitheroe’s skyline for over 800 years, Clitheroe Castle Museum is now open after a complete makeover and offers a day of exploration for all the family. Explore the hands-on galleries, collections and displays which reveal amazing stories and take you on a journey through 350 million years of history."

"Offering up a modern take on the Victorian pub atmosphere, and with roasts of either chicken, beef sirloin or a mushroom wellington, accompanied by “all the trimmings”, served all day every Sunday, it’s not hard to see why The Bay Horse Tavern is a much-loved Northern Quarter hangout. A wide range of starters, desserts and drinks are also available alongside your choice of roast. You can find Sunday menus, more information about COVID-safe guidelines and book your table ahead of reopening via The Bay Horse Tavern website here."

"Why: This modern gastropub serves up a confidently concise menu that champions high-end produce. Tuck into a plate of smoked salmon and scrambled eggs or mushrooms on toast to kickstart your day, washing it all down with one of The Bay Horse Tavern’s ‘posh coffees’ or ‘posh teas’ which include choices like chamomile and peppermint. For those who have their feet well and truly planted in the ferment-loving-years of recent times, there’s also iced kombucha on offer here, as well as a selection of juices."

"Popular Northern Quarter hangout Bay Horse Tavern has made the decision to reopen for walk-ins on a first-come-first-served basis until 17th May, and you can find menus, opening times and more information via the website here."