Romantic Restaurants, Getaway Places in Thumbs Up

"The Museum of Science and Industry is an icon in Manchester’s vast museum landscape. Offering unique insight into the relationship between science, industry and their place in contemporary society, the museum is home to a range of world-class exhibitions and events that will engage visitors of all ages. The museum’s location is more than fitting, housed in the old Liverpool Road Station, the world’s first purpose-built passenger and goods railway."

"Manchester’s extensive industrial past is celebrated at the Science and Industry Museum, which offers educational installations and free play areas for kids. Wander through the venue’s main textiles pit, which features original machinery from the city’s 19th-century mills. Meanwhile, the venue’s expert Explainers are on-hand to ignite curiosity and encourage discussion about Manchester’s proud working history."

"Manchester was the birthplace of many important discoveries and inventions, many of which are documented at the Science and Industry Museum. Wander through the power hall, marvel at the collection of steam trains and early aircraft and take the time to work through the experiments upstairs."

"From personal survivor accounts to common conflict themes, the Imperial War Museums explores the human aspect of war and the effect it has on everyday life before, during and after. Featuring one-off exhibitions as well as a main showcase and connected to other similar museums around the UK, the IWM shines and light on the conflicts Britain and the Commonwealth have been involved in since World War I. Focusing on the many changes war has brought to the UK, from the role of women in society to technology and science advances."

"Opposite the Lowry on the south side of the Manchester Ship Canal in Trafford Park is one of five branches for the Imperial War Museum, opened in 2002. This remarkable building, with three interlocking metallic shards (invoking air, earth and water), was designed by Daniel Libeskind and intended to induce a feeling of disorientation apt for war. The entrance is in the 55-metre-high “air shard”, while the permanent exhibition is on the first floor in the “earth shard”."

"Imperial War Museum North (IWM North) is also worth visiting, especially if you have an interest in the history of warfare. Opened in 2002, this branch of the Imperial War Museum is a popular attraction for its collections of fighting vehicles and aircrafts. Highlights of a visit include audiovisual presentations and exhibits dealing with the history of warfare and its role in shaping civilization."

"The People's History Museum is the national center for the collection, conservation, interpretation, and study of material relating to the history of working people in Britain. Located in a former pumping station, the museum showcases the history of British democracy and its impact on the population, as well as extensive collections of artifacts relating to trade unions and women's suffrage. Two other museums close by are the Manchester Jewish Museum, with its collection dealing with the city's Jewish community, and the Museum of Transport, with its many old buses and other vehicles belonging to the city transport services."

"People’s History Museum, Left Bank, Spinningfields, Manchester, M3 3ER - Visit now. The national museum of democracy couldn’t have a better home than the radical city of Manchester, birthplace of the Trades Union Congress (TUC) and universal suffrage. PHM is now open, to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, they have introduced an online registration system for visitors to select a date and time to visit."

"The spectacular Manchester Museum is the largest university museum in England. Designed by Alfred Waterhouse in 1821 – the brains behind the Natural History Museum in London – the University-owned museum covers all aspects of history. It offers everything from a great number of events that will make your stay in Manchester truly worthwhile to featuring collections from all around the universe."

"Focusing on natural history, anthropology and archaeology, the Manchester Museum is the city’s smaller version of London’s Natural History Museum. Run by The University of Manchester, Manchester Museum has 15 galleries covering everything from rocks and minerals to dinosaurs and ancient history. It is even home to live reptiles!"

"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. John Rylands Library houses a collection of rare books that spans five millennia – including an original Gutenberg Bible – in a neo-Gothic building that took nine years to build."

"It can be hard to find a restaurant for a sophisticated meal that has more than just salad as a vegan option, but Don Giovanni have changed the game. Releasing a dedicated vegan menu earlier this year, the chefs are no strangers to plant-based meals. Tuck into a roasted aubergine lasagne or pizza vegano, complete with vegan mozzarella."

"With more than 30 years in the business, Don Giovannis knows a thing or two about Italian dining in Manchester. As the longest-running independent Italian, the space has been keeping the city happy for decades thanks to tasty mix of steaks, fish and risotto dishes."

"Tucked away underneath the Olive Tree Brasserie, Elià is a trendy cocktail bar with a warm and chic atmosphere. The bar features 2 for 1 cocktail nights and regularly has live music and DJs to provide a soundtrack to your night, including indie and acoustic musicians. Sip on a classic cocktail or choose something creative and new, Elià is the place t..."

"Experience a taste of the Mediterranean at Olive Tree Brasserie. The restaurant's laid back atmosphere is perfect for an evening of indulging in vegan and vegetarian starters, mains, and even desserts!"

"Hidden behind a curtain in a corner of the grand lobby of the Midland Hotel, there’s more than a feel of Alice in Wonderland as you are transported through mirrored doors into the dining room of The French. Soft grey and sage green tones give everything a muted luxurious feel and there are two huge cylindrical chandeliers which throw light back and forth via the mirrored panelling around the room. Chef Adam Reid’s cooking is inventive and playful but executed with real precision and flair."

"If gorgeous food, a fine dining experience and an environment steeped in history are your thing, then make The French your next restaurant of choice. Based within Manchester’s grand Midland Hotel, The French became one of the first UK restaurants to be awarded the honour of a Michelin-star. Since reopening in 2013, and again undergoing refurbishment in 2016, the restaurant has made rapid progress towards once again becoming one of the finest eating destinations in the country."

"Chef-Patron Adam Reid is no stranger to fine dining and has worked in many Michelin-starred restaurants during his career. He even scooped the dessert top spot on BBC’s Great British Menu, with his signature dish Golden Empire. Diners at The French can expect the same creativity from Adam with the menu putting his stamp on modern British cuisine."

"A garden oasis nestled in Hardman Square, book a table for up to six guests (subject to availability) for the beautiful covered and heated ground floor terrace at The Ivy Spinningfields from 12 April and watch the world go by as you savour their seasonal specials and show-stopping serves. In addition, indoor reservations for the brasserie, roof terrace and glamorous late-night restaurant and bar, Ivy Asia, will be available from 17 May."

"An iconic celebrity haunt with beautiful and bold interiors, a retractable rooftop and downstairs bar of gorgeous green decor, The Ivy is an Instagrammer's paradise. If you're looking for pretty food, they've got it."

"Doing lots of little things right” is a definition of perfection – and this simple seafood restaurant in Chorlton is just that. The kitchen’s Essa grill is masterfully handled by co-owner (and former Lead Station chef) Recep Canliisik, who churns out char-grilled whole squid and seabream, Thai-spiced monkfish tail and possibly the best calamari in the UK."

"This cute little neighbourhood restaurant in Chorlton specialises in super-fresh seafood and are known for grilling whole fish in their charcoal oven. The wine list is also excellent. Menus change weekly depending on what is fresh and seasonal but you can view samples on their website to get an idea."

"Perhaps St John (The Minster), Preston is your favoured parish church or if you have another connection with it as recognised by the church, we'd love to discuss your wedding day plans. To find out more about associations that enable you to marry in a particular church, see the Church of England's weddings web site for more details. people choose a church wedding for plenty of different reasons, and we'd like to hear yours."