Manchester

[jrtv]

Getting the train to Manchester Piccadilly for just a day out with the wife, trying to enjoy our retirement and fed up of stopping in, last time we where there was just before it was bombed by the IRA, what's the best way to get to the main centre from the station, I was told to get on a tram but not sure, and what should we not miss on our day out ?

[TheWinner]

You can get to the main centre for free, on the bus. They are mini city centre buses. There are two buses. They run about every 10 mins. They park right outside the train station and go in a circular route around the centre then back to the station, and you can get off whenever you like. Likewise, you can get the bus back to the station from the city centre. The two buses go slightly different routes and it doesn't matter if you get on the wrong bus,the bus drivers are very, very, helpful, in getting you where you want to go. Just ask the driver, or tell them where you are heading, and they will advise.

[factor-fiction]

When I went it was only 5 minutes' walk to the centre, but the free bus might be a good idea as you can have a look round then choose where to get off

[jrtv]

Thanks very much to you both, if it's only a 5 min's walk to the centre then that's great

[factor-fiction]

...As long as you walk the right way! The first 5 minutes wasn't that pleasant though- just tiny shops until you get to Piccadilly Gardens and Market St, I recall.

[TheWinner]

Yeah, it's OK to walk to the Arndale Centre (shopping mall), but further afield, take the bus.

[bednobs]

i have been to Manchester once. In my opinion, there wasn't really that much to do unless you like shopping

[horseshoes]

Try this;

http://www.tripadviso...nchester_England.html

Lowry Centre in Salford is worth a visit. You can also have luinch on a boat on the canal. - that's fun too. Have a lovely ime.

[factor-fiction]

It's a shame the Granada Studios tour is no longer available- it was great to wander down Coronation Street.
There are some good museums (especially Science & Industry which is free) and the John Rylands library is worth a visit if you like that sort of thing. And there's always the Imperial War Museum or Old Trafford (also near the Lowry)

[jrtv]

Thanks again guys, hope the weather picks up, not going till mid March.

[Eve]

It's really not much of a walk at all up to the main centre, 5 minutes walk. The tram would cost you 90p (though sure you can use an over 60s bus pass on them if you have one) just for a short hop, not really worth it.

There are 3 free buses now, 2 of which go from Piccadilly Station (Number 1 which is orange and 3 which is purple):

http://www.gmpte.com/buses/metroshuttle.cfm

What kind of things do you like doing and what kind of budget are you on? I live here so can give you suggestions based on what you fancy doing from eating places, coffee shops to things to see.

They do quite a few walking tours you can book onto which cover all sorts of things.

For something special, there is afternoon tea (or a cocktail!) at Cloud 23, a bar on the 23rd floor of the Hilton with floor to ceiling views over the city.

http://www.cloud23bar.com/

There is a big wheel in Exchange Square (near where the bomb went off) and The Wellington pub is facinating as they picked it up and moved it bit by bit after the bomb - it does really nice food too.

http://www.beerinthee...ington_Inn/Manchester

The two Chop Houses (Sams and Toms) are also good for good more traditional food in a pub like setting. You may need to book at Sam's especially though. For more of a bargain, The Shakespeare does lovely homecooked pies with chips/potatoes and veg for a bargain £4.95ish! It's down a side street next to Primark.

Even though the

[Eve]

Even though they don't do the Granada Studios tour anymore, it is always worth keeping a look out as I've seen lots of the cast (and other celebs) round and about town - even some footballers (Ryan Giggs, Rio Ferdinand, Rooney, Louis Sahar and Christiano Ronaldo!).

Also worth seeing what shows are on as sometimes possible to get good value matinee tickets. Also worth checking what is on at IMAX.

Some of my favourite places in the city:

Coffee Shops (Northern Quarter - near station)

Teacup on Thomas Street - http://teacupandcakes.com/

Drip - Cosy coffee shop

Northern Tea Power - http://northteapower.co.uk/

Restaurants

Dimitris - http://www.dimitris.co.uk/

Akhbars - http://www.akbars.co.uk/restaurant.php?id=19

Grill on the Alley - http://www.blackhouse...estaurants-manchester

[jrtv]

Jenna your a star, will look at all them links, thank you