From industry-changing inventions and world-class football to generation-defining music, Manchester has it all. As the UK’s third largest metropolitan borough, this city offers a diverse range of activities, food, experiences and people. Manchester offers the perfect day out, no matter what you’re interested in – history, music, football, shopping, science and so much more.
This week, Quingo Scooters are heading to Manchester to see what makes the city so great. From museums and shops to food, we’re looking at all the hotspots this city has to offer. Let’s get started…
What to do
Here are some of our top picks for days out in the city.
- Imperial War Museum: This iconic museum tells the stories of lives shaped by war. Using galleries, exhibitions, displays and events, your perception of war will be challenged and reshaped on this emotive journey.
The Big Picture Show: Using surround sound and projected digital moving images, this exhibition brings to life an individual experience of war. As you walk through this immersive and sensory exhibition, history becomes a personal journey. Each of 7 shows focus on a different aspect of war, creating a comprehensive and thought-provoking look at conflict. History fans will love this experience!
Mixing it: Known as ‘The Changing Faces of Wartime Britain’, this display uncovers the forgotten histories of service people and civilians who came to Britain during the Second World War. Here you’ll explore a fascinating transition period in British history and culture. This view of the migration is based on specially recorded oral histories, allowing the personal journey to shine through. Showcasing a personal look at movements that have shaped history, this display offers a unique perspective on British culture.
Reactions: Throughout history, conflict and war have inspired art. In this exhibition, you’ll get an up-close look at artists’ response to battle and conflict. This exhibition encourages artistic responses to the themes, architecture and collections of the museum, unveiling new and unique ways to explore the impact of conflict. Here, you’ll discover how war helped shape culture and how this was expressed – a must for art lovers!
The museum itself is fully accessible. There are accessible toilets throughout the exhibition and lifts to all floors, with smooth floor surfaces throughout. More information on the Imperial War Museum can be found here.
- Manchester Arena: If you’re in the mood to catch a concert or show, Manchester Arena is the venue for you. As the third largest arena in Europe, it has a capacity of 21,000 and welcomes a wide range of artists to perform each year. Opened in 1995 it’s hosted the likes of Torvill and Dean, the Spice Girls, Kylie Minogue, Take That, Santana, Peter Kay, Lee Evans and boxing fights featuring Amir Khan and Mike Tyson. The arena was also used for the 2002 Commonwealth Games. A full line-up of what’s on in 2018 can be found here.
Manchester Arena is also fully accessible. The box office window has a lowered counter and loop system, while the counters have been lowered at concession stands. For each set of facilities, there is at least one accessible toilet. When you’re arriving or leaving the arena, you’ll also find lift access to the arena’s NCP car park and to Victoria Station. It’s the ideal place to catch your favourite performer!
- Intu Trafford Centre: If you love shopping, Manchester is the place for you! Whether you’re interested in high-end fashion or picking up a few bargains, the city has it all. What’s more, the city is home to the second largest shopping centre in the United Kingdom. The Intu Trafford Centre is a favourite spot among shopaholics – and it’s not hard to see why. With over 280 shops and services, there’s plenty of shops, restaurants and entertainment to keep your busy all day!
The Trafford Centre is fully accessible, with nine speaking lifts located around the centre to provide easy access to all levels. There are multiple accessible toilets located around the centre and smooth services. As well, you’ll find Blue Badge parking spaces in their car park. You can find out more information about the Trafford Centre’s accessibility here.
Where to eat and drink
No matter what you’re in the mood for or what your budget is, you’re sure to find an amazing place to eat in Manchester.
There’s no better place to take in the amazing views that the city has to offer than Cloud 23 at the Hilton. Located on the 23rd floor of the Hilton hotel, you’ll find a number of lifts that take you up to this breath-taking bar. Offering panoramic views and smooth floors throughout, this unique bar is located at Manchester’s highest point. Here, you’ll find a range of hot and cold food, delicious meals and even an Afternoon Tea. It’s the perfect place if you’re looking to treat yourself!
If you’re looking for something quick, why not try out the New Emperor in Manchester’s Chinatown? Offering delicious Chinese and Asian food served in a buffet style, this hot, fresh and authentic food offers great value. With a step-free entrance and an accessible toilet, it’s the perfect accessible restaurant for when you’re in Chinatown!
Throughout Manchester, there is a wide range of restaurants, cafés and pubs to try out. Why not explore them on your next visit?
Getting there
As a major city and a popular destination for many visitors, Manchester is easily accessible by all major forms of transport. If you are travelling by car, take the M60 – also known as the Manchester Ring Motorway, as it is an orbital motorway that passes through all of Greater Manchester’s metropolitan boroughs. Wherever you’re travelling in Manchester by car, it’s likely you’ll need this route. If you are parking in the city centre, there are several Blue badge spaces available. These can be found on Todd Street, located by Victoria Station, or at one of the city’s NCP car parks, such as the Arena, Exchange, Shudehill and High Street. Alternatively, if you are travelling by train, there are 3 train stations: Victoria, Piccadilly and Oxford Road. As well, the city is connected through the MetroLink, making it easy to get around. A number of bus services also frequent the area. More information on getting around in Manchester can be found here.
About Quingo
The Quingo Scooter range features six models to suit your needs and budget. New models are now available from just £22/week on our new contract hire scheme, which includes all servicing and maintenance, Insurance, Roadside Recovery, Call Outs and Consumables including Batteries and Tyres. For more information on this, or the latest Quingo Scooter range, please visit our website. Alternatively, if you have any service questions you can always contact us or call customer services on 01582 430 900.
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