North Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, and what to eat in North Manchester with our comprehensive travel guide.


Introduction to North

North is a vibrant and charming neighborhood located in Manchester, Greater Manchester, in North West England. Known for its rich cultural heritage and picturesque surroundings, North has become a popular destination among tourists seeking an authentic British experience.

The neighborhood boasts a plethora of museums, galleries, and theatres, making it an ideal destination for culture enthusiasts. Moreover, North’s unique blend of urban landscapes and natural beauty makes it a perfect spot for outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and nature walks.

In this comprehensive travel guide, we will take you on a tour of North and highlight the best places to see, things to do, local cuisines to try, and where to stay. Additionally, we will share important tips and information to help you plan an unforgettable trip to North.

List of Places to Visit in North

North is a melting pot of culture, history, and nature, with many attractive places to visit. Here is a list of some of the most popular ones:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums, Galleries, and Historical Places

  • National Football Museum: Celebrating everything related to football, this museum showcases over 140,000 items, including famous players’ jerseys, trophies, and more. The interactive exhibits offer a hands-on experience and make the museum exciting for football enthusiasts of all ages.

  • Manchester Museum: A must-visit for history buffs, the Manchester Museum features collections of archaeology, anthropology, and natural history artifacts. Visitors can explore Egyptian mummies, fossils, and even live animals in the museum’s vivarium.

  • People’s History Museum: This museum offers a unique insight into the history of British democracy and the struggle for social equality. Exhibits featuring artifacts and displays on suffrage, workers’ rights, and other social movements illustrate how ordinary people drove social change in Britain.

  • John Rylands Library: This beautifully restored late-Victorian neo-Gothic building is home to one of Manchester’s most interesting collections of rare books and manuscripts, including a Gutenberg Bible.

Natural Attractions of North: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Heaton Park: One of Manchester’s largest parks, Heaton Park is an excellent place for a picnic, cycling, hiking, and even football. With a playground, boating lake, and adventure golf, it offers something for everyone.

  • The Pennine Way: This famous National Trail is a long-distance footpath that runs through the Peak District and South Pennines. The trail is 267 miles long and offers some of the most stunning scenery in the UK.

  • Saddleworth Moor: This vast and rugged landscape takes you away from the hustle and bustle of urban life into the heart of nature. Saddleworth Moor is the perfect place for a tranquil escape and outdoor activities such as hiking, orienteering or orientating.

Hiking/Biking Routes of North

North offers an array of exciting hiking and biking routes for outdoor enthusiasts of all levels. Here are some of the most popular ones:

  • Irwell Sculpture Trail: A 33-mile trail that joins Salford Quays to Ramsbottom, the Irwell Sculpture Trail takes you through some of the most picturesque landscapes in the Northwest. It’s a perfect route for cyclists, walkers, and runners.

  • Rochdale Canal Towpath: This scenic path follows the Rochdale Canal and takes you through woods, fields, and towns. It’s a flat and easy route perfect for a leisurely walk or bike ride.

Best Things to Do in North: Activities and Tours

North is packed with exciting activities and tours that offer visitors a chance to get a taste of local life and culture. Here are some popular tours:

  • Manchester Food Tours: This tour takes you on a culinary adventure through North’s local food scene. You’ll get a chance to try traditional British dishes and explore the neighborhood’s vibrant markets and shops.

  • The Lowry: Named after the famous British artist L.S. Lowry, this theatre offers visitors an opportunity to experience live theatre, music, and dance performances.

  • MediaCityUK: This state-of-the-art media hub is home to the BBC, ITV, and various independent media companies. Visitors can take a tour of the studios and get a behind-the-scenes look at their favorite TV shows.

Week-Long Itinerary for North

Here’s a suggested week-long itinerary for North:

Day 1: Explore the National Football Museum and the Manchester Museum.

Day 2: Take a leisurely stroll around Heaton Park, visit Manchester Art Gallery and the John Rylands Library.

Day 3: Walk along the Rochdale Canal Towpath and enjoy tranquil surroundings, visit the People’s History Museum in the afternoon.

Day 4: Hike the Pennine Way, enjoy scenic views, and fresh air.

Day 5: Explore Saddleworth Moor, experience the rugged beauty of North and take a guided tour of the area’s history and wildlife.

Day 6: Walk the Irwell Sculpture Trail, visit Manchester’s Northern Quarter in the evening.

Day 7: Visit MediaCity UK and enjoy a live theatre or music performance at The Lowry.

Food and Drink Scene of North

North has a diverse food and drink scene, with several local delicacies that food enthusiasts can’t miss experiencing.

Must-Try Dishes

  • Lancashire Hotpot: This traditional dish originates from Lancashire and is a slow-cooked lamb stew topped with sliced potatoes. It’s a hearty and delicious comfort dish that’s perfect for a cold day.

  • Bury Black Pudding: A type of sausage, Bury black pudding is a delicacy made from cooked pork blood, pork fat, and oatmeal.

Local Beverages

  • Boddington’s Beer: A local brewery in Manchester, Boddington’s is known for its creamy, smooth, and light bitter beer.

  • Manchester Gin: A locally produced gin, Manchester Gin is a well-balanced, citrus-based gin that’s perfect for sipping or cocktails.

Where to Stay in North: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

North has a range of accommodation options from budget-friendly hostels to luxurious hotels.

  • Hotel Indigo Manchester Victoria Station: This contemporary hotel located near the Manchester Victoria Train Station offers stylish rooms, a bar, and a restaurant.

  • Park Inn by Radisson Manchester City Centre: Located in the heart of Manchester, this hotel offers comfortable rooms and easy access to many of North’s attractions.

What to Buy in North: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Manchester Tart: This delicious dessert is made with shortcrust pastry, jam, custard, and desiccated coconut. It’s a sweet treat that will remind you of your trip to North.

  • Manchester Bee Merchandise: Bee motifs have become a symbol of Manchester following the tragic terrorist attack. You can find a range of Manchester Bee merchandise, such as t-shirts, mugs, and keyrings to remember your trip.

Local Culture and Customs of North

North is a friendly and welcoming neighborhood full of culture and tradition. Northern people are known for their accent, wit, and humor, and often use local slang terms, such as “chippy” for fish and chips.

Best Time to Visit North

The best time to visit North is during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is mild, and the crowds are smaller compared to the peak season. However, North’s beautiful landscapes are just as glorious all year round.

Do’s and Don’ts of North

Here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when visiting North:

Do:

  • Try traditional foods and beverages.
  • Embrace local culture and customs.
  • Explore North’s outdoors and natural scenery.

Don’t:

  • Worry about the Northern accent, it’s part of the charm.
  • Disrespect local customs or traditions.
  • Leave your rubbish behind, keep North clean and beautiful.

Safety and Health

Safety in North

North is generally a safe neighborhood to visit. However, as with any destination, visitors should take precautions such as not leaving valuables unattended, staying in well-lit areas at night, and being aware of their surroundings.

Health in North

Visitors to North should ensure they have the proper vaccinations and medication if necessary. Medical facilities are available in Manchester, and visitors are advised to have comprehensive travel insurance to cover any unexpected medical expenses.

Getting to North: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near North

Manchester Airport is the closest international airport to North, located just 10 miles away. Other airports in the region include Liverpool John Lennon Airport, approximately 35 miles away, and Leeds Bradford Airport, approximately 45 miles away.

Bus Stations Near North

Manchester Coach Station is the nearest bus station to North, located just half a mile away. The station offers services to different parts of the UK.

Other Options

Visitors can also reach North by train, with Manchester Victoria or Salford Central being the closest train stations to the neighborhood.

How to Get Around in North

North is easy to navigate by foot or bicycle, and visitors can hire bikes at Manchester Piccadilly station.

Where to Go Next From North: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Nearby destinations visitors can explore include Liverpool, the Lake District National Park, and the Peak District National Park. There are plenty of excursion options available, like guided tours and self-guided driving tours.

Conclusion

North’s unique blend of history, culture, and nature makes it a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Manchester. From museums and galleries to natural landscapes and outdoor activities, North offers something for everyone. With this comprehensive travel guide, you are well-equipped to plan an unforgettable trip to North and make the most of your visit.