Universities Travel Guide

Plan your next trip to Manchester with this comprehensive guide to the best universities, attractions, food and drink scenes, and local culture.


Introduction to Universities

Manchester, UK is home to some of the best universities in the world. The city is located in the North West region of England and is a popular destination for students seeking higher education. In this guide, we’ll take you through the best universities, attractions, food and drink scenes, local customs, and more to help you plan your trip to Manchester.

List of Places to Visit in Universities

Manchester is home to several prestigious universities, each with its own unique attractions and charm. Here’s a list of the top places to visit in each university:

The University of Manchester

  • Whitworth Art Gallery
  • Fletcher Moss Botanical Gardens
  • John Rylands Library
  • Museum of Science and Industry
  • Manchester Museum

Manchester Metropolitan University

  • Manchester Art Gallery
  • The Bridgewater Hall
  • HOME
  • Royal Exchange Theatre
  • Platt Fields Park

University of Salford

  • The Lowry
  • Ordsall Hall
  • Salford Museum and Art Gallery
  • Peel Park
  • MediaCityUK

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Manchester is a city rich in history and culture, and a visit to its museums and historical places is a must. Here are some of the top cultural attractions in Manchester:

  • The People’s History Museum: This museum tells the story of democracy in the UK and is the only national museum dedicated to the political history of Britain.
  • Manchester Art Gallery: This gallery houses more than 25,000 works of art, including some of the world’s most famous Pre-Raphaelite paintings.
  • Imperial War Museum North: This museum explores the impact of modern conflicts on people and society.
  • The John Rylands Library: This historic library is home to one of the finest collections of rare books and manuscripts in the world.
  • Manchester Cathedral: This beautiful cathedral dates back to the 15th century and is a must-visit for history and architecture enthusiasts.

Natural Attractions of Universities: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Manchester is blessed with many natural attractions, including parks, scenic walks, and stunning views. Here are some of the top outdoor activities and natural attractions in Manchester:

  • Heaton Park: This is the largest park in Manchester, covering over 600 acres of land. It’s home to a boating lake, animal centre, and several gardens.
  • Dovestone Reservoir: This is a popular spot for hiking, with stunning views of the surrounding countryside and reservoir.
  • Jumbles Country Park: This park is perfect for picnics, walks, and cycling, with trails that take you through beautiful woodlands and fields.
  • Dunham Massey: This National Trust property features a deer park, gardens, and a stately home to explore.
  • Peak District: This national park is easily accessible from Manchester, with plenty of scenic walks and stunning views.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Universities

Manchester is surrounded by stunning countryside and is ideal for hiking and cycling enthusiasts. Here are some of the best hiking and cycling routes to explore:

  • The Tameside Trail: This 22-mile trail takes you through some of the most beautiful countryside in Greater Manchester.
  • The Pennine Bridleway: This route takes you through the Peak District National Park, with plenty of challenging terrain and stunning views.
  • Irwell Sculpture Trail: This trail takes you through some of the lesser-known parts of Manchester, with plenty of art installations and sculptures to admire.
  • Rochdale Canal Heritage Trail: Follow this historic canal towpath through the heart of Manchester, and enjoy miles of beautiful scenery along the way.
  • Chorlton Water Park: This circular route takes you around the lake, through woodlands and meadows, and is perfect for a leisurely stroll or cycle.

Best Things to Do in Universities: Activities and Tours

Manchester is a city with plenty of things to see and do, from cultural attractions to sports and more. Here are some of the best things to do on your trip:

  • Manchester City Football Club Museum and Tour: Football fans will love this museum and tour of the Etihad Stadium.
  • Manchester United Museum and Tour: Visit Old Trafford Stadium and learn about the history of Manchester United Football Club.
  • Spinningfields: This is a popular destination for shopping, dining, and nightlife.
  • The Crystal Maze Live Experience: Have fun with friends and family trying to complete challenges in this immersive maze.
  • Chill Factore: Enjoy some indoor skiing and snowboarding in Manchester’s indoor ski centre.

Week-Long Itinerary for Universities

If you’re planning on spending a week in Manchester, here’s a suggested itinerary:

  • Day 1: Visit the People’s History Museum, Manchester Art Gallery, and Imperial War Museum North.
  • Day 2: Explore Heaton Park, Dovestone Reservoir and go for a stroll in the Peak District.
  • Day 3: Visit the Whitworth Art Gallery, Manchester Museum and John Rylands Library.
  • Day 4: Go on a hiking or biking tour of Manchester and surrounding countryside.
  • Day 5: Explore Chorlton Water Park, Dunham Massey and Ordsall Hall.
  • Day 6: Visit Salford Museum and Art Gallery, Peel Park and Salford Quays.
  • Day 7: Enjoy some indoor skiing and snowboarding at Chill Factore and go shopping at Spinningfields.

Food and Drink Scene of Universities

Manchester’s food and drink scene is world-renowned, with a range of restaurants, cafes, and bars serving up cuisine from around the world. Here are some of the best places to eat and drink in Manchester:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Manchester Tart: A traditional dessert consisting of shortcrust pastry with a layer of raspberry jam, custard, and a topping of coconut flakes and fondant.
  • Bury Black Pudding: A type of blood sausage made from pork, beef, and barley.
  • Manchester Egg: A pickled egg surrounded by black pudding and sausage meat, coated in breadcrumbs.

Local Beverages

  • Boddington’s: A famous Manchester beer, known for its creamy head and light flavour.
  • Manchester Gin: A locally-made gin, with a unique combination of flavours, including dandelion and burdock.

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

Manchester has plenty of accommodation options, ranging from budget hostels to luxury hotels. Here are some of the best places to stay in Manchester:

  • The Lowry Hotel: This is a luxury five-star hotel in the heart of the city centre.
  • YHA Manchester: A budget hostel located in a historic building in the city centre.
  • The Edwardian Manchester: A luxury hotel housed in the iconic Free Trade Hall building, with stunning views of Manchester.
  • Ibis Manchester City Centre Hotel: A budget-friendly hotel with modern rooms and amenities.
  • The Principal Manchester: A four-star hotel located in a renovated Victorian building.

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

Manchester has a range of unique gifts and souvenirs to bring home, including:

  • Manchester Gin: A locally-made gin, with a unique combination of flavours.
  • Manchester Bee merchandise: The bee is the symbol of Manchester, and you can buy a range of products featuring this iconic insect.
  • Manchester Tart: A traditional local dessert that makes a great gift.
  • Bury Black Pudding: A type of blood sausage made from pork, beef, and barley.

Local Culture and Customs of Universities

Manchester is a multicultural city, with a range of customs and traditions from around the world. Some of the local customs include:

  • Bee symbolism: The bee is the symbol of Manchester, and you’ll see it featured on the city’s coat of arms, buildings, and products.
  • Football: Manchester is home to two of the most famous football clubs in the world, Manchester City and Manchester United.
  • Manchester music scene: Manchester has a rich musical history, from the punk scene of the 1970s to the famous Madchester era of the 1980s.

Best Time to Visit Universities

The best time to visit Manchester is from May to September, when the weather is warm and dry. However, the city is busy during this period, and accommodation prices can be higher than usual. If you’re looking to save money, consider visiting during the shoulder season (April or October), when prices are lower and the crowds are smaller.

Do’s and Don’ts of Universities

Do:

  • Try the local cuisine, such as Manchester Tart and Bury Black Pudding.
  • Visit the city’s museums and galleries, such as the People’s History Museum and Manchester Art Gallery.
  • Catch a football match at the Etihad Stadium or Old Trafford.
  • Explore the city’s music scene, from the punk era of the 1970s to the famous Madchester scene of the 1980s.
  • Use public transport to get around the city.

Don’t:

  • Underestimate the amount of rain Manchester gets – always carry an umbrella.
  • Wear offensive clothing or use offensive language in public.
  • Frown upon the local accents – Mancunians are proud of their unique dialect.
  • Forget to tip in restaurants and cafes.
  • Travel alone at night in unfamiliar areas.

Safety and Health

Safety in Universities

Manchester is a relatively safe city, but like any city, there are certain precautions you should take to stay safe. These include:

  • Stay aware of your surroundings when walking alone at night.
  • Avoid leaving belongings unattended in public places.
  • Take care when using public transport, especially at night.
  • Be wary of pickpockets in busy tourist areas.

Health in Universities

The UK has excellent healthcare, and Manchester is home to several hospitals and clinics. If you’re travelling from overseas, make sure you have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Getting to Universities: Transportation Options and Logistics

Manchester is well-connected to the rest of the UK and Europe, with several transportation options available. Here are some of the best ways to get to Manchester:

  • By Air: Manchester Airport is the main airport serving the city, with regular flights to and from destinations in the UK and Europe.
  • By Train: Manchester has several railway stations, including Manchester Piccadilly, Manchester Victoria, Manchester Oxford Road, and Deansgate.
  • By Bus: Manchester has several bus stations, including Manchester Coach Station and Shudehill Interchange.
  • By Car: Manchester is easily accessible by car, with several motorways connecting the city to the rest of the UK.

How to Get Around in Universities

Manchester has an extensive public transport system, including buses, trams and trains. You can use the Metrolink tram system to get around the city centre, and buses and trains to visit the suburbs and surrounding areas.

Where to Go Next from Universities: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you’re looking to explore more of the UK after your trip to Manchester, here are some nearby destinations to consider:

  • Liverpool: This vibrant city is just over an hour away from Manchester by train, and is home to the famous Beatles Story and Liverpool Football Club.
  • Leeds: Located just over an hour from Manchester by train, Leeds is a bustling city with a range of attractions, including the Royal Armouries Museum and Kirkstall Abbey.
  • The Lake District: This national park is just over an hour away from Manchester by car, and is a must-visit for nature lovers.
  • York: This historic city is just over an hour and a half away from Manchester by train, and is home to the famous York Minster and the Jorvik Viking Centre.

Conclusion

Manchester is a vibrant city with plenty to see and do, from its world-renowned universities to its historic museums and delicious cuisine. Whether you’re interested in sampling the local food and drink scene, exploring the city’s cultural attractions, or hiking and cycling through the surrounding countryside, Manchester has something for everyone.

The view down Oxford Road The view down Oxford Road The University of Manchester The University of Manchester Manchester's Curry Mile Manchester's Curry Mile