Manchester/The Quays
The Quays covers the three areas of Salford Quays, Trafford Wharf and Old Trafford around the Manchester Ship Canal. These former docks have been completely redeveloped. The area is now a pleasant part of Tim Sandell
Get in
Instructions and times for reaching The Quays from anywhere in Manchester are available from www.gmpte.com.
By car
From the North: From M60, take J12 for M602. Follow signs from the end of the M602 for Salford Quays.
From the South: From M60, take J7 onto A56 Chester Road. Follow signs from here for Salford Quays.
There is a carpark in the Lowry Outlet Mall (it's free for customers.)
By tram
Reachable by the metro tram system from central Manchester, get a tram heading to Eccles and disembark at either Exchange Quay, Salford Quays, Anchorage or Harbour City (for the Imperial War Museum North). See www.gmpte.com for more details.
By bus
Number 69 buses will bring you to the Quays. They operate hourly between 8 AM and 6 PM, Mon - Sat. See www.gmpte.com for more details.
See
- See the magnificent bridge across one of the pools linking Salford and Trafford.
- Old Trafford (Manchester United's stadium) is just off Salford Quays.
Do
- Imperial War Museum. [1] (free admission) The Imperial War Museum in London contains tanks, guns, 'planes and uniforms to delight all comers: The Northern experience is full of videos of old people talking about rationing. The building itself however is visually very striking, so combine it with a trip to the Lowry for a feel of modern architecture.
- The Lowry. [2] This is a an art gallery and very modern theatre. The gallery contains an impressive selection of works including, unsuprisingly, a large selection of works by L.S. Lowry. The building is very modern: it's designed to encourage exploration, according to the architect, so he made the building widen and deepen from the entrance and refused to have any signs for the toilets! It's also in Salford, but don't let that worry you: use the tram, about fifteen minutes out from the city center.
- The Manchester United Museum, located in the large North Stand of Old Trafford football stadium. This very good museum details the history of Manchester United from the very early days when they were known as Newton Heath; through the golden era in the 60's when the team was known as the Busby Babes and won the European Cup; through the second golden era in the 90's when the likes of Beckham, Cantona, Giggs and Schmeichel glittered an all conquering team; up to the present day when you have stars like Rooney, Ronaldo and Van Nistelrooy all wearing the famous red top. Well worth a visit for fan and non-fan alike. If you go on a day when United aren't playing at home, you will also get to go on a free stadium tour (the highlight of any fan's trip!) which takes you into the changing rooms, the dugout and also the directors box.
- There is a large cinema complex.
Buy
- The Lowry Outlet Mall [3]offering reduced prices on brand name products all year round.
- The Trafford Centre [4] is a bit further out from the Quays, but it will satisfy all your shopping needs for the next year or so!
- The Manchester United Superstore, Sir Matt Busby Way (the other side of the Manchester Ship Canal) [5] is a good place to stock up on anything you could possibly want Man United wise! Just don't expect any bargains.
Eat
- Pizza Express located in the base of the Lowry Outlet Mall, facing the Lowry Gallery. Your usual high quality pizzas are available here.
- Arbuckles
- Chiquito's
Drink
Sleep
Mid Range
- Copthorne Hotel Clippers Quay, Salford Quays, tel: +44 (0)161 873 7321, (email: sales.manchester@mill-cop.com, fax:+44 (0)161 873 7318) [6] Four star hotel. Good, decent sized bedrooms. (Rooms from £55)
- Manchester Whitehouse Hotel Liverpool Street, Salford, tel: +44 (0)845 45 66 399. Three star hotel. (Rooms from £55)
- Old Trafford Lodge, Lancashire County Cricket Ground, (just off A56) tel: +44 0161 874 3333 (email: lodge@lccc.co.uk fax: +44 0161 874 3399) [7] Situated in Lancashire County Cricket Club's Old Trafford cricket ground. About 10 mins walk fromt the Quays. (Rooms from £48)
Splurge
- Golden Tulip Water's Reach, Trafford Park. tel: +44 (0)161 873 8899, (email: info@goldentulipmanchester.co.uk, fax: +44 (0)161 872 6556) [8] Three star hotel. (Rooms from £95)
- The Lowry Hotel 50 Dearmans Place Chapel Wharf, tel: +44 (0) 161 827 4000, (email:thelowryhotel@rfhotels.com, fax: +44 161 827 4001) [9] Five star hotel - the best in Manchester. (Rooms from £195)
Contact