Coach Hire Manchester
If you are considering coach hire in or around the Manchester area, contact us for a competitive quote. We only use coach hire operators who are local to the Manchester area which means that we are able to take advantage of the coach operators local knowledge.
In addition, we have gathered some information that you may find useful.
First time visitors to Manchester are always won over by its stunning architecture, cultural attractions, premier shopping and legendary friendliness. Vibrant streets and squares, free museums and galleries. A gentle stroll around the city reveals award-winning buildings and hidden treasures such as the pre-Raphaelite collection at Manchester Art Gallery and the fascinating interactive exhibits at Urbis .
City heritage
If you haven’t been to Manchester for a while, you might want to start planning. If you’ve never been to Manchester you’d better read on. Unofficially the capital of the region, Manchester has achieved a spectacular renaissance and a new life breathes throughout the city.
Take architecture for example: Manchester’s new buildings are bold and spectacular but the most remarkable change has happened to what was already there. It’s like the curtains have been opened and the whole city can be seen anew. This new light has given 21st century Manchester a confidence and identity all of its own.
Take a Blue Badge guided walk or tour and you’ll see, or more importantly feel, what we mean. You’ll find out about the fascinating history of the city and its people, and soak up the atmosphere at the same time. Take a look at one of the galleries or museums, or just stroll round the shops. Whatever you choose to do in Manchester, it’s the perfect place for a citybreak.
Shopping
Few places can match Manchester’s incredible retail experience. Anything is possible from browsing white label records and vintage clothing in the Northern Quarter, to personal shoppers and designer labels at Harvey Nichols . You can wander round the monthly farmers’ market, or have a manicure in Triangle, and everything in between.
The city separates into four main shopping areas; Market Street and Manchester Arndale – home to mid-range high street stores; New Cathedral Street and Exchange Square – where Selfridges , Harvey Nichols and Triangle reside; St. Ann’s Square and Deansgate – a mix of upmarket designer shops and mid to top range high street and designer names; and last but not least, the Northern Quarter– independent boutiques, vintage ware, record shops and of course, the famous Affleck's Palace.
One of the great advantages of Manchester is it’s size. You can walk everywhere, but if your legs start to feel the strain, Metrolink trams and the free Metroshuttle have the city covered.
For shopping under one roof head to the Trafford Centre, just 15 minutes from the city centre. This mega mall is open until 10pm weekdays with 280 stores and a huge food and entertainment complex.
Lancashire
In the county surrounding Manchester you’ll also find a number of mill shops. The most famous is the Liberty Mill selling Liberty curtain and furnishing fabrics, shawls, scarves and gifts. The Potteries, an area in central England near Stoke-on-Trent, is home to fine pottery - look out for names like Wedgwood, Royal Doulton, Spode and Minton. Over 30 factory shops are located here selling seconds and discontinued lines at great prices.
Museums & galleries
Culture Vultures are well catered for in Manchester. Greater Manchester's Waterfront, The Quays, is home to the spectacular Lowry and the ‘matchstick’ paintings by Salford’s own L S Lowry . As well as two galleries, The Lowry has two theatres showcasing the best in ballet, comedy and performing arts. Just over the footbridge sits the Imperial War Museum North. Designed by Daniel Libeskind, this museum explores the impact of war with iconic objects and a pioneering audio-visual presentation.
In the city centre, Manchester Art Gallery houses one of the country’s finest collections in spectacular Victorian and contemporary surroundings. In the Millennium Quarter, Urbis is an interactive museum concentrating on life in the modern city.
The Museum of Science and Industry brings heritage to life with action and fun in one rather big package. The exhibits here are very much on the large side (planes, trains, steam engines and automobiles). The Museum also hosts special exhibitions from around the world.
Spectator Sports
Manchester’s reputation as a sporting city is second to none. Thousands flock to the city every year for the prestigious events, the wealth of facilities and, of course, its glorious sporting past.
A visit to the city is not complete without a trip to Old Trafford – home to the most famous football team in the world. Match tickets may be hard to come by but fans can soak up the atmosphere behind-the-scenes on the stadium tour and gaze at the dazzling array of trophies in the museum. Manchester City have interactive exhibits at the Manchester City Experience and Heritage Centre and tours are available of the stunning City of Manchester Stadium
The legacy of the XVII Commonwealth Games has given Manchester some fantastic sporting facilities – open to visitors and sports men and women alike. Sportcity is home to the National Squash Centre, Manchester’s Table Tennis Centre and the superb National Cycling Centre – featuring the world’s fastest cycling track.
Gay Village
Manchester boasts one of the friendliest, busiest and most stylish gay districts in Britain. Set along the canal, glass fronted bars and restaurants provide the perfect meeting place – chill out with friends, sip coffee, enjoy an alfresco lunch and watch the boys and girls go by.
The one square mile district around Canal Street is also home to a number of gay-friendly businesses ranging from doctors to hairdressers, all of which give the district a distinct identity and atmosphere.
Top must-visit places include: Essential – Manchester’s busiest and biggest superclub; Taurus – gorgeous food and superb service; Vanilla – a bar for women and their gay male friends only; and Hollywood Showbar – ultra camp karaoke sessions and cabaret.
Manchester Pride is an annual event celebrating the best of gay, lesbian and transgender life with 10 days of art, entertainment, sporting activities and cultural events culminating with the Big Weekend. Visit www.manchesterpride.com for further details.
Top day-time must dos
1. Enjoy acres of waterfront with remarkable architecture and world-class attractions at The Quays.
2. Find out about Manchester’s fascinating history, architecture and culture on one of Manchester's guided walks & tours.
3. Go Shopping - Retail therapy with independent boutiques, high street and designer names.
4. Soak up the culture - galleries and museums with ever-changing programmes of events and exhibitions.
5. Eat out - exceptional value for money with special lunchtime menus and buffets.