Stays in Manchester

Stay in the City Centre and book into one of the well-known hotel chains, or seek out a unique inner city boutique. The real benefit of staying in the heart of Manchester is your proximity to major attractions. Manchester Cathedral, the National Football Museum and the cultural Northern Quarter are all within walking distance. It's also where you'll find great high-street and artisan shopping opportunities.

A trendy part of town, Deansgate is a top location for evening socialising. Here you'll find upmarket wine and cocktail bars and many fine-dining restaurants. When not eating and drinking, take advantage of the many cultural sites on this side of town, like the Manchester Opera House, the People's History Museum and John Rylands Library.

A short tram ride from Manchester City is Salford Quays – formerly the site of the Manchester Docks and close to the end of the Manchester Ship Canal. Stay here if you plan on taking one of the canal cruise tours. The waterside location is also home to a collection of modern architectural must-sees like The Lowry theatre, MediaCity (the BBC's Manchester hub), and the Imperial War Museum North.

Of all the places to stay in Manchester, Castlefield is one of the most peaceful. Located close to the River Irwell, the area's steeped in history. Discover the Roman fort of Mamucium (where Manchester got its name), as well as the world's first industrial canal. As the birthplace of such forward-thinking ideas, it's fitting that this is home to the Museum of Science and Industry Manchester too.