Cheap flights to Manchester
The most cosmopolitan city after London, Manchester is also one of Britain’s most modern cities, with a youthful and infectious vibe and cultural activities that are a class apart. If you’re looking for a true slice of Britain then look no further than Manchester, often described as England’s second city.
Known the world over for its famous football teams and for being the first industrialised city in the world, today Manchester is a hub of all things cool. Its modern city centre boasts some pretty cutting edge architecture, a cultural scene that is right up there with London and, of course, a nightlife that is renowned as one of the best in the world.
April 2013
Beermoth is a new, independent beer shop. Sample an impeccable array of the best British and international beers (porters, ales, lagers, you name it) available to take out (70 Tib Street).
April 2013
Explore designs and engravings by the poet, painter and printmaker William Blake at the spooky John Rylands Library. Images of angels and the afterlife offer a glimpse into another world. Until 23 June (150 Deansgate, tel: 0161 306 0555).
February 2013
The Cathedral quarter around New Cathedral Street and St Mary's Gate is home to medieval relics, cobbled streets and the remarkable Harry Potter-esque halls of Chetham's Library dating from 1653. Sup a pint in the Sinclair's Oyster bar and take in the sights (chethams.org.uk).
April 2013
A train from Manchester Piccadilly will whisk you to York's tangle of cobbled streets and spectacular castle walls in under two hours. After exploring the vibrant city, head to Bettys York for the quintessential English afternoon tea. Choose from 18 of the world's finest teas to sip while munching on the daintiest - and perfectly constructed - batch of sandwiches, scones and miniature cakes. For a more substantial lunch, pop to the cafe downstairs, though be prepared to queue - this family-run institute has unsurprisingly built up quite a reputation (6-8 St Helen's Square, tel: 01904 659 142).