Travel in England isn't just about London, the northern region has a lot to offer visitors and is great if you are looking for UK travel on a budget. Manchester is one such place. With a gritty past, the city offers a number of interesting attractions, good food, and a great nightlife.

Manchester Town Hall

Located on Albert Square is the magnificent Gothic styled Manchester Town Hall. The home of the city council was built in 1877 after a competition for designs calling for structures that would suit the then polluted industrial city. Inside is just as beautiful as the outside, with breathtaking ceremonial rooms framed by high arches and lots of natural light. The best way to see the building is to take a guided tour, where your expert guide will fill you in on the history and features of the building. The tour takes you through the main rooms of the Town Hall and then up the somewhat creepy Clock Tower where you can see every detail of how the clock works, its great bell, and some amazing views of Manchester.

The Wheel of Manchester

Travel the UK without taking a spin on one of its best attractions is missing out on an iconic modern landmark. Like the London Eye, the Wheel of Manchester is a slow turning ferris wheel that carries visitors in enclosed glass capsules. The wheel takes you to a height of 173-feet above Piccadilly Gardens, giving you amazing views of the city while commentary is played into your capsule. Tickets cost £7 for adults, £6 for students and £3 for kids aged 3 to 10. The wheel operates from 10am-9pm Mon to Thurs, 10am-11pm Fri, 9am-11pm Sat, and 9am-8pm Sun.

SEA LIFE Manchester
Especially good for families is SEA LIFE Manchester. Located at The Trafford Centre on Barton Square the aquarium is home to more than 5,000 sea creatures. Many of the exhibits are interactive, including a touchpool, talks, and feedings. A highlight of the aquarium is its underwater tunnel. Here you can come face to face with sharks, sea turtles, and fish. One of the most unique experiences available at the aquarium is the SeaTREK. This experience allows you to go directly into the water and walk around. No diving experience is necessary to enjoy this very cool activity, as you use a specially designed breathing helmet.

Manchester Art Gallery
Travel England and you will discover that it has some fantastic museums. One of these great collections of art can be found at the Manchester Art Gallery. Here you can explore art that spans six centuries and a particularly fine collection of works from 19th century British artists and Pre-Raphaelite paintings. The gallery is open daily from 10am to 5pm and entry is free.

The Trafford Centre

The Trafford Centre is located on the outskirts of Manchester city centre and is one of the best-known shopping and entertainment centres in the UK. The centre has more than 200 shops, including the famous department store ¨C Selfridges. It also has dozens of restaurants, a huge 20 screen cinema, Laser Quest, and indoor mini-golf.

Manchester Art Gallery
Travel England and you will discover that it has some fantastic museums. One of these great collections of art can be found at the Manchester Art Gallery. Here you can explore art that spans six centuries and a particularly fine collection of works from 19th century British artists and Pre-Raphaelite paintings. The gallery is open daily from 10am to 5pm and entry is free.

Guided Walk

Sign up for a guided walk of the city. Qualified guides tell the story of the city and take you to some of its most interesting locations. There are several different types of walks available to suit what you want to learn about the culture and heritage of this great northern city.