On a cultural high in Manchester

THINGS TO DO, MANCHESTER Updated : Apr 24, 2017, 10.17 AM IST

Sonia Nazareth

Sonia Nazareth is back from her second masters in Anthropology of Media from the School of Oriental and African Studies, London. Now she can be found brandishing pen and camera on various travel, literary, art and research assignments across the world.

Credit: ThinkStock Photos
Chances are that if you’re thinking of Manchester, you’re thinking of the city’s legendary football and music scene. But Manchester, birthplace of the industrial revolution, has a deep historic and cultural side, as compelling. The magnificent old architecture and the cluster of cultural institutions are a treat for any traveller who wants to peel back the centuries. So here’s where to go when you want to experience a cultural high in Manchester.
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Religious

SIGHTSEEING, MANCHESTER

Manchester Cathedral

Travellers stop at this larger-than-life cathedral for all manner of reasons. Some because of its fascinating history as one of the city’s oldest buildings as parts of it date back to the 13th century. Also, it’s home to...more

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THINGS TO DO, MANCHESTER

John Rylands Library

Even if you have no interest in books, the John Rylands Library—built in the 1890s and regarded as one of the most spectacular libraries in the world—will leave you spellbound. Home to some of the earliest books ever pri...more

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Historical

SIGHTSEEING, MANCHESTER

Elizabeth Gaskell’s House

In a country that reveres its writers, it is not surprising to learn that a £2.5 million renovation project has been undertaken to convert the home of one of the 19th century’s most important women writers, into a place ...more

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Art Gallery

THINGS TO DO, MANCHESTER

The Manchester Art Gallery 

It is all pre-Raphaelite painting, a Manchester-themed gallery and oodles of contemporary art and design. If you can catch a highlights tour (check the website for assorted guided-tours) that focuses on the key art on di...more

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Historical

SIGHTSEEING, MANCHESTER

The Northern Quarter 

Bohemian and quirky are adjectives frequently employed when describing the Northern Quarter. What’s especially inviting is the fact that several industrial buildings from Victorian times have been morphed into funky plac...more

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THINGS TO DO, MANCHESTER

Chetham’s Library

Located in Chetham’s School of Music and known by the locals affectionately as ‘Chets’, the whole experience of visiting here is rather unique. First, some of the oldest part of the buildings that you walk through dates ...more

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THINGS TO DO, MANCHESTER

Football Unplugged

As a city synonymous with sport, Manchester is renowned for the biggest football club on earth, and offers a range of opportunities to go behind the scenes and explore all things sporty. Manchester United provides tours ...more

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THINGS TO DO, MANCHESTER

The Whitworth

Originally known as the Whitworth Institute and Park, this public institution that opened its doors to people of all social classes to ostensibly counteract ‘the malaise of inner city life’ in 1889, lives up to its publi...more

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Museum

THINGS TO DO, MANCHESTER

​ MOSI (Museum of Science and Technology) 

It is located on the site of the world’s oldest surviving passenger station. Five listed buildings are home to galleries that showcase the scientific and social achievements of the area. 

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THINGS TO DO, MANCHESTER

Tatton Park

Set in the idyllic 1000 ac of Tatton Park and just a 30 min drive from Manchester, the Egerton family home is as remarkable as the landscape in which it is set.

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