Manchester

Although as recently as 1750 Manchester was little more than a village, the impact of the industrial revolution is in evidence everywhere in the city today. Throughout the central region of the city you'll find solid victorian architecture in abundance with everything from the elaborate town hall to humble factory buildings showing the wealth that that arrived in the town in that period.

As a consequence of this rapid development, the majority of the city attractions are contained within a walkable city centre although there's also an extensive network of free bus services to get you around the centre.

This past is celebrates in various museums around the city. Of these, perhaps the one that most reflects the origins of the city is the Museum of Science and Industry which contains examples of the technologies which built the city from textiles to steam engines (you can take a ride on a replica of Robert Stephenson's original steam engine). Covering the social aspects of the time is the People's History Museum dedicated to the history of the working class.

However, the city is most famous for being the site of the Coronation Street TV series. Sadly, you haven't been able to visit the street itself since 1999 and the only chance you have to see the street today is via the windows on the top floor of the Museum of Science and Industry.

One thing that you'll find everywhere you go is that the Mancunians are very friendly and go out of their way to be helpful. This is evident everywhere and a refreshing change to the city-attitude that you usually find in large cities.

The lively and open attitude is aptly shown in the Gay Pride events hosted by the city each Summer.

The nearest airport is Manchester (MAN) which is served by all major airlines, discount airlines and charter services. Due to the range and ease of connections this is an excellent airport for connections.

Courtesy of its industrial past, the city is well served by rail connections and the canal makes an interesting means of transport.