ATTRACTIONS

Manchester Attractions

Urbis

Nestled in the heart of Manchester, Urbis is a unique and interesting concept - an exhibition centre of city life across the globe, created as part of an urban regeneration project. Featuring interactive exhibits and fascinating exhibitions, the uber-modern glass building, sometimes described as a 'glass ski slope,' is an immediate Manchester landmark and visitors are drawn not only to the exhibits, but to the building itself. The gallery on level one hosts different exhibitions, while levels two, three and four house permanent exhibits and displays. Levels five and six house Le Mont Restaurant, providing incredible views of the city, as well as fine dining, and there is also The Social, a restaurant and late night venue that features live bands, DJs and more.

Address: Cathedral Gardens; E-mail: info@urbis.org.uk; Website: www.urbis.org.uk; Telephone: (0)161 605 8200; Transport: Accessible by train, tram, car or on foot; Opening time: Daily from 10am to 6pm; Admission: Free

Manchester Attractions

Old Trafford

Nicknamed the Theatre of Dreams, Old Trafford is home to one of the premier English football clubs, Manchester United and since 1878, has been the heart and soul of the club. More than 200,000 visitors come each year to marvel at the home of the likes of Ryan Giggs and Cristiano Ronaldo, and share in some of the Man U magic. Guided tours of the stadium run every 10 minutes and the award-winning museum is chock-full of fascinating trivia, memorabilia and interactive exhibits, guaranteed to delight fans and perhaps even win over a few new ones. The Red Café, in the North Stand of the stadium, is open daily and serves up delicious food for those needing replenishment, while the Megastore in the East Stand sells every conceivable type of Man U branded item.

Address: Sir Matt Busby Way, Old Trafford; E-mail: tours@manutd.co.uk; Website: www.manutd.com; Telephone: (0)870 442 1994; Opening time: Guided stadium tours daily 9.40am to 4.30pm; Museum daily 9.30am to 5pm; Admission: Museum and tour: �11.74 (adults); �7.83 (children). Concession available. Advanced booking is advised

Manchester Attractions

Museum of Science and Industry

It may not seem like everybody's cup of tea, but the Manchester Museum of Science and Industry is a truly fascinating and varied collection of exhibits, displays and more, for visitors of all ages. Fifteen different galleries crammed full of all sorts of items are housed in the key historic site of one of the world's oldest railway stations, Liverpool Road Station. Some of the permanent exhibits include Underground Manchester, where visitors can meander through a reconstructed Victorian Sewer system complete with authentic sounds and smells, the Xperiment interactive science gallery, the captivating Collections Centre with anything from antique microscopes to Star Trek memorabilia, and the Air and Space Hall. The Special Exhibitions gallery plays host to several touring exhibitions annually. The Museum also houses a shop, café and restaurant, as well as several picnic areas.

Address: Liverpool Road, Castlefield; Website: www.msim.org.uk; Telephone: (0)161 832 2244; Transport: Bus 33 from Piccadilly Gardens; also accessible by train, tram or car; Opening time: Daily 10am to 5pm. Closed 24-26 December and 1 January; Admission: Free. Admission is charged for special exhibitions

Manchester Attractions

Bridgewater Hall

Situated on an arm of the Bridgewater Canal, the world-class £42-million concert venue Bridgewater Hall holds over 250 performances a year and is home to one of Britain's longest running orchestras, the Hallé Orchestra. This architecturally striking building can house just under 2,500 audience members and the main auditorium is centred around a remarkable 5,500 pipe organ. The Hall plays host not only to classical music, but has also seen a range of artists such as the legendary James Brown, indie artist Badly Drawn Boy and guitarist John Williams. Bridgewater Hall is also home to the award winning Charles Hallé restaurant, as well as the Stalls Café Bar.

Address: Lower Mosley Street; E-mail: admin@bridgewater-hall.co.uk; Website: www.bridgewater-hall.co.uk; Telephone: (0)161 907 9000 (bookings); Transport: Accessible by car, bus or train; Opening time: Bookings Monday to Saturday 10am to 6pm (8pm on concert nights), Sunday (concert nights only) 12pm to 8pm. Closed on non-concert Sundays. ; Admission: Concert prices vary