St. John's Gardens
Byrom Street. Open daily during daylight hours. The site of the former St. John's Church has become central Manchester's most beautiful park. Come here in the the summer to see the flowers and bring some bread for the hundreds of birds that make St. John's their home.Museum of Science and Industry
Lower Byrom Street, 0161 832 2244 email: varies, see site, (http://www.msim.org.uk/). Su-Sa 10AM-5PM. This is a great museum for those interested in our global industrial heritage: sited at one end of the world's first passenger railway line. The working cotton weaving machines are particularly worth experiencing. Catch one of their regular demonstrations of their operation. There is also the opportunity to explore the city's former sewers now fully cleaned! to get an idea of the living and dying conditions of Manchester's cotton workers. Most impressive of all is the huge collection of working engines in the Power Hall, powered by steam, gas, water, you name it. Across the road is the Air and Space Hall, containing real examples of Britain's aeronautical history. Free, except for temporary exhibits prices vary.Roman Fort
off Liverpool Road. Not much survives of Manchester's four Roman settlements, but what is left can be seen in the gardens of Castlefield running from Liverpool Road down to Castle Street. The North Gate of the fourth fort on Duke Street has been fully reconstructed, as has the West Wall above the ruined granary.G-MEX
Windmill Street, 0161 834 2700 fax: 0161 832 3621. Open only during events. The G-MEX now "Manchester Central" was once Manchester Central railway station and it carries the air of many of the grand stations in London with its enormous arched steel frame and giant railway clock. These days it is home to Manchester's largest exhibitions and fairs. Attached is the much newer and thoroughly unimpressive International Conference Centre. Price varies with event.Bridgewater Hall
Lower Mosley Street, 0161 950 0000 email: [email protected]; fax: 0161 950 0001, (http://www.bridgewater-ha...). M-F 10AM-8PM, Sat noon-6PM. Manchester's main classical music venue is a stunning musically-inspired building dating from 1996. It is home to the world-famous Hallé orchestra and boasts an enormous 5500-pipe organ across the whole of one wall. The building is also home to a cafe and restaurant. Free entry to building.See The Merchant's Bridge near Catalan Square. Look up and marvel at the massive Victorian structure which carries the metrolink trams and trains over the canals.
