| 1 The world's first industrial city | | | | cafe for the adults and outdoor gardens and grounds |
| See what the day-to-day was like for your ancestors | | | | if the temperature is as good out as in. Admission is |
| at The Museum of Science and Industry. Crawl | | | | £5.50 weekdays, £7 weekends and |
| through an atmospheric Victorian sewer, complete | | | | £4 for children under five. |
| with stinky smells, or stand on the platform of the | | | | 5 Get a bird's eye view |
| oldest surviving passenger railway station in the | | | | What better view of Manchester is there than from |
| world. The museum has a host of working machinery | | | | 60 metres up in the sky? The Wheel of Manchester |
| from the city's manufacturing heyday, including heavy | | | | is situated in the middle of the city and offers |
| locomotives and a working cotton machine. | | | | spectacular views over the city and surrounding |
| 2 Be fanatical about football | | | | countryside. Kids will love the 'ride' element of the |
| Manchester United's homeground, Old Trafford, is a | | | | experience - enjoy a loop in your own glass capsule |
| must-see for all football fans. With guided tours for | | | | (there are 42 to choose from). |
| groups and families, you'll be able to go behind the | | | | The Harvey Nichols second-floor Restaurant, Bar and |
| scenes and retrace some of the best moments of | | | | Brasserie also offers a fabulous view of the |
| football history at the spectacular stadium. You'll get | | | | Manchester Wheel and Exchange Square, in the heart |
| the chance to immerse yourself in the history of this | | | | of the city. This glass-encased oasis offers a |
| famous club from the changing room to the north | | | | mouth-watering variety of brunch, lunch, afternoon |
| stand, experience the magnificent trophy room, and | | | | tea and dinner menus. Watching the sunset over the |
| even see how your skills fare on interactive football | | | | horizon and the city coming alive with twinkling lights |
| machines. You can call 0161 868 8000 for more | | | | is an unforgettable experience - and you certainly |
| information. | | | | won't be let down by the food. The salmon, |
| 3 Where to stay | | | | beetroot and grapefruit starter with citrus |
| There are many accommodation options in | | | | mayonnaise is perfect with a glass of champagne, |
| Manchester, but for somewhere that's a stone's | | | | before you move on to one of the impressive mains. |
| throw from the main train station and within strolling | | | | Seafood lovers: the Morecambe brill with pea tortellini, |
| distance of all the city sights, bars and restaurants, | | | | clam chowder and bacon foam is a must. And if |
| you can't beat the City Inn Manchester. The modern | | | | you've got room for dessert, fans of chocolate and |
| glass building cuts a dash as soon as you exit the | | | | cheese are catered for. Starters from £8 and |
| station and most rooms have a floor-to-ceiling | | | | mains from £15. |
| window for a panoramic view. The hotel has fabulous | | | | 6 Enjoy the green space |
| weekend deals, with double rooms from just | | | | HeatonPark is a great free day out for the family. It's |
| £59 per night, including breakfast. Visit the City | | | | one of the largest municipal parks in Europe, so the |
| Inn website for more information and to book. | | | | kids will have enough space to burn off their energy. |
| 4 Be a water baby | | | | Nestled in the foothills of the Pennines, it's home to a |
| You don't have to be at the seaside to make a | | | | range of activities. There are two children's play |
| splash. Manchester Aquatics Centre is a world-class | | | | areas, and a Farm and Animal Centre where kids can |
| venue that was built for the Commonwealth Games. | | | | get up close to a herd of Highland cattle and flock of |
| It's the only complex in the UK with two 50-metre | | | | Hebridean sheep, as well as friendly alpacas, pigs, |
| pools and a separate diving pool and leisure pool. Visit | | | | sheep, goats, chickens, donkeys, rabbits and guinea |
| the Manchester Aquatics Centre website for opening | | | | pigs. |
| hours. | | | | For those who want to improve their handicap, |
| Just 30 minutes by train from Manchester is | | | | Heaton Park Golf Centre is Manchester's number one |
| Waterworld, an indoor aqua park where the | | | | public golf facility and is open seven days a week. |
| temperature is constantly set at tropical. Kids are | | | | The renowned golf course caters for pros and |
| sure to be entertained for hours in Typhoon Lagoon, | | | | novices alike with a Championship 18-hole golf course, |
| a large pool with a wave machine, an indoor water | | | | a fun Par-3 Pitch Putt golf course and a teaching |
| roller coaster and Spacebowl, a series of rapids that | | | | range. |
| carry you around a track as you float. There's also a | | | | |