Watch out for cameras!
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Salford Quays is a vibrant waterfront district just outside of Manchester. It's the perfect place for a leisurely day trip and a quick escape from the big city. The entire area of the quays is quite spread out so we recommend taking the tram all the way to MediaCityUK and walking back towards the Salford Quays stop.
We started our day at MediaCityUK. It’s a bit like stepping onto a TV set. You can take a tour of the BBC or ITV studios, or just wander around the campus. We found it fascinating to see where all those TV shows are made and sometimes you can see into the studios. Keep your eyes peeled at all times as you never know who you might bump into!
Across the canal, you can also see the new-ish Coronation street studios. You can also take a tour of these too! In addition to Corrie, over the canal is also the Imperial war museum (IWM) - it's well worth a visit when you are there. You can also do a full tour along the canal by boat!
Once we’d had our fill of TV magic, we headed back to wander the Quays. We prefer a more leisurely pace, so a stroll along the promenade did us, stopping to admire the modern architecture and the boats bobbing in the marina however you can rent a bike and cycle along the waterfront or even catch a boat all the way along the canal!
Next, We headed over to the Lowry. It’s a stunning building, both inside and out. You could browse the art galleries or if you're lucky, catch a show! (You can find what's on here!) We grabbed a coffee in the café and enjoyed people-watching! The Lowry Outlet is a fantastic shopping destination in Salford Quays. With a range of high-street brands offering discounted prices, it's a great place to find bargains on fashion, homeware, and more.
When it comes to food, there are plenty of options in Salford Quays especially around MediaCity and in the Lowry shopping centre. We love grabbing a bite to eat (and maybe a few cocktails) at one of the waterfront restaurants like The alchemist. The views are amazing, and the food is always delicious.
If you visit at the right time, The Quayside Media City Makers Market is a fantastic monthly event held at Salford Quays, where you can discover unique handmade crafts, delicious local food, bakes, and live music. The market showcases the best of the North West's artisans with mouth-watering street food vendors. It's a great place to find one-of-a-kind gifts and support local businesses.
Everyone knows that Manchester is famous for football and Old Trafford, the home ground of Manchester United (the red ones!) stadium is just across the canal. If you're a footy fan, you can have full Manchester United Game day experience where you can enjoy complimentary food pre-game, and receive a match-day program and discounted merch. You can get match-day experiences here!
Salford Quays offers a unique experience for visitors of all ages - it really does have something for everyone. Whether you're interested in history, culture, or simply a relaxing day out, you're sure to find something to enjoy.
Where can I stay in Salford Quays?
Salford quays has so many accommodation options, we actually would recommend staying in Salford quays and going into Manchester, rather than staying in the city centre. This often makes it cheaper and gives you time to explore both places.
You can search for places to stay in Salford Quays below!
How do I get from Manchester to Salford Quays?
The most popular and convenient method is by Metrolink tram. You can board the tram at various city center stops, including Piccadilly Gardens, Market Street, and Victoria Station. The journey takes around 15-20 minutes and offers stunning views of the city skyline as you approach the Quays.
If you prefer to travel by bus, several bus services operate between Manchester and Salford Quays. Check the Transport for Greater Manchester website or app for the most up-to-date information on routes and timetables on the 'bee network'
