Don’t believe those you tell you it’s grim up north.
Manchester might have an abundance of rain compared to the rest of Britain, but it also has bags of charm, history and fun. Whether your kids are footie fans who love Lego, you’re married to a music nut with a passion for social history or you adore street food and shopping, everyone will come back buzzing from a weekend here – and not because of its iconic bee symbol.
With an impressive roster of new attractions and cultural offerings having opened their doors since the pandemic – and more still to come – it’s no wonder Manchester was selected as one of National Geographic’s Best of the World destinations for 2023, in the Family Journey category no less. It was also picked as a Lonely Planet Best in Travel destinations for 2023 – a prestigious double endorsement.
But don’t take their word for it. Writer ALEX LLOYD took her husband Thom and sons Ralph, six, and Max, three, to the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution and the Hacienda to seek out the ideal weekend itinerary for families.
Castlefield area at night. (Image: Marketing Manchester)
Hyatt House, Manchester
Where to stay
Manchester is home to all sorts of cool hotels but our choice was the Hyatt on Booth Street West, near the universities. The area is an easy walking distance to the main attractions without being too busy.
It’s actually two accommodation options in one – the lower floors are a classic Hyatt Regency Hotel, while the upper levels are Hyatt House, an aparthotel. The latter was ideal for our family as it offers hotel comfort with apartment facilities. Our one-bedroom suite included a kitchen complete with hub, sink, dishwasher, fridge and microwave oven, plus all the utensils and a dining table.
The boys loved their sofa bed in the living area while we had a bedroom with our own TV. The views from the floor-to-ceiling glass windows were a treat, looking right across the city, and guests can make use of the laundry room and gym.
We ordered room service from The Laureate restaurant in the lobby on our first night and it was wonderfully relaxing to chill in our pyjamas and eat together. But of course, you have the option to dine downstairs or grab a drink at The Graduate bar.
You can also enjoy the generous and varied buffet breakfast in this airy and stylish space. The boys were delighted when the staff offered to get them some pancakes made by the chef on the first day.
What to do
Museums
You are utterly spoiled for choice when it comes to museums and attractions in Manchester, and one weekend isn’t enough to do it all, especially if you want to fit in time for shopping at the Arndale Centre, Selfridges or the Northern Quarter.
Top of our list was the Science and Industry Museum, housed in a former cotton mill. The first floor is packed with exhibits for curious young minds, demonstrating principles like gravity and magnets, which my three-year-old adored.
But my six-year-old son (and his dad) were obsessed with Power Up, a room dedicated to gaming history, with consoles from across the decades. You can try your hand at anything from old Commodore 64 games and Amstrads, to modern virtual reality headsets. There are multiplayer options and all the classics, like Pacman, Sonic and Streetfighter. The museum is free to visit but there’s an extra charge for this area, which has been so popular, it’s run has been extended.
