Manchester

World-famous shopping

The city is home to a mind-boggling range of shopping streets, malls and retail centres, including Arndale for big-brand shopping in the heart of the city, stylish Spinningfields for upmarket eateries and luxury stores and further out, the Trafford Centre, which boasts the title of the UK’s third largest shopping centre. Then there’s the glittering Jewellery Quarter, Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet, The Craft and Design Centre and a wealth of shops, bars, restaurants and nightclubs throughout the city streets.

Impressive educational facilities

Families with children will be spoilt for choice when it comes to schooling. The city and surrounding area are home to an impressive range of nursery, primary and secondary schools, including 42 schools rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted, plus a number of excellent grammar schools. Older students have a wide choice of further education options, with The Manchester College, the Royal Northern College of Music, the University of Manchester, Manchester Metropolitan University, the University of Salford and many more all hailing from within the city boundaries.

Landmarks and attractions

If it’s city lights you’re in search of, the skyline is littered with impressive skyscrapers; the Beetham Tower for example, is the tallest residential building in Europe. Back on the ground, two large squares, Albert Square and Piccadilly Gardens, are home to numerous public monuments including Prince Albert, Queen Victoria and the Duke of Wellington. Anyone interested in culture will appreciate the rich collection of museums and art galleries, while music fans can enjoy concerts at the Arena. It is also well-known for being a city of sport, boasting two of the largest football clubs in the world – City and United. 

Incredibly well connected

Living in one of the UK’s major transport hubs, residents of benefit from excellent transport links, with a wide selection of options available including buses, trains, the Metrolink, a cycle network and a city airport.

Encircled by the M60 and serviced by the M62, M602 and M67, Manchester is very accessible by car. With quick routes to the M6, journeys to and from the city are easy.

Or, if you prefer to take public transport, how about the train? At the centre of an extensive rail network, the station group is comprised of four major stations – Manchester Piccadilly, Victoria, Oxford Road and Deansgate. With more high-speed rail links on the way, the rail network will continue to provide exceptional access across the country.

For travelling around the city centre, the Metrolink is the way to go. It's tram network consists of seven lines and crosses the city centre. Already the largest tram network in the UK, it has plans for further expansion.

Then there are the buses. With one of the most extensive bus networks outside of London, the metro shuttle and a night bus service mean this is an extremely popular mode of public transport in the city.

Whether you’re travelling for work or pleasure, the proximity of the Airport to the city centre makes air travel a breeze. Just 9 miles from Central Manchester, the airport is one of the busiest in the UK and offers numerous services to destinations such as Europe, North America and the Caribbean.