Peak District The Peak District was England's first national park. This beautiful region sits in the central and northern parts of England, largely within picturesque Derbyshire. Diverse landscapes, abundant wildlife and a rich historic heritage combine with busy market towns and thriving cities such as Sheffield and Manchester. With over 22 million visitors annually, the Peak District is a major UK tourist destination, and the Peak District National Park is the second most visited park in the world. The District is generally divided into three main areas, each with its own distinctive
topography. White Peak in the south is characterized by its limestone landscapes with a blend of flat plateaus and gentle valleys, while the South West Peak is a mix of hay meadows and moorland. The most sparsely populated area is Dark Peak in the north, where dramatic gritstone plateaus, craggy edges and ridges contrast with deep valleys. The whole region is rife with quaint towns, majestic historic homes, old mills and museums, as well as plenty to please the outdoor enthusiast, including top-class rock climbing, caving and fly fishing. Visitors can enjoy an authentic Bakewell pudding in Bakewell, take a leisurely hot air balloon ride for a bird's eye view, mountain bike in the Hope Valley near Charleston or travel back in time in an impressive country manor. It is not hard to see why the Peak District is so immensely popular and it is well worth spending some time exploring its many treasures.
Urbis Nestled in the heart of Manchester, Urbis is a unique and interesting concept - an exhibition center of city life across the globe, created as part of an urban regeneration project. Featuring interactive exhibits and fascinating exhibitions, the uber-modern glass building, sometimes described as a 'glass ski slope,' is an immediate Manchester landmark and visitors are drawn not only to the exhibits, but to the building itself. The gallery on level one hosts different exhibitions, while levels two, three and four house permanent exhibits and displays. Levels five and six house Le Mont Restaurant, providing incredible views of the city, as well as fine dining, and there is also The Social, a restaurant and late night venue that features live bands, DJs and more. Address: Cathedral Gardens Phone Number: (0)161 605 8200 Email Address: info@urbis.org.uk Website: www.urbis.org.uk Transport: Accessible by train, tram, car or on foot Hours: Daily from 10am to 6pm Admission: Free
Old Trafford Nicknamed the Theater of Dreams, Old Trafford is home to one of the premier English football clubs, Manchester United and since 1878, has been the heart and soul of the club. More than 200,000 visitors come each year to marvel at the home of the likes of Ryan Giggs and Cristiano Ronaldo, and share in some of the Man U magic. Guided tours of the stadium run every 10 minutes and the award-winning museum is chock-full of fascinating trivia, memorabilia and interactive exhibits, guaranteed to delight fans and perhaps even win over a few new ones. The Red Café, in the North Stand of the stadium, is open daily and serves up delicious food for those needing replenishment, while the Megastore in the East Stand sells every conceivable type of Man U branded item. Address: Sir Matt Busby Way, Old Trafford Phone Number: (0)870 442 1994 Email Address: tours@manutd.co.uk Website: www.manutd.com Hours: Guided stadium tours daily 9.40am to 4.30pm; Museum daily 9.30am to 5pm Admission: Museum and tour: £11.74 (adults); £7.83 (children). Concession available. Advanced booking is advised
Museum of Science and Industry It may not seem like everybody's cup of tea, but the Manchester Museum of Science and Industry is a truly fascinating and varied collection of exhibits, displays and more, for visitors of all ages. Fifteen different galleries crammed full of all sorts of items are housed in the key historic site of one of the world's oldest railway stations, Liverpool Road Station. Some of the permanent exhibits include Underground Manchester, where visitors can meander through a reconstructed Victorian Sewer system complete with authentic sounds and smells, the Xperiment interactive science gallery, the captivating Collections Center with anything from antique microscopes to Star Trek memorabilia, and the Air and Space Hall. The Special Exhibitions gallery plays host to several touring exhibitions annually. The Museum also houses a shop, café and restaurant, as well as several picnic areas. Address: Liverpool Road, Castlefield Phone Number: (0)161 832 2244 Website: www.msim.org.uk Transport: Bus 33 from Piccadilly Gardens; also accessible by train, tram or car Hours: Daily 10am to 5pm. Closed 24-26 December and 1 January Admission: Free. Admission is charged for special exhibitions
Bridgewater Hall Situated on an arm of the Bridgewater Canal, the world-class £42-million concert venue Bridgewater Hall holds over 250 performances a year and is home to one of Britain's longest running orchestras, the Hallé Orchestra. This architecturally striking building can house just under 2,500 audience members and the main auditorium is centered around a remarkable 5,500 pipe organ. The Hall plays host not only to classical music, but has also seen a range of artists such as the legendary James Brown, indie artist Badly Drawn Boy and guitarist John Williams. Bridgewater Hall is also home to the award winning Charles Hallé restaurant, as well as the Stalls Café Bar. Address: Lower Mosley Street Phone Number: (0)161 907 9000 (bookings) Email Address: admin@bridgewater-hall.co.uk Website: www.bridgewater-hall.co.uk Transport: Accessible by car, bus or train Hours: Bookings Monday to Saturday 10am to 6pm (8pm on concert nights), Sunday (concert nights only) 12pm to 8pm. Closed on non-concert Sundays. Admission: Concert prices vary
Chatsworth House Home to the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, Chatsworth House is one of Europe's greatest private houses. It is set on the River Derwent in the Peak District National Park. The estate comprises the 16th century house, a 1,000-acre park, a farmyard, miles of free walks and spectacular gardens. Dubbed the 'Palace of the Peak', the house contains a treasure trove of antiques and impressive art works, some dating back 4,000 years; 30 of the magnificently preserved rooms are open to the public. Wardens are on hand to provide information and answer questions, while an audio guide is also available. The manicured gardens boast a yew maze, sculptures and several impressive fountains including the Cascade, a 24-step waterfall that drops 600ft (183m) down the hill towards the house. There is a well-stocked farm shop selling locally produced and home grown items, as well as the farmyard children's shop, the Carriage House shop, Orangery shop and garden shop. There are several restaurant options to choose from, and picnicking in the grounds is encouraged. Chatsworth House has appeared in the recent film adaptation of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, and the house plays host to several exciting events throughout the year. It is well worth allocating several hours to explore this fine historic estate and its gardens, while those on a tighter budget can enjoy the dramatic surrounds of the park for free. Address: Bakewell, Derbyshire Phone Number: (0)1246 565 300 Website: www.chatsworth.org Transport: Chatsworth is a 1.5 hour drive from Manchester Hours: Open March to December anually (see website for details). House open daily 11am to 5.30pm, last admission 4.30pm, garden open daily 11am to 6pm, last admission 5pm Admission: £11.50 (adults), £6.25 (children). Entry to the park is free. Prices vary according to areas visited, as well as inclusion or exclusion of gift aid donation
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