Football and shopping; the Yin and Yang of modern Britain – and nowhere can you behold the universal harmony of these elements more clearly than in Manchester. Home of two of the world’s most famous (and most adored) football teams, Manchester’s football heritage is hard to surpass. In contrast to the fever and passion of its football, Manchester’s elegant and extensive shopping experience is as unique as it is varied.
Nothing compares to being in the stands as your team enters the pitch; the roar of the crowd, the pure stadium hysteria. Experience it at world-famous stadiums, Old Trafford and City of Manchester Stadium.
It’s hard to get close to the players sitting in the stands, but if you wait outside Carrington training ground (maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Carrington+training+ground&sll=53.422602,-2.378111&sspn=0.013912,0.033002&ie=UTF8&hq=Training+Ground&hnear=Training+Ground,+Isherwood+Rd,+Carrington,+Manchester,+M31+4BH,+UK&ll=53.422372,-2.378111&spn=0.013912,0.033002&z=15&iwloc=A) on a training day, there’s a good chance you’ll get a close-up peak at some of United’s star players.
Take autograph hunting a step further and join your footballing heroes for a drink. Here are some of their favourite drinking holes: Vermilion &Cinnabar (www.vermilioncinnabar.com/), The Living Room (www.thelivingroom.co.uk/), The River Bar and Restaurant (www.thelowryhotel.com/dining/) and Panacea Bar (www.panaceamanchester.co.uk/).
Take a behind-the-scenes tour of City of Manchester Stadium (www.mcfc.co.uk/The-Club/Stadium-tours) or Old Trafford (www.manutd.com/default.sps?pagegid=%7b3B206E90-CB32-403F-BC82-DEBB730837FE%7d§ion=stadiumTour) where you can stand on the pitch, run down the players’ tunnel, see treasured football memorabilia and even see inside the players’ dressing room.
Housing the official FIFA Collection, the museum (www.nationalfootballmuseum.com/) is just 30 minutes from Manchester. See the ball from the 1966 World Cup Final, Maradona's shirt from the "hand of God" game and the oldest FA Cup trophy – all for free!
“Sale!”, “Reductions!”, “50% Off” – it’s enough to send anyone into a frenzy. Britain’s sales (summer, winter and mid-season) are phenomenal with some shoppers camping outside the stores! Selfridges (www.selfridges.com/) and Harvey Nichols (www.harveynichols.com) are always sale favourites.
This is Manchester’s bohemian area renowned for its independent bars, boutiques, cafes, music stores and clothes shops. Head to Afflecks (www.afflecks.com/), located in a beautiful historic building, for floors of independent stalls and boutiques.
This is the largest indoor shopping centre in Manchester and even provided the setting for its very own UK television programme, ‘Shopping City’ (what else?). Endless shops and services will leave in shopping ecstasy.
The Lowry Outlet Mall (www.lowryoutletmall.com/default.asp?f=/) has discounts of up to 50% off on top designer labels. It’s also forms part of ‘The Quays’ development comprising museums, theatres and, of course, great retail outlets.
Manchester’s most prestigious shopping street began life in the 1700s when the Jacobite party in the town created James's Square. Check out Brit fashion icon Vivienne Westwood (www.hervia.com/) before heading to Mulberry and Karen Millen.
See it for Yourself See all that Manchester has to offer on with Visit Manchester’s themed Urban City Trails – which are free, independent trails for visitors to use. If you want to travel outside the city, we recommend you buy a Flexible England Pass (visitbritain.e-line.nu/servlet/us_pyra?wts.PAGE=h_ix3.htm&$GUEST=FI&wts.ACTION=loginguest&$echoType=VU&$echoCode=312&p=H) in our webshop. See Manchester Destination Guide
Fly to Britain in style with great value British Airways flights. All British Airways flights include complimentary refreshments, online check-in and luggage allowance at no extra cost.