Morning

Manchester Town Hall
Albert Square

As featured in the movie
 

Manchester's magnificent Town Hall in Albert Square was built by Alfred Waterhouse from 1867-1877 and is a superb example of Victorian Neo-Gothic architecture. It provides a suitably grand location in the forthcoming Guy Ritchie movie and stands in for the Houses of Parliament in London.

Take a tour to see the Great Hall with its 12 large murals by Ford Madox Brown (the celebrated Pre-Raphaelite painter), the tile mosaic work, the vaulted corridors and the three stone spiral staircases.

The interior of the Town Hall is used to tell the story of the city - murals depict important moments from Manchester's past and repeating motifs like industrious bees and cotton flowers appear frequently to illustrate the city's industrial heritage.

Lunch

Castlefield

With its open spaces, cobbled streets, canals, viaducts and bridges, Castlefield retains a Victorian charm that Holmes would have approved of. Now a vibrant spot for al fresco drinking and dining, good bets for lunch and drinks include Dimitri's (www.visitnorthwest.com/manchester/dimitris.htm) and Dukes 92.

Afternoon

Castlefield

Explore this atmospheric Victorian district used as a backdrop in the Sherlock Holmes film.

Inhabited since Roman times, the area has been designated as Britain's First Urban Heritage Park and houses not only a wealth of Manchester's industrial heritage (railway viaducts, canals and museums) but also a host of attractions including waterside pubs, scenic walks, boat rides and outdoor events at the Castlefield Arena.

Dinner

Room Restaurant (www.roomrestaurants.com/)
81 King Street

Eat at this memorable Venetian Gothic style building that was once Manchester's Reform Club - the gentleman's haven for liberal politicians and their supporters in the 19th century.

Prime Minister, William Gladstone was a guest when the Reform Club opened in 1871 and famous members included Winston Churchill who served as a Liberal MP for the city's Oldham district.

After dinner, have a pint in the Britons Protection (thebritonsprotection.co.uk/default.aspx), a Victorian pub with ornate tiling. Alternatively, try Mr Thomas' Chop House (tomsmanchester.thevictorianchophousecompany.com/), a Classic 19th-century pub serving traditional food and excellent ales.

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