Long Layover in Manchester

We are coming over for a visit in early May to arrange some things for our eventual move. We have a 9+ hour layover in Manchester before going on to Edinburgh. We had hoped to see a friend of ours in the area during that time, but we just found out she will be busy then so can't meet us.

Does anyone have suggestions of things to do in Manchester on a Sunday morning which we could get to easily by train from the airport?

Thanks
David

9 hours!! 

I'd be tempted to hire a car and drive the 3-ish hours to Edinburgh, rather than wait for that layover.

Or maybe try to get an earlier flight, maybe on another airline?  Flights to Edinburgh should be fairly frequent.

I know i havent really answered your original question, but speaking for myself, personally, i would not want to spend 9 hours wandering around Manchester.

Or take a train out even?  I like going on long trainrides through this country.

I have to agree with otterpop.  I mean, spending 9 hours in Manchester waiting for a plane when your final destination is a 3 hours drive away...

9 hours!! 

Yeah, I know. But like I said, we were planning to visit a friend until it turned out she can't.

Maybe there's a Manchester-ite on here that you could visit with instead?  I'm not from there -- but surely there are some here on UKY?

C

http://www.manchesterairport.co.uk/web.nsf/Content/TrainGettingToAndFrom

During the day there are six trains an hour into the city centre and up to four through the night. Trains run to Manchester Piccadilly rail station and take approximately 15 - 20 minutes, many continue onto Oxford Road, Deansgate and Salford Central stations. From Manchester Piccadilly you can connect onto rail services countrywide.

http://www.frommers.com/destinations/manchester/518_indattr.html
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/destinations/europe/manchester/attractions.htm

Well, if you're stuck with a 9 hour layover in Manchester - do not despair - there is plenty to do and see.

Hop on the train from the airport to Piccadilly station in the city centre (15 min ride, 5 trains an hour - cost is £2.65 return).  Piccadilly is within walking distance of most city centre attractions, or you can use the Metrolink tram which runs through the city centre from Piccadilly.

You may find Manchester very quiet on a Sunday morning, as most shops/museums etc won't open until 10am and then only the major shops will be open, but that'll make it more pleasant for a jet lagged visitor!!  See ww.visitmanchester.com for ideas of what to do.  I like Manchester - it's got a lot going on and is a fun place to visit.

I'd go to Urbis - Museum of the City (see www.urbis.org) and the Art Gallery (see www.manchestergalleries.org), with a lunch stop in between - good places to eat around Cathedral Square/St Annes Square.

If you're in need of recuperation, some hotels do a 'day rate', where you can use a room and facilities for a day - the Radisson SAS at the airport has a great pool/spa and excellent rooms - they'll let you in for £65 (ouch) - other hotels may be cheaper.

Otherwise, you could get the train from Piccadilly to Edinburgh (four hours via Leeds or York)!

Chris

  I like Manchester - it's got a lot going on and is a fun place to visit.

I've not had occasion to ramble around Manchester yet (aside from passing through the airport on the way to the US & back home to Leeds).  Nonetheless - I'm sure Chris is right.  I really get the impression that the northern bits of England (think of their grimy industrial image from the past) are vastly underrated by many over here (and unknown by people in the US).  It seems as though there's this assumption that there is nothing of interest or worth seeing up here -- just a (yawn) stretch of land you have to go through to get from London to Edinburgh where the fun awaits.  Nothing could be further from the truth!  Granted it's not the same scale as the larger cities -- but I'm delighted at the neat balance of urban living on a manageable scale that we enjoy.  And the countryside around here is gorgeous! Peak District, Yorkshire Dales & Moors parks.

And let us not forget...this news flash from a couple years ago:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/west_yorkshire/3098260.stm
(Ahem...Leeds followed by London & then Edinburgh.

Ok - I love my hometown.

Yes, let's hear it for 'OOP NORTH' - it's great!!!!

Yes, let's hear it for 'OOP NORTH' - it's great!!!!

Ayup!

http://ayup.co.uk/pics/eyup.wav

If you're in need of recuperation, some hotels do a 'day rate', where you can use a room and facilities for a day - the Radisson SAS at the airport has a great pool/spa and excellent rooms - they'll let you in for £65 (ouch) - other hotels may be cheaper.

THAT sounds like a FAB idea!
That's probably what i would opt to do... sounds brilliant!!

Oh btw, I do love the North of England, but just havent found Manchester to be particularly pleasant.  Other places in the North are great!! 

  If you're in need of recuperation, some hotels do a 'day rate', where you can use a room and facilities for a day - the Radisson SAS at the airport has a great pool/spa and excellent rooms - they'll let you in for £65 (ouch) - other hotels may be cheaper. 

Yes, the more I thought about it...well, Manchester may be a good day out...but after I drink my way across the Atlantic, I am usually ready for a nice big sleep!

... a nice hot bath, some mindless telly, maybe a wee swim in the pool, and a good sleep in a big bed.
Just dont forget to ask for a wake-up call!!