Suggestions on Places to Go in London & Manchester?

Hi Im posting like mad lately.

Any places/activities/restaurants/etc suggestions in LONDON and MANCHESTER?

In Manchester...specifically restaurants in the city centre.

London...anywhere?

 

Off the top of my head.....

My favourite Manchester restaurants:
http://www.redchillirestaurant.co.uk/manchester_about.asp
http://www.heathcotes.co.uk/olivepress/manchester-restaurant.html

London to do:
The London Eye http://www.londoneye.com/
London Walks http://www.walks.com/
Liberty of London: http://www.liberty.co.uk/
Camden Market http://www.camdenlock.net/
Portobello Market http://www.portobellomarket.org/

London for Eating:
Rules: http://www.rules.co.uk/
The Norfolk Arms: http://www.norfolkarms.co.uk/
The Stock Pot http://www.timeout.com/london/restaurants/venue/2:1307/stockpot
Carluccio's http://www.carluccios.com/caffes/market-place
Mildred's http://www.mildreds.co.uk/

I'm not really very big on museums, but I would definitely recommend a trip to the Natural History Museum if you get a chance (http://www.nhm.ac.uk/). It's free admission and has some really cool exhibits (dinosaurs, volcanoes and earthquakes, mammals etc.)... I went there after my last US visa interview and spent a good 2 hours looking around (and still didn't get to see everything) . I went to the American Museum of Natural History in NYC in February too, but didn't think it was nearly as interesting as the London one. 

The Science Museum is next door to the Natural History Museum (also free admission, but you have to pay to see the special exhibits and features), but I found it kind of dry and boring (which isn't good considering I'm a scientist myself ) - lots of old cars, ships, steam engines, how computing and other technology evolved etc.... just didn't really interest me (I much preferred the earthquake simulator and seeing the dinosaurs gallery next door ).

Personally I would say don't miss the Tower of London

If you are into museums or the weather is hideous in London, museums are a great option!

The Tate Modern http://www.tate.org.uk/modern/
The Victoria and Albert Museum http://www.vam.ac.uk/
The British Museum http://www.britishmuseum.org/default.aspx

The Science Museum is next door to the Natural History Museum (also free admission, but you have to pay to see the special exhibits and features), but I found it kind of dry and boring (which isn't good considering I'm a scientist myself )

I love science museums and have been to loads of them, but I was completely disappointed in London's. 

My favourite museum in London (and I think I've been to ALL of them!) is the Museum of London. It's full of great history of the city, but it's not so big as to be overwhelming. Plus, it's expanding at the end of May so it'll be even better!

If you've never been to London, have a wander around Harrod's just for the sheer spectacle of it all. The food halls are amazing, then go upstairs to Pet Kingdom (or whatever they call it) and check out the Roberto Cavalli dog outfits. Plus, I could ride up and down the Egyptian Escalator all day!

Don't miss Borough Market either. It's a must-see! Bring your appetite!

I'm sure I'll think of more later!

The Science Museum, the Whitworth Gallery in Manchester, the War Museum and the Lowry Centre at Salford Quays.

In Manchester I'd recommend taking a look at the Museum of Science and Industry if you're a museum kind of person.  Take a look inside the magnificent Royal Exchange Theatre - visitors can look inside - which was once at the heart of the world's cotton trading.

For a tour of the city try http://www.walktalktour.com/ [nofollow]

One great thing about Manchester is that you can walk from one end of the city centre to the other in about 40 minutes or so, there are lots of museums and shops to see in between, and one of those city centre ferris wheels.

I recommend the Museum of Science & Industry, but imo its a bit geared towards kids, there is a cathedral which is lovely, the City Art Gallery, China Town, Canal Street, unfortunately Urbis is closed, but that was interesting also. The Lowry in Salford is very interesting, as is the Imperial War Museum North. You can head out of town for a curry in Rusholme, and go to the Costume Gallery at Platt Fields, also Whitworth Art Gallery is great. If you are interested in the Smiths at all, you can follow the lyrics of some of their songs and visit the Cemetery Gates at Southern Cemetery, See the Salford Lads Club, go to his childhood house on Kings Road (right around the corner from my house!!!) There is great shopping in Manc, great food, great people....Enjoy the city! Its a brilliant place to be!!

(do I sound like the mayor??)

If you are interested in the Smiths at all, you can follow the lyrics of some of their songs and visit the Cemetery Gates at Southern Cemetery, See the Salford Lads Club, go to his childhood house on Kings Road (right around the corner from my house!!!) There is great shopping in Manc, great food, great people....Enjoy the city! Its a brilliant place to be!!
(do I sound like the mayor??)

Sigh. I *heart* Manchester. And The Smiths. How could I forget Morrissey? If I wasn't such a Loiner, I would definitely move there! 

London Walks http://www.walks.com/

My favorite thing (back when I did all the touristy stuff) was the Jack the Ripper walk! I've done it a few times now - every time a friend visits. I find it really interesting and inexpensive.

I also second the London Eye and Tower of London. The Big Bus Tours are nice if you REALLY want to see everything.

I heart museums big time and most of them in London are free! (Do make a donation though)  British Musuem is my all time fave though.

And it may be a bit touristy but I like roaming the stalls of Covent Garden. 

I'm not sure how you are travelling from London to Manchester but may I also suggest if you can stopping in Stratford Upon Avon (Shakespeare's birthplace). It's beyond beautiful with all the lovely gardens.