Top 10 things to do and see around Salford Quays

A short tram ride from Manchester city centre, Salford Quays has grown into a vibrant cultural hub in its own right. Once a busy industrial dockland, the area has been transformed into a lively waterfront destination filled with museums, galleries, theatres and striking modern architecture, all reflected in the calm waters of the historic Manchester Ship Canal.

If you only have one day to explore Salford and the Quays, check out our one day Salford itinerary for a detailed plan that includes museums, a canal cruise and great local food.

So if you’re visiting the North West of England and fancy a day trip out of Manchester, here are ten of the best things to do around Salford Quays.

1. Visit The Lowry

Built to celebrate the Millennium, The Lowry is one of the standout cultural attractions in Salford Quays, hosting everything from plays and musicals to comedy and live music. The 2nd floor art galleries showcase the world’s largest public collection of works by the theatre’s namesake, LS Lowry. His distinctive paintings of the daily lives of northern people in the industrial age were inspired by the 40 years he lived in the Salford area. (Closed Mondays)

2. Explore Imperial War Museum North

Imperial War Museum North is another key attraction and one of the most thought-provoking museums in the region. Designed by architect Daniel Libeskind, the striking building houses exhibitions exploring war and its impact on people’s lives, both past and present. Entry is free, and the museum displays an enormous number of personal items and artefacts from a concentration camp uniform to art, letters, diaries, helmets and combat souvenirs with a particular emphasis on personal stories and experiences. The main exhibition space transforms into an impressive and emotional audiovisual experience on the hour, and you can see a Matilda II tank, a Harrier jet and an enormous piece of twisted metal from the Twin Towers.

IWM North, Salford Quays

3. Wander around MediaCityUK

MediaCityUK is a modern media and technology hub and home to the BBC, ITV and a number of other broadcasters and creative companies. You can book studio tours, attend live TV recordings if you’re lucky with timings, or simply explore the area and enjoy the waterside bars and restaurants. It’s particularly lively in the evenings and at weekends.

4. Step back in time at Ordsall Hall

Just a short walk or bus ride from the quays, Ordsall Hall is a beautifully preserved Tudor manor house dating back to the 15th century. Inside, you’ll find a magnificent Great Hall, period rooms, exhibitions and stories about the hall’s former residents and its place in local history. Entry is free, making it a worthwhile detour if you want a contrast to the modern quayside.

Ordsall Hall

MediaCity, Salford Quays

Historic Ordsall Hall and modern MediaCity

5. Join a walking tour of MediaCity and the Quays

Guided walking tours are a great way to learn more about the history of Salford Quays and its redevelopment from docklands to cultural hotspot. Tours usually cover MediaCityUK, the Manchester Ship Canal and the surrounding architecture, with stories you would otherwise miss. These can be booked online in advance through platforms like GetYourGuide.

6. Do the Coronation Street Experience

For television fans, the Coronation Street Experience is a must. The 90-minute guided tour takes you onto the real Coronation Street set, where you can walk the famous cobbles and see iconic locations such as Roy’s Rolls, Prima Donner and the Rovers Return.

Full set tours usually run at weekends as filming takes place during the week, but if you’re visiting Monday to Friday, you can still visit the exhibition of props and costumes, explore replica sets and watch highlights from the show’s 60-year history in the on-site cinema. Superfans should look out for special Star Tours, which include a meet-and-greet with a mystery cast member. Check availability and book tickets here.

7. Take a Salford Quays waterfront walk

One of the simplest and most enjoyable things to do in Salford Quays is to take a stroll along the waterfront. The flat, pedestrian-friendly paths make it ideal for a relaxed wander, with views across the quays, public art installations and plenty of benches if you want to sit and watch the world go by.

8. Take a Manchester Ship Canal cruise

Seeing Salford Quays from the water gives you a different perspective on the area. Manchester River Cruises run from outside the Lowry and travel along this historic waterway, offering commentary about the highlights of old and new Salford Quays with a fascinating commentary about the Manchester Ship Canal. You’ll see the BBC and ITV studios at Media City, the disused dry docks, old factory buildings, Stephenson’s 1830 Bridge, the remnants of an infamous Georgian prison and the Theatre of Dreams, Manchester United’s football stadium: Old Trafford. It’s a relaxed way to explore, especially if you’re visiting with family.

Manchester River Cruises waiting to leave from outside the Lowry

9. Try watersports at Salford Watersports Centre

If you’re feeling more active, Salford Watersports Centre offers activities including kayaking, sailing and paddleboarding right in the heart of the quays. Sessions are available for beginners as well as more experienced participants, and it’s a great way to do something a bit different on a city break.

10. Visit Old Trafford

Although technically in Manchester, Old Trafford is just a short walk from Salford Quays. Football fans can take a guided stadium tour, visit the Manchester United Museum or, if you’re lucky enough to get tickets, attend a match. Even non-fans often enjoy seeing one of the most famous football stadiums in the world.

Shopping at Salford Quays

There are several outlet and retail stores dotted around MediaCityUK and the Lowry Outlet Mall, making it a good spot for browsing between attractions. For more extensive shopping, the Trafford Centre is just a short tram ride away.

Where to eat and drink in Salford Quays

Salford Quays has plenty of easy dining options, including familiar chains such as Nando’s, Pizza Express, Wagamama and The Alchemist. For something a bit smarter, Pier Eight at The Lowry offers modern British dining with views over the water. If you’re after something casual, Kargo MKT at MediaCityUK is a great choice, with street food from around the world under one roof.

Further afield: more things to do nearby

If you have more time, there are plenty of attractions within easy reach of Salford Quays:

• Salford Museum and Art Gallery, with local history displays and a recreated Victorian street.

• Peel Park, a pleasant green space close to the city centre.

• RHS Garden Bridgewater, one of the newest RHS gardens and well worth a visit.

• Trafford Centre, for shopping, dining and entertainment.

• SEA LIFE Manchester, popular with families and aquarium fans.

• LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Manchester, another family favourite for younger visitors.

How to get to Salford Quays

Salford is in Lancashire, North West England, just outside the city of Manchester.

The easiest way to get from Manchester to Salford Quays is by tram. From Manchester Piccadilly train station, take the blue line towards MediaCityUK, hopping off at Exchange Quay after about 18 minutes for Ordsall Hall.

By car: It's about a half hour drive from Manchester to Salford Quays.

By air: the closest airport to Salford Quays is Manchester Airport (about a 20 minute taxi away)

Related content -exploring more of the North of England? You might find these useful:

• One day Salford itinerary: the perfect day trip from Manchester - a handy, ready-made plan if you want a relaxed schedule for Salford and the Quays.

• 6 fabulous day trips from Manchester without a car - great ideas for exploring the North West beyond Salford and Manchester.

• Ultimate guide to Leeds city break - everything you need to plan a great city break in Yorkshire’s vibrant heart, from museums and architecture to food and culture.

• A fun one-day guide to Halifax, Yorkshire - our perfect day trip itinerary for a northern market town with character and history.

• One day in Carlisle: top things to do and see in England’s Great Border City — a suggested itinerary for exploring the castle, cathedral, restaurants and museums in this historic Cumbrian city.

  
  

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