What to do in Salford
Think of Salford and you think of Lowry. Not only Salford-based artist L S Lowry, but the cultural and architecturally award winning Millennium Landmark Arts Project - The Lowry, and Salford’s only five star hotel, the celeb-friendly Lowry Hotel.
It just goes to show how things have changed. Take The Quays - the new leisure capital of the north west. Whether you’re after spectacular views from reclaimed tow paths, river cruises, theatres, galleries, designer shopping, museums, modern architecture, watersports, football, cricket, go-karting tracks - or the Salford Triathlon - it’s all to be found within one square mile.
The jewel in The Quays' crown is The Lowry - 2001’s Building of the Year and a work of art in itself. Enjoy the world’s finest collection of L S Lowry’s works, contemporary exhibitions in the galleries, and the interactive ArtWorks. Our answer to the Sydney Opera House also has two theatres, shop, cafes and bars. With the Imperial War Museum North and Manchester United Football Club just across the Lowry Footbridge on the opposite bank of the Manchester Ship Canal, there's so much to see and do now that a day out can easily turn into a weekend away. And if you do have time on your side, you can explore the rest of the city -
Ordsall Hall Museum is just a short walk away. With three ghosts and something like 600 years of history packed into the place, this Tudor manor is reputedly one of Britain’s most haunted houses. It played its part in the gunpowder plot and is one of Salford’s hidden gems - dripping in black and white timbers, it’s not at all what you’d expect to find in the middle of the city!
Salford really is a city of surprises - visiting Worsley Village should come with a disclaimer: You are not entering Alderley Edge - this really is Salford. Though you might expect to see David and Victoria Beckham amongst the Cheshire-like picturesque timbered housing and idyllic greenery, what people come here for is the industrial heritage.
Thanks to the 40 miles of the Duke of Bridgewater’s underground canals at The Delph, Worsley is heading towards world heritage status. And speaking of landed gentry, there are good views of Old Warke Dam and The Aviary - the 1st Earl of Ellesmere’s fishery and wildfowl area - when you walk round Worsley Woods near Mill Brow.
But if its rural you’re after have we got a treat for you- Blackleach and Clifton are our two country parks. Blackleach’s 100 acres of greenbelt are great for wildlife, nature walks and fishing and you’d never guess that this used to be the site of a chemical works. Clifton’s 80 acres of countryside are also home to a Wet Earth Colliery. This beautiful park has a variety of wildlife habitats - woodland, wetland, ponds and a fishing lake - where you can walk, cycle or even take your horse. Talking of horses, whilst at Clifton meet Salford’s gentle giants - the shire horses who now live at the 19th century working Clifton House Farm.
Finally, when you’re looking for somewhere to stay in the evening, look no further than Sir Rocco Forte’s luxurious five star Lowry Hotel or the four star Marriott Worsley Park Hotel and Country Club - home to the England football squad when they play at northern grounds.
So, if you thought Salford was all matchstick men and Coronation Street, think again! World class architecture, hotels and food, designer shopping, canal cruises, wildlife reserves plus major sporting and arts events are more the order of the day. Find out more about all these at the Tourist Information Centre on 0161 848 860.
