What to see and do

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What to see and do in Salford? Where to start? Take a trip back in time to Salford past by visiting Ordsall Hall or following one of our heritage trails around the city. Culture vultures will be spoilt for choice with world class art and theatre at The Lowry and cutting edge grassroots music and events on Chapel Street at Islington Mill.

Tourism at the heart of Salford

With attractions ranging from the lush, green surroundings of RHS Bridgewater, to the stunning architecture of MediaCity, Salford’s tourism offering caters for all tastes. As we reflect on the recent English Tourism Week 2023, let's take a closer look at what tourism and the visitor economy mean to Salford.

The economy

Tourism is a key cornerstone to the growth of our city. The tourism industry is a vital source of employment for many around Salford and a driver of economic growth. Data from 2020 indicated that tourism’s annual economic impact on Salford was around £246 million, with a total of 2.68 million visitors coming to our shores annually. In the year before, 2019, the economic impact was measured at around £715 million, with 7.84 million people visiting Salford that year. It is hoped this will increase with latest figures expected to show further growth post pandemic.

What’s on offer

Salford is a destination that caters for all needs and wants. From culture, art, waterways, countryside, food and drink as well as sport, Salford has something for everyone and for all seasons. 60% of our space in Salford is green, including 18 square miles of countryside and parks. RHS Bridgewater adds to those numbers with its stunning gardens set within 154 acres. Moreover, we have the famous Bridgewater Canal, six waterways, 30 miles of rivers and canals, so, water enthusiasts will have a lot to do and see in Salford.

Salford is a city with a long history and heritage. Our history stretches back to 923AD and is reflected in our buildings and achievements. Salford is home to one of the first public lending libraries, now known as the Salford Museum and Art Gallery. Peel Park was the first public park in the United Kingdom funded entirely by the people’s subscription, to officially open and both make a great day out for visitors today

Salford Quays is our waterfront destination like no other, featuring one of Europe’s leading technological hubs, MediaCityUK, which is home to over 200 digital and media businesses, including the BBC and ITV, located on what once was one of the world’s biggest industrial ports. The area is also home to The Lowry, an art lover’s dream, packed with the famous artwork of the city’s most famous son L.S. Lowry as well as theatres and further gallery spaces.

Away from the bright lights of MediaCity, visitors can experience Ordsall Hall, Salford's Grade 1 listed Tudor manor house as well as the serene and scenic surroundings of Worsley village.

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Salford is ideally located next to the city of Manchester and only a minute’s drive into the Manchester city centre. Buses and trams can be taken from Manchester city centre to various parts of Salford, with a single bus journey in Greater Manchester not exceeding £2. The city also offers simple access to the home of Manchester United, Old Trafford, which is a 15-minute walk from Salford Quays.

How Salford City Council promotes Salford

Salford City Council recognises the role it has to play to shine a spotlight on the great attractions our city has on offer. The council runs a dedicated Visit Salford website focusing on Salford offerings, including handy information on what to do, where to eat and stay in our city. It also runs three Visit Salford social media channels - Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, providing regular updates on everything visitors need to know to help make the most out of a visit to Salford.

Producing a monthly e-newsletter which highlights upcoming events happening in Salford, the council also works together with various partners across the city and Greater Manchester to promote what Salford has to offer.

To keep up to date on everything that is happening in Salford, make sure you follow Visit Salford across social media and sign up to the e-newsletter.