Summary
Situated across the River Irwell from Manchester, the City of Salford presents a unique narrative. Established through a charter in 1230, Salford enjoyed a prosperous economy, often thriving more than its renowned neighbor.
During the textile boom of the 18th and 19th centuries, Salford emerged as a pivotal inland port on the Manchester Ship Canal, inspiring numerous works from the painter L.S. Lowry (1887-1976), who was educated in the city.
However, with the decline of Salford Docks due to containerization, the city’s economic stability faltered.
While deprivation persists as an issue, the past three decades have witnessed the transformation of the port, now recognized as Salford Quays, into a modern urban environment.
This evolution has facilitated the establishment of significant cultural venues such as The Lowry and the Imperial War Museum North, along with MediaCityUK, which hosts a considerable portion of the BBC’s operations.
1. Ordsall Hall
Just a short walk from the contemporary structures of Salford Quays lies a magnificent Tudor mansion, which served as the residence for the Radclyffe family over a span of 300 years.
The remaining sections of Ordsall Hall are constructed in two wings surrounding a courtyard garden, with the southern section dating back to the 15th century and the western range finalized in 1639, both featuring elements dating back 750 years.
The highlight of Ordsall Hall is undoubtedly the splendid Great Hall, where visitors can admire the cruck roof, intricate studwork, and the Tudor rose motifs carved into the 16th-century table.
A staircase leads to the 14th-century Star Chamber, which features the Radclyffe Bed, acquired by John Radclyffe and Lady Ann Asshawe in 1572. Additionally, visitors can explore the 17th-century kitchen, the 16th-century Frederic Shields Gallery, and the 14th-century Great Chamber.
2. Salford Quays
One of the UK’s most significant regeneration initiatives has been underway at the former Manchester Docks since the late 1980s.
These docks, inaugurated by Queen Victoria in 1894, initially ranked as Britain’s third busiest port before declining due to the rise of container shipping.
Plans for redevelopment into a thriving business, cultural, and residential district initiated in the early 1980s, leading to the rebranding of the docks as Salford Quays.
Initially, the parallel basins were interconnected by smaller canals, creating a network of waterways.
By the late 1980s, this new district began to take form with the establishment of low-rise residential buildings.
Such developments were succeeded by impressive high-rise structures like Imperial Point and City Lofts, furthermore, Salford Quays was connected to the Manchester Metrolink tram system in 1999.
3. MediaCityUK
A transformative project that has altered the perception of Salford Quays in just one generation is MediaCityUK, a 200-acre mixed-use development designed for media enterprises and facilities for the University of Salford.
The initial phase was finalized in the early 2010s, establishing an exciting urban landscape emblematic of the 21st century.
Currently, the BBC serves as the primary occupant, relocating a significant portion of its operations from London to Salford Quays as part of a decentralization initiative.
In addition, ITV has also moved ITV Granada and the northern branch of ITV studios to this location.
Visitors can marvel at the architecture, enjoy a meal, and stroll through the gardens and plazas.
The BBC offers a 90-minute guided tour, providing insights into studios where iconic programs such as Match of the Day and Mastermind are produced.
Moreover, across the Manchester Ship Canal, ITV has opened its sets for the long-established soap opera, Coronation Street.
4. The Lowry
Central to the revitalization efforts of Salford Quays is The Lowry, an Arts Centre completed in 2000 adjacent to the Manchester Ship Canal. Designed by Michael Wilford, the structure reflects aspects of Salford Quays’ industrial heritage, and is named in honor of the Stretford-born artist L.S. Lowry, who had a notable focus on industrial landscapes and was educated at Salford Technical College (now the University of Salford). The complex features extensive gallery space dedicated to displaying Lowry’s collection of over 400 works, alongside dynamic contemporary art exhibitions.
The Lowry houses three theatres, with a total capacity of 1,730 (Lyric), 440 (Quays), and 150 (Studio), hosting various performances daily including plays, musicals, dance, live music from prominent artists, stand-up comedy, and discussions with philosophers, cultural figures, and politicians.
5. Salford Museum & Art Gallery
Enveloped by the University of Salford, this substantial museum is situated on the southern side of Peel Park, chronicling the history of Salford with an extensive collection of Victorian art.
Established in 1850, the museum itself warrants a visit to admire its Italianate Renaissance-style galleries.
The exhibits are organized to resemble the layout of a traditional Victorian museum, where paintings, decorative arts, and sculptures vie for the viewer’s attention.
Significantly, the North Gallery features an important assortment of Pilkington’s Ceramics, a leading producer of decorative tiles and art pottery in the early 20th century.
Another noteworthy section is Lark Hill Place, a recreated street reminiscent of Victorian Salford, alongside the LifeTimes Gallery which explores 200 years of social history in the city.
Young visitors may enjoy an Explorer Trail, complete with engaging quizzes and drawing activities.
6. IWM North
Opposite The Lowry, on the southern bank of the Manchester Ship Canal in Trafford Park, stands one of the five branches of the Imperial War Museum, which opened in 2002. This striking building, featuring three interlocking metallic shards symbolizing air, earth, and water, was designed by Daniel Libeskind, creating an atmosphere of intended disorientation reflective of war’s impact.
The entrance is located within the 55-meter-high “air shard,” while the primary exhibition is housed on the first floor in the “earth shard.” In this expansive hall, visitors will find significant artifacts, including a Soviet T-34 tank, the 13-pounder field gun that fired the British Army’s initial shot in WWI, remains from the World Trade Center, along with a Harrier jet from the United States Marine Corps.
Digital projections addressing various facets of modern warfare are presented on the gallery’s walls each hour.
7. Salford Lads’ Club
Founded in 1903 by Robert Baden-Powell, the Salford Lads’ Club in Ordsall was established to provide a constructive environment for young boys in underprivileged areas, redirecting their energies into productive activities and sports.
The club has an illustrious roster of former members, including actor Albert Finney, Busby Babe Eddie Colman, and guitarist Graham Nash of The Hollies and Crosby, Stills and Nash.
Notably, for fans of The Smiths, the building is recognizable from Stephen Wright’s photograph of the band inside the album sleeve for “The Queen is Dead.”
Morrissey and fans sporting similar glasses and hairstyles can be seen cycling around the club in the video for “Stop Me If You Think You’ve Heard This One Before.” Salford Lads’ Club remains an active hub, offering a variety of activities for young individuals of all genders.
8. Manchester United
Considered one of the world’s most prestigious football clubs, Manchester United resides by the Bridgewater Canal on Salford Quays’ southern flank.
The club has called Old Trafford its home since 1910, and the stadium, designed by Archibald Leitch, has undergone numerous renovations and expansions throughout the past century.
Most recently, in 2006, an additional 8,000 seats were incorporated, elevating the total capacity to 74,994. For devoted supporters of the Red Devils, witnessing the three-time European Cup winners play in the stadium associated with legendary managers Sir Matt Busby and Sir Alex Ferguson can be a lifelong aspiration.
On non-match days, visitors can delve into Manchester United’s fascinating history and explore “Theatre of Dreams” through a guided tour, which includes access to the dressing room, tunnel, VIP room, and press room.
Additionally, the museum allows fans to capture memories alongside the treble trophies won in 1999 (Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League).
9. Old Trafford Cricket Ground
The term “Old Trafford” also pertains to First-Class and international cricket.
Located just minutes south of the football stadium, the 19,000-capacity Old Trafford Cricket Ground has been the home of Lancashire County Cricket Club for over 150 years and consistently hosts international tests, one-day internationals, and T20 matches.
For those unfamiliar with cricket, attending a one-day or T20 match presents a more digestible introduction, as these games involve quicker scoring and are concluded within hours rather than days.
Old Trafford is also a venue for the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup (one-day), featuring a significant match between India and Pakistan.
In addition to international fixtures, county matches take place throughout summer, as Lancashire competes in Division Two of the County Championship, ensuring ample entertainment options.
10. Chapel Street
This principal thoroughfare has existed since Salford’s inception, exemplifying modern constructions that harmoniously coexist alongside historic monuments.
Chapel Street was notable for being the first street in the world illuminated by gas lamps in 1806.
The artist L.S. Lowry frequently sketched around Chapel Street, and today, he would undoubtedly appreciate the vibrant arts community and exhibition space found in Islington Mill, housed within an industrial brick structure.
Furthermore, Salford City Council has devised the Chapel Street Heritage Trail, a self-guided pathway from Blackfriars Bridge to Peel Park, providing insight into the area’s rich narrative while guiding visitors to landmarks such as the Crescent Pub, historically visited by Engels and Marx.
In May, the Sounds from the Other City festival transforms a multitude of venues along and near Chapel Street into an underground music festival.
11. St Philip’s Church
Positioned slightly back from Chapel Street on Wilton Place, St Philip’s Church is an imposing Greek Revival structure established in 1824. Visitors are greeted by a notable semicircular Ionic portico topped with a slender bell tower.
This includes fluted pilasters that lead to a clock produced by Whitehurst and Company of Derby.
Guests wishing to explore the interior will find galleries on three sides, a typical feature of Georgian churches, as well as elaborate mid-19th-century stained glass in the east window.
The two-manual organ, constructed by the Stockport-based Renn and Boston company, dates back to 1829.
12. Barton Swing Aqueduct
A remarkable feat of Victorian engineering, the Barton Swing Aqueduct carries the Bridgewater Canal over the Manchester Ship Canal.
This unique structure, the only swing aqueduct globally, accommodates larger vessels navigating the Manchester Ship Canal while providing a bridge for broad-beam barges and narrowboats on the Bridgewater Canal.
Engineered by Edward Leader Williams and constructed by Andrew Handyside and Company, the aqueduct was inaugurated in 1894 and continues to function regularly.
Measuring 100 meters in length, the aqueduct pivots around an islet at the center of the ship canal, all while holding 800 tons of water.
The aqueduct rotates roughly two times a day, more frequently if boat traffic necessitates, and an observation platform at the rear of Chapel Place offers visitors a view of this intriguing spectacle.
13. Peel Park
As one of the earliest public parks in the UK, Peel Park was inaugurated in 1846 and bears the name of the Bury-born Prime Minister Sir Robert Peel (1788-1850). The park served as the principal location for Queen Victoria’s 1851 visit to Manchester and Salford.
Situated beside the River Irwell, Peel Park is bordered by the University of Salford and several of its residential buildings.
L.S. Lowry studied at this institution from 1915 to 1925, when it was known as Salford Technical College, often visiting the park to sketch and create paintings.
By the 2010s, the park had experienced a decline, yet secured £2.5 million in Heritage Lottery funding in 2015, resulting in a comprehensive restoration completed by 2018, and subsequently earning a Green Flag designation.
Visitors will find cultivated flowerbeds, mature trees, and public art as part of the larger Irwell Sculpture Trail.
Among the noteworthy features is an obelisk marking the flood’s high water mark (8 feet 6 inches) from November 16, 1866, when the Irwell overflowed, resulting in three fatalities.
14. Salford Cathedral
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Salford’s cathedral stands as one of the largest places of worship for Catholics in northern England.
Founded in 1850, the diocese is one of the earliest to be established in England since the Reformation 300 years prior, while the cathedral’s construction was finalized in 1848. The architect was Matthew Ellison Hadfield, known for designing several mid-19th century Roman Catholic churches in the Gothic Revival style.
Upon entering this Grade II* building, visitors should take a moment to observe the oak-panelled reredos adorned with gilded scenes from the Life of Christ, as well as the exquisite Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament located in the south transept.
Moreover, the grand east window displays original stained glass, showcasing saints, martyrs, and monarchs rendered in a Romantic style.
15. Lowry Outlet
Behind the Arts Centre in Salford Quays, an outlet mall is available, featuring savings of up to 70% across more than 90 stores spanning two floors.
This establishment represents the sole factory outlet mall in Greater Manchester, offering discounts on a diverse range of products including fashion, home decor, appliances, sportswear, cosmetics, and more.
Prominent British brands at the Lowry Outlet include Marks & Spencer, Clarks, Clintons, and The Body Shop, alongside Gap, Black and Decker, Trespass, Holland & Barrett, The Works, Claire’s, and Cotton Traders.
For dining options, a 400-seat food court features popular eateries such as Café Rouge, Nando’s, and Subway, followed by the opportunity to watch a film at the Vue Cinema.
