Tourist attraction near Manchester
Museum of Science and Industry
The Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI) is on the site of the world’s oldest railroad station. Its 12 galleries include the Power Hall, with water and steam-driven machines from the golden age of the textile industry, as well as vintage made-in-Manchester cars, including a rare 1904 Rolls Royce. The history of the city from Roman times through the Industrial Revolution to the present day is documented in the Station Building. The Air and Space Gallery is another must-see and is home to numerous historic aircraft, including a replica of Triplane 1 by A. V. Roe, the first British plane to successfully fly.
Also worth visiting for its collections of fighting vehicles and aircraft is Imperial War Museum North. Highlights include audiovisual presentations and exhibits dealing with the history of warfare and its role in shaping civilization, as well as large machines such as tanks, aircraft, artillery, and handheld weaponry.
National Football Museum
Home to two of Europe’s top football teams – Man City and Man United – Manchester is a great place to pay homage to the country’s favorite sport. First stop should be theNational Football Museum. This football shrine features fascinating memorabilia related to the sport, including such gems as the very first rulebook, as well as historic trophies and clothing. A variety of great short movies show the history of the sport, while fun hands-on (and feet-on, for that matter) displays provide plenty of additional entertainment for youngsters.
It’s also worth paying a visit to one (or both) of the Manchester teams’ home stadiums. Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium offers a variety of fun tour options, including behind-the-scenes and deluxe dinner tours, while Old Trafford – home to Manchester United – offers guided tours that allow access to private boxes and the chance to tread the field itself.