If you stop by Edinburgh this year make your stay at the Sheraton, no i wasn’t paid to say that, but following a recent event I attended at the Sheraton Edinburgh, I can without a shadow of a doubt say that this is certainly one of Edinburgh’s best hotels!

Following a recent complete refurbishment of the hotel and a global social media initiative called meetyouthere, which brings together anything mentioned about the Sheraton brand on Twitter, Facebook, Foursquare, TripAdvisor and Instagram into one central place, means (in my book) that the Sheraton brand has customer satisfaction firmly at its core.

On April the 12th Travelideas were were lucky enough to be invited to an evening and overnight stay of the Sheraton Edinburgh to see how much the hotel has changed since the refurbishment. We were not the only attendes, there was a global mix of travel bloggers including Mike Snowden for travelllll.com, Kate McCulley of adventurouskate.com, Lisa Theirl of Itravel Britian,  Rebecca Quin of Sharing Travel Experiences and Chris Watts of Pure Travel Style.

The objective of the night was to showcase the refurbishments and massive overall to the hotel and highlight the logic behind these changes.

Our evening began in the club lounge on the 7th floor, (but not before we tried out the One Spa hydrotherapy pool in the afternoon. Set on the rooftop of the spa suite, the hydrotherapy pool is an open air spa pool with beds to lie back in and enjoy the Edinburgh skyline – a must for anyone visiting the hotel!)

The club lounge itself is a meeting place on the 7th floor club level offering a relaxing atmosphere as well as work stations for business. Set on the 7th floor it has a view overlooking the city and is a great space to come to unwind if you have been out in the city all day.

Following drinks in the club lounge we had a full tour of the hotel – starting off in the One Spa – we were shown the two floor spa area and treated to a treatment and then we saw the gym, where we had a shot at the gym’s Core Performance programme, which has a section dedicated to the jetlagged visitor!

After this we had a tour of the link@sheraton which is a new part of the entrance of the hotel offering WiFi and workstations and a seated breakout area.

After this we had an interactive gin and wine tasting, before (one of my favourite parts)… visiting the hotels kitchens.

Having worked in the catering industry in my youth, I remember kitchens as hot, sweaty and dangerous – the Sheraton has turned this around by using induction hobs, which means that the kitchen has a cool comfortable working environment. And special thanks goes to Executive chef Malcolm (@mbwedinburgh) who made my my own veggie food!

After this we were invited to eat in the Sheraton restaurant which offers an outstanding selection of food and wine, and with views overlooking the castle this is the perfect spot to finish off any evening in Edinburgh.

And following drinks, dinner and conversation a well deserved rest!

The verdict – our overall verdict after the event was that the hotel is truly fantastic and the refurbishment has certainly made it one of the best hotels in the city so well worth staying when in Edinburgh.

And for a brand to truly ‘embrace’ social media rather than simply ignoring it or only highlighting the positive feedback it receives is pioneering and currently sets this hotel brand apart from its competitors.

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So you are looking to get away from the daily grind for the weekend but aren’t sure where to go. Well, the UK offers some great destinations for a weekend break so with this in mind, here are four of the best.

Bournemouth
A decade or so ago, Bournemouth used to be the favoured destination of the older person and you would be hard pushed to find a holiday maker under the age of fifty. Now Bournemouth is trying to re-brand itself as a destination for all ages, and not without good reason. It officially boasts the finest beach in the UK, as rated by Trip Advisors ‘Travellers Choice’ awards, with over 7 miles of golden sands. In addition to this, it was also voted in the top 10 best beaches in Europe beating other Mediterranean hotspots of Spain, France, Italy and Portugal. Recently the council have injected over £11 million into the rejuvenation of Bournemouth investing in top class water sports academies, a newly refurbished pier and trendy new restaurants. Add to this the wide choice of hotels, Bournemouth B&B’s and self catering establishments, and it is easy to see why it is a great place for a weekend getaway.

Scotland
Scotland is a place of extremes, from the stunning scenery and the peace and tranquillity of the highlands of Scotland, to the trendy cities of Edinburgh and Glasgow. Why not stay in a fabulous B&B overlooking one of the many Scottish lochs or find some of the best group accommodation Scotland has to offer. Or alternatively, if you like a little more hustle and bustle, then why not base yourself in one of the major cities. With a flying time of around 45 minutes from London or around 5 hours by train or car, you can be there in no time at all.

Peak District
The area surrounding the peak district has the distinction of being the UK’s first national park, and to this day is still one of the most popular. There is plenty to see and do here and situated in Derbyshire, right in the heart of England, it is easily accessible from many points in the UK. It’s classic walking country, ranging from the gentle inclines and toe paths where you can meander, to the more challenging peaks. The peak district also offers some great accommodation, coupled with some excellent restaurants and pubs serving some fine food and drink. All in all, a place you simply have to visit.

Norfolk
Norfolk is awash with miles of unspoilt coastline, some of the best nature reserves in the country, historic market towns and picturesque villages, and of course the Norfolk Broads. Enjoy the stunning beach at Holkham or see the vast cliffs at Weybourne. Sample the Saturday morning vibe of market towns such as Swaffham, Wymondam and Fakenham, or visit the ancient city of Norwich, which still retains it’s old world charm.

There you have it! 4 great destinations for a UK weekend break.

It’s about that time of year when families are planning their annual family trip away. The obvious choice might be the typical package holiday to Spain or Portugal. As a busy parent, you can hardly be blamed for picking an all inclusive hotel deal; but there are many more adventurous options open to you for your vacation.

Camping trips abroad may not be what immediately springs to mind for you and your closest; but it is one of the most rewarding activities you can do as a family. Many will be put off by the ‘Do-it-Yourself’ nature of pitching a tent and ‘foraging’ for food. With some common sense planning – you can ensure, however, that your camping trip goes off without any problems.

For families, especially ones with young children, the self-catering aspect of a camping trip can suit very well indeed. There is a certain pleasure that can be derived from raiding the local supermarkets and cooking up the best of native cuisine. The firm favourites can also be found for the children. Camping holidays in France are the perfect venue for trying out a new way of eating and experiencing a country’s fare.

An outdoors sojourn gives you plenty of freedom to do as you please. The itinerary is all of your own creation. There are a plethora of wonderful adventurous activities you can take part in with the children. If you are on a family on a budget, making your own entertainment can be a very cheap or cost free way of having fun. Collecting wood for fires, picking berries and nature trails are great ways to bond with the family.

There is a certain educational quality for the children of these activities. The skills and sense of resourcefulness you use and acquire along the way are useful for life. When camping, there is a certain amount of fending for yourself.  Out in the fresh air and in beautiful countryside – this sort of holiday will undoubtedly be a welcome break, especially for the urban dweller.

On the subject of cost saving – camping is a cheaper accommodation option than staying in a hotel. If you get a ferry to the continent and take your car to get to the campsite; you can save a considerable amount of money on travel (as opposed to flying). Money saved on these elements – usually the biggest expenditures of a holiday – puts money in your wallet to be spent on other things (such as the occasional treat or local entertainment!). Camping is an alternative and cost effective way of spending quality bonding time with the children and the rest of the clan.

This post was written by +Sarah Clarke, a freelance writer and enjoyer of travel, techno, kittens and cheese on toast.

Birmingham is a city that is often overlooked when compared to London, Manchester and Liverpool. Nevertheless, travellers to the United Kingdom will find the city worthy of a visit. Arguably, known as the “Second City” in comparison to London, Birmingham originally gained prominence during the industrial revolution. The metropolitan borough is also recognized for the culture, art and beautiful architecture throughout the city. Even though the industrial past of the city has been left behind, the former “workshop of the world” has been transformed into a contemporary city with an economy that is only second to London in the United Kingdom.

The city is an energetic and entertaining metropolitan that has several landmarks and cultural activities to appreciate. With over 2.3 million individuals located in the urban area of West of Midlands there is an additional 1.4 million people in the metropolitan region. The extensiveness of the metropolitan area lends to the lively atmosphere within the city.

Currently Birmingham is experiencing a substantial regeneration throughout the borough. The regeneration is known as the “Big City Plan” with a $17 billion strategy to revitalize the crumbling areas of the urban environment. With this restructuring plan, Birmingham may be able to break into the prestigious top 20 “most liveable cities in the world” list. This ambitious goal is making news internationally and is placing Birmingham on the map for tourists.

Taking all of these changes into consideration, there are 10 destinations that should not be missed in this West Midlands borough.

10. The Bull Ring

The primary commercial area in Birmingham has been the nerve center of the city since its medieval history. The Bull Ring is the largest shopping mall within the city and is considered a main attraction. The mall has approximately 40,000,000 visitors pass through its structure every year. One of the most attractive destinations within the mall is the Selfridges department stores. Meals are available at the Birmingham Wholesale Markets within the mall. Hotels near the Bullring offer a wonderful opportunity to enjoy this attraction to the fullest.

9. Soho House

Soho House was the home of Matthew Boulton during 1728-1809 and is considered a historical landmark. The English manufacturer that was made famous due to the mark he made on the industrial development of Birmingham with James Watt. The home is beautiful in design and provides visitors an excellent history of Matthew Boulton and the Lunar Society.

8. Victoria Square

The pedestrian public square is home to the Council House, Anthony Gormely’s, Dhruva Mistry’s Fountain and Town Hall. During the year the square is also a location for celebrations including the annual Frankfurt Christmas Market and Craft Fair.

7. Millennium Point

Millennium point is located on the East side district and is a multipurpose structure with several points of interest. The two most popular attractions within the structure are the Think Tank Science Museum and the gigantic IMAX cinema.

6. Barber Institute of Fine Arts

The institution is recognized as one of the finest small art galleries in Europe and is located at the University of Birmingham. The museum is known to receive glowing reviews by art lovers due to the galleries, programs and exhibits available.

5. Aston Hall

This Jacobean style mansion located in Aston, was built between 1618 and 1635. The building is currently owned by the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery.

4. Museum of the Jewellery Quarter

The museum highlights the changes that have taken place throughout the history of the city. The attraction is free and is a wonderful glimpse into the Industrial Revolution.

3. Ikon Gallery

The Ikon Gallery is the nest of contemporary art in the city and is part of the regeneration plans of the borough. The structure was previously a Victorian boarding school with Neo Gothic architecture, but plans are in place for an Ikon 2 on the east side of the city.

2. Central Library/Library of Birmingham

The new Library of Birmingham is not scheduled to be completed until 2013, but the design and architecture of the contemporary construction of the structure will astonish many. The former Central Library is still open to visitors and is still considered one of the finest libraries in the UK.

1. Birmingham Museum & Gallery

The main attraction in this wonderful city is the Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery. The museum contains exhibits covering the topics of archaeology, ceramic, metal work, ethnography, fine arts and history. The building is centrally located in the Chamberlain Square which adds to the attraction of the site.

Have you ever thought about combining a horse-riding holiday with a camping holiday? Experience nature up close and personal by getting back to basics round a camp stove before heading out into the open fields and winding trails on horseback. And what´s more there are plenty of opportunities for you to organise a camping and horse riding holiday both in the UK and abroad.

There is a wealth of opportunities for families, couples and singles to combine their love of horse riding and camping in numerous countries all over the world and with tour operators that specialising in both, you be assured everything will be made as comfortable and easy as possible. Sleep under the stars in Italy or Australia, or stay in a walk in tents in Africa and explore a wide range of stunning scenery.

Combining camping and horse riding holidays can be fun for all ages.

Image Courtesy: http://www.flickr.com/photos/acrider/2610484906/

Camping and Horse Riding Holidays in Europe

The UK has some amazing countryside. Quaint villages surrounded by a patchwork of green fields and clusters of trees make ideal trails for inexperienced riders. You will find specially organised trips for all levels and experiences in many beautiful places including Carmarthenshire, Wales and Exmoor in the south-west of England and around the stunning lakes of Cumbria in the north-west.

In Norway and Sweden you can head out into the rugged Kebnekaise Mountains of Lapland and in Italy explore the stunning terrain of Tuscany taking in the medieval hamlet of Castelfalfi, the castle at Tonda and the natural springs of Bagni di Mommialla. Also in Italy you can enjoy romantic scenery of shimmering lakes on the western tack before discovering how the Italians even make campfire food taste delicious. Alternative options in Europe would be to venture along the relatively unexplored Transylvanian trail in Romania or the cultural and historical sites along the UNESCO listed Cappadocian trail.

Camping and Horse Riding Holidays around the World

The ultimate horse-riding and camping holidays are arguably further afield and can be found in dozens of fascinating countries with enviable scenery and camping facilities. Imagine trotting through a scene straight from the Wild West in North America and the Rockies Mountain range of Canada, or surfing safari in the wanderlust countries of Africa.

Argentina, Ecuador, Chile and Peru in Latin America all boast breathtaking scenery and exploring it on horseback offers you a unique way of discovering these amazing countries together with the friendly and welcoming people. Australia and New Zealand are other typical choices, but have you thought about the mountains of Tibet, the open deserts of Mongolia or the cultural melting pots of India? You should because they offer some of the best horse riding and camping opportunities anywhere in the world.

How long to go for?

Riding a horse everyday can be cruel to your body so you wouldn´t want to go on anything more than a four day trail even for the most experienced horse-riders. If you are travelling a long way, there is no point going on holiday for less than two weeks, but book two or three day treks at a time then take a couple of days rest to recover before heading out on a different trail, either in the same region or somewhere close by.

Conclusion

Merging one’s love of horses with camping could make for a different sort of holiday. Camping will help save some money and you can be at one with nature and your horse. Why not try camping for your next equine holiday?

Whatever the weather, there are many exciting things you can do in London. Even in winter, London enjoys many sunny days, and although you might still need a coat, hat, gloves and scarf to keep out the cold, there is no reason not to visit some of the many outdoor attractions of the city. There are many parks, walks, and historical sites to explore, though one item that should be on the itinerary of all London breaks is a walk along the south bank of the River Thames.

When the sun comes out in wintery London, so too do the people and you will find a good many of them doing just that; taking a stroll along the famous South Bank walk.  Starting at Tower Bridge and heading west, this walk takes in City Hall, the Second World War battleship HMS Belfast, Hays Galleria which is a shopping arcade a little away from the river, the London Dungeon, Southwark Cathedral, the Cannon Street railway bridge, the Anchor public house (where you can enjoy an excellent lunch), and right by there is Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre. This theatre is modelled on the original Globe and in true Shakespearean tradition you can see plays in the open air, though it is not open in winter.
Next you pass the Millennium Footbridge which you can cross to visit St Paul’s Cathedral. Returning to the South Bank you pass in front of the Tate Modern which is certainly worth a visit. You will walk under Blackfriars Railway Bridge followed by Blackfriars Bridge and soon you will see OXO tower. This is followed by Gabriel’s Wharf where you will find several popular restaurants and shops.  Continue past the London Studios to the National Theatre (the largest public funded theatre in the UK) and the Southbank Centre (which incorporates the Royal Festival Hall, the Queen Elizabeth Hall and the Hayward Gallery). Altogether these form a dramatic (and some find overbearing) concrete maze of theatres, concert halls, bars, restaurants, balconies, halls and auditoria.
You have now reached the most popular open space in the whole of the City, which in the summer months can be overcrowded, but on sunny wintery days is ideal.
Continue on under the Hungerford railway bridge and the Golden Jubilee Footbridges and to Jubilee Gardens, a small park at the end of which is the London Eye. In summer the queues of people waiting for a ride on it are daunting, but in winter it takes very little time to get a ticket, and if you have a head for heights it is worth the effort; from the top you will see amazing views of the City. Afterwards continue under Westminster Bridge and view the Palace of Westminster across the river.
Perhaps that is a good place to end the walk and get a taxi or tube back to your hotel to get refreshed before dinner. However cold it might be outside, it is always warm inside the theatre and certainly you will wish to take in one or more of the many West End shows. The best way to obtain tickets for many of the more popular ones is to purchase one of the London theatre breaks which include hotel accommodation and theatre tickets in a single package. Not only do these save money, but often you can get the best theatre seats too.
Don’t let the winter put you off as there are always plenty to do and see in London, whatever the weather.

London, England is the home of several of the most visited attractions in the World. You will find Big Ben, the Tower of London, the London Eye and many others centres, homes, hotels and famous landmarks just waiting to be explored on your doorstep when you book any Westminster hotels. Here is a list of our top 10 favourite London attractions, particularly for first time visitors to London:

The Houses Of Parliament

The British Government are seated in the Houses of Parliament and throughout the year they will debate on a vast array of different topics. You will be able to have the opportunity to attend a debate, tour the buildings and witness Big Ben it all its awe inspiring height.

Buckingham Palace

A visit to the residence of the Queen is a real must do activity, particularly for first time visitors to London. You will be able to view some of the rooms that are used by the Queen herself as well as see some of the wonderful trinkets, treasures and fineries available for Her Majesty to use. During the Summer it is also possible to visit the grounds where the Queen holds some of her famous tea parties throughout the year but these are by extreme invitation only and members of the public cannot gain access to these.

The Tower of London

This is one of the most famous historical locations in London and is the place where Anne Boleyn was beheaded. You will find Warders here who will guide you around the Tower and you will be just metres away from where the Crown Jewels are held. A guided tour here is fantastic, informative and fun for all ages with lots of conversation and interaction amongst the groups.

The London Eye

Being higher than Big Ben would probably be a big enough experience in itself but on a clear day you will be able to see for up to 25 miles. The London Eye was originally installed for the Millenium celebrations but has been such a hit that it is has stayed in the very same place that it was first installed and it is now starting its twelve full year in the capital. Even a cloudy day in London can be a fantastic one as you can see some of the most historic landmarks from here even if the visibility is not very high.

St Paul’s Cathedral

Located in the City of London for over 300 years St Paul’s Cathedral has stood the test of time. The Cathedral has survived the Blitz and is a place that is well known throughout the country for holding some truly beautiful services and being home to many a well known and respected church member throughout the years. The Cathedral is absolutely stunning and must be seen to be fully appreciated in all its glory.

Tower Bridge

Here you can see some Victorian work in all its marvel. Having stood for over 125 years you will be able to watch this being lowered and raised several times a day and this is truly fantastic to see in action. If you want to learn some more about the bridge, how it works and how it was built there is an exhibit just waiting to be explored and even the option for some very high level walking which makes way for some truly breath taking views. Be sure to take a camera with you but ensure that it is firmly secured!

The Southbank Centre

If you are looking for some diversty, some arts, some crafts or some entertainment on your London break then why not come here? The Hayward Gallery is home to some amazing pieces by World renowned artists and you will find numerous types of music on offer here including classic music in the Queen Elizabeth Hall. If you are looking for somewhere amazing to dine then visit the Skylon restaurant while you are here for a meal that you will not forget in a hurry.

The River Thames

A boat trip along the Thames will allow you to witness some of the buildings and architecture here without having to even walk or queue up for ages. You can have lunch or dinner on a number of boats and you are also able to enjoy a nice glass of champagne or a beer while cruising along taking in the sights. You will find many boat trips available at any number of points along the River Thames but you can take a boat trip as part of a London Eye package and save yourself some money also.

The Royal Observatory

Located in Greenwich you will be able to visit the National Maritime Museum and see the Royal Observatory too. While here one of the most fascinating things to do must be to stand in both the Eastern and Western hemispheres at the same time which is definitely not something that you can do on any old holiday!

The O2

What started out life as the Millennium Dome has now become known as the O2. You can spend a whole day enjoying some wonderful cuisine and taking in a show with around 20,000 other fans! You will see huge celebrities performing here and you can also watch a movie, enjoy a night out in the nightclub or just grab a drink and have a catch up with friends or family. The atmosphere in the arena can be truly amazing, particularly when everyone is singing along to the song of a well known musician such as Lady Gaga or Prince.

Whatever you decide to do while in London you can be sure of an amazing fun filled adventure for the whole family and by booking a four star hotel central London you will be right in the heart of the city and in walking distance from most attractions.

So, you’ve decided you want to visit Yorkshire and enjoy some of its stunning scenery and its picturesque villages. So where do you stay? Do you stay in a hotel or look at cottages to rent in Yorkshire?

While of course it is a matter of personal preference, you may be one of the many people who are now choosing to stay in holiday cottages rather than a hotel or Bed & Breakfast. Why is this?

Cost
Typically, cottages to rent in Yorkshire may work out more cost-effective than alternative accommodation. And in today’s tough economic climate, for most of us, every penny counts.

Privacy
If you are the type of person for who holidays are a chance for you to chill out and sprawl across the sofa without being interrupted, then holiday cottages may be just what you are looking for. For some people, staying in a hotel with interruptions from housekeeping staff and having the formality of going downstairs to the breakfast room etc is not relaxing.

Space
Even though you may be out and about exploring Yorkshire during the day, do you really want to spend the evening stuck in a hotel room? With holiday properties you have a whole cottage to relax in after a hard day of walking and / or sightseeing.

Experience
Cottages to rent in Yorkshire allow you to have your Yorkshire experience in a more personal atmosphere. What sounds better for you – a quaint and quirky cottage in a small village or a large, impersonal hotel room in the middle of town?

Pet-friendly cottages
If you hate being separated from your pet when you go on holiday, then the good news is that there are pet-friendly holiday cottages. This is not only good for you and your pet’s emotional welfare, but it saves you money on kennel costs too!

So now we have discussed hotels versus cottages to rent in Yorkshire, which option will you choose?

Travelling around the UK is a delightful pleasure to be experienced by travellers, for those who are thinking about a trip to or in and around the UK; there is one place which should feature on any traveller’s map of ideas and plans for places to visit… The Lake District (or commonly known as The Lakes) is situated in the heart of the UK, centralised in the county of Cumbria, this amazing and picturesque location has featured firmly on travellers maps for centuries and boast some of the best walking holidays to be found anywhere in the UK. With uninterrupted views from your WetheralCottages.co.uk range of lake district holiday cottages you can enjoy the rolling hills of The Lakes with a glass of wine in the comfort of your cottages back garden and surrounding private grounds.

With the massive range of benefits which accompany the lake district cottages on offer through wetheral cottages booking you and your family a whole cottage for a week is one great way to enjoy a holiday in this part of Cumbria, just a stone’s throw away from Lake Windermere, the range of cottages available through Wetheral are terrific, choose from over 6 different cottages, all with unique and original features, some old shepherds cottages like Mickledale holiday cottage in the lake district offers you the traveller, a chance to own your own piece of this idyllic place for a few weeks of the year and relax in pure comfort as you parade yourself as the king of this holiday cottage. With amazing things to see and do in the local Windermere area, The Lakes offer you everything and anything you may need, from local farm shops selling home made bread and fruit and veg, to country pubs vending local ales and beers brewed in the Cumbria regions, even tours of Micro brewers and farms, animal sanctuaries and walking trails, even horse riding and equestrian sports, the Lake District boast all of this and more!

What more could you possibly want from a cottage holiday in the UK? With reasonable prices on offer for all the luxury holiday cottages on offer at Wetheral Cottages, you are sure to find a holiday deal, a cottage and that special place in the lake district which we at travel ideas know you are going to fall in love with again and again and keep coming back for more and more luxury holiday cottage goodness. Wetheral Cottages is the place to book your Cumbrian Holiday Cottage if you are thinking about visiting the Lake District during your travels this summer season.

Manchester lies in the southern part of North West England. Its population is close to 500,000 people, and it was the site of the world’s very first railway station, as well as being where scientists first split the atom.
Anyone visiting Manchester for a weekend break may be thinking what has this got to do with me?

All I want to know about is what there is to see and do here, but in fact the Alan Turing Memorial is situated here in Sackville Park, and is in memory of Alan Turin who is an icon of computing. He can be found sitting on a bench in a central position in the park. Another statue is the larger than life statue of Abraham Lincoln by George Gray Barnard which can be seen in Lincoln Square, and in Albert Square you can find monuments to Prince Albert, Bishop James Fraser, Oliver Heywood, William Gladstone and John Bright, while in Piccadilly Gardens there are more dedicated to Queen Victoria, Robert Peel, James Watt and the Duke of Wellington.

The Museum of Science and Industry in Manchester holds extensive displays about transport including rail, air and space, as well as power, textiles, computing and more. It also offers steam train rides on a train that’s pulled by a replica of ‘Planet’ one of Robert Stephenson’s stam locomotives. The museum is located on Castlefield near the site of a Roman fort, and incorporates the original terminal building of the Liverpool and Manchester Railway which was the world’s first passenger railway.

If you fancy stepping back in time, you could try visiting the Stockport Air raid shelters where you can experience the sights and sounds of Home Front Britain, and wander around reconstructed tunnels which can show you what it might have been like to be here during the war.

If you happen to be visiting between 30th June and 17th July this year, then there are some fantastic performers going to be appearing here at the Manchester International Festival including Bjork, Damon Albarn, Snoop Dogg, and many more. During this time, the city will be transformed into a festival zone and will bring together work by some of the world’s best artists in visual and performing arts, music and popular culture.

The Peoples History Museum makes a fascinating visit and entry is completely free. Based in a restored Edwardian Pump House, it documents the revolutionaries, reformers, workers, voters and citizens of Manchester and shows how historic events here played a key part in changing the UK politically.

If you are going to Manchester and looking for a place to stay for a long weekend you can often find that reting a flat for the weekend can offer excellent value for money. A good starting place is to look on Gumtree’s free ads Manchester board which list rentals.