Greater Manchester encompasses loads
Greater Manchester is the area that encompasses the self-proclaimed capital of Northern England. Within, are the roaring terraces of Old Trafford – the home of Manchester United – and Manchester City's Etihad Stadium, the industrial-chic bars of the Northern Quarter and the buzzing media institutions of Salford Quays. But that's not all. Greater Manchester vacation rentals might also pepper the edges of the beautiful Peak District, sit between the rolling hills of the English countryside or offer a gateway to more off-the-beaten-path towns, like Bolton and Rochdale.
Greater Manchester bursts with museums
There are plenty of museums to keep you going on those not-so-rare rainy days in Greater Manchester. Tales of soccer greats twist and turn between the trophies and vintage kits of the National Football Museum – hailed as one of the finest sporting exhibits in the world. Something totally different beckons in the Imperial War Museum North, on The Quays. Behind its UFO-like shell, there are Soviet tanks and strips of metal pulled from the wreckage of the World Trade Center. The Museum of Science and Industry is another must, home to locomotives, jet aircraft and spinning machines.
Greater Manchester is a hubbub of city life
Get ready to really feel the pulse of the happening North. Greater Manchester is filled with hip neighborhoods, like the Northern Quarter and Ancoats, each home to interesting clutches of Britpop music dives and jazz joints and cocktail bars. If you manage to wake without a hangover, then you could join the roaring fans on the terraces at Old Trafford or the Etihad, watching hard-fought soccer showdowns between the city's 2 top-flight teams. Meanwhile, staying in Greater Manchester vacation rentals in the countryside is a chance to hike the Peak District or cruise along a canal on a barge.
When to make the most of Greater Manchester
Greater Manchester might not be known for its sunshine and warmth, but it's certainly likely you'll catch days without rain in the summer season. That runs from June to August and is a great time to seek out Greater Manchester vacation rentals – the Peak District looks beautiful and the city's beer gardens are in full swing. To dodge the biggest crowds, seasons like fall – October and November – and winter – December to March – are perfect. It does get wet then, though, and cold, so be sure to bring a coat and an umbrella.
Exploring the natural features in Greater Manchester
Whether you're looking for adventure or just want to take in the scenery, Greater Manchester is a great place to spend some time outside. Here are a few of the area's noteworthy natural features, all within 30 miles (48.2 km) of the city center:
- Peak District National Park (16.6 mi / 26.7 km)
- Platt Fields Park (2.8 mi / 4.4 km)
- Piccadilly Gardens (3.6 mi / 5.8 km)
- Wythenshawe Hall (6.1 mi / 9.8 km)
- Heaton Park (6.6 mi / 10.7 km)
- Dove Stone Reservoir (9 mi / 14.5 km)
Transportation to and around Greater Manchester
The nearest airport is in Manchester Airport (MAN), located 8 mi (12.9 km) from the city center.
If you prefer to travel by train, Reddish North Station, Ryder Brow Station and Gorton Station are the main stations in the city. You can get around Greater Manchester by catching a ride on the metro at Cemetery Road Tram Stop, Droylsden Tram Stop or Edge Lane Tram Stop.
