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The Quays, Greater Manchester

Creative Tourist

The Quays is an area that’s gone from busy industrial dock to culture, media and tech hub within the space of 120 years. Opened by Queen Victoria in 1894, the Salford Docks (as they were then known) became the busiest in the UK, serving the ships that came up the Manchester Ship Canal, a waterway built in order to escape the hefty charges levied by Liverpool’s dock and rail companies. Today, The Quays is home to MediaCityUK (the largest media hub in Europe) and studios purpose-built for the BBC’s move up North in 2011.

Two major cultural institutions – Imperial War Museum North and The Lowry – also straddle the Ship Canal, connected by a pedestrian bridge. The Lowry boasts two theatre, galleries, a studio space, restaurant and shop; IWM North’s fragmented design represents a globe shattered by war (inside, it’s completely devoid of right angles) and houses a beautifully-presented permanent collection and series of changing exhibitions that consider the many ways conflict shapes society. Restaurants (we recommend Pier 8 at The Lowry), bars (try The Botanist) and even high-end supermarkets (the family-run Booths) complete the offer in the area.

With good transport links to the city centre, The Quays is the sort of place where you could happily lose half a day; or some of your sanity, if you choose to complete the ‘dock to dock’ course of the Great Manchester Swim…

Our top picks

Imperial War Museum North (IWM North)

Imperial War Museum North (IWM North), Imperial War Museum North, The Quays, Trafford Wharf Road, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M17 1TZ - Visit now

Designed by world-renowned architect Daniel Libeskind to represent a globe shattered by conflict, IWM North boldly punctuates the Salford Quays waterfront, and houses a permanent collection, special exhibitions and events that explore the many ways in which conflict shapes society.

Find out more
Imperial War Museum North exterior shot - host of story seekers
Imperial War Museum North (IWM North)

Lowry

Lowry, Pier 8, Salford Quays, Salford, Greater Manchester, M50 3AZ - Visit now

With two theatres, galleries and a studio space, The Lowry combines the performing and visual arts to impressive effect and is loved for both its famous LS Lowry Collection and the dizzying array of productions it hosts year on year.

Find out more
The Lowry Theatre and Gallery in Salford Quays Manchester.
Image courtesy of Visit Britain

Pier Eight at The Lowry

Pier Eight at The Lowry, Pier 8, The Lowry, Salford Quays, Salford Quays, Greater Manchester, M50 3AZ - Visit now

Helmed by the talented head chef Oliver Thomas, The Lowry’s in-house fine dining restaurant is all about fresh produce and bold British flavours.

Find out more
Pan-fried sea bass, chard leek, creamed potato, purple sprouting broccoli, orange butter milk sauce

Coronation Street (Media City)

Coronation Street (Media City), Media City UK, The Studios From Dock 10, Manchester, M50 2EQ - Visit now

Immerse yourself in seven decades of history and drama on the nation’s most famous street, which is new shot at Trafford Wharf in MediaCityUK, where ITV run fully guided tours of the outdoor sets.

Find out more

Central Bay

Central Bay, Quayside MediaCity, Salford Quays, M50 2EQ - Visit now

A new, waterfront dining and drinking destination at MediaCity is set to be launched as Central Bay – and will become the first of its kind in Salford and one of the biggest in the region.

Find out more

The Empty Space at Footlights House

The Empty Space at Footlights House, 48 Kansas Avenue, Media City, Salford, M50 2GL - Visit now

The Empty Space is an intimate black box theatre space. Situated close to the MediaCityUK studios, with free parking and good transport links, the theatre hosts plays, comedy, musicals, performance poetry, recitals and showcases. An ideal venue to present creative work of all kinds and a party or event space.

Find out more
The Empty Space at Footlights House
Image courtesy of Footlights Theatre.

The Botanist Media City

The Botanist Media City, Media City, Salford, M50 2HE - Visit now

Featuring high-class herbal-infused cocktails and a variety of world cuisine – including those impressive hanging kebabs – The Botonist commands striking views over The Lowry, Imperial War Museum and the reclaimed industrial landscape of the Quays themselves.

Find out more

General Store MediaCityUK

General Store MediaCityUK, 2 Blue, MediaCityUK, Salford, M50 2AD - Visit now

The two-storey General Store MediaCityUK is a one-stop-shop for retail and dining, showcasing some of the North’s best independent food brands, from Nell’s Pizza to The Great North Pie Company, while providing convenience store essentials.

Find out more
General Store MediaCityUK

Ordsall Hall

Ordsall Hall, 322 Ordsall Lane, Salford, Greater Manchester, M5 3AN - Visit now

A stone’s throw away from the Quays, Ordsall Hall is a spectacularly-preserved Tudor mansion and museum – one of only eight such houses in Lancashire – and is supposedly haunted by the broken-hearted White Lady.

Find out more
Ordsall Hall
Image courtesy of Ordsall Hall

More The Quays events

Pig Heart Boy at The Lowry
–
FamiliesMediaCityUK
Pig Heart Boy at The Lowry

A Children’s Theatre Partnership, Unicorn Theatre and Sheffield Theatres Production
Based on the novel by Malorie Blackman
Adapted by Winsome Pinnock
Directed by Tristan Fynn-Aiduenu

Is it better to have a pig’s heart that works … than a human heart that doesn’t?

Homecoming at Lowry
DanceSalford
Homecoming at Lowry

Blending storytelling, dynamic choreography and cutting-edge technology, this show can be enjoyed as an immersive live theatre show or via VR. Intrigued? We certainly are.

from £18.00
Marikiscrycrycry - Goner at The Lowry
DanceSalford
Marikiscrycrycry – Goner at Lowry

Created by performer and choreographer Malik Nashad Sharpe (aka Marikiscrycrycry), Goner is a unique live performance blending dance, horror and social exploration.

from £18.00
See all The Quays events

Where to go in Manchester

Renae Logo
Manchester
Restaurant
Renae

Opening in stages, renae begins its journey with the launch of its ground-floor neighbourhood music-led bar on Friday 28th March 2025. This laid-back yet stylish space will blend a cosy daytime shop with an intimate bar that flows from day into night, serving craft beers, natural wines, and cocktails at accessible prices.

Chakalaka
Manchester
Restaurant
Chakalaka

The very best of South African cuisine in an intimate, friendly space in Manchester’s Northern Quarter.

The Daisy
Manchester
Restaurant
The Daisy

The Daisy is one of Manchester’s more in-demand basement bars, offering an underground Paris-inspired night out.

Manchester
Restaurant
Sampa

Colourful Brazilian fine dining at Caroline Martin’s intimate restaurant, Sampa.

Hinterland bar and cafe
Manchester
Café or Coffee Shop
Hinterland

Alcohol-free bar and cafe in the heart of Northern Quarter. Serving mocktails, 0% beer and all your alcohol free favourites.

Chancellors Hotel is a Grade II listed Victorian mansion located in South Manchester surrounded by five acres of beautiful landscaped gardens, in a relaxed, scenic and picturesque setting.
Manchester
Hotel
Chancellors Hotel

Chancellors Hotel is a Grade II listed Victorian mansion located in South Manchester surrounded by five acres of beautiful landscaped gardens, in a relaxed, scenic and picturesque setting.

Kōdo Entrance
City Centre
Restaurant
Kōdo

Kōdo, a secret bar like no other. It is all about discovery. The only way to enter is with a special code, which changes weekly.

MediaCityUK
Café or Coffee Shop
Blanconero

High-level Italian food in Salford Quays, with no less than seven different lasagnas to choose from.

See all places in Manchester

Manchester Visitor Guides

Malmaison Manchester
Boutique Hotels Manchester

Some of the most unique places to stay in Manchester. We pick out the top upscale accommodations with a twist.

Sunday Roasts in Manchester

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Manchester Restaurant Deals

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Manchester Central Library
UNESCO City of Literature: Manchester

Manchester is the 26th UNESCO City of Literature, joining illustrious alumni from across the globe. Here's our guide to literary landmarks across the city.

Vegan Food in Manchester

Whether you’re a proud vegan or merely curious, let us guide you towards the best vegan food in Manchester for Veganuary.

UNITOM bookshop
Bookshops in Manchester

Manchester is a UNESCO City of Literature, so of course there are a few go-tos for books. Read our guide to discover the best places to pick them up.

Manchester District Guides

People enjoying drinking in Altrincham
Things to Do in Altrincham

Plan a day out down Altrincham way, and you’ll soon find that one day isn’t nearly enough. Getting there is easy on the tram, or how about cycling along the…
Chorlton, Manchester

Chorlton is a left-leaning suburb a few miles south of Manchester’s city centre (and only 10-odd minutes away by tram). A sprawling hive of artisan coffee shops, boutique clothing stores,…
The front of Didsbury restaurant Volta.
Didsbury, Manchester

Follow Oxford Road South through the Curry Mile, along Wilmslow Road, past Platt Fields Park and through Withington and you’ll eventually reach Didsbury, an area divided into two main parts….
Castlefield, Manchester

The Roman General Julius Agricola founded ‘Mamucium’ in 79AD; the name means ‘breast shaped hill’, as this was what Agricola discovered in Castlefield, where the original settlement was based.
Beech Road Chorlton, Manchester

A laid-back mix of gift shops, independent outfitters, restaurants, pubs and parks, on a sunny weekend afternoon it’s heaving.
The Oast House pub in Spinningfields Manchester.
Spinningfields, Manchester

Spinningfields is Manchester’s realm of glass and steel, where global corporations have their headquarters. It’s also become a real culinary hotspot: you can find modern tapas at Ibérica, innovative Chinese…
Photo of a handwritten label in a cafe that says
Burton Road, West Didsbury, Manchester

Tis Burton Road is the heart of West Didsbury, a beautifully maintained leafy hubbub of shops, bars and restaurants where independence is paramount. The main strip is home to fifteen…
Mother's Day in Manchester and the North
Spotlight on

Mother's Day in Manchester and the North

From bespoke bouquet workshops and poetry royalty to slap-up Sunday roasts and gin tastings, check out our guide of things to do with your mum this Mother's Day.

Take me there

Destination Guides

Culture Guides

Theatre in Manchester and the North
Theatre in the North

DaDaFest’s 40th anniversary line-up, contemporary reimaginings and outlandish fringe, check out our top theatre picks for spring onwards.

We shelter here sometimes promo image. Featuring My Dog Sighs inside and abandoned building.
Cinema in the North

David Lynch, International Women's Day and Manchester Film Festival are amongst our cinematic highlights this March.

Mohair Man, 1991, by Dave Swindells
Exhibitions in the North

Cinematic sets, 90s nightclub photography and even new gallery - we have a great mix of exhibitions for you this month.

Poet Imtiaz Dharker. Photo by Ayesha Dharker
Literature Events in the North

Some of our favourite leftfield live literature regulars are back with their first events of the year – we’ve picked a weird and wonderful heap we think you’ll love.

GROVE
Music in the North

We’re championing all things underground this month, with a selection of gigs and festivals that embrace the strange.

Classical Music in the North

Read our latest highlights from the live classical music offer in Manchester and the North, taking in a number of the region's most cherished orchestral forces and venues.