Salford Quays
The Manchester Docks opened in 1894, linked by the Manchester Ship Canal to Eastham on the Wirral. At their peak just after World War II they were the third busiest docks in the UK, but by the 1970s had fell into decline due to changing trade patterns. They closed in 1982 and fell into disrepair and the waters became contaminated.
Today, following a massive regeneration scheme led by Salford City Council, Salford Quays is home to a museum, arts centre, hotels, apartments and flats, offices, restaurants and bars, a shopping mall, and multiplex cinema.
One of the first major developments at Salford Quays was The Lowry, an arts centre boasting two theatres, a large collection of paintings by LS Lowry, a restaurant, and several bars. It opened in 2000 and attracted over 1 million visitors in its first year of operation.
Two years later saw the opening of the Imperial War Museum North, one of the most striking pieces of architecture in North West England. Designed by Daniel Libeskind the building represents a globe shattered by conflict. Innovative exhibits here show how lives have been shaped by war in the 20th and 21st centuries. Admission is free.
The Lowry Outlet Mall offers factory outlet shopping at hefty discounts. It is also home to the Vue multiplex cinema (formerly the Red Cinema), a private health club, several restaurants and bars, and a food court.
MediaCityUK is a purpose-built home for the creative and digital industries. The first phase was completed in 2011. Tenants include the BBC, ITV and the University of Salford. The development also includes apartments, a Booths supermarket, plus Prezzo and Wagamama restaurants.
Accommodation options at Salford Quays include the Ramada, Copthorne Hotel, Holiday Inn Express, and the Holiday Inn Manchester-MediaCityUK. Hotels in the surrounding area include the Old Trafford Lodge and Trafford Hall Hotel.
To get to Salford Quays by car leave the M60 at Junction 12 and take the M602 and then the A5063. The Lowry Outlet Mall boasts a multi-storey car park. Parking is free for the first hour. Visitors making a purchase from one of the stores can get their ticket validated and enjoy four hours free parking. Cinema and restaurant customers get six hours free parking. There’s also a pay-and-display car park at the Imperial War Museum North.
Buses to Salford Quays include the Salford QuaysLink (number 9) service from Salford Crescent train station to the Lowry/Lowry Outlet Mall and the 250 from Piccadilly Gardens to the Trafford Centre.
Salford Quays is well served by Manchester’s Metrolink transport system. Stations here are Broadway, Harbour City, Anchorage, Salford Quays, Pomona, and MediaCityUK. Harbour City is convenient for the Lowry Outlet Mall, The Lowry, and Imperial War Museum North.
Mersey Ferries offer 6 hour cruises on the Manchester Ship Canal from the Wirral to Salford Quays (or vice versa). The return journey is completed by bus.