Activities in Salford

Salford is well known for nurturing some of the brightest and best musicians, artists, poets and general working-class icons, many of whom visited The Salford Lads Club in Ordsall during their formative years. As well as still functioning as a community hub for the area’s young males, this place is a top attraction in the city. Here you can learn about the history of the club, as well as visiting the ‘Smiths Room’, which is full to the brim with memorabilia of the famous Manchester band, The Smiths.

If you want to learn more about the city, head to Salford Museum & Art Gallery beside Salford Crescent, just over a mile from our Manchester City Centre West hotel. The building dates back to 1850, when it was the UK’s first free public library. Nowadays it is home to both permanent and temporary exhibitions, celebrating Salford’s heritage and welcoming fascinating guests such as the Royal Academy of Arts.

If art galleries are your thing, you would be a fool to miss out on the opportunity to visit The Lowry whilst staying at one of our Salford hotels. This theatre and gallery venue is home to a fantastic collection of art, particularly from L.S. Lowry himself, whom the venue is named after. If you also appreciate good architecture, the building itself is considered a work of art.

Head over a bridge across the quay and you will find the Imperial War Museum North, another stunning building which is one of finest pieces of deconstructivism architecture you are likely to see. Visitors here can explore an impressive display of artefacts and exhibitions which teach them about Britain’s wartime history, ranging from World War One to present day conflicts.

Walk east for just over a mile onto Ordsall Lane and you will come across Ordsall Hall, a Tudor manor house with a rich history dating back to 1117. You can channel your inner Henry VIII here and dress up as a Tudor, try some food that would have been popular in the 1500’s, or listen to the stories of Ordsall Halls historic residents. It is free to the general public – but plan your visit wisely as it is closed on Fridays and Saturdays.

Heading back into modern day, and you don’t get much more modern than MediaCityUK. This waterside development – home to The BBC and ITV amongst others – is a packed full of things to do. We particularly recommend taking a behind-the-scenes tour of the BBC, including a stroll through the Blue Peter Gardens.

If you would prefer to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre, then the idyllic Bridgewater Canal will be right up your street. With a footpath stretching miles upon miles of leafy waterside, and attractions such as Dunham Massey Hall and Norton Priory Museum along the way, this is a fantastic way to spend a day in Salford. If all the walking works up a hunger or a thirst, there are plenty of pubs and picnic spots en route to take a pit-stop at.