Cheap Airport Parking at Manchester

Jane Shepherd asked:


A bespoke floor finish from Flowcrete - made up of a creative blend of colour and texture - has been applied in just one weekend at Manchester Airport.

 

Flowcrete’s innovative Flowfast Terrosso - which is ready for use just hours after installation - has been applied across 2,500 square metres in the new £10 million Security Search Area of Terminal 1.

 

A special design has been created for the area, with an eye-catching blend of blues, silvers and even glitter built into the mix.

 

The design is not only visually appealing, its reflective qualities help lift illumination levels within the building. 

 

Around 15,000 passengers go through Terminal 1’s Security Search Area each day, but the unique qualities of Flowfast Terrosso mean the floor’s stylish design and appeal withstand the high footfall levels.

 

Aedas Architects – Manchester Airport Group’s Framework Architects – oversaw the project and Flowcrete approved contractor Q Flooring – based in Altrincham – carried out the installation.

 

Tony Fleming of Aedas, said: “We wanted something completely different for the airport, in a style which had not been used before.

 

“When we were looking at the concept we went down to Flowcrete’s headquarters with Milligan’s, the Manchester Airport Design Team, to mix our own colours.

 

“It was a completely bespoke product and we would have struggled to get that level of choice and flexibility – together with speed of installation - from any other type of flooring.

 

“We are pleased with the end result and fits perfectly with Manchester Airport’s vision of a clean, simple and inviting environment for Terminal 1.”

 

Utilising the latest in resin technology, Flowfast Terrosso offers a floor finish that looks good and stands up to all the demands associated with floors for public spaces.  

 

In most cases, it is ready to use just two hours after application, allowing other works to continue with minimal disruption.

                                                                                          

The floor offers good slip-resistance, can withstand thermal shocks and impact, and is hardwearing. Its seamless finish also delivers an easy-clean finish that makes it easy to maintain.

 

These qualities, coupled with its decorative style – available in a wide-range of colours and styles – make it the ideal choice where an attractive floor needs to be installed quickly.

 

Flowcrete’s Alan Blay, director of Flowfast, said: “This installation shows just how creative resin flooring can be. The new floor looks superb and can withstand all the rigours of a busy airport environment.”

 

Graham Fenton, sales director of Q Flooring added: “This was a prestigious project that performed well both in terms of the speed of the programme and the style of the floor finish.” 

 

Find out more at advice@flowcrete.com

 

http://www.flowcrete.co.uk

 

 

ENDS

 

Notes to editors

 

Flowcrete UK Ltd

The Flooring Technology Centre

Booth Lane,

Moston,

Sandbach,

Cheshire

CW11 3QF

 

Visit us on the web at http://www.flowcrete.co.uk for the UK and flowcrete.com for global details.

 

 

Flowcrete is a world leader in the supply of specialist flooring for commercial and industrial buildings. With 30 offices worldwide and manufacturing plants globally, Flowcrete’s aim is to transform environments with its innovative specialist flooring products. These include decorative seamless resins, waterproof car park decking, resin terrazzo, seamless anti microbial flooring, corrosion protection, self-levelling cements, underfloor heating and acoustic systems. Flowcrete is using its global expertise to introduce environmentally friendly, hygienic and aesthetically attractive floors to create a better and more sustainable world at our feet.

 

Since April 2008, Flowcrete has become part of RPM International Inc, a multinational holding company floated on the New York Stock Exchange with subsidiaries that manufacture and market high-performance coatings, sealants and speciality chemicals.

 

Press release issued by Jane Shepherd, Shepherd PR 01538 308685 mobile 07985 129315.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Susan Ashby asked:


If you’re travelling to Manchester for a luxury vacation to remember, we recommend checking in on the following upscale and luxurious accommodations.

1. Copthorne Manchester

Located on the Salford Quays neighbourhood, the Copthorne Manchester was luxuriously renovated in 1997 and today features the latest and most modern facilities and conveniences as well as a magnificent view of the waterfront. The city centre is just two miles away from the hotel while the airport is only 10 miles away. There are 166 rooms in all and each one is extraordinarily large and usually decorated in a soothing beige and terracotta colour scheme. The hotel has an excellent and classy restaurant, Chandler’s, with its own private cocktail bar. There are nine conference rooms that can accommodate 180 guests maximum and two suites with ISDN access as well as six syndicate rooms. The hotel has an in-house coordinator to handle corporate conference needs and provide audio-visual equipment, courier services and message handling upon request. The Copthorne Manchester offers a bar and a minibar, parking, television, restaurant, sauna, whirlpool, fitness club, internet access, disabled access, car-hire facilities, business facilities, 24-hour room service and air conditioning.

2. Crowne Plaza Manchester - The Midland

Located at Oxford Street and St. Peter’s Square, the Crowne Plaza Manchester - The Midland is one of Manchester’s most popular landmarks and most imposing buildings. Its red-brick Edwardian façade is magnificent and stylishly lined with flame-bearing torches. There are over 300 rooms, including the luxurious Queen and Presidential suites reflective of an old-style country manor. Two of the hotel’s restaurants are AA Rosette awardees. The gym offers aerobic classes as well as physiotherapy, beauty treatments and allergy testing. The function rooms can accommodate up to 700 guests and these include the historic Rolls and Royce Suites, which are named in honour of the car partnership which was signed in there in 1904. The Midland offers a bar and minibar, television, restaurant, sauna, whirlpool, fitness club, hairdresser, solarium, swimming pool, computer facilities, 24-hour room service and air conditioning. Pets are allowed.

3. The Lowry Hotel

Standing proudly beside the Trinity Bridge on the River Irwell, the Lowry Hotel is one of the newest and most luxurious five-star hotels in the city. Its design is ultra-modern, featuring minimalist influences with plenty of natural light, glass and metal that give off a strong sense of urban chic. The lavish in-house restaurant, Marco Pierre White in the River Room, is famous in its own right for its culinary delights and its world-acclaimed chef. There are 164 rooms in all. The Lowry Hotel offers a bar and minibar, parking, television, restaurant, safe deposit, hairdresser, sauna, whirlpool, fitness club, solarium, car-hire facilities, business facilities, computer facilities, internet access, disabled access and 24-hour room service.

4. Manchester Airport Hilton

Built in 1986, the Manchester Airport Hilton is one of the newest and most modern additions to the famed Hilton hotel chain. The airport terminal is less than a mile away while the city centre is only 20 minutes away. There are nearby tourist attractions such as the Quarry Bank Mill and the Dunham Massey Hall and Gardens. There are 223 rooms in all and each room has a direct-dial phone as well as facilities for making tea and coffee. There are also nine corporate functions rooms for a maximum of 300 guests. The hotel also has a steam bath, plunge pool and full-size swimming pool. The Manchester Airport Hilton offers a bar and minibar, parking, television, restaurant, sauna, whirlpool, fitness club, business facilities, computer facilities, disabled access, car-hire facilities, 24-hour room service and air conditioning.

5. The Marriott Manchester Hotel & Country Club

The restored Marriott Manchester Hotel & Country Club stands on the site of Worsley Old Hall surrounded by 200 acres of woodland, giving it a unique and picturesque setting. There are 169 rooms in all, every one en suite and furnished with top-flight amenities, as well as nine corporate conference rooms that can accommodate a maximum 250 guests. The hotel boasts an award-winning in-house restaurant, an 18 hole championship golf course as well as a 20 meter indoor swimming pool and numerous gym and fitness facilities. The Marriott Manchester Hotel & Country Club offers a bar, parking, television, swimming pool, fitness club, business facilities, computer facilities, internet access, childcare facilities, 24-hour room service and air conditioning. Pets are allowed.

6. Palace Hotel

Owned by the Le Meridien Hotel Group, the Palace Hotel is one of central Manchester’s most attractive and renowned landmarks, boasting of great urban elegance and charm. The hotel’s smoked glass and marble interiors are stunning. Its location is ideal since it is on Oxford Road, a stone’s throw away from some of the city’s leading attractions, including the Palace Theatre and the Bridgewater Hall. There are 252 rooms in all, 12 conference rooms for a maximum of 200 guests and a Palace Ballroom for 1,000 guests. The in-house Waterhouse Restaurant is renowned for its sumptuous excellent cuisine and is a special favourite of vegetarians. The Copper Face Jacks bar and pub is a popular local haunt because of its vibrant ambience and nightly live music. The Palace Hotel offers a bar and minibar, televisions, restaurant, whirlpool, business facilities, childcare facilities and 24-hour room service.

Article by Susan Ashby of Manchester Singles. To read more articles like this or for dating in Manchester visit http://www.manchester-singles.co.uk



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Michelle Elkins asked:


There are a wealth of reasons to travel to the paradisaical island of Sardinia and the mesmerising turquoise waters and sandy beaches are just the tip of the iceberg. Whether you love to delve into the ancient past of a country, trek through unspoilt, wild landscapes, have a taste of a traditional way of life or throw yourself head first into an array of water-sports, shop til your drop and rub shoulders with the rich and famous, the Olbia region of Sardinia has it all. 

 

Olbia is the main port for tourists to Sardinia and receives ferries from mainland Italy, as well as having its own airport. As the gateway to the Smeralda Coast, one of the glitziest stretches of beaches and coves on the Mediterranean, Olbia Airport is very much in keeping, with a modern, airy terminal building renovated in 2004

 

Flights from the UK leave from Bristol, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Gatwick, Leeds and Manchester airports and are served by 10 low cost airlines including easyJet, Jet2 and Ryanair. On landing you will come into the arrivals hall which has been specifically adapted for passengers with special needs. There are wheelchair ramps, fitted restrooms, elevators and telephones and outside the terminal are 40 reserved parking spaces for those with mobility problems. Based in arrivals is also the lost and found office, cashpoints, Internet kiosks and information desk which can provides advice on everything from accommodation to activities.

 

Compared with some airports, Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport has really gone to town when it comes to shopping and restaurant facilities. Located both before and after security in the departures area are some fabulous retailers selling products from the traditional to the exclusive, as well as the usual stores such as a pharmacy, newspaper/bookstores and 2 banks. When it comes to refreshments, you´re even more spoilt for choice. There´s a wonderful open-aired cafe outside arrivals called the Kara Kiosk, which sells mouth-watering pastries and cakes as well as varying savoury snacks. A wine bar and a restaurant serving hot Italian dishes situated in departures before security and even an outdoor Smokers Garden Cafe, once you get past all the checks, for those who can´t resist a last cigarette before they board the plane. There is also facilities for businesses with large and small meeting rooms and a business centre.

 

Most people travelling to Sardinia though haven´t come to hangout at the airport, so onward transportation is of prime importance. For most travellers, the preferred option is to arrange a Olbia Airport car hire. These are located in the arrivals hall and are AM Service, Autoeuropa, Avis, Easycar, Ellepi, Europcar, Eurorent, Hertz, Italy by Car, Maggiore, Matta, Midarent, Pinna, Ruvioli, Sardinya, Sixt and Smeralda Express. Each of them offers slightly different deals so make sure when you get a quote you know exactly what is included, as surprise additional charges at the collection desk can often make for a bad start to a holiday.

 

If you´re not hiring a car then by far the most convenient alternative is an airport transfer, where a driving meets you in arrivals and sweeps you away to your car without any needless hassle or waiting about, as can be the case when using the Olbia Airport taxis. A less expensive option is to reserve a seat on a private shuttle bus so the cost is shared with your fellow passengers. Taxis are located outside arrivals and, as an idea of how steep they can be, the fare from the airport to Olbia city centre just 3km away is €15.

Buses are always the least pricey option and the Number 2 and 10 buses leave every 15 minutes from outside arrivals and do a circular route through Olbia. For destinations further afield, including Nuoro, Calgiari and Santa Teresa di Gallura there are the Olbia Airport coaches. Although there is no train station at Olbia Airport, there is one at Via Gabriele DÁnnunzio, a stop on both bus routes.



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nalts asked:

Inspired by a young child, Nalts kills time at the Dallas airport by crawling past random people. What else can you do when you have a 3-hour delay??

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Donald Donaldson asked:


A look at how Manchester airport, with the revenues generated by car hire companies and retailers has led to development and expansion.

Manchester Airport is considered by many to be the primary Airport in the north of England. With Birmingham it is one of the two major airports that are not linked to London. As a major air destination it contains all of the hallmarks of the modern airport including car hire desks, shops and restaurants. It is similar to London’s Heathrow in the respect that it has two operational runways, a fact that puts Manchester ahead of both Gatwick and Stansted. Additionally Manchester Airport has its own link to the national rail network and also has extensive road links meaning that if travelling by bus, hire car or train access is a breeze. But what is the history of this site? How has it reached its position of primacy in terms of northern airports?

Like the majority of the airports within the UK the life of Manchester began during the nineteen thirties due to a growth in air travel generally. In its first incarnation the site was named the Ringfield Aerodrome after a nearby parish. In the latter half of the thirties the first international flight was flown from Ringfield, this flight flew to Amsterdam. However the onset of the Second World War meant that civilian uses for the airfield were soon suspended.

Requisition of the site rapidly occurred. Whilst sorties were flown from Manchester the predominant role was as a maintenance, testing and training centre. The training role was extremely important to the war effort, the new parachute regiments spent a great deal of time at Ringfield perfecting operational drops; the work of these regiments was especially important when the Normandy landings were undertaken, allowing commanders to drop troops behind enemy lines. In addition to this training role, Manchester was also used as a testing facility for the British aircraft manufacturer Avro, subsequently planes such as the Lancaster were thoroughly tested at the site.

Civilian usage however recommenced after the war. The appeal of having a major airport outside of London was soon realised. After achieving around half a million passengers a year during the fifties companies soon realised the benefits of placing car hire desks, restaurants and other retail spaces within the terminal buildings. At this time the airport was under the plenary authority of the Manchester City Council, a group that later passed control of the site over to the Manchester Airport Group. At this time the runway was lengthened in order to accommodate the larger passenger aircraft coming into circulation. Additionally the seventies saw the changing of the site’s name from Ringfield to Manchester International Airport.

The renaming saw a change in focus for the airport. Another terminal expansion with the usual services such as car hire desks, shops and restaurants occurred but the largest change was the commencement of transatlantic and transcontinental flights. Subsequently the greater range of destinations resulted in a new terminal being constructed and in the nineties the addition of a rail link truly brought the site into the modern era.

Manchester airport has evolved from a simple field in a parish near the city into one of the major elements in the UK’s air transportation network. Its position as the primary airport outside of London is assured although Birmingham and Leeds Bradford are strong contenders. Today the MAG are benefitting from the revenue generated by car hire companies and retailers and are even considering buying another major UK airport. It is through expansion and a forward thinking attitude that this has been a possibility.

Catherine Harvey asked:


Manchester is fast becoming the capital of Britain. Its city centre is on the same scale as London and it has a plethora of gorgeous shops including designer boutiques and bespoke little shops tucked away in nooks and crannies that hold promises of previously undiscovered gems of the type of creativity and artistic skills that Mancunians are so rightly proud of.

All this shopping is bound to make you hungry and Manchester is second to none when it comes to its choice of eateries. Any culinary dish your palette desires can be found somewhere in this great city and the atmosphere is beyond compare with the people of Manchester being open and welcome to all visitors and newcomers.

However, Manchester is about so much more than simply the city centre. If you have time on your hands and your visiting this place, then use car hire at Manchester airport and you will be set for a treat as you tour all of the surrounding areas sights, sounds, famous monuments and breathtaking scenery.

Given that it has an airport, flying is surely the easiest way to get yourself into the centre of Manchester. A relatively short flight from anywhere in the UK and you will find yourself at the true heart of the country. If you thought Manchester was all about coal and black pudding you are in for a pleasant surprise. Get yourself a comfy little ride from the car hire at Manchester Airport and treat yourself to a tour of all Manchester’s world famous sporting establishments.

If eating black pudding is the means to how Manchester managed to produce such great sporting people as Fred Perry, Freddy Flintoff and Paula Radcliffe then maybe we should all eat up! You can, of course, use your car hire from Manchester Airport to drive up to Old Trafford and see the famous sporting ground for yourself or the city of Manchester Stadium where many events take place.

There is so much in Manchester for the budding sports person in you that you will have to use car hire at Manchester Airport as you’ll have no chance of walking anywhere once you’ve had a go at the abseiling, diving and fishing. Given the surrounding countryside, there are plenty of chances for mountaineering in Manchester and if that’s not your thing try your hand at bowls, boxing or golf.

There is a sports venue to cater for every possibility in Manchester, for the young or simply the young at heart. Martial arts, hockey or gymnastics are balanced out by the more refined past times of lacrosse, hot air ballooning or sailing. You can even go skiing on the indoor ski slope if the mood takes you or you need to brush up on your skills ready for your winter holiday.

If you want to test your own skills, there are fields and tracks where you can push yourself to the limit and follow in the footsteps of Olympic sportsmen and women who have trodden this ground themselves. A little light ten pin bowling makes a great evening out for a couple of even the whole family but if it’s a lads trip you could always go to the wrestling.

Whatever you need in Manchester to whet your appetite for sports with get up and go, you will find it here. And that is exactly why you will need to hire a car to get you between venues.

Thomas Pretty asked:


Other than the airports servicing the capital Manchester is the UK’s largest. It flies to a variety of destinations all around the world and hosts a large number of auxiliary services such as shops, restaurants and car hire desks. A recent survey conducted by a popular travel magazine found that it was the UK’s favourite major airport. Like Heathrow it has two runways as well as a dedicated railway station that gives access to destinations all around the country. Annually the airport currently handles around twenty million passengers. As it services the UK’s second city, it is unsurprising that it is such an important link in the UK’s transportation network.

The site was originally constructed during the nineteen thirties as part of a growth in air travel more generally. At first it was named the Ringway Airfield due to its location in the parish of Ringway. The first flight left Ringway to Amsterdam in the year 1938. However as the war was only a short time away, civilian activities were soon stopped for military purposes. As a military airfield the site conducted a number of operational sorties but also existed as a training and testing facility. Part of this training was the instruction of the new parachute regiments that formed such an important part of the modern war machine. In terms of testing, the British manufacturer Avro often used the Manchester site.

Like most of the airports in the UK, the end of the war saw a return of civilian flyers. The airport was an immediate success handling almost half a million passengers annually during the fifties. Naturally, this success brought many companies who were attempting to make a profit from travellers; these were predominantly companies in the retail and car hire industries. From the fifties onwards the site saw expansion to accommodate large jet planes that were rapidly becoming the aircraft of choice for tourist airlines. As well as runway extensions to cope with the longer take offs and landings of jets, a terminal was built to cope with increased passenger numbers. It was during this period that the name was changed to Manchester International Airport.

As a result of this new title, the chiefs in charge of the site’s development set up a plan to court more transatlantic and other long haul flights. However, this meant that another runway extension would be required. Long haul flights were secured and during the nineties the passenger numbers reflected a large increase. As a result of larger passenger numbers the site needed another terminal. This was built during the early nineties and obviously filled with the usual accompanying services such as shops, cafes and car hire desks. Additionally, during this decade the site was given its own train station linked to the national rail network.

The creation of the gargantuan Airbus A380 has once again meant that expansion was needed to accommodate this huge jet. As past of the airport’s thirty year expansion plan, designers have laid down further plans to expand the terminal size as well as the apron space. This is vital should the site continue to grow and cope with the needs of the next generation of jet aircraft. Naturally this expansion will include a further increasing of the auxiliary services such as shops, restaurants and car hire provisions as these are a valuable profit making tool for the airport.

As the largest airport in the UK outside of the London area Manchester is a vitally important part of the air travel network. While the London sites battle for primacy, Manchester only has to worry about Birmingham overtaking it; as Birmingham is considerably smaller, Manchester can be sure that its position is somewhat assured for the future.

brookman asked:

Landing at Wellington Airport, New Zealand

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Reece Coleman asked:


You save for it all year, so going on holiday should be as stress free as possible and having to get up early & go through all the hassle of getting to the airport can be a real pain. It’s the same when you land back late at night and you can’t face the journey back home, especially if public transport isn’t even running! Cheaper flights are often at unsociable hours, or you may have been on a long flight, when it can be dangerous to then drive whilst tired. There is a solution! Book an airport hotel.

Using a hotel at the airport (especially if you have an early or late flight) can make a huge difference to your travelling experience. Don’t want to catch a transfer bus? Then order valet parking instead and someone will meet you at the airport and park your car for you - what could be easier? If you have an early start and you live a little distance from the airport why not extend your vacation and start it a night earlier in luxurious surroundings.

Airport hotels vary dramatically in size, style and price. There is everything from 5* luxury through to budget B&B’s, hotels with walkways straight into the terminal or those that have a shuttle bus transfer to reach check in. There are also hotels more geared to business travellers and those for leisure. Whether you are choosing a hotel for the first or last night of your holiday, you need to decide the following:

•    Your budget for the stay

•    Number of rooms and total people staying

•    The standards you are used to when staying in hotels - budget, mid range or top end! Unless you use all the facilities of the hotel you choose, then it’s not worth paying out for something you don’t actually need

•    How far you want to be from the airport terminals

•    Consider your check in time and the time taken to reach check in from your hotel

•    Do you need car parking as well? Consider an airport hotel with parking, which often works out cheaper than parking alone

•    Check whether each hotel offers a transfer service to the airport terminal. These may not be 24 hour and/or may charge a fee.

Benefits of pre-booking an airport hotel

•    Save Money - you can save up to 60% on standard rates!

•    Save Time - no need to trawl through hotel websites trying to find the best price - an online search will give you the full hotel details and locations so you can select the right hotel for your needs.

•    Guarantee your room - at peak times, many hotels are sold out and will only have rooms available at full price. Book ahead and guarantee your room at the best price.

•    Compare companies on line and secure the best price for your needs from the comfort of your own home or office.

•    Rest and Relaxation - by not having to travel early or late you can rest and relax, making your overall journey more pleasurable. You can unwind with a meal, a drink or even use the leisure facilities that many hotels offer.

Airport Hotels are the best way to start your break if you have an early morning flight or late night return & there are a range of packages all designed to meet your needs; be it a business trip, a family holiday or just somewhere to rest your head.

Pre-book your stay and save money! You can also book an airport hotel WITH parking for a convenient, complete package which often costs less than parking alone!

To get your holiday off to a stress free, relaxing start, book a complete package that will provide you with a night’s stay in a comfortable and friendly hotel and will also give you the choice of on-site and secured parking, along with transfers to and from the airport! An airport hotel with parking is perhaps the most convenient and stress free way of embarking on your trip.

Airport Hotels WITH Parking

On site parking at the hotel provides the easiest and quickest route to the airport whereas parking your car at a secured car park will give you greater peace of mind. For a more luxurious start to your break, try a hotel with Meet and Greet parking. Have your car delivered back to you at the airport for a speedy getaway after your travels.

•    Save Your Money - book early to make savings of up to 60% on the price of booking your airport hotel and parking separately!

•    Save Your Time - forget motorway queues on the day of travel; forget trying to find a parking space or a hotel room when you arrive at the airport and even forget having to ring around for availability - an online search will give you full details long before you travel so you can select the right deal for your needs.

•    Guarantee a hotel room and your own parking space - at busy times, most hotels and car parks are full - so plan ahead and ensure your room and space are reserved for you.

•    Compare online - with ease you can check the best prices and deals online, from the comfort or your own home or workplace.

•    Rest and Relaxation - by staying overnight you can avoid the stress of travelling to the airport in the early hours with small children. You can unwind with a meal or drink and use the facilities, such as the swimming pool or gym, safe in the knowledge that your car is parked securely while you are away. You’ll also get a good night’s sleep in the comfort of your hotel room before you set off on your holiday.

Late back from your holiday? Then stay at an airport hotel on your return and enjoy that last night of freedom before heading back to the real world.



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Catherine Harvey asked:


Forget London, Manchester is the place to be for all those who want to experience life. For those thinking about a short break they would usually think of somewhere with a hot climate on the Continent or possibly somewhere in the country but this doesn’t suit everybody. Short breaks and holidays do not have to mean strategic planning in a bid to force yourself to relax in a short space of time and neither do you need somewhere with quite, golden beaches for strolling on just to be able to relax. All you need is something different.

That’s why many people take off to Manchester for a break with a difference. Whether you’re young or old or somewhere in between, you will find entertainment, shopping and culture galore in this amazing city. For the simplest of trips, you use the services of Budget car hire at Manchester Airport. This means you simply book exactly what you need, over the internet from the comfort of your own living room, hop on a plane and pick up your car at the other end. Now you’re set to take in all the delicious sights, sounds and smells of this vibrant city.

As soon as you arrive to pick up our car hire at Manchester Airport you will notice the attitude of the people. They are rightly proud of their city and happy to help direct you to whatever it is you are looking for. The people of Manchester have managed to incorporate a laid back attitude with the feisty get up and go that has pushed this city up with the country’s greatest. You will feel welcome and immediately at home.

Manchester caters for every possible need. Firstly, you have your car hire from Manchester Airport so transport is sorted - and you’re going to need it! This is a big city and there isn’t a corner of it you would want to miss!

This year you have the 2008 Year of World Sport in Manchester where nations and international championship athletics we be held on a regular basis, from swimming to cycling through to football. However, is sport is not your thing but you would like the thrill of shopping in a place that sets the trends for the rest of the country, you could be here for weeks.

King Street is the place to be for designer shops, whether you’re looking for creations from Vivienne Westwood or Emporio Armani and no shopping trip would be complete without some Jimmy Choos or Miu Miu designer shoes from Harvey Nicholls. If you’re budget is not up to designer levels then don’t worry. You have the Trafford Centre (and here I speak from personal experience) that is shoppers heaven. With 230 stores and 47 restaurants you could easily spend a couple of days shopping and come out with bargains galore.

When it comes to eating, the diverse culture that makes Manchester stand out from your average city is the main contributory that brings a plethora of choices to your palate. My last visit entailed a visit to The Hard Rock Cafe. The atmosphere in this place was incredible, the service from happy, friendly staff was exceptional and the food was top quality with portions the size of my head!

If you fancy something a little different when it comes to cuisine, don’t travel further afield. Use your car hire from Manchester Airport to take you on a culinary journey around the globe. Manchester city Centre serves food originating from China, America, Australia, Africa, Italy, Spain and France as well as traditionally British Fayre.

When you’re stuffed to the limits and looking for entertainment, Manchester has to be the music capital of the country. Having produced some of the top musical artists of our time, it is now home to the Manchester Evening News Arena, The Manchester Appollo and the Manchester Academy. At any of these venues you will see chart topping bands and artists performing every night. For the alternative music buffs, the Bridgewater Hall is one of 30 smaller venues that organise musical events to satisfy every musical taste.

For those in need of a slower pace of life, take a ride in the Wheel of Manchester in Exchange Square. Similar to the London Eye, you will be treated to a 60m high spectacular view of everything that surrounds the city itself. Take a short drive away from the city and you will find it is surrounded by 500 miles of the most picturesque countryside you could see without going overseas.

However, whatever your age or taste, no trip to Manchester would be complete without a visit to John Rylands Library. This is less of a reading place and more of an awe-inspiring experience. The pink Cumbrian sandstone of this building has been honed into the most exquisite Victorian gothic architecture and houses the UK’s greatest collection of books, manuscripts and archives. These include The St John Fragment - the oldest known piece of the New Testament, as well as a 1476 edition of the Canterbury Tales by William Caxton.

Manchester is an amazing place to visit, eat, stay or live. There is something for everyone and everyone is welcome. It makes the perfect place for a short break.