Salford Quays

Manchester

Former docks turned into MediaCityUK, with the Lowry arts centre and IWM North. Modern, spacious and handy for Old Trafford, but 20 minutes by tram from the centre.

Best for Families · Business · Budget

Transport: 3/5
Sights: 3/5
Value: 4/5
Quiet: 4/5
Food: 2/5

Typical mid-range hotel ~$145/night · 20 min to Piccadilly Gardens

See hotels in Salford Quays

Why stay here

Walk to Old Trafford
The Lowry and IWM North
Modern hotels, often cheaper

Who should stay here

Football fans going to Old Trafford
Families
Business travellers visiting MediaCityUK

Not ideal if…

You want to walk into the city centre
You want nightlife
You want character and history outside your door

What it's like

Salford Quays is home to the BBC and ITV studios at MediaCityUK, the Lowry theatre and gallery, and Imperial War Museum North across the water. Old Trafford football and cricket grounds are a short walk or tram ride away.

Hotels are modern and usually cheaper than the centre, except on match and concert days. Evenings are quiet; the centre is 20 minutes away by Metrolink.

Best streets and sub-areas

MediaCityUK
Studios, a piazza and the busiest part of the Quays.
Around the Lowry
Theatre, outlet shopping and waterside hotels.
Towards Old Trafford
Closest to the stadium; very busy on match days.

Getting around

Nearest stations: MediaCityUK, Harbour City and Anchorage Metrolink stops.
To Piccadilly Gardens: About 20 minutes
From Manchester Airport: About 45 minutes: Metrolink with a change at Cornbrook, or a taxi.

Nearby attractions

The Lowry
Theatre and a gallery of L.S. Lowry's paintings.
IWM North
Imperial War Museum in a striking building; free.
Old Trafford
Manchester United's stadium and museum.

Where to eat and drink

MediaCityUK restaurants
Chains and bars around the piazza.
The Dockyard
Pub and bar popular with the studio crowd.
The Lowry café and bar
Pre-theatre food with water views.

Where to stay in Salford Quays

A few hotels we'd book in this area, at different budgets.

Best value

Holiday Inn MediaCityUK

Why we like it: Next to the studios and the tram.

Typical mid-range rate in Salford Quays: ~$145/night

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