Once an economic powerhouse of the north of England, whose wealth was largely built on cotton weaving, today Manchester is a major financial and business centre. Over the last few decades, there has been a great deal of rebuilding done in the city centre to make it one of the most popular shopping areas in the northwest. However, all around there are reminders of its industrial past, from the Manchester Ship Canal that connects the city with Liverpool to the many warehouses that have been converted into luxury flats. Renting a car in Manchester will mean that you will also be able to explore everything the surrounding countryside has to offer, from the scenic Peak District to the beautiful Ribble Valley.
Museums, theatres, art galleries, Premier League football teams - Manchester has them all, and more. At the Museum of Science and Industry, on the edge of the city's Castlefield area, you will find everything, from old steam engines that used to power the cotton mills to a gallery filled with military and civilian planes. Culture lovers will appreciate The Whitworth Art Gallery which is part of the University of Manchester and was named the Art Fund's Museum of the Year for 2015. Meanwhile, for football fans, there are tours of both Manchester United and Manchester City's home stadiums to see behind the scenes at two of the country's most successful clubs. To get the most out of your trip, you might want to consider car rental in Manchester, so you can be sure you have got chance to take everything in.
