EC Manchester Travel Guide and Activities

Manchester is England’s second city, and a truly exhilarating place to live, work and study. Easily accessible by direct flights from 190 destinations, this exciting and historic metropolis is also the gateway to the many attractions of the North West – such as the Lake District, the Peak District, the maritime city of Liverpool, North Wales, and Chester.

Climate

The weather in the UK is the topic of many conversations because it is so changeable. it is possible to see sun, rain, wind and clouds all in the same day so it is a good idea to always carry a pair of sunglasses and an umbrella!

Money

Great British Pound (GBP), also known as sterling.

Public holidays falling on a weekday

2024 Public holidays on a weekday:
25 Dec & 26 Dec

2025 Public holidays on a weekday:

01 Jan, 18 Apr, 21 Apr, 05 May, 26 May, 25 Aug, 25 Dec, 26 Dec

Monthly Activities

Check out the Monthly Activities Calendar

5 things to see

The Lowry Arts Centre
The People’s History Museum
John Rylands Library
Manchester Art Gallery
Museum of Science and Industr

5 things to do

Explore the varied and vibrant nightlife of The Northern Quarter, Canal St, Deansgate, Oxford Rd and the Printworks.
Witness the best of English Premier League football at the homes of Manchester United and Manchester City
Enjoy the local beers of Holts and Hydes and no end of typically English pubs
Visit the ‘curry mile’ of Rusholme with some of the best Indian cooking to be found in England
Shop till you drop in the revamped Arndale Centre or the Trafford Centre

Electricity

230 V; 50Hz – 3-pin plug

Tap water

Tap water in England is safe unless there’s a sign to the contrary (e.g. on trains).

Public Transport Info

Manchester is easily explored on foot, with plenty of pedestrian-only zones. It is possible to traverse the main central locations within around 20-minutes, end-to-end.
Metroshuttles are free buses linking the main rail stations, car parks, shopping areas and businesses in Manchester city centre. Metroshuttle buses run from Piccadilly, Salford Central, Victoria, Oxford Road and Deansgate rail stations. There are three circular routes covering the main areas in the city centre.
There are four key train stations in Manchester city centre – Deansgate, Piccadilly, Oxford Road and Victoria. Of these, Piccadilly (1 minute from EC Manchester) attracts the most visitors’ and is the main arrival point into the city centre.
Manchester’s Metrolink tram system has been developed to encourage easier and faster travel in the city centre and beyond. Connecting all major railway stations and tourist attractions, the Metrolink runs every few minutes, making it the perfect mode of transport for those who don’t require a strict timetable.
Manchester is a bike-friendly city with many marked cycle lanes and dedicated routes throughout the city centre and beyond.
Learn more about Manchester’s public transportation: http://www.visitmanchester.com/travel/
Public transport

Useful Information

Driving Age

Legal age for driving is 18

Alcohol Age

Legal age for drinking in the UK is 18. It is advisable to carry ID with you to provide evidence of your age if asked.

Smoking laws

Smoking in enclosed public places is illegal in the UK.

Insurance

Students must have adequate health, accident and travel insurance while attending any of our programmes.

Useful Links

Visa

For Visa information please visit our Visa Requirements page

Cost of Living

Coffee/Cappuccino (Starbucks)

£2.25-£3.00

Bottle of water / soda (0.33 litre)

£0.75-£1.50

Fast-Food combo meal

£5.00-£6.00

Meal, inexpensive restaurant

£8.00-£20.00

Fitness club (monthly, 1 adult)

£17.00-£35.00

Public transport (local transport)

£2.20-£4.00 (one-way)

Public transport (monthly pass)

£50.00-£80.00

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