My husband and I will be depart California and arrive in Manchester,England on a Tuesday morning. We have about a 24 hour stay in Manchester before leaving for Shannon Ireland. I cannot seem to find any information on Airport transportation, or hotels, Guest Houses, or B & B's in the area. Also are there any suggestions on what to see in the short time we are there. I would be greatful for any suggestions. Thank you <BR>

I can only help you with getting from the airport to Manchester Piccadilly- regular train service, takes 20 minutes and cost was about £2 a few years ago. I think you can tour the Granada studios (home of Coronation Street) and there is a museum of science and industry, on my list of things to see, but far enough down that it is probably in my next life.

Mary: You might try this website: http://www.airwise.com/airports/europe/MAN/index.html. You should be able to find the information you need. <BR> <BR>Enjoy your trip.

Manchester city centre is very easily reached from airport by train. I was at a conference there last year and was suprised and impressed with the city centre which I would think is well worth a vist just to wander around. Lots of well renovated Victorian architecture and some really nice shops and bars. I actually live in central London and hence had no parituclar interest in UK shopps etc. but still really enjoyed myself so perhpas just consider a slow walk around taking in a Northern town. There are lots of new modern hotels built with the new airport and it would be easy to stay at airport and commute into town so that you don't have to treck around with luggage for such a short stay. A taxi into centre however if you don't want to go on the rial link is around £10 and about 20 minutes journey.

Glad to see you are making it to Manchester (where I am from!) <BR>I would pick a hotel at the airport seeing as you are there for such a short time and need to be back there to take your flight to Ireland. Besides, the airport is near to the centre and can be reached very easily and quickly and cheaply by train. <BR>The tourist office is near the Central Library in St Peter's Square. The city centre is large but still walkable, and you will enjoy the architecture and the new development. Shops are good too, and there are good restaurants and bars. <BR>Manchester has a lot of history, much of it tied up with the industrial revolution. I read somewhere once that if it hadn't been for the city, America would not exist as it does today, referring to the ideas of industry and business that fuelled the city's growth. <BR>That said, there are not the 'tourist attractions' that York, E'burgh and London can boast. Instead, you will be getting a look at real-life Britain. Enjoy!

There is a very good information booth for accommodation at Terminal 1. Also search on the net for Raddison Hotels. Last time I went through Manchester there was a last minute internet special there for one third of the usual room price.