for 1 or 2 days in early September? I was hoping to do a Coronation Street tour but they're not available any more <BR> <BR>Not really intereste in football, but I'm open to just about anything else. <BR> <BR>Thanks in advance.

Manchester has quite a good museum famous, amongst other things, for its detailed forensic examinations of the egyptian mummies in its collection.

I also had to lay over there in 1994, as Singapore Airlines didn't fly London-Paris (part of a free intra-Europe deal). As stated above, the museum (in the area of the university) is great. Also, I believe you can do tours of the tv studios - the "Sherlock Holmes" set was still there in '94, but unfortunately closed the days I was there. The city art gallery has lots of pre-Raphaelite paintings and is worth a good two hours visit. There was also a great shopping centre down the road from the main train station if you're into shopping. The tourist centre is in an area with lots of old buildings, most of which the public couldn't go in (still used for offices, etc.), but wandering the streets around there is quite pleasant.

I live in Manchester and can recommend the following sights. Sadly Granada Studio Tours are permanently closed, but nearby there's the Museum of Science and Industry with fascinating interactive displays of industrial heritage and modern technology. The new Lowry Centre on Salford Quays is a stunning building housing the artist's works, famous for his matchstick men. Nightlife is one of the best outside London (or better according to some) with numerous clubs and cafe-bars, theatres and Bridgewater Hall, home of Halle Orchestra. The new Printworks complex houses numerous restaurants, bars and an Imax cinema. Enjoy your visit!

Thanks for the info. One more question: any notable cathedrals?

If you feel you can afford the time, Liverpool is not far at all - and there are two catherdrals there!

Manchester Cathedral, in the city centre close to Printworks, is an interesting building. Probably the oldest surviving church in the city from 14th century, a former collegiate church which became a cathedral in 19th century. There are voluntary guides at weekends who will be happy to show you around. Salford RC Cathedral isn't very far on Chapel Road. St Anne's on the pedestrianised St Anne's Square has notable stained glass windows and frequent organ recitals.

The recommendation above to visit the Manchester City Art Gallery is a good one--but not now. It's closed for restoration until summer of 2002.

try manchesterguide.com and manchesteronaboutbritain.com sounds like they have a really good museum there, also about 20 miles south is jodrell bank with the lovell telescope, sounds like a great place to visit.