A mini guide to
Salford Quays & MediaCity: tips and FAQs
Local know-how and common questions
Local know-how
Tips for visiting
Know your boroughs
Salford Quays is in Salford. The Imperial War Museum North, Old Trafford and the O2 Victoria Warehouse are in Trafford, across the Ship Canal.
Check for tram works
Metrolink periodically closes parts of its network for engineering works, including routes to the Quays. Look at the Bee Network app or TfGM's site before you travel.
Cross the footbridge
The Salford Quays elevator bridge beside The Lowry links Salford with the Trafford bank and the Imperial War Museum North.
Soccer tours
Manchester United list museum and stadium tours for Old Trafford on the club's official website, and tours are not offered on home match days, according to the club.
Walk the basins
A waterfront promenade runs around the docks, with the Huron, Erie and Ontario basins on the way, and views of the bridges and The Lowry.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Where is Salford Quays & MediaCity?
Salford Quays & MediaCity is in Salford, England. Docklands arts, museums and media city, in Salford (a separate city from Manchester). Nearby stops and stations include Salford Quays, MediaCityUK, Imperial War Museum.
How long do I need in Salford Quays & MediaCity?
Half a day to a day. Allow longer if you plan to eat out or visit several attractions.
What are the highlights?
Highlights include Salford Quays, The Lowry, Imperial War Museum North. See the Things to do page for more.
How do I get there?
Nearby: Salford Quays (Metrolink); MediaCityUK (Metrolink); Imperial War Museum (Metrolink); Exchange Quay (Metrolink). The Getting there page links to the official schedules and journey planners.
Where can I eat and drink?
We list 17 places to eat and drink in and around Salford Quays & MediaCity, with filters to help you choose.
Where should I stay?
We list 6 hotels and other places to stay nearby. Check availability and prices with each property.
Is Salford Quays & MediaCity accessible?
Accessibility varies by street, building and venue. Check each attraction or operator’s access information before you travel.
While you are here
Things to see in Salford Quays & MediaCity
A few of the sights in the area. The Things to do page lists them all, with directions and official links.
MediaCityUK
Waterside development on the Ship Canal in Salford and Trafford, home to media organizations and the Quayside shopping center.
Media City Footbridge
Cable-stayed swing footbridge over the Manchester Ship Canal near MediaCityUK, completed in 2011.
Salford Quays Lift Bridge
Pedestrian vertical-elevator bridge of 2000 beside The Lowry, linking Salford and Trafford across the Ship Canal.
Manchester
More areas to explore
Oxford Road & Rusholme
Universities, galleries and the Curry Mile along one long road south of the center
Open the mini guide →
Chorlton & Didsbury
Two southern villages with parks, riverside walks and plenty of places to eat
Open the mini guide →
Altrincham & Sale
Market town, canal towpaths and country-house parkland south-west of the city
Open the mini guide →Photo credits
- Salford Quays: Frombowen, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
- MediaCityUK: Briangeorge1945, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
- Media City Footbridge: Parrot of Doom, CC BY-SA 3.0, source
- Salford Quays Lift Bridge: The original uploader was Dpaajones at English Wikipedia., CC BY-SA 3.0, source
- Oxford Road & Rusholme: DrPhoenix, CC BY-SA 3.0, source
- Chorlton & Didsbury: Wikidwitch, CC BY-SA 3.0, source
- Altrincham & Sale: Parrot of Doom, CC BY-SA 3.0, source
- Northern Quarter & Cathedral: Anthony Parkes, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Spinningfields & Deansgate: Anthony O'Neil, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Castlefield & the Canals: Ridiculopathy, CC0, source
- Piccadilly, Chinatown & the Village: Jorge Franganillo, CC BY 4.0, source
- Ancoats & New Islington: DS Pugh, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
Photos from Wikimedia Commons, used under the licences shown. All photo credits
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