Although now best known for its football teams, Manchester was once one of England's greatest Victorian cities and was the birthplace of both rail travel and Rolls Royce. It is situated on the east bank of the Irwell River, in the north west of the country, and is the centre of a huge metropolitan area, which now encompasses the surrounding towns of Bury, Bolton, Wigan, Rochdale, Salford, Stockport and Oldham. Liverpool is just 30 miles (48km) down river. The area has long had a reputation as a drab, industrialised sprawl, but Manchester has succeeded in reinventing itself, becoming a vibrant metropolis with nightlife second only to London. The city boasts more than 50 free museums and galleries, a world-class sports centre that recently hosted the Commonwealth Games, and plenty of parks, gardens and other attractions.

The city's architecture is largely a reminder of its central role in the cotton trade and many of the original warehouses can still be seen, although modern-day Manchester is now very different from its heyday as an industrial hub. When the city centre was badly damaged in an IRA bombing in 1996, much of the central area was beautifully renovated. Now renamed the Millennium Quarter, it is a marvellous contrast of splendid Victorian architecture and towering glass edifices, including the eye-catching Urbis exhibition centre.

Manchester City and Manchester United are two of the biggest football clubs in England and Old Trafford (home to Manchester United) has become a huge tourist destination. For those more interested in arts and culture than football, the new Lowry complex in Salford Quays boasts a fantastic selection of art galleries and theatres. The city also plays host to countless events, concerts, festivals and parades, is home to world-class bars and restaurants, and has plenty of shops and markets. Manchester is also home to the United Kingdom's largest Chinatown, and a vibrant and friendly Gay Village, concentrated around Canal and Chorlton Streets.

Peak District

Address: Manchester

The Peak District was England's first national park. This beautiful region sits in the central and northern parts of England, largely within picturesque Derbyshire. Diverse landscapes, abundant wildlife and a rich historic heritage combine with busy market towns and thriving cities such as Sheffield and Manchester. With over 22 million visitors annually, the Peak District is a major UK tourist destination, and the Peak District National Park is the second most visited park in the world. The District is generally divided into three main areas, each with its own distinctive topography. White Peak in the south is characterised by its limestone landscapes with a blend of flat plateaus and gentle valleys, while the South West Peak is a mix of hay meadows and moorland. The most sparsely populated area is Dark Peak in the north, where dramatic gritstone plateaus, craggy edges and ridges contrast with deep valleys. The whole region is rife with quaint towns, majestic historic homes, old mills and museums, as well as plenty to please the outdoor enthusiast, including top-class rock climbing, caving and fly fishing. Visitors can enjoy an authentic Bakewell pudding in Bakewell, take a leisurely hot air balloon ride for a bird's eye view, mountain bike in the Hope Valley near Charleston or travel back in time in an impressive country manor. It is not hard to see why the Peak District is so immensely popular and it is well worth spending some time exploring its many treasures.

Urbis

Address: Cathedral Gardens Manchester

Admission: Free Daily from 10am to 6pm

Telephone: (0)161 605 8200

Nestled in the heart of Manchester, Urbis is a unique and interesting concept - an exhibition centre of city life across the globe, created as part of an urban regeneration project. Featuring interactive exhibits and fascinating exhibitions, the uber-modern glass building, sometimes described as a 'glass ski slope,' is an immediate Manchester landmark and visitors are drawn not only to the exhibits, but to the building itself. The gallery on level one hosts different exhibitions, while levels two, three and four house permanent exhibits and displays. Levels five and six house Le Mont Restaurant, providing incredible views of the city, as well as fine dining, and there is also The Social, a restaurant and late night venue that features live bands, DJs and more.

Old Trafford

Address: Sir Matt Busby Way, Old Trafford Manchester

Admission: Museum and tour: £11.74 (adults); £7.83 (children). Concession available. Advanced booking is advised Guided stadium tours daily 9.40am to 4.30pm; Museum daily 9.30am to 5pm

Telephone: (0)870 442 1994

Nicknamed the Theatre of Dreams, Old Trafford is home to one of the premier English football clubs, Manchester United and since 1878, has been the heart and soul of the club. More than 200,000 visitors come each year to marvel at the home of the likes of Ryan Giggs and Cristiano Ronaldo, and share in some of the Man U magic. Guided tours of the stadium run every 10 minutes and the award-winning museum is chock-full of fascinating trivia, memorabilia and interactive exhibits, guaranteed to delight fans and perhaps even win over a few new ones. The Red Café, in the North Stand of the stadium, is open daily and serves up delicious food for those needing replenishment, while the Megastore in the East Stand sells every conceivable type of Man U branded item.

Museum of Science and Industry

Address: Liverpool Road, Castlefield Manchester

Admission: Free. Admission is charged for special exhibitions Daily 10am to 5pm. Closed 24-26 December and 1 January

Telephone: (0)161 832 2244

It may not seem like everybody's cup of tea, but the Manchester Museum of Science and Industry is a truly fascinating and varied collection of exhibits, displays and more, for visitors of all ages. Fifteen different galleries crammed full of all sorts of items are housed in the key historic site of one of the world's oldest railway stations, Liverpool Road Station. Some of the permanent exhibits include Underground Manchester, where visitors can meander through a reconstructed Victorian Sewer system complete with authentic sounds and smells, the Xperiment interactive science gallery, the captivating Collections Centre with anything from antique microscopes to Star Trek memorabilia, and the Air and Space Hall. The Special Exhibitions gallery plays host to several touring exhibitions annually. The Museum also houses a shop, café and restaurant, as well as several picnic areas.

Bridgewater Hall

Address: Lower Mosley Street Manchester

Admission: Concert prices vary Bookings Monday to Saturday 10am to 6pm (8pm on concert nights), Sunday (concert nights only) 12pm to 8pm. Closed on non-concert Sundays.

Telephone: (0)161 907 9000 (bookings)

Situated on an arm of the Bridgewater Canal, the world-class £42-million concert venue Bridgewater Hall holds over 250 performances a year and is home to one of Britain's longest running orchestras, the Hallé Orchestra. This architecturally striking building can house just under 2,500 audience members and the main auditorium is centred around a remarkable 5,500 pipe organ. The Hall plays host not only to classical music, but has also seen a range of artists such as the legendary James Brown, indie artist Badly Drawn Boy and guitarist John Williams. Bridgewater Hall is also home to the award winning Charles Hallé restaurant, as well as the Stalls Café Bar.

Chatsworth House

Address: Bakewell, Derbyshire Manchester

Admission: £11.50 (adults), £6.25 (children). Entry to the park is free. Prices vary according to areas visited, as well as inclusion or exclusion of gift aid donation Open March to December anually (see website for details). House open daily 11am to 5.30pm, last admission 4.30pm, garden open daily 11am to 6pm, last admission 5pm

Telephone: (0)1246 565 300

Home to the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, Chatsworth House is one of Europe's greatest private houses. It is set on the River Derwent in the Peak District National Park. The estate comprises the 16th century house, a 1,000-acre park, a farmyard, miles of free walks and spectacular gardens. Dubbed the 'Palace of the Peak', the house contains a treasure trove of antiques and impressive art works, some dating back 4,000 years; 30 of the magnificently preserved rooms are open to the public. Wardens are on hand to provide information and answer questions, while an audio guide is also available. The manicured gardens boast a yew maze, sculptures and several impressive fountains including the Cascade, a 24-step waterfall that drops 600ft (183m) down the hill towards the house. There is a well-stocked farm shop selling locally produced and home grown items, as well as the farmyard children's shop, the Carriage House shop, Orangery shop and garden shop. There are several restaurant options to choose from, and picnicking in the grounds is encouraged. Chatsworth House has appeared in the recent film adaptation of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, and the house plays host to several exciting events throughout the year. It is well worth allocating several hours to explore this fine historic estate and its gardens, while those on a tighter budget can enjoy the dramatic surrounds of the park for free.

V Festival Staffordshire

Where: Weston Park, Staffordshire,Manchester

When: August 2010 TBA

Richard Branson's answer to the popular music festivals held during the British summer offers many of the biggest live acts from around the world. The festival is noted for its professionalism, and low queuing times ensuring its sold-out status every year. Like the Carling festivals, this one has a sibling festival too, with acts playing on alternate days, held in Hylands Park, Chelmsford.

Open Golf Championship

Where: Changes annually,Manchester

When: 15 - 18 July 2010

The R&A (Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews), the world rules and development body of golf, has been in charge of the Open Golf Championship since 1920, although the event dates back to 1870, making it the oldest and most prestigious golfing event. Often held at St. Andrews, the prestigious home of golf, the Open Golf Championship 2008 will be held in Lancashire at the Royal Birkdale course (one hour from Manchester), which is one of the best golf courses in the world.

Eurocultured

Where: Manchester city centre,Manchester

When: May 2010 TBA

The city of Manchester hosts a celebration of European Culture throughout the city with an array of live performances over two massive days. DJs from all over Europe descend on the city to entertain the tens of thousands gathered all night long while a variety of other live music performances, including cabaret and dance, captivate during the day.