Although now best known for its football teams, Manchester was once one of England's greatest Victorian cities and the birthplace of both rail travel and Rolls Royce cars. 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 a 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 is home to two of the United Kingdom's largest universities: The University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University. The Royal Northern College of Music is located here as well, bringing the total to roughly 86,000 students living in the city. This large student population ensures that there is always a buzz of activity in Manchester.

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

Urbis

Address: Cathedral Gardens Manchester

Admission: Free Daily 10am-6pm

Telephone: (0)161 605 8200

Old Trafford

Address: Sir Matt Busby Way, Old Trafford Manchester

Admission: Museum £9 (adults) and £7 (children). Concession available. Guided stadium tours daily 9.40am to 4.30pm; Museum daily 9.30am to 5pm

Telephone: (0)870 442 1994

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

Bridgewater Hall

Address: Lower Mosley Street Manchester

Admission: Concert prices vary, guided tours £5. 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)

Chatsworth House

Address: Bakewell, Derbyshire Manchester

Admission: £16 (adults), £10 (children). Entry to the park is free. Prices vary according to areas visited, as well as inclusion or exclusion of gift aid donation. Discounted tickets available on the website. Open March to December annually (see website for details). House open daily 11am-5:30pm, last admission 4:30pm, garden open daily 11am-6pm, last admission 5pm

Telephone: (0)1246 565 300

V Festival Staffordshire

Where: Weston Park, Staffordshire,Manchester

When: 20 - 21 August 2011

Open Golf Championship

Where: Changes annually,Manchester

When: 10 - 17 July 2011

Eurocultured

Where: Manchester city centre,Manchester

When: 21 - 22 May 2011