There’s something for everyone at this Salford space
Whether you’re into hands-on activities, exploring galleries or just fancy a few cocktails, Media City UK is a destination that can cater for all three. With ever-changing events at The Lowry and seasonal changes at Box On The Docks, this is a place you can visit all year round. To make things even better, some of our picks are free to enter – so if you need something to do alongside your stroll along the Quays, let us give you some tips…
The Lowry
Located right on the quayside, The Lowry gives you the opportunity to see your favourite comedians or stage show in a venue that’s different to your local theatre. This is because The Lowry also has its own gallery space. Venture inside and you’ll find a permanent display of L.S Lowry’s work in their year-round exhibition. This is set alongside a vibrant programme of other special exhibitions that change seasonally. Together, they bring visual arts and performance together. The galleries are free to enter and the perfect place to visit if you’re interested in the history of Salford. Why not have a wander through time in the exhibition of Laurence Stephen Lowry as you explore the history and work of this famous local artist? It’s the perfect opportunity to see his paintings in a venue close to where he actually painted them. With a good range of bars and restaurants on its doorstep, The Lowry is well worth a visit.
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I’m a Celebrity… Jungle Challenge
Ready to enter the jungle? This action-packed experience at Media City UK aims to put your physical and mental abilities to the test. It bills itself as the UK’s only indoor Australian jungle (minus the snakes and critters), complete with a main camp area, Jungle Throne and Winner’s Bridge – as seen on TV. Whether you’re a big kid at heart or just a superfan of the show, this spot offers a fun-filled day out. Tackle trials to collect as many stars as you can across a series of unique challenges and you could take home the title of King or Queen of the Jungle. The iconic Kiosk Kev is even on the other line of their Dingo Dollar Challenge telephones, ready and waiting to test your general knowledge. There’s also an opportunity to experience The Spyrider. This is Europe’s only indoor, powered Rollglider that whizzes you above the jungle canopy in as little as 18 seconds. So if you’re up for a suspended Treetop Trail, scramble through nets or a swing around the Jungle Run on a zip-line, this pick is right up your street. You can even take home some pics of your visit, as there are plenty of great photo opportunities scattered around the course.
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Box on the Docks
Set in the heart of MediaCityUK in their award-winning gardens, Box on the Docks allows you to enjoy a chilled-out vibe during the day or late into the evening. Bring your family and friends along to enjoy some of Manchester’s finest food and drink in one of their colourful dining pods. These take the shape of sheds and greenhouses but also provide plenty of space for both small and large groups. Each pod is vibrantly designed by a talented local artist and they have transformed them from generic structures into striking works of art. Box on the Docks is also a big hit with foodies. Here, you’ll find a mixture of takeaway foods – from ice cream to pizzas and more. Local artists also refresh the pods seasonally and in the evenings, they are all lit up. So, whatever the season or time of day, Box on the Docks is a quirky setting to enjoy some delicious food and a quick drink.
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Coronation Street: The Tour
Why not have a wander through the nation’s favourite TV neighbourhood and walk the cobbles of Coronation Street? This tour will let you go behind the scenes of a live working production set where the show is actually filmed. This unique 90-minute tour takes you for a stroll around the outdoor backdrops to all of the street’s most recognisable spots. Weatherfield Police Station, The Viaduct Bistro, Roy’s Rolls Café and of course the Rovers Return are just a few of the iconic locations featured. For really nosey fans, there are even opportunities for you to have a peek into the characters’ houses while tour guides are ready and prepared to answer your burning questions and reveal some behind-the-scenes secrets about the show. You can even meet cast members along the way who may even give you some juicy gossip on what it’s really like to be a part of the programme as part of the limited-edition Star Tour. Fancy a picture outside the Rover’s Return? Here’s your chance.
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Cocktail Bars
Media City UK certainly isn’t short of places to go for a drink or two but if you’re into fancy cocktails, we can offer a couple of destinations. Firstly, there’s The Botanist. This is an out-of-the-ordinary bar and restaurant that takes you from the outside world into a leafy botanist’s greenhouse. With plants around every corner, they also have some delicious cocktails on offer with thrifty two for £12 deals. They also have a timetable of events throughout the week, with a botanist musical bingo on Wednesdays and botanical sessions on Saturdays. At the latter, you can also enjoy a bottomless brunch alongside some live music. Another favourite is The Alchemist. Their show-stopping smoking and bubbling cocktails have made them one of the city’s favourite tipple traps. On Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, they offer late-night table service from 10pm to 1am, complete with a live DJ, allowing you to kick back and enjoy your weekend in style.
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