6 T e Travel Guide


Promotional Content • Saturday 18th May 2024


8am Breakfast at Federal Australian both in its laid-back atmosphere and its menu, Federal’s signature breakfast dishes include smashed avocado, halloumi and mushrooms on toasted sourdough, while the upcycled wood tables and tiled walls are archetypal Manchester cool. T ere are three branches in town, including one on Deansgate, a major shopping and business street. Space is limited and there are no reservations, so get here early. federalcafe.co.uk


10am Explore the industrial past Manchester is often described as the cradle of the Industrial Revolution, with developments in manufacturing leading to an explosion in textile mills in the 19th century that changed the global economy. It was the site of the world’s fi rst intercity railway (between here and Liverpool), the old warehouse of which has been converted into the fantastic Science and Industry Museum. It tells the story of the city’s contributions to commerce, transport and computing. scienceandindustrymuseum.org.uk


In the city


A spirit of rebellious creativity infuses Manchester, with old factories turned into artists’ studios and a unique sense of style on display throughout. Words: Daniel Stables — Photographs: Toby Mitchell


Hawksmoor Stargazing


The stellar gear to help you reach for the skies, from the all-weather parka to the beginner-friendly telescope that can point you in the right direction. Words: Georgia Stephens


Jack Wolfskin Everquest


Texapore Mid Cold toes? T ey’ll be a thing of the past when you don these waterproof winter boots, which will keep you feeling stellar even if the mercury drops to -30C, thanks to a fl eecy internal layer. T ey off er good grip on wintery surfaces and have a cushioned midsole. £125. jack- wolfskin.co.uk


Petzl Actik Core 600L


While avoiding man-made light sources is key to making the most of the night sky, you’ll inevitably need a torch. White lights can ruin your night vision, so opt for a model like this head torch from Petzl, which has a red-light setting and keeps your hands free. £72. cotswoldoutdoor.com


Celestron StarSense Explorer


DX 130 An excellent beginner’s telescope, this Celestron model comes with a smartphone app. Not only does it list celestial objects you can view, it also has on-screen arrows to point you in the right direction. Once your target is in view, the app shows a bull’s eye, prompting you to look into the eye piece. £399. wexphotovideo.com


Philip’s Planisphere


Is that the Big Dipper or the Little Dipper? Banish all confusion with this moveable disc map of the night sky, which can show your exact place in the universe no matter the time of year, thanks to a dial adjustable to the date and time. To go deeper, pair it with Philip’s Stargazing 2024, a guide to the year ahead. £12.99. hachette.co.uk


Rab Valiance Waterproof Down


women’s Parka Picking out the constellations on wintry evenings can be chilly — which is why you need a dependable outer layer. T is parka from Rab is perfect, fi lled with duvet-cosy recycled down with a waterproof shell. It will keep heavy


Yeti Rambler 1.9L Jug


Coff ee is a stargazing essential, as much about keeping you warm as it is about keeping you awake. T is stainless steel jug from Yeti can be counted on to keep yours hot for hours, with double-wall insulation and a thick lid for heat retention. It’s available in two sizes — 1.9L and 3.8L — and comes in almost all the colours of the rainbow. £100. uk.yeti.com


downpours and high winds at bay. £380. rab.equipment


Bertschat Heated Gloves PRO –


Dual Heating T ese heated waterproof gloves from Bertschat off er three temperature levels, and heat both sides of the hand for up to eight hours. T e gloves come with rechargeable batteries and work on touchscreen devices such as phones. £199.99. bertschat.co.uk


Voited CloudTouch Blanket


If you’d rather take your stargazing at a leisurely pace, pack this four- in-one insulated blanket from Voited, which can change into a pillow, a sleeping bag and a cape, with water-resistant fabric on one side and fl eece on the other. £128. voited.co.uk


First published in the January/ February 2024 issue of National Geographic Traveller (UK). Read the feature in full at nationalgeographic.com/travel


12pm Admire awesome architecture Walk up Deansgate and you’ll experience the varied architecture typical of Manchester, with modern glass cubes side-by-side with magnifi cent Victorian buildings. T e turreted neo-gothic structure of the John Rylands Library fi ts fi rmly in the latter category. Its vaulted corridors hide treasures such as medieval manuscripts and the Rylands Papyri, the oldest known New Testament fragments. manchester.ac.uk/rylands


2pm Lunch at Hawksmoor A few doors down is one of Manchester’s most handsomely situated restaurants. Housed in a high-ceilinged Victorian former courthouse, the walls painted racing green, Hawksmoor is justly acclaimed for its seafood. T e headline attraction, though, is the dry-aged steak, accompanied by sides such as grilled bone marrow, beef dripping fries and macaroni cheese. thehawksmoor.com


Insider tips If your time in Manchester inspires you to take up a creative hobby, be sure to head to Fred Aldous to pick up your arts and crafts supplies. T is shop in the Northern Quarter is beloved of local creatives and has been open for almost 150 years. fredaldous.co.uk T e arty southern suburb of


Chorlton is a great place to get creative away from the city centre. Give knitting a whirl at Stitched Up; try dress-making at Ministry of Craft at Home Studio; or throwing at Pottery Corner. stitchedup.coop ministryofcraft.co.uk potterycorner.co.uk Regular art night Overdrawn is


a welcoming place to try your hand at visual art. Events are laid-back and social aff airs that take place in various venues — often Northern Quarter bars. Be sure to check online for the latest information. facebook.com/overdrawn


First published in the January/ February 2024 issue of National Geographic Traveller (UK). Read the feature in full at nationalgeographic.com/travel


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