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Raildiary, as you know, are based slap bang in Manchester city centre.
Its team of commute in daily from homes around Greater Manchester, all part of the narrative that not only is it a good city, but, some might say, the best city in the world.
There is, like any sweeping generalisations, truths and exaggerations in that assertion. The fact is if you’ve not been to Manchester for decades, many things will surprise you, whilst others won’t.Let’s deal with the negative perceptions first though before we wax lyrical about the city.
THE WEATHER
People often claim Manchester to be one of the wettest places in the UK. It can certainly feel that way at times but it is in fact apocryphal.It is in fact the 15th wettest town or city in Britain and if you want the rainy charts, we’re happy to oblige:
- Cardiff is the soggiest, then,
- Glasgow
- Huddersfield
- Swansea
- Plymouth
- Belfast
- Blackpool
- Stockport
- Cheltenham
- Liverpool
- Sheffield
- Bournemouth
- Aberdeen
- Bristol
- Manchester
Obviously, this can vary - but it’s fairly obvious that if you want dry weather, head south and east (Essex is the driest county in the UK).London, perhaps unsurprisingly, is one of the driest - 63rd in fact.
CRIME
Manchester and its surrounding towns have perhaps often been unfairly associated with crime. It’s true that your car insurance premiums will be higher here than say somewhere remote like Norfolk, but you do have the advantage of terrific public transport, a superb road network and airports for international travel close to hand in Manchester.
In fact, statistically, the two regions with the most crime in Britain are Yorkshire and Humberside, followed by the North East of England.With two myths scotched about rain and crime, there are umpteen positives about living and working here.
SPORT
If you’re a football fan, you’re spoiled for choice with United or City who regularly top the Premier League. There’s a Velodrome in East Manchester, home to the British Cycling Team. It is also the national centre for Lacrosse, Squash, Taekwondo and Water Polo (indoors, of course, not outside on Deansgate!) Its cricket team is famous too and there is a national tennis centre at Eastlands.
Its also not too far away from Oldham Athletic…
CULTURE
Not only do we have world class museums, theatres and art galleries, we also arguably possess the richest music culture in the world. New Order, Joy Division, The Smiths, Oasis, James, The Charlatans, Happy Mondays, Buzzcocks, Stone Roses, Elbow are all legends of the city. Salford has Media City.
FOOD
Manchester is an amazing place to eat out in. It has its own Chinatown, a curry mile and legions of eateries serving international cuisine to locals and visitors. Pop to a southern suburb like Chorlton or Didsbury and choice is seemingly infinite. The Northern Quarter, including Ancoats, is now a desirable place to live too. Spinningfields is popular, with an Ivy restaurant.Nightlife is next level with The Warehouse Project being incredibly popular, with the Hacienda being its spiritual predecessor.
In conclusion, the rich history of Manchester's rail network and highlights the city's ongoing efforts to modernize and expand its transport infrastructure. From the world's first intercity railway to the latest tram and high-speed rail projects, Manchester has long been at the forefront of innovation in rail transport.
Oliver Donohue
Snr Account Manager
Snr Account Manager
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