Logistical Information
Travel information and meeting venue
Travel to the meeting venue
Manchester airport is connected to all major European cities, in some cases by multiple carriers including low-cost airlines (e.g. Amsterdam: KLM and EasyJet). Trains run from the airport (for the station in the airport follow the signs, and it is about 5 minutes' walk from the main terminals) to Piccadilly station in the centre of Manchester about every 15 minutes. A second option is Liverpool airport, which is served mainly by low-cost airlines and is about 50km from Manchester. A bus goes from Liverpool to the centre of Manchester once an hour during the daytime, with a transfer time of a little over an hour.
If you are coming to Manchester by train, timetables and booking services are available here. We are about 2 hours from London by rail. Tickets bought on the day (especially from London) can be very expensive, and you may wish to book in advance when cheaper tickets are likely to be available.
The meeting is being held in the Alan Turing Building of the University of Manchester, about 20 minutes' walk, or a short taxi ride, from Piccadilly station. A map of the University campus, including the railway station, is available here; the Turing building is number 46. The venue is the Lovell seminar room, room 3.225 on the third floor. The same link also has maps of the city centre, which is about 30 minutes' walk from the Turing building.
General travel information
Regular bus routes within Manchester and the surrounding areas leave from Piccadilly Bus station. Further travel information on Buses, trams and trains within the Greater Manchester area can be found at here, or via telephone 0161-228-7811 (8am - 8pm).Information and tickets are also available from GMPTE Travel-shops at the bus station.
Taxis. If you need to use a taxis any black hackney cab can be hailed at the road side or picked up at a taxi rank. Do not attempt to hail a minicab. Mini-cabs will not normally pick you up and if they do they, and you, are not covered by any insurance. Minicab have to be pre-booked via telephone call (phone numbers of a few mini-cabs firms - Taxifone: 0161-236-2322,Village Private Hire: 0161-237-3383, Radio Cars: 0161-236-8033)
Accommodation
You should book your own accommodation, of which there is a plentiful supply within walking distance of the University. Nearby ones include the Days Inn and the Ibis hotels on Princess Street and Portland Street. All three are about 20 minutes' walk from the meeting venue. If you are googling for a hotel, the University postcode is M13 9PL.Short guide to areas and some possible places to visit within Manchester
Within the city
The city centre itself is commonly split into a number of distinct sections and quarters - each with their own character, atmosphere and appeal. Map of the city centre and districts
- Deansgate, King Street & St Ann's Square
If interested in shopping, and in particular designer shops, this is the area to visit! Also see the Royal exchange and the Royal exchange theatre situated on St Ann's Square.
- Exchange Square & New Cathedral Street
This is Manchester's newest shopping, attraction and entertainment heart. Exchange Square itself is a stylish, new, sandstone amphitheatre, which is surrounded by designer stores, including Harvey Nichols and Selfridges. As well as two of Manchester's oldest pubs and a large 24 hr entertainment complex (The printworks).
Close-by is Urbis an exhibition centre focusing on city life. Urbis' exhibition programme explores the culture and dynamism of cities around the world, covering photography, design, architecture, music, contemporary art and much more. Plus Manchester Cathedral which also has attached a fascinating visitor centre.
- Chinatown
Centred around the beautiful Imperial Chinese Arch, Chinatown is a collection of densely packed shops, businesses and restaurants. This area offers authentic cuisine at great value. However don't be fooled by the name, Chinatown actually offers a wide range of food from all over the far east with various restaurants specialising in Japanese, Vietnamese, Cantonese and Thai food.
Chinatown is just few hundred metres from the conference location and is a great place to eat out at night.
- Petersfield, Deansgate locks
Once the site of the infamous Peterloo Massacre Petersfield is now the site of Manchester's state of the art exhibition and convention district.
This are also hosts numerous stylish bars alongside Deansgate locks as well as The Bridgewater Hall which is home to the Halle anmd BBC Philharmonic orchestras and host numerous concerts.
For further information events on at The Bridgewater Hall and Ticket bookings please see The Bridgewater Hall's website
- Spinningfields
This area of Manchester is one of the most recently redeveloped in the city. In particular, just off Deansgate is situated the Victorian Gothic splendour of John Rylands Library. This magnificent building, which is one of the finest examples of modern Gothic architecture in Europe, has recently re-opened to the public following a 16.8 million pound redevelopment. The library itself boosts one of the UK's greatest collections of historic books, manuscripts and archives.
Closeby The Opera House Theatre offers live entertainment and the People's History Museum is the national centre for the collection, conservation, interpretation and study of material relating to the history of working people in Britain.
- Northern Quarter
The Northern Quarter is a vibrant and quirky part of the city centre, situated just north of Piccadilly Gardens. The area contains many bars, restaurants, record shops and independent retail outlets contained within its streets and within the arcade at Affleck's Palace (just off Tib Street).
- Castlefield
Castlefield is the UK's first Urban Heritage Park. It is is situated close to the site of a Roman fort, of which a replica remains. Castlefield is now better known for its public events arena, its regenerated wharves and waterways and great bars and restaurants. The area is also home to the Museum of Science and Industry.
- The Gay Village
The Gay Village is situated just a stones throw north of the conference venue and separates the conference from the city centre. This area is camp, flamboyant and straight-friendly containing a cluster of bars, clubs, cafes and restaurants. Expect an exuberant and energetic welcome and a unique atmosphere.
Slightly further
- Salford Quays
Salford Quays is just a short tram ride west of the city centre. Salford Quays and Trafford Wharf surround an expanse of water and interconnecting canals. At The Quays there is a wealth of world-class entertainment, leisure and cultural facilities on offer including The Lowry theatre and art gallery, Imperial War Museum North, Ordsall Hall and The Lowry Outlet Mall.
Directory of links to some attractions:
For general links to events and places to visit in Manchester see: What to See and Do in Manchester
. Below are links to a few attractions within and close to Manchester city centre. This list is far from exhaustive and is only intended to give a flavour of what is available! For Further information can be found at the Manchester tourist information website at www.visitmanchester.com. Also see http://www.prideofmanchester.com/ for a large list of online guides to everthing to do within the City (including everything from restaurants and bars to Art and Architecture).- Theatres, concert venues
General: Theatres in manchester
Royal Exchange Theatre
The Lowry theatre and art gallery
The Opera House Theatre
The Palace Theatre
The Bridgewater Hall
Manchester Evening News Arena
The Green Room - Art and contempory performance.
Royal Northern College of Music
Contact Theatre - Museums, Art Gallaries and other attacations.
Museum of Science and Industry
Imperial War Museum North
Ordsall Hall
People's History Museum
John Rylands Library
Urbis
Manchester City Art Gallery
The Whitworth Art Gallery
Manchester Museum
Manchester Craft and Design Centre
Chinese Arts Centre
The Cornerhouse Art, Films, books..
The Dance House
Comedy Guide - Sport
Manchester United Football Club
Manchester City Football Club
Lancashire County Cricket Club
Sale sharks Rugby Union
Salford City Reds Rugby League - Restaurant Reviews:
large list of restaurants, and reviews, within Manchester
Further Information
Tourist information office can be found at the Manchester City Town Hall in St Peters Square, next to the Library (both are marked on the map of the city centre). This is open Monday - Saturday 10am - 5:30pm & Sunday 10:30am - 4:30pm.
A large interactive map showing many of Manchesters visitor attractions can be found here.
Tourist information about many attractions and facilities in and around Manchester can be also found at:
