Where to stay in Salford

Salford ( SOL-fərd) is a city in Greater Manchester, England, on the western bank of the River Irwell which forms its boundary with Manchester city centre. Landmarks include the former town hall, Salford Cathedral, Salford Lads' Club and St Philip's Church.

Salford was a market and manufacturing town in Lancashire, with the smaller town of Manchester to its east. Both grew rapidly with the 18th / 19th century textile trade, with Manchester outgrowing Salford, and together they became a major seaport 40 miles inland through the digging of the Manchester Ship Canal. But in the 20th century the UK textile industry collapsed, and the port became derelict as the canal was too small for container ships.

Riverside hotels can book up early, as they're so close to big events in Manchester. Conversely, you might pick accommodation around Manchester Victoria and Deansgate if where you're aiming for is Salford.

Getting in

Manchester Airport (MAN) is ten miles south of Salford. A direct train runs hourly from the airport via Manchester Piccadilly to Salford Central, taking 25 min, and heading for Blackpool. Otherwise take any train to Piccadilly and change. Trains from towns across northern England stop at Salford Central, and many also stop at Salford Crescent, on their way to Manchester Victoria. This means the service between Salford and Victoria is very frequent, and takes barely 5 min, the previous terrible trains with an interior that looks like a bus have now been confined to history.

Getting around

Walk is generally the best option, though it's a couple of miles between central Salford and the Quays. Bus services have been cut back in favour of the tram, so areas that aren't on a tram route are cut adrift.

Wikivoyage contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0; excerpted.