The Salford Quays and MediaCityUK are famous for being home to media giants, financial institutions, residential buildings, and creative institutions. With so much happening in one place, Manchester's former docks offer visitors plenty of things to see and do.

Today, Salford Quays is just as much a hotspot for art and culture as it is a former dock. In this post, you can learn more about the epic Manchester dock's history, landmarks, and museums.

History of Salford Docks

The Manchester docks were established in the 19th century by the Manchester Ship Canal Company to serve Britain's expanding cotton industry. Manchester was world-renowned for its cotton trade and was even nicknamed Cottonopolis.

The nine docks which served as industrial warehouse areas for the trade are now known as the Salford Quays.

Why did the Salford Docks close?

Shipping containers were commercialized in the 20th century, and this caused massive disruption to the docks as the gigantic modern cargo ships needed much deeper water to accommodate them. This meant the Manchester docks rapidly declined in business; as a result, the docks finally closed in 1982.

The Salford Quays Development Plan

The Salford City Council took ownership of the Manchester Docks in 1983 and renamed it the Salford Quays, along with a new plan to redevelop the area. A few years later, in 1985, Salford Quays went under redevelopment, funded by the Salford City Council.

The project was intended to restore water, road traffic, services and new landscape to Salford Quays. The redevelopment was intended to be a mixture of 1/3 commercial usage, homes and public outdoor areas. Its aim was to create jobs and housing to boost the local economy and renew the docks. For those interested you can find the plan here.

Manchester's local government Salford City Council funded the redevelopment project through the Urban Waterside company. The outcome was a wholly renewed Salford Quays making way for many of the buildings that were developed in the years to come.

Imperial War Museum North

The Imperial War Museum North is one of Salford Quay's most treasured sights. Here you can learn about Britain's hardships of war. The history being exhibited here spans over a century between World War I, World War II, up until 1990, and the present.

The Imperial War Museum North offers an in-depth insight into what life was like for Britain during these harsh times. It also details the years of peace between those times. The exhibitions here are permanently on display, and the tickets are free, so visiting the Imperial War Museum North is a must.

Experience the Old Manchester Docks

The Old Manchester Docks consisted of nine docks which served the Manchester Ship Canal. Today the industrial docks are closed. Instead, modern apartment buildings, office buildings and media complex centres have replaced the old warehouses. The best areas to view the former Manchester Docks are Mariner's Canal, Erie Basin, and Huron Basin.

These waterways are now home to modern architecture, such as the NV buildings, a series of 3 low-rise apartment buildings which overlook the Huron Basin. These buildings have become iconic landmarks of the docks and appear in many photographs of Salford Quays.

The Big Red Bridge, or Detroit Bridge, is another iconic landmark between the Erie Basin and Huron Basin. The iconic Railway Bridge was opened in 1941 to carry the Manchester Ship Canal Company trains. It is a vital part of the history of Salford Quays and contributed to the efficiency of the old Manchester docks working correctly.

I walked from Mariners Canal, passed Erie Basin to Huron Basin, and finally reached MediaCityUK at the end of my walk. I recommend this walking route to anyone looking to view the former docks and the modern buildings which have taken their place.

Quayside MediaCityUK

Quayside MediaCityUK is an area dedicated to modern office buildings and media headquarters. The complex is known for housing the BBC and ITV Headquarters, along with various other media outlets and financial institutions. Quayside MediaCityUK is one of the reasons Salford Quays has developed a reputation as a type of financial district and media hub.

If you would like to view the new buildings Salford Quays has developed recently, walking around Quayside MediaCityUK is the best option. The complex has a majority of the modern buildings within its vicinity, many of them being the most contemporary in Salford Quays.

The Millennium Footbridge is another significant landmark in Salford Quays outside the MediaCityUK complex. Being built in the year 2000 explains its name as the Millennium Footbridge. It covers the width of the Manchester Ship Canal and has been designed as a lift bridge which raises 18 meters from the water to allow ships and boats to pass underneath it.

The bridge is quite impressive, and you can admire the beautiful waterfront views of Quayside MediaCityUK whilst standing on the Millenium Bridge.

The Lowry - Theatre and Arts Centre

Salford Quays has become the epicentre for arts and creative media in Manchester, and at the heart of all this is the Lowry Arts Centre, a complex dedicated to bringing creativity to Salford Quays.

The Lowry Arts Centre is situated along the waterfront and has many exhibitions and galleries, some of which need prior booking.

The Lowry Theatre is one of Salford Quay's most visited attractions, with performing arts and musicals being displayed, it has become one of Manchester's most popular venues. Shows must also be booked through their website, which you can find here.

The Lowry Outlet Mall

For visitors wanting to shop at the Manchester Docks, the Lowry Outlet Mall is the place to go. It is the main shopping centre in Salford Quays and houses many big brand stores, some of which have discounted outlet prices. This shopping mall is a great place to pick up some bargains.

Typical British franchise restaurants are available in the Lowry Outlet Mall, such as Nandos, Burger King, Bella Italia, Harvester, and many more. But of course, a great mall would only be complete with a cinema, and the Lowry Outlet Mall is no exception. The first floor is where you will find the Vue Cinema, and you can enjoy a movie after a day of exploring the docks. 

The mall has most of what is needed in terms of shops and restaurants, but of course, you won't find the same variety as you would in Manchester City centre.

Salford Watersports Centre

Salford Quays would only be complete with some exciting watersports along its canals, and the Salford Watersports Centre offers precisely that. Leisure activities such as paddlesports, sailing, windsurfing and more are available here.

Salford Quays is a hotspot for these sorts of leisure activities, so booking in advance will need to be made through the Salford Watersport Centre website.

How to get to Salford Quays

Salford Quays can be easily reached by tram from Manchester city centre. The tram stops throughout many areas along the way, so wherever you are in the city centre, it is relatively easy to hop on a tram and arrive at Salford Quays within 20 minutes.

Driving is also another option if you have a car. Parking is expensive in the area, but car parks are available nearby.

Salford Quays and MediaCityUK are more exciting than ever, with the addition of new buildings, landmarks and events. The media and creative aspects of Salford Quays continues to grow rapidly making it one of the most exciting arts districts in Manchester. Overall Salford Quays is definitely worth exploring as it offers so much to see and do all within easy reach of Manchester city centre.