The Times described the city as “all red-brick converted mills and warehouses set off by butterscotch leaves and red ivy”
The Times praised Castlefield Basin in the autumn (Image: Kenny Brown | Manchester Evening News)
Manchester has been named one of the UK’s best city breaks for autumn, according to The Times. The publication has shared a list of cities across the country which are “just as charming at this time of year” as any European destination.
The likes of York, Glasgow and Bath also made the shortlist of seven locations with “culture, parks, indoor fun and good aesthetics” to visit during the season.
While The Times does make a dig at Manchester’s climate, it goes on to explain that the city’s rainy disposition means autumn is just the right time to pay the city a visit “with burnished leaves fluttering down to canal boats in Castlefield Basin and cosy roast dinners” luring diners into independent restaurants.
Compared to Cambridge, York and Oxford, known for their historical buildings and lack of high-rises, Manchester feels like an unlikely destination to be included.
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But The Times praises the canals of ‘Castlefield Basin’ which “takes on a romantic feel in autumn — all red-brick converted mills and warehouses set off by butterscotch leaves and red ivy.”
The Times said the Castlefield Bowl takes on a ‘romantic feel in autumn’ (Image: Kenny Brown | Manchester Evening News)
It highlights the “inspiring food and culture scene” of the city. Manchester Art Gallery gets a mention thanks to the “strong presence” of “wistful, autumnal pre-Raphaelites”.
Then it recommends readers to pay a visit to the restaurant Higher Ground which is a “love letter to seasonal fare, with pumpkin, celeriac and venison the stars come autumn.”
The publication also notes the Manchester Literature Festival which returns this October, with readings from Mick Herron and Elizabeth Day.
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It recommends visitors stay at “quirky former textile warehouse” Abode Manchester, ideally placed to explore the nearby “cafe heaven” of the Northern Quarter.
The city centre decorated with Halloween lanterns (Image: Manchester Evening News)
Elsewhere on the list, York is a top destination for the run-up to Halloween with “ghost tours and spooky attractions” while Bath is described as “one of the best cities in the country for combining culture and cosy corners”.
Seven of the best UK city breaks for autumn, according to The Times
- York
- Glasgow
- Bath
- Oxford
- Belfast
- Manchester
- Norwich
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