Unlocking Salford Quays: An Audio Tour

1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes (approximately)
Offered in: English and 1 more

When British industry expanded rapidly during the Industrial Revolution, port cities scrambled to keep up with demand. Salford Quays became one of the ports to fill that gap, playing a pivotal role in Manchester‘s transformation into the vibrant city it is today. On this self-guided audio tour through Salford Quays, I‘ll tell you its captivating story of growth, decline, and rejuvenation. During the walk, I‘ll show you important sites like Victoria Warehouse, an enduring relic of history, as well as fellow survivors of time, the Old Dock Office, and the Port‘s Gate. Along the way, you‘ll hear about Lowry’s connection to the city, and ITV Studios, where Coronation Street is recorded. After venturing through Mariner‘s Canal, the walk ends at Media City, a mixed-use property development that helped to usher in a fresh era of industry and creativity for Salford Quays.

What's Included

Lifetime access to this tour in English before your booking date and after it
Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour
App for Android and iOS
Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start
Smartphone and headphones
Transportation
Food and drink
Personal expenses for admission fees not included during the tour

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

This tour starts at Lowry theatre. Before arrival, please install the mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading.

End point

Tour ends at ITV and Imperial War Museum.

Itinerary

Duration: 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes (approximately)
  • (Pass by)

    Marvel at this striking waterside theatre and gallery named after Salford-born artist L.S. Lowry, featuring dramatic angular architecture. Explore the cultural hub that helped transform the former docks into a thriving arts destination.

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    Gaze at the impressive aluminum-clad building designed by Daniel Libeskind, representing a world shattered by conflict. Experience the powerful architecture that dominates the waterfront and houses compelling stories of war's impact on people and society.

    Admission ticket free
  • Old Trafford (Pass by)

    Glimpse the iconic football stadium known as Manchester United's "Theatre of Dreams" rising beyond the quays. Discover how this legendary sporting venue has been the heart of Manchester football culture since 1910.

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    Pass this unique hotel co-owned by former Manchester United players, featuring an elevated rooftop football pitch. Marvel at how the building celebrates the city's football heritage while offering stunning views across Salford Quays.

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    Explore this enduring Victorian relic that once stored cotton and goods from around the empire. Discover the building's surprising connection to Liverpool and how it survived to become a modern events venue.

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    Walk past this magnificent Tudor manor house dating back over 750 years, featuring distinctive black-and-white timber framing. Experience one of the few surviving examples of how Salford's wealthy merchants lived during medieval and Tudor times.

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    Stroll through this green space that provides a peaceful contrast to the modern developments surrounding the quays. Enjoy the park where Salfordians have gathered for generations, connecting the area's industrial past to its present.

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    Pass this historic building that once coordinated the bustling activities of ships, cargo, and dockworkers. Discover how this architectural survivor witnessed the height of Salford's maritime trade and industrial power.

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    Walk along the picturesque waterfront of this beautifully preserved dock basin now surrounded by modern apartments and restaurants. Experience how the historic docks have been reimagined as attractive residential and leisure spaces while maintaining their maritime character.

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    Stroll past this tranquil dock basin where commercial vessels once loaded and unloaded goods from around the world. Discover how these waters continue to play a role in the daily lives of Salfordians as a scenic focal point.

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    Marvel at the architectural brilliance of these distinctive modern apartment towers that define Salford Quays' contemporary skyline. Appreciate how bold 21st-century design complements the area's industrial heritage.

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    Explore this mixed-use development that houses ITV Studios, where Coronation Street is filmed, and BBC operations. Discover how this creative hub ushered in a fresh era of digital industry and media production, transforming Salford Quays from abandoned docks into a thriving cultural quarter.

    Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Supplied by VoiceMap Audio Tours
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Tags

Private and Luxury
Private Sightseeing Tours
Audio Guides
Cultural Tours
Historical Tours
Walking Tours
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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