About Manchester Victoria
In many ways, Manchester was the cradle of the Industrial Revolution. As a result, it was one of the first cities in the world to begin developing a rail network. The world's very first passenger railway was built in Manchester, and the stations in the city are some of the oldest anywhere on the planet.
Manchester Victoria, for instance, was first planned in 1839. However, the station didn't open until 1844. Named after Queen Victoria, the station quickly showed its usefulness, and as rail travel expanded, the station expanded with it. Platforms were added in 1865, and more were added in 1884. In 1904, the station reached its biggest size, with 17 platforms.
In the 20th century, rail travel began to decline. Victoria station was damaged during bombing in World War II, and the damaged portions of the original Victorian roof were taken down and never replaced. Through the 1980s and 1990s, Manchester Piccadilly took a larger share of the city's trains, leading to lower passenger numbers at Manchester Victoria.
However, in the 1990s, the station was made a stop on Manchester’s Tramway network, helping it to remain important in the city’s transit network. The station was extensively renovated in 2014 and 2015, making this old station into a very modern transit hub.
Things to do near Manchester Victoria
Manchester Victoria may be outside the center of the city, but that doesn't mean there's nothing to do in the area. Exploring Manchester from Victoria means you will be close to several of the city's attractions. Step outside the doors of the station, and find an interesting portion of Manchester waiting for you.
- Explore the history of the beautiful game at the National Football Museum. Soccer is called football in the UK, and Manchester is home to two of the best teams in the world, Manchester City and Manchester United. This quirky museum pays homage to that legacy and is just a short walk from Manchester Victoria station.
- See a different kind of place of worship at Manchester Cathedral. The origins of this impressive church go back to the medieval period, and the spiritual heart of Manchester is a perfect place to get some tranquility while you explore the city.
- Try your hand at racing at TeamSport go-karting track. A short walk from Manchester Victoria station, this facility allows you to race go-karts with your friends and see who will be crowned the winner at this fast-paced attraction.
- Get a fresh take on history at the People's History Museum. This attraction tells the tale of Manchester's industrial past through the lives of regular people and explores the history of labor in this traditional working town.
- Dive into the city's vibrant street food scene at GRUB. This venue hosts the city's most exciting food trucks, and there is also a beer garden and even a cinema to keep you entertained.
Transit options at Manchester Victoria
- Manchester Victoria has excellent railway links across the UK. Trains connect the station to London, Liverpool, Leeds, Birmingham, and just about every city in the country.
- Victoria station is also a stop on the city's tram line, known as the Metrolink. Three lines stop at Victoria, including one to the airport, making it an important hub for city transit.
- Buses 2, 8, 10, 59 and others stop at Victoria station, making it easy to get just about anywhere in Manchester from here.
Luggage storage near Manchester Victoria
Manchester Victoria station's excellent public transportation links make it a breeze to explore the city from the station. Once you arrive, you'll probably want to start seeing as much of Manchester as you can from this convenient location. Bounce can help you do that by providing you with a place to store heavy bags. No matter how many bags you have or how long you need them secured, Bounce can take care of it. Drop off anything you don't need and travel lighter.
Activities and attractions near Manchester Victoria
- Manchester Museum: See the country's biggest University museum at Manchester Museum. This eclectic collection features exhibits from all over the world. You'll find fossils, natural history displays, artifacts of ancient civilizations, and more modern items. The museum also has an enclosure for live reptiles and amphibians which contains some of the rarest frogs in the world. Large bags are not permitted inside this fascinating museum, so make sure you leave them at a luggage storage shop in Manchester before you go.
- Chill Factore: England is not a country blessed with great Alpine resorts, but you can overcome that at Britain's longest indoor ski slope. Real snow is manufactured here to make it possible to ski indoors all year round, making this a fun place to burn off some energy and practice your skills. Large bags aren't allowed inside, so make sure you leave them at a Manchester luggage storage facility first.
- HOME: There's always something to do at HOME. This modern facility is a hub for art, featuring a gallery, a theater, and a cinema. Whether it's an avant-garde play, a poetry reading, or a cutting edge indie film, you'll find something to keep you entertained here. There are also two bars and a restaurant where you can grab a post-performance drink or a bite to eat while you celebrate Manchester's cultural life.