A guide to MediaCity & The Quays

MediaCity and The Quays is an iconic waterfront destination positioned on the banks of the historic Manchester Ship Canal, in Salford, Greater Manchester. A place bursting with creativity and culture, boasting one of the UK’s most visited arts attractions - The Lowry. The Lowry is an award-winning venue housing two major theatres, a studio theatre, extensive art galleries and a range of public spaces including cafes, bars, a restaurant and shop. The Lowry galleries are free to everyone and display the famous LS Lowry Collection, alongside a vibrant programme of special exhibitions. Bringing visual arts and performance together are central to The Lowry’s exhibition and engagement programmes. The destination is also home to the Imperial War Museum North, the BBC and Coronation Street’s famous cobbled set and experience, while dock10 attracts TV show audiences all year round thanks to the many shows filmed here including The Voice and Countdown.

Additionally, MediaCity and The Quays’ wide, open spaces enables it to host an eclectic roster of events from immersive art installations to family orientated festivals which provide opportunity for the local creative community while being accessible to all. You can also explore Central Bay, their new foodie hotspot.

In the surrounding area you can also find Old Trafford, the renowned stomping ground of Manchester United and one of Manchester’s favourite gig venues, Victoria Warehouse.  

It is also home to Emirates Old Trafford Cricket Ground, a world-class sporting venue with over 150 years of history and who this year held some of the biggest global fixtures in the cricketing calendar with more to come in 2025!  

But for those unfamiliar with MediaCity & The Quays or who are just looking to explore its surroundings better, we’ve put together a guide on all things entertainment, leisure and culture based.   

Getting To MediaCity and The Quays

Getting there is easy from Manchester City Centre! It’s just a 15-minute tram ride from the City Centre (using the Metrolink). Hop on the Eccles line which stops at 'Salford Quays' or the ‘Trafford Centre’ line which stops at the Imperial War Museum North. 

If you are planning to travel via bus, you can get the number 50 from the following City Centre stops: 

• Oxford Road / Chester Street 

• Portland Street / Dickinson Street 

• Princess Street / St Peter’s Square  

• John Dalton Street / St James Square 

• Bridge Street / St Mary’s Parsonage  

This will drop you off right by The Quays directly in front of The Lowry.  

Click to find out more.  

Plan what to do in MediaCity and The Quays 

Visit The Lowry, a dynamic space that seamlessly blends contemporary performance with artistic innovation. The venue offers a diverse array of events, from compelling dance productions and classic Shakesperean dramas to thought-provoking exhibitions for everyone to enjoy (we’ve heard Queens: The Exhibition is not to be missed!).  

Find out What's On here.  

Meanwhile, Imperial War Museum North offers a thought-provoking insight into the impact of war on society. The museum’s extensive collection of artefacts and exhibits offer a fascinating look into the personal stories of those who have lived through conflict, from the First World War to the present day. With interactive displays and immersive exhibitions, Imperial War Museum North is a must-see destination for anyone interested in history and the human experience of conflict. 

Calling all Corrie fans, get yourself down to the Cobbles for the Coronation Street Experience where you can visit the set, go for a cuppa at Roy’s Rolls or visit the iconic Rovers Return Inn. Be wowed by the carefully curated set by Coronation Street’s design and construction teams, find out all the hidden secrets and then when you’re next watching the show see if you can recognise anything!

Some other attractions that may interest you: 

You can visit the BBC Philharmonic Studio and watch rehearsals and performances live. They are always free to attend - but you do need tickets. Find out more here.

Winding its way from Bacup to Salford Quays, Irwell Sculpture Trail features over 70 artworks by locally, nationally and internationally renowned artists. What’s unique about this trail is that it also acts as a link to many of the region’s cultural attractions, including the famous East Lancashire Railway.  

Check out the official Irwell Sculpture Trail Visitor Guide here. 

Victoria Warehouse is just a 13-minute bus ride away from MediaCity. You can catch the X50 from Imperial War Museum North, and it will drop you a minute walk away from the venue. The venue is renowned for holding all the best artists, check out who’s performing and get tickets now.  

The Quays also have their own Quayside MediaCity Makers Market. 

Running on the last weekend of each month, Quayside MediaCity Makers Market sells locally made and sourced art, craft, food, and drink, from Manchester rum to vegan cakes, with live music also on offer.  

Outdoorsy activities:  

Did you know you can go paddleboarding on The Quays? Visit Salford Watersports Centre to find out more and if you’re feeling brave you can even go open water swimming, book here. 

Or make your trip extra special and book onto a Manchester River and Canal Tour and experience what this great city has to offer. It’s a 60-minute cruise along the River Irwell and Manchester Ship Canal, book here.  

So whether you’re interested in contemporary art, live music or sports, you’re sure to find something to suit your tastes in this vibrant and dynamic home. 

Food and Drink

MediaCity and The Quays is home to a wide range of food and drink spots so if you fancy a midday break for lunch or an evening meal after a full day of exploring, why not treat yourself to some delicious food and drink?

There’s a mix of both independents and known favourites with the likes of Wagamama, The Botanist, The Alchemist, Kargo On The Docks (an outdoor venue with 5 independents including ThatZiki, So Famous and Leopard Pie), Pret, Nandos, Unagi and Central Bay, the new waterfront foodie destination home to over 20 independent kitchens from Palestinian dishes to Vietnamese at Kargo MKT and a microbrewery at 11 Central. 

Kargo MKT also have some too good to ignore lunch time deals including: 

• Any small schiacciata + any side + drink, for £8 at Ad Maiora (Mon-Fri 12-5pm) 

• Four skewers for £6 at Chuan Chuan (Mon-Fri 11am-5pm) 

Plus, many more see the full list here. 

History of The Quays and MediaCity

Before The Quays and MediaCity became what we know it to be now, it started out as Manchester Ship Canal. This idea came about after someone asked the simple question: “Why not bring the sea to the city?” and this is what led the Ship Canal to be built, opening a gateway to connect Salford to the rest of the world. This in turn allowed the city to gain its name for innovation, vision and international trade and well… the rest is history!  

Since then, we have seen the opening of The Lowry Arts Centre (2000) and Imperial War Museum North (2002).  

MediaCity’s Phase 1 construction started in 2007, with the BBC planning to move five of their London departments to the Quays,and ITV signed an agreement to move the company’s Manchester base to MediaCity in 2010.  

The official opening of MediaCity took place in 2012, and Coronation Street’s new production centre and famous Cobbles opened for filming in 2013.  

Kellogg’s moved its Northern HQ to MediaCity in 2018, MediaCity’s Phase 2 construction started in 2019, before MediaCity was named as the first Wired Certified Neighbourhood in Europe in 2020.  

This is just the start, there is much more to come!  

Too much to see in one day?  

Rest assured; we’ve got that covered too. Below we’ve compiled a list of hotels to make your visit that little bit more stress-free and where you can experience the stunning views of this vibrant waterfront district.  

For more information visit our things to see and do page and remember to #VisitManchester on socials for a chance to be featured!