An industrial district, Beswick is full of rich history. Recent regeneration has turned some of the old warehouses and factories into stylish shops and bars, which sit alongside cosy, old-fashioned pubs and independent restaurants.

Things to do

Substantial investment in the 2002 Commonwealth Games has left Beswick with a range of world-class sports facilities. You can ride around the velodrome of the National Cycling Centre where Olympic medal winners have trained, get a coaching session at the National Squash Centre or catch Manchester City Football Club in action at the atmospheric Etihad Stadium.

One of the area’s more unique experiences is a ride down the Ashton Canal, which has been in operation since 1792. Take a cruise on a barge, learn how to work the canal locks and admire Beswick from an entirely new perspective. Pay a visit to the Portland Basin Museum, where you can learn about the canal’s history and see a reconstruction of a 1920s street.

Manchester’s industrial heritage is evident not only in its mills and warehouses but in Philips Park, one of the world’s first municipal parks built for factory workers. You can wander the woodlands and community orchard or go bowling on the bowling green. Visit in early November to catch the Guy Fawkes Night fireworks, one of Manchester’s biggest displays.

Getting around

Beswick is only 3.5 kilometres from Manchester’s city centre and is served by the Metrolink light rail and numerous bus lines. It’s also possible to walk through the Northern Quarter and along Ashton Canal, which takes a little over one hour.