Unlocking Salford Quays: A Walking Tour from Lowry Theatre to Media City

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 walking tour through Salford Quays, I‘ll tell you its captivating story of growth, decline, and rejuvenation. We‘ll delve into its history and you’ll hear tales about its dockworkers, gaining insight into their lives. You‘ll also get a sense of how Manchester’s industry advanced along Salford’s shores and helped build its modern wharf.

Our journey through these docks’ development sets sail from The Lowry, a theatre named after the Salford-born artist Laurence Lowry. During our 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. We‘ll pass Ordsall Hall and Ordsall Lane, and learn about this storied suburb’s role in the development of Salford, before walking through its park. 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, our 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.

On this hour-long walk, you‘ll have a chance to:

• Walk the Millennium Bridge over the Manchester Ship Canal and admire magnificent waterfronts
• Gaze at the impressive architecture of the Imperial War Museum North
• Glimpse Old Trafford Football Stadium, known as Manchester United‘s Theatre of Dreams
• See Hotel Football‘s elevated football pitch
• Find out about Victoria Warehouse’s connection to Liverpool
• Stroll past the picturesque Ontario, Erie and Huron basins and learn about their continued relevance in the lives of Salfordians
• Discover the origins of the Detroit Swing Bridge
• Appreciate the architectural brilliance of the NV Buildings

Whether you‘re a first-time visitor to Salford Quays or a curious local who‘s eager to explore your city‘s hidden treasures, this walking tour will give you a deeper appreciation for how the area became what it is today. Allow 60 to 90 minutes to get the most out of this walk, although there are ample opportunities to stop and enjoy refreshments along the way.