Sports and Leisure

Sport is everywhere in Manchester, with two premier league football clubs calling the city home. You don’t have to be a football fan to appreciate the scale and presence of these two institutions in the city, but it certainly helps.

Perhaps you prefer cricket? It’s easy to catch a glimpse of the quintessentially English game when Castlefield is your address, as Old Trafford’s Manchester Cricket Club is close by. From thrilling one-day 20-20 games to enjoyable country cricket, it’s a must-do summer activity.

If two wheels is more your thing, why not jump in the saddle and peddle up to the HSBC UK National Cycling Centre? It’s so close to Castlefield that it would be rude not to pay it a visit, and whatever your ability, you’ll be inspired by the sight of the Olympic cycling track.

There are plenty of gyms and leisure centres in the city to keep you fit, but if you prefer to exercise outdoors, just head out for a run along one of the scenic canal-side routes.

Emirates Old Trafford Cricket Ground opened in 1857 as the home of Manchester Cricket Club and has been the base of Lancashire County Cricket Club since 1864. Just three miles out of the city centre, it is walkable, yet there are also plenty of tram and bus routes. As well as the site for world-class cricket, it’s a popular music venue with Radiohead, Take That, Bon Jovi, Foo Fighters, Oasis, Bruce Springsteen, Coldplay, R.E.M., Kings of Leon, Madness and The Cure having taken to the stage there.

TALBOT ROAD, M16 0PX

If Manchester United is your team, you’ll already know the ‘Theatre of Dreams’ is on your doorstep. The place to go to watch top-flight football, it’s just as impressive on non-match days when you can sit in your favourite player’s seat in the dressing room, walk through the players’ tunnel and a peek inside the press room.

SIR MATT BUSBY WAY, OLD TRAFFORD, MI6 0RA

Football-lovers who support ‘The Blues’ will be pleased to know that the home of Manchester City Football Club is a 25-minute walk from Manchester Piccadilly station along a signposted route. Built to host the 2002 Commonwealth Games, tours of the 55,000-seater stadium are available if you’re a fan. If football’s not your thing, you may still want to pay a visit, as it transforms into a popular music venue on a regular basis in the summer months.

ETIHAD CAMPUS, M11 3FF

You can follow in the cycle lanes of Sir Chris Hoy and Laura Trott when you jump in the saddle at Team GB’s cycling home, the National Cycling Centre. It’s Britain’s first indoor Olympic cycling track and, since it opened in 1994, it has become one of the world’s finest and fastest board tracks. With a velodrome, BMX arena and mountain bike trails, there is something here for all cycling interests and abilities. What’s more, it’s just a short cycle ride from the city centre along the Ashton Canal.

STUART STREET, MANCHESTER M11 4DQ

At Manchester’s indoor real snow centre, you can ski or snowboard down the UK’s longest real snow slope. Whether you’re new to the snow or are a seasoned pro, you can prepare for that holiday on the slopes, or simply learn a new skill close to home. Find Chill Factore opposite the Intu Trafford Shopping Centre.

TRAFFORD WAY, TRAFFORD QUAYS LEISURE VILLAGE, M41 7JA