2 orchestras and a symphony of other ideas!

So much to do, so little time! The only answer is to come back more often and discover all this great location has to offer.

Manchester boasts a rich and diverse arts and cultural life, as befits an International metropolis. It’s got more theatres than any UK city outside of London. If you love musicals head for The Palace Theatre, while the Royal Exchange Theatre is great for both classic and contemporary theatre.

If you enjoy classical music, you can experience recitals by one of Manchester's two orchestras, either the world-famous Hallé Orchestra or the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra. The Bridgewater Hall, home of the Hallé, is less than a minute from The Midland Hotel.

If you know your Roses from your Northern Soul, you’ll be happy to be in one of the most exciting contemporary music scenes in the UK, with everything from electronica and folk to indie and reggae on offer any night of the week.

If you’re heading out into the country, these attractions are quite close by:

Jodrell Bank Science Centre. Telephone Number: 01477 571339

Near Macclesfield, the Jodrell Bank Science Centre, is home to the world famous Lovell Radio Telescope and is the astronomy research centre of the University of Manchester. The visitor’s centre promises a great day out for all the family, with 8 exhibition galleries, a 150-seater Planetarium, 3D Theatre and the extensive grounds and collections of the Arboretum.

Little Moreton Hall. Telephone Number: 01260 272018

Britain's most famous and finest timber-framed moated manor house in is to be found nearby in Congleton.  Featuring in several films, including Lady Jane and Moll Flanders, Little Moreton has a spectacular Hall, long gallery and knot garden.

Arley Hall, Northwich. Telephone Number: 01565 777353

Arley Hall, built around 1840, sits in 100 acres of beautiful gardens and parkland. One of the few remaining landed estates in Cheshire still occupied by the descendants of the original owners, the hall has remained in the same family for 500 years and is an important example of Victorian-Jacobean style architecture.

The gardens are a stunning haven for flora and fauna with a mixture of formal and informal planting. The Tudor Barn serves refreshments and hosts special events throughout the year.

Tatton Park Hall and Gardens, Knutsford. Telephone Number: 01625 534400

Tatton Park Hall is a neo-classical mansion, with superb gardens, while Tudor Old Hall and Home Farm are set in 1000 acres of parkland. This the ideal place to take the family; it has a lake, an extensive children's play area, speciality shops and special events planned throughout the year, including RHS Flower Show and open air concerts with fireworks.