Stag Weekend or Hen Weekend in Manchester

Manchester is a very popular destination for a Stag or Hen Weekend - to learn more about the many different events click the events button. Click the photographs for Hen and Stag events.

Manchester is renown chiefly as the "birthplace" of the Industrial Revolution of the late 18th century, but its history reaches back to settlements of Roman times. In 1301 Manchester received its charter and became a market town. Then, during the 14th century, Flemish immigrants began producing textiles in the Manchester area, starting a local tradition of clothmaking which was later to become one of Manchester's primary industries.

At the dawn of the Industrial Revolution, Manchester was poised to take advantage of the times. The development of the steam engine fit nicely with Manchester's proximity to significant coal deposits and its growing canal network. The convenience of nearby Liverpool's ports, and the Manchester-Liverpool rail link allowed Mancunian goods to ship easily to faraway markets. The mild, humid climate was perfect for cotton processing, encouraging the growth of the existing local textile industry.

The incredible growth of the city during the 18th and 19th centuries also encouraged sweeping social changes, and Manchester is also known as a central player in many social and labour reform movements of the time. Today, Manchester's city centre mill buildings and canals are under consideration as a UNESCO World Heritage site today. Manchester's last big manufacturing boom was during WWII, and its industrial economy went into decline thereafter. However, the city's impressive cultural diversity allowed Manchester to weather the transition to post-industrial prosperity relatively well, compared to other cities such as Liverpool.

In modern times Manchester has become known as a center of youth culture, as the birthplace of a staggering number of popular music groups, and a thriving local club scene. Football fans will, naturally, immediately think of Manchester's two Premiership teams, Manchester United and Manchester City. Perhaps the most cosmopolitan UK city outside of London, Manchester is home to the largest gay population outside of the capital, and hosts the Manchester Pride Festival every August. Manchester is also home to the largest Jewish community outside London, and is home to a significant Muslim population as well. Manchester is also known for some of England's finest Indian cuisine, along the famous Curry Mile in Rusholme, along with a wide variety of other fine dining specialties throughout the city.

Accommodations in Manchester run the gamut of holiday options. The extensive local canal network is perfect for a canal-boat holiday during the summer months, while the city's club scene is active all year 'round. With numerous museums and theatres also, you can time your holiday in Manchester to coincide with a performance or exhibition of special interest.