A weekend away with friends to take in a football match is often just what the doctor ordered. When planning such a weekend, it’s best to start early. It can be difficult to get tickets, so choose several weekend dates that are available for you and your friends and then check out the club’s website for information on purchasing tickets. Sometimes it pays to join a club as an official member – that way, you might receive a discount on tickets and, more importantly perhaps, you could purchase tickets before they go on general sale. That’s one tip – read on to see more tips for having a great football weekend in Manchester.
Manchester City Football Club Stadium. License: Image source photograph by Chris. W
Where to stay
Where you stay depends on the team you decide to see. Are you a Manchester City or a Manchester United fan? If you’re looking for a decent hotel near Manchester City’s ground, consider the three-star Holiday Inn Central Park. Located just over a mile from the stadium, you could potentially walk to the match if you chose to. If you want to treat yourself, consider the four-star Doubletree by Hilton at Piccadilly Place. The Holiday Inn averages about £35-40 a night and the Doubletree by Hilton is about £55-65 per night.
If you’re heading to Old Trafford, Manchester United’s ground, then consider the four-star Copthorne Hotel in Manchester. Just a third of a mile from Old Trafford, this hotel averages about £45 a night. You could easily walk to and from the match. The Copthorne overlooks Salford Quays, so ask for a room that has a view of the water.
Where to eat and drink
Since the theme of the weekend is sport, head to one of Manchester’s many sports bars before and after the game to get in the festive spirit. It will mean that you are also able to catch up on all the other football games taking place that day while you’re there. Check out The Green on Ducie Street, or The Alibi on Oxford Road. Later in the night, head to K2 Karaoke in Manchester’s Chinatown to dance the night away whether you win, lose or draw.
The good news about a football weekend in Manchester is that there are lots of hotels nearby both Manchester City’s and Manchester United’s stadiums. You’re sure to find one that suits you and your friends’ tastes that’s also near enough to the ground. Two-star hotels are available but look for a deal on three or four star hotels – you might be surprised what an extra five pounds can get you. Also, it may be less expensive overall to book a hotel that comes with breakfast, so look at that option as well before you book.
You could book a weekend in Manchester using the tips listed above, or try a weekend break in Liverpool instead. If Manchester City or Manchester United aren’t teams that you’d like to see, but you’d like to get the feel for another classic English football club, get tickets to a Liverpool match at Anfield. The home of the Beatles, Liverpool has a lot to offer in terms of shopping, nightlife and all things football.
Wherever you decide to head, you’re sure to have a great time taking at a football match at one of the top English clubs.
Catherine Halsey writes for a digital marketing agency on a range of subjects. This article was written on behalf of lastminute.com
