Manchester's Northern Quarter | Exploring England's Most Underrated Neighborhood — Camels & Chocolate

Art & Design in the Vibrant Northern Quarter of Manchester

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From Liverpool, it was off to Manchester for the second half of my trip to Britain, and once again, it would prove to be a city that held many surprises—of the best kind. More specifically, I was blown away by the Northern Quarter in Manchester and how it had every travel experience to offer: street art, design, culinary, shopping.

Manchester's Northern Quarter | Exploring England's Most Underrated Neighborhood — Camels & Chocolate

Other than its industrial past, I knew very little about England’s second biggest metropolis prior to arriving. Conveniently, it’s just a 42-minute ride from Liverpool to Manchester, but I somehow hopped the wrong train and it took me closer to an hour and a half. Visitors to England, take note: Don’t just board any ol’ train that says it’s going to Manchester unless you want to stop at every town in between!

Manchester's Northern Quarter | Exploring England's Most Underrated Neighborhood — Camels & Chocolate

When I arrived at my hotel in Manchester, it would prove hard to remove myself from the premises, as the Gotham is one of the most stunning, magical, whimsical hotels I’ve ever stayed in. But soon after checking in, I had to pry myself from the feathery bed as there was much exploring to do—and not a whole lot of time in which to do it.

Manchester's Northern Quarter | Exploring England's Most Underrated Neighborhood — Camels & Chocolate

I would soon find out that I needed a solid week to do Manchester justice. In fact, I needed a weekend just to dive into the Northern Quarter in Manchester sufficiently. And, for a change, I did have someone with whom to explore.

Even though I started out traveling as a solo traveler, in recent years, I’ve done at least half of my travel with SVV or my family or friends or groups. I like being able to do my own thing, but I also like having a companion because selfies with statues—not to mention, talking to yourself—get lonesome sometimes.

Manchester's Northern Quarter | Exploring England's Most Underrated Neighborhood — Camels & Chocolate
Manchester's Northern Quarter | Exploring England's Most Underrated Neighborhood — Camels & Chocolate
And besides, what fun is traveling if you don’t have someone with whom to ponder the possibility of a raccoon riding a dolphin?

So I was in luck when my sister’s good friend, Lina, who grew up in our hometown, was passing through the UK the same week I was. Even better: She had no firm plans and was more than eager to accompany me on my informal photo journey of Manchester!

Manchester's Northern Quarter | Exploring England's Most Underrated Neighborhood — Camels & Chocolate

We started with Manchester’s edgy Northern Quarter, which I would equate to New York’s East Village or even San Francisco’s Haight-Ashbury district. Not 10 minutes by foot from my Midtown hotel, the Northern Quarter is rife in boutiques, indie record shops, cafes, restaurants, bars and the like. Needless to say, it was totally my jam.

Manchester's Northern Quarter | Exploring England's Most Underrated Neighborhood — Camels & Chocolate

Manchester's Northern Quarter | Exploring England's Most Underrated Neighborhood — Camels & Chocolate
Manchester's Northern Quarter | Exploring England's Most Underrated Neighborhood — Camels & Chocolate

Manchester's Northern Quarter | Exploring England's Most Underrated Neighborhood — Camels & Chocolate

Our first stop was the Manchester Craft and Design Center, an artisan collective of small shops that sell some seriously cool merchandise. It took everything I had not to buy all the jewelry, as there were some gorgeous pieces, and I do love to take back something local from all of my travels when I can.
Craft & Design Center in Manchester's Northern Quarter | Exploring England's Most Underrated Neighborhood
Craft & Design Center in Manchester's Northern Quarter | Exploring England's Most Underrated Neighborhood — Camels & Chocolate
Craft & Design Center in Manchester's Northern Quarter | Exploring England's Most Underrated Neighborhood — Camels & Chocolate

From there, we headed down the block as we had a lunch date with my friend Vanessa. My mom and I met Vanessa and her husband Simon while in South Africa five years ago and have kept up with both of them via social media. Though I hadn’t seen her since, it was like catching up with an old friend—an old friend who had a “new” baby in tow, at that (OK, he’s two years old now…but still “new” in the time since I last saw Vanessa!).

Lunch at the Teacup in Manchester's Northern Quarter | Exploring England's Most Underrated Neighborhood — Camels & Chocolate
Lunch at the Teacup in Manchester's Northern Quarter | Exploring England's Most Underrated Neighborhood — Camels & Chocolate
Lunch at the Teacup in Manchester's Northern Quarter | Exploring England's Most Underrated Neighborhood — Camels & Chocolate

Vanessa suggested we meet up at the Teacup, the most charming cafe and bakery I saw in my time in England. We had sandwiches and cookies and tea, of course, before Lina and I moved on along to our next stop.

Lunch at the Teacup in Manchester's Northern Quarter | Exploring England's Most Underrated Neighborhood — Camels & Chocolate

From what I could tell in my brief time in Manchester, the Northern Quarter is indeed the city’s creative pulse. In fact, I loved the area so that I found myself back there not once but twice in the days that followed.

Manchester's Northern Quarter | Exploring England's Most Underrated Neighborhood — Camels & Chocolate

Manchester's Northern Quarter
Manchester's Northern Quarter

Manchester's Northern Quarter | Exploring England's Most Underrated Neighborhood — Camels & Chocolate

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The Northern Quarter in Manchester

COMMENTS
  • November 10, 2015

    Wow, it seems I really missed out on this part of Manchester when I explored the city! I didn’t like the city when I was there, but judging by your pictures I would’ve loved it if I would’ve explored the right area! Thanks for this post, I guess I’ll have to re-explore this town!

    • November 12, 2015

      I know how you feel. Had I only seen the industrial areas, I’m sure I wouldn’t have been as impressed. But I stayed in Hotel Gotham (spectacular!) and made my first stop the Northern Quarter, so I feel like that set the tone for a great visit.

  • November 10, 2015

    What a cool place, love these shots!

    • November 19, 2015

      Next time you go to Liverpool, you’ll have to stop over in Manchester. It’s just 45 minutes away by train!

  • November 10, 2015

    I love traveling with you, Kristin! Thank you for the beautiful photo tour!

    • November 12, 2015

      And I love you, Karla! Thanks for coming along for the ride =)

  • November 10, 2015
    Bernadette

    Hi Kristin, my daughter Molly who is at University in Manchester keeps talking about the Northern Quarter, now I can see from your photos what she is talking about , it looks lovely…..and I only live in Cheadle Hulme about 30 minutes away so I should be ashamed of myself that I haven’t been there yet ( even thought I have been all over the West and East coast of America !!!)

    • November 19, 2015

      Cheadle Hulme, that sounds like a place out of a movie! Maybe I should come visit you when next I’m in Manchester =)

      (And yes, you need to make it there; it’s such a fun city! But I know how it is, traveling to far-off places yet not exploring your own “backyard.” I’m guilty of that, as well!)

  • November 17, 2015

    I love every detail of your pic. You captured such beautiful place. Reading the blog seems like I’m having a tour with you. Thanks!

    • November 19, 2015

      Thank you, Marie! Such kind words. I appreciate you stopping by =)

  • October 14, 2016

    Well, i like art &designs or creating things that are useful and visually appealing. In this article i found so many creative art and designs which proved very useful for my knowledge. Even, these ideas getting me excited to visit the Northern Quarter. one thing i really like about the article is the cities you mentioned like New York’s East Village or even San Francisco’s Haight-Ashbury district.

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