Salford Quays
Area Redeveloped waterfront in Manchester, cultural and media hub
A redeveloped waterfront in Greater Manchester, Salford Quays combines cultural venues like The Lowry, museums, media hubs at MediaCityUK, waterfront promenades and restaurants along its canals.
Salford Quays is a waterfront redevelopment area in the City of Salford, Greater Manchester, created on the site of former Manchester Docks and transformed into a cultural, residential and media quarter. The regeneration programme ran from the late 1980s into the 2000s and replaced derelict docks with mixed-use development.
Key attractions include the media campus MediaCityUK, the performing-arts and visual-arts complex The Lowry (opened 2000) and the Imperial War Museum North (opened 2002). The area contains offices, studio space for broadcasters, galleries, bars and promenades along the dock basins and is a centre for creative and digital industries.
The docks were drained and redeveloped after commercial shipping declined in the late 20th century, with phased construction creating public spaces, cultural venues and new residential neighbourhoods. The imprint of the original dock basins and quayside layout remains an organising feature of the waterfront.
Salford Quays sits on the banks of the Manchester Ship Canal roughly 3 km west of Manchester city centre, linked by road and the Metrolink tram network and bordered by Salford and Trafford boroughs.
- Transport: Served by the Manchester Metrolink tram network with stops at Exchange Quay, MediaCityUK and Harbour City providing direct links to Manchester city centre.
- Best time to visit: Evening and winter nights are popular for photography because of illuminated bridges, the museum and media buildings reflecting on the water.
What to See #
- MediaCityUK: A mixed-use media and business district developed from former docks; completed phases include office buildings, studios and public squares centred on the waterfront.
- The Lowry: A combined theatre and gallery complex that opened in 2000, housing performing arts spaces and a collection of works related to regional artists.
- Imperial War Museum North: A museum focused on twentieth-century conflict that opened in 2002, noted for its angular, sculptural building on the waterfront.
- Quayside and docks: The waterfront promenade and former dock basins that provide public access, waterfront views and photographic vantage points across the Manchester Ship Canal.
How to Get to Salford Quays #
Salford Quays is served by the Manchester Metrolink tram network - alight at MediaCityUK, Exchange Quay, or Anchorage tram stops. From Manchester city centre trams run frequently; by car follow the A57(M)/Trinity Way and then local signs to Salford Quays; paid parking available near main attractions.
Tips for Visiting Salford Quays #
- Walk the waterfront counterclockwise for better afternoon light across the quays and to hit the Lowry before the museum crowds.
- Alight at MediaCityUK or Exchange Quay tram stops on Metrolink for the quiet paths toward the Old Quay area.
- Bring a jacket in summer evenings - the water and wind through the canal system can cut surprisingly cold.
Best Time to Visit Salford Quays #
Good year-round depending on whether the focus is architecture, cultural venues, or outdoor events.
Weather & Climate near Salford Quays #
Salford Quays's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 2°C to 21°C. Moderate rainfall (841 mm/year).
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 7°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (77 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (53 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (65 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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April
April is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (54 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (53 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (67 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (60 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (76 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (74 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 7°C. The wettest month with 90 mm of rain and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 4°C. Regular rainfall (88 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 3°C. Regular rainfall (84 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
