The most popular cities for a language holiday in the United Kingdom are Oxford, Cambridge, and Edinburgh. However there are also lots of underrated alternatives, such as Manchester, that are just as great for an English language immersion experience.
Where is Manchester in the UK?
The city of Manchester is in the Northwest of England in the historic county of Lancashire. It has excellent transport links to the rest of the country, including numerous direct daily trains from the capital, London. Manchester international airport is also the third busiest airport in the UK.
Why Learn English in Manchester
One of the best things about visiting Manchester is the diverse musical and creative culture it has. It is also extremely multicultural and home to two of the most renowned sports teams in the world. Basically whatever your interests, there are always plenty of things to do in Manchester.
1. Multilingualism
Also known as ‘The City of Languages’, there are over 200 languages spoken in Manchester. So whilst English is the common spoken language, many people who live here are multilingual. This creates a welcoming feeling of openness for foreign language students learning English.
Mancunians are also well known for their friendliness and willingness to strike up conversations. So expect plenty of opportunities in different scenarios to practise chatting in English.
2. Music Pedigree
If music is a passion of yours, you won’t be short of inspiration when visiting Manchester.
Oasis, The Smiths, Stone Roses, Joy Division and Take That all have roots here. But there’s always new and exciting emerging artists coming through cool venues like Band on the Wall.
Listening to music you love is a really effective way to learn a language. So if you’re a music fan, going to a gig whilst visiting the city is a definite must do in Manchester. You can also do a Manchester Music Walkabout tour around the city to learn more about the city’s musical history.
3. Fascinating History
For English language learners who enjoy learning about the history of the country they are visiting, Manchester has it in abundance. Not only was it the birthplace of the women’s suffrage movement, it was also where the seeds of the Industrial Revolution were sown.
Good films about these aspects of British history are Suffragette, This is England, Made in Dagenham and Pride. Why not suggest watching one on an evening with your host family?
4. Beautiful Architecture
If you choose to learn English in Manchester and also have an interest in architecture you will love the city's building designs. Manchester Central Library, Manchester Cathedral, Manchester Town Hall and Victoria Baths are all gorgeous historical examples.
But for cutting edge designs check out, The Avenue, Urbis, The Lowry and Burlington House. You can join a native English-speaking Mancunian guide on a walking tour around them all.
5. Manchester Cuisine
Manchester is considered one of the top foodie hotspots in the UK. And owing to its diversity, there’s a huge range of culinary experiences to be had. So as well as British classics such as fish and chips, you can also try Indian, Thai and Vietnamese flavours too.
Don’t miss the street food at Mackie Mayor in the Northern Quarter or the lively Altrincham market for exciting cultural adventures. Both are great places to practise speaking in English.
6. Football Teams
Manchester has not one, but two world renowned Premier League Football Clubs; Manchester United and Manchester City. For English language learners who love football, going to a match while visiting Manchester is an awesome way to immerse yourself in the culture of the city.
Get involved by singing along to the football chants and chatting with fellow football fans. If you’re lucky, your homestay host might even have season tickets. You can also practise your listening skills by taking a tour of the Old Trafford or The Etihad Stadiums in English.
7. Museums & Galleries
Manchester's museums and galleries are a brilliant way to exercise your English listening and reading skills. Check out the interactive displays at the Science and Industry Museum or immerse yourself in a world of treasured artefacts at Manchester Museum.
Exploring the Whitworth Art Gallery is a must do in Manchester for creative minds. What’s more, they’ll create great discussion topics around the dinner table with your English homestay host.
8. Manchester Festivals
This northern city knows how to celebrate and its calendar is packed with year round events. The summer music festivals, Sounds of the City and Parklife are incredibly fun. Pride is a huge joyous and colourful occasion. And then there’s the festive Christmas Markets.
Basically any month will have something exciting going on. So when you’ve chosen your host family, you can plan ahead with them to attend one of the best activities in Manchester.
9. Educational Excellence
Manchester has some of the best universities in the UK, placing students and learning at the centre of the city’s culture. Lots of international students attend the Manchester Metropolitan University for creative arts subjects such as filmmaking and design.
The University of Manchester conducts world-leading research into cancer, biotechnology, energy and global inequalities. As a result it draws academics from all over the world and amazingly almost half of its student population are international.
10. Manchester Countryside
Despite being the third biggest city in the UK, visiting Manchester doesn't just mean being constantly surrounded by cityscapes. There’s also lots of easily accessible stunning countryside around the city, with lovely walking trails through ancient woods and moorland.
Favourites are Saddleworth Moor, Lyme estate parkland, Alderley Edge and Tatton Park. So if you fancy a trip into nature when learning English in Manchester you can easily plan one.
If this all sounds like somewhere you’d like to visit to take your English language skills to the next level, simply register for free today and check out our host families based in Manchester.