Whether it’s playing or watching, sweating or seeing, Manchester provides an ever expanding variety of sports to delve into. The Commonwealth Games in 2002 provided an introduction of three world class sporting arenas: The Velodrome , Manchester’s World Class Aquatics Centre (where the British Olympic Swimming team train) and the home to Manchester’s blue half of football, The City of Manchester Stadium. A passion for football hides in even the darkest crevices of Manchester, so be prepared to have your delicate ear talked off if the topic of football arises with a Mancunian.
Having a dip in one of the two 50-foot swimming pools, a guided tour around Manchester City’s home ground or even a relaxing session in one of the numerous bubble spas available, makes Sportcity a popular destination for sporting enthusiasts in the north.
If you prefer skiing, surfing or sailing on water then head down to Salford Watersports Centre. The regeneration of Salford Quays acts as an epic city-living backdrop for a range of aquatic activities. If the image of modern architecture does not whet your appetite then a stroll around Heaton Park’s tranquil grounds is an environmentalist's dream. Manchester plays host to 130 parks and open spaces so no matter where you may be residing, there is sure to be a peaceful milieu nearby. The picturesque golf club tucked away in the grounds of Heaton Park was voted The Best Municipal in Britain, 2005, and gives golfers the opportunity play 18 holes on a championship course, seven days a week.
An alternative golf course, that comes highly recommended, is Chorlton-Cum-Hardy Golf Club, Barlow Hall, Chorlton, M21 7JJ. The course is centred around a 13th-Century uniquely historic club house and allows members to relax in celebrated surroundings.
Trafford’s Daytona Manchester karting track presents the adrenaline rush you may be seeking. You can compete against clock, and attempt to become city champion, or race against your friends for an opportunity to finally decide who the best driver is. Trafford also provides accomplished and newbie skiers the option to propel themselves into the open arms of the city’s indoor skiing & snowboarding centre. The Chill Factore, Trafford Way, Manchester, M41 7JA, welcomes families, couples, big groups, little groups and even wedding groups and introduces skiing that caters for all abilities.
Manchester Phoenix matches, Manchester’s ice hockey team, are suggested to watch if you fancy an intriguing sporting contest. They play home games at the M.E.N. Arena, which is subject to fantastic transport links, and keen fans will be able to continue watching the team using a range of different ticket packages.
If watching professional sport stars takes its toll on you, there are also plenty of amateur sport clubs situated around the city and suburbs, which you can work up a sweat in. From football to cricket, baseball to lacrosse, there is sure to be a club that suits your sporting desires.
Throughout Manchester the city council has endeavoured to ensure that disabled sports are promoted efficiently. The Disability Sport website provides an overview of clubs for children and adults of all ability. They promote the encouragement of serious and playful camaraderie and enables people to enjoy a marvellous array of opportunities.
On top of a large variety of opportunities to flex your sporting abilities, there are also numerous gyms around the city. Fitness First provide six gyms in Manchester and its suburbs, containing an extensive amount of brand new equipment and the opportunity to take part in one of the 50 classes organised a week. From yoga to combat attack, the opportunity to exercise and meet new people is provided by Fitness First.
A gym highly recommended by locals is LA Fitness Manchester, Units 7 & 8, 55 King Street, Manchester, M2 4LQ, which provides a city centre recluse to enjoy exercising at your own pace. Whether it’s a personal trainer or just a guided training session you require, LA Fitness offer a fantastic array of services. Take a step down from the stress of work and benefit from an hour in the sauna or a leisurely swim in the luxurious swimming pool.
If escaping the hustle and bustle of city life is your idea of a quintessential retreat, then the surrounding landscaping of the North West will surely suffice. In the northern suburb of Saddleworth walkers, day trippers or just anyone with a passion for breathing glorious country air are greeted with panoramic views of the Pennines. With various cycle, walking or driving routes identified, visitors have the option to see the spectacular countryside in any way they choose. Visiting in the springtime will allow for a less congested experience than in summer as the lakes, hot spots and local pubs are popular with locals and tourists alike.
So whether you want to watch some of the world’s most gifted sports stars, or even discover a talent you never knew you had, Manchester proposes an appetizing amount of sport and leisure activities to choose from. The only problem is deciding which to choose first!
Dean Wilkins - A 19 year old living in Manchester, England with a soft spot for films and writing. Prone to ranting and strong opinions. I have zero ...
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