London has long held the informal position as the UK's most popular city break destination for families on holiday.
But lately, it's been meeting stiff competition from the country's other fantastic cities, like Manchester.
There are lots of reasons for Manchester's growing popularity with families on a weekend break.
Firstly, the town is easily accessible by road and public transport thanks to its central location in England, and its accommodation costs are much lower than those in London.
It also offers families a fantastic array of shopping, cultural and sporting attractions.
A sporting day out If you've got football fans in your family, no trip to Manchester will be complete without a trek to Old Trafford, the home of Manchester United.
Love them or hate them, the world's most famous football team is one of the city's most popular draws.
Visitors can take tours of the stadium and buy merchandise from the official Manchester United shop too, though you may have to book tours in advance.
Since their league title win in 2012, local team Manchester City have also experience a boost in popularity.
Families can take tours of the Etihad Stadium, where MCFC play, as well.
Away from football, Manchester's Veldrome is another famous sight.
It's worth visiting if any of your family members are keen cyclists, or if you simply watched Chris Hoy win his record sixth medal this summer.
And if you're a cricket-loving family, it's worth timing your visit to coincide with a match at Old Trafford, which is the home of Lancashire County Cricket Club and also hosts international matches.
Cultural and historic attractions in Manchester If you're looking for a city hotel in Manchester, seek out ones that are near main areas like Deansgate, Oxford Road and Albert Square.
This will leave you and your family just minutes away from major cultural and historic attractions, like Manchester Cathedral, John Rylands Library and Castlefield, an ancient Roman settlement.
Planning to introduce your children to the joys of art? Head to the Whitworth Art Gallery or The Cornerhouse, both on Oxford Road, or The Lowry Centre in Salford, where you'll find exciting exhibitions.
The Imperial War Museum North and the Museum of Science and Industry are also worth a visit with family.
And when you're getting hungry, head towards two of Manchester's most infamous culinary hotspots: Chinatown and the Curry Mile.
The Curry Mile is an 800-metre long stretch of curry houses and shops, and is generally believed to be the best place in the city to enjoy an authentic curry.
In Chinatown, you'll find some of the north's best Chinese restaurants, and many have a very family friendly atmosphere.
But lately, it's been meeting stiff competition from the country's other fantastic cities, like Manchester.
There are lots of reasons for Manchester's growing popularity with families on a weekend break.
Firstly, the town is easily accessible by road and public transport thanks to its central location in England, and its accommodation costs are much lower than those in London.
It also offers families a fantastic array of shopping, cultural and sporting attractions.
A sporting day out If you've got football fans in your family, no trip to Manchester will be complete without a trek to Old Trafford, the home of Manchester United.
Love them or hate them, the world's most famous football team is one of the city's most popular draws.
Visitors can take tours of the stadium and buy merchandise from the official Manchester United shop too, though you may have to book tours in advance.
Since their league title win in 2012, local team Manchester City have also experience a boost in popularity.
Families can take tours of the Etihad Stadium, where MCFC play, as well.
Away from football, Manchester's Veldrome is another famous sight.
It's worth visiting if any of your family members are keen cyclists, or if you simply watched Chris Hoy win his record sixth medal this summer.
And if you're a cricket-loving family, it's worth timing your visit to coincide with a match at Old Trafford, which is the home of Lancashire County Cricket Club and also hosts international matches.
Cultural and historic attractions in Manchester If you're looking for a city hotel in Manchester, seek out ones that are near main areas like Deansgate, Oxford Road and Albert Square.
This will leave you and your family just minutes away from major cultural and historic attractions, like Manchester Cathedral, John Rylands Library and Castlefield, an ancient Roman settlement.
Planning to introduce your children to the joys of art? Head to the Whitworth Art Gallery or The Cornerhouse, both on Oxford Road, or The Lowry Centre in Salford, where you'll find exciting exhibitions.
The Imperial War Museum North and the Museum of Science and Industry are also worth a visit with family.
And when you're getting hungry, head towards two of Manchester's most infamous culinary hotspots: Chinatown and the Curry Mile.
The Curry Mile is an 800-metre long stretch of curry houses and shops, and is generally believed to be the best place in the city to enjoy an authentic curry.
In Chinatown, you'll find some of the north's best Chinese restaurants, and many have a very family friendly atmosphere.
SHARE
