Unlocking Salford Quays: An Audio Tour

one hour – 1 h 30 min Free cancellation Private tour

Unlocking Salford Quays: An Audio Tour, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

When British industry expanded rapidly during the Industrial Revolution, port cities scrambled to keep up with demand. Salford Quays became one of the ports to fill that gap, playing a pivotal role in Manchester‘s transformation into the vibrant city it is today. On this self-guided audio tour through Salford Quays, I‘ll tell you its captivating story of growth, decline, and rejuvenation. During the walk, I‘ll show you important sites like Victoria Warehouse, an enduring relic of history, as well as fellow survivors of time, the Old Dock Office, and the Port‘s Gate. Along the way, you‘ll hear about Lowry’s connection to the city, and ITV Studios, where Coronation Street is recorded. After venturing through Mariner‘s Canal, the walk ends at Media City, a mixed-use property development that helped to usher in a fresh era of industry and creativity for Salford Quays.

Private and Luxury Private Sightseeing Tours Audio Guides Cultural Tours Historical Tours Walking Tours Short term availability Weather Dependent - Low

At a glance

Duration: one hour – 1 h 30 min
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–15
Audio guide: English
Written guide: English
Operated by: VoiceMap Audio Tours

Ages: Adults (6–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Lifetime access to this tour in English before your booking date and after it
Included: Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
Included: Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour
Included: App for Android and iOS
Included: Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start

Not included

Not included: Smartphone and headphones
Not included: Transportation
Not included: Food and drink
Not included: Personal expenses for admission fees not included during the tour

Itinerary

The Lowry

Passing by

Marvel at this striking waterside theatre and gallery named after Salford-born artist L.S. Lowry, featuring dramatic angular architecture. Explore the cultural hub that helped transform the former docks into a thriving arts destination.
Stop 2

Passing by

Gaze at the impressive aluminum-clad building designed by Daniel Libeskind, representing a world shattered by conflict. Experience the powerful architecture that dominates the waterfront and houses compelling stories of war's impact on people and society.
Old Trafford

Passing by

Glimpse the iconic football stadium known as Manchester United's "Theatre of Dreams" rising beyond the quays. Discover how this legendary sporting venue has been the heart of Manchester football culture since 1910.
Stop 4

Passing by

Pass this unique hotel co-owned by former Manchester United players, featuring an elevated rooftop football pitch. Marvel at how the building celebrates the city's football heritage while offering stunning views across Salford Quays.
Stop 5

Passing by

Explore this enduring Victorian relic that once stored cotton and goods from around the empire. Discover the building's surprising connection to Liverpool and how it survived to become a modern events venue.
Ordsall Hall

Passing by

Walk past this magnificent Tudor manor house dating back over 750 years, featuring distinctive black-and-white timber framing. Experience one of the few surviving examples of how Salford's wealthy merchants lived during medieval and Tudor times.
Stop 7

Passing by

Stroll through this green space that provides a peaceful contrast to the modern developments surrounding the quays. Enjoy the park where Salfordians have gathered for generations, connecting the area's industrial past to its present.
Stop 8

Passing by

Pass this historic building that once coordinated the bustling activities of ships, cargo, and dockworkers. Discover how this architectural survivor witnessed the height of Salford's maritime trade and industrial power.
Stop 9

Passing by

Walk along the picturesque waterfront of this beautifully preserved dock basin now surrounded by modern apartments and restaurants. Experience how the historic docks have been reimagined as attractive residential and leisure spaces while maintaining their maritime character.
Stop 10

Passing by

Stroll past this tranquil dock basin where commercial vessels once loaded and unloaded goods from around the world. Discover how these waters continue to play a role in the daily lives of Salfordians as a scenic focal point.
Stop 11

Passing by

Marvel at the architectural brilliance of these distinctive modern apartment towers that define Salford Quays' contemporary skyline. Appreciate how bold 21st-century design complements the area's industrial heritage.
MediaCityUK

Passing by

Explore this mixed-use development that houses ITV Studios, where Coronation Street is filmed, and BBC operations. Discover how this creative hub ushered in a fresh era of digital industry and media production, transforming Salford Quays from abandoned docks into a thriving cultural quarter.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

This tour starts at Lowry theatre. Before arrival, please install the mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading.

End point

Tour ends at ITV and Imperial War Museum.

Using your ticket

VOICEMAP CODE

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Please check your email at the address you provided when you made this booking. You've been sent an eight character code you'll need to redeem your tour.

This code can be used by every member of your party. If you've booked for three people, for example, three people can download this tour using the same code.

DOWNLOAD INSTRUCTIONS

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Once you've received your code, please follow these steps:

Install the VoiceMap Audio Tours mobile app

Create an account

Select Tour Codes from the menu, then select Enter Codes

Enter your code then select Download Now

PLEASE NOTE

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You can download the tour at any time, before or after your booking date. It’s best to download the tour before you set off for the starting point.

This tour follows a set route and includes turn-by-turn directions. It works best if you start it in the right place and follow the directions from one location to the next.

When the download completes, you’ll see a screen with a photo of the starting point and directions to it. The red start button will become active when you are at the starting point.

Remember to bring your own headphones, unless you have booked a driving tour.

SUPPORT

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For technical support and other queries, please email [email protected]