John Rylands Library stands watch over the far end of Deansgate, sticking out like a sore but beautiful thumb against Spinningfields’ contemporary offices. Step inside, however, and you’ll soon discover why this stunning piece of neo-gothic architecture is the perfect place to escape the city centre crowds.

The first thing you’ll notice is the silence settling over you: the considered, rhythmic beat of boot heels on wooden floorboards the only sound. All around lies a warren of dimly-lit corridors, intricately carved stone and cabinets upon cabinets of ancient books. You feel as though you could have stepped onto the set of Hogwarts.

Working printing presses and leather armchairs nestle in cosy nooks waiting to be discovered. And whatever you do, don’t miss the loos! All bottle green subway tiles, wooden coat hooks and vintage charm, they’re a sight to behold and, in my experience, largely unknown.

One of my favourite things about this gorgeous old library are its ever-changing exhibitions. On a recent visit, ‘Magic, Witches and Devils in the Early Modern World’ evoked fascinating images of satanic apparitions, ancient talismans and nightmarish witch trials.

Once you’ve finished exploring, the cafe and gift shop are well worth a visit. Bibliophiles be warned, however: special editions of literary favourites abound!

Images by Charlotte Varela

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Manchester Museum is an architectural beauty in itself, a befitting home to the wonders that lie within. Before heading inside, I pause to gaze up at its ornate windows and grand arched entrance.

Greeted by an enormous brown bear and the skeletal remains of a magnificent prehistoric beast, we climb the stairs to come face to tusk with the colossal skeleton of Maharaja – the elephant who walked to Manchester (a friendly museum guide tells us the charming story). All this and we’ve barely started.

Heading deeper into the labyrinth of exhibits, we pass cautiously through the Ancient Egyptian section (those mummies quite frankly give me the heebie jeebies) and arrive at the most beautiful part of the building, the newly renovated natural history area, also home to the Nature Discovery Gallery – an impressive interactive space.

Low-lit glass cabinets contain a whole host of mammals who return our gazes and a collection of skulls that trace the timeline of the human species. Upstairs, in the balcony area, I let out an internal squeal of delight as I browse the stunning anthropoid and ornithology collections and marvel at their rainbow colours and alien-like bodies.

Each time I visit the museum I discover new treasures and get lost in awe at their beautifully arranged collections. The place is always buzzing with activity and has a diverse range of interactive exhibits on all aspects of history, nature and culture. There’s even a live Vivarium section which the kids particularly love. I leave inspired and with a kaleidoscope of images running around my mind.

All images by Sam Young

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Manchester is famed for the quirky eateries and vintage-inspired tearooms of its Northern Quarter, but this retro charm has begun to trickle its way closer to the main area of Deansgate.

All monochrome floors, filament lightbulbs and pale woods, Proper Tea is a beautiful tearoom serving, you guessed it, proper loose-leaf tea alongside a great menu of light bites and sweet treats.

The tea experience harks back to the days when this humble drink was a luxury, and not so humble after all. On the menu you’ll find everything from everyday Earl Grey to ‘Jasmine Fairies Performing Flower Tea’, an elaborate treat full of blooming flora. I kept things a little simpler, however, and opted for Vanilla Cacao with a scone accompaniment. I wasn’t prepared for the meticulous experience to follow!

Arriving in a cafetiere, along with a little glass jug in which to pour your fresh brew (to stop it from stewing and getting bitter), I also received a timer set at the optimum brewing time for my specific tea. I must admit, I usually find this kind of thing a little too fussy, but the taste of my tea made me drink my words. It was rich, deep and fragrant, and had a subtle yet unmistakeable taste of chocolate running right the way through.

The scone didn’t disappoint either – fluffy and moist, it just melted in my mouth and, accompanied by the tangy jam and rich clotted cream, quickly stole the mantle of most delicious scone I’ve ever tasted.

Images by Charlotte Varela

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When I’m in need of a retail fix, a gift for a friend or something lovely for my home, I always head for Moth in Didsbury, a suburb of Manchester. The shop, owned by stylist and interior designer Hazel, has a refined and beautifully curated selection of stock, all melding together in soft tones of white, cream and grey.

The serene atmosphere and gorgeous smell of scented candles that greets you when you enter, entices you to browse and linger over the collections. I call them collections as they are so beautifully merchandised by Hazel, that the whole space has a gallery feel to it.

Along with home wares, there is a choice of jewellery and leather bags, and a fantastic collection of lighting. On one of my visits I saw the most stunning, white ceramic industrial style pendant light that was just the most amazing light I have seen in a long time. Hazel’s eye for design is exemplary and this is a shop well worth making a special trip to.

Image by Karen Barlow

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