Living in Salford: tips and advice

Salford is one of those cities that is constantly in motion, always changing and evolving as a thrilling area that is just rife with culture, sound economics and fascinating neighborhoods to call home. Salford offers a pleasing mix of city excitement and suburban tranquility in its lovely environment, centered around its waterfront, its city center and its green spaces.

Situated just about 200 miles northwest of the bustling city of London, Salford is in a unique locale that offers many methods of transportation to all parts of the UK. Plus, Manchester International Airport is just a few miles away, offering flights to over 200 destinations.

Located just 15 minutes on the train from the center of Manchester, The Quays is an exhilarating waterfront area. In just one square mile, The Quays manages to squeeze in everything you could possibly wish for in an up-and-coming space. Expect shopping, art, history, sports, the theatre and mesmerizing architecture.

Salford is very well known as a thriving center, full of talented young people with business and academic aspirations. Of course, children can learn the basics at a variety of leading schools, moving right along to the award-winning University of Salford or Salford Royal, the well-known teaching hospital. And after earning their degrees, students may move on to one of 150 big name firms like Avis Car Hire, Cussons and BUPA, all based in the city of Salford.

And if you’re a big sports enthusiast, then you have found the right place to call home. You’ll find world-famous football, cricket and rugby to fill your weekends. The AJ Bell Stadium is home to the Salford Red Devils and Sale Sharks. And as a bonus, the Manchester United Football Club and Lancashire Cricket Club are both a short train ride away.

If you love the performing arts, the cinema or spending the day wandering through a museum, The Quay has you covered. Spend an afternoon at the Imperial War Museum North or The Lowry, and with something to appeal to the whole family, while for five-star film entertainment the Vue cinema can' where the architecture is just as visually stunning as the exhibits and artifacts on display.

If you want to tour the city, take a self-guided tour of the Salford Quays Heritage Trail. There is also a host of BBC tours available, including and a tour that allows a glimpse into the MediaCityUK studios.

Salford is a wonderful central hub to allow several branches of exploration throughout the UK due to its excellent transportations options. The Metrolink, Manchester's tram system, twists through Salford and The Quays, linking conveniently to Eccles and to MediaCityUK. Salford also has nine railway stations, which includes the Salford Crescent and Salford Central, the two central stations. Plus, you can also find connections to Manchester Piccadilly.

The Metrolink network in Greater Manchester's transports approximately 20 million passengers every year, and it is one of the premier light railway systems in all of the UK. Once in the city of Manchester, there are three lines running to Eccles, Bury and Altrincham. From Eccles, trams run via Salford Quays every 12 minutes.

Throughout history, there has been a strong divide between the English when it comes to the urban and rural areas, especially in regards to customs and cultures. In fact, you can easily look to the silver screen and other media to see examples of the rivalry between the British countryside and developed cities. While the British people are typically well traveled, they rarely take up residence outside of their accustomed backdrops.

The public house, more commonly referred to as a pub, is a true staple of British culture. The pub is where people tend to gather, whether for food, drink or the daily gossip. Patrons order their meals and beverages directly from the bar, as that pubs are usually void of table service.

As Britain has become more and more of a melting pot, the usual dishes that one might expect to see served throughout the country have also somewhat evolved. While you will still see fish and chips or meat pies, curry is quickly becoming one of Britain’s most requested dishes.

While the UK is famous for tea time, any portion of the day is suitable for having a nice cup of Earl Grey. Residents still prefer tea to coffee alongside breakfast, and the infamous mid-morning tea break is still respected in most British business, offices and factories, and it’s typical to see thermoses filled to the brim with tea as one heads off to work for the day. As the day progresses, afternoon tea is still a time-honored institution in the southern portions of England, while high tea is respected in the northern area of Britain.