What is Salford Quays? Things to do, places to see, and everything you need to know
Salford Quays is home to the University of Salford’s MediaCity campus, and as it happens, true student Salford is just around the corner too. So, if you’re coming to Salford to study, there’s a good chance that you might be spending a fair amount of time at the Quays.
This former dockyard has been transformed into a thriving digital, media and education hub. It’s home to around 7,000 people, and another 35,000 people work and study here. Both the BBC and ITV have studios in the Quays, where they produce shows including Match of the Day, The Voice and Who Wants to Be a Millionaire. Even if you haven’t heard of Salford Quays, you’ll probably have seen its futuristic skyline in the background of the BBC Breakfast programme.
So, want to find out more about this vibrant corner of Salford? From the best pubs to what to do, here is our key to the Quays.
There are food places for every budget
Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite after lectures or having a meal out with friends, Salford Quays has some great eateries, from bargain favourites like Greggs to independent cafes and waterside restaurants.
One of the most popular destinations is Kargo MKT, a food hall with 19 independent vendors dishing out everything from Eritrean and Palestinian to Caribbean classics. It’s a great option if you’re looking for somewhere to satisfy a variety of tastes and budgets. For a swanky dinner with your parents, head to L’artigiano, an Italian restaurant where you can feast on authentic fare like homemade pasta, pan-roasted fish and pizza. Mattina is the place to go for lazy weekend brunches and banging coffee.
There's always something going on
The Quays are home to plenty of fun events during the year. We Invented the Weekend is a free festival celebrating the weekend, which was indeed invented in Salford in 1843 by a workers’ rights activist. From live music, sport, talks, DJs, theatre and workshops, every event is completely free.
August sees the Salford Triathlon, which takes place in and around the docks. It makes for a great day out, whether you want to cheer on the competitors or even take it on yourself!
See the Quays in a different light during November and December when the Lightwaves Festival transforms the landmarks with spectacular light installations.
There's student-friendly shopping
Quayside is an outlet centre where you can pick up discounted goods from brands including M&S, AXP and Beauty Outlet, as well as regular stores including Pussycat London, Trespass and Holland & Barrett. There’s a great independent gift shop and newsagents, plus a Co-op for all your essentials.
There's a good choice of pubs
Salford Quays isn’t the place to party late, but there are some cool venues to hang out at the weekend or after a long day’s studying. The Alchemist is the place to go for theatrical cocktails and stunning views across the Quays at night. If you fancy some activities with your pint, head to Seven Bro7hers Social for interactive darts, shuffleboard and live music. The Salmon of Knowledge is an Irish pub that’s right next to the University’s MediaCity campus, so you’ll no doubt become familiar with it during your time here.
For something a little different, don those chokers and bucket hats and head onboard a Back to the ‘90s cruise. Sail along the River Irwell and the Manchester Ship Canal while a DJ spins your favourite throwback hits.
You can swim there!
Two companies run supervised open-water swimming sessions in the inner basins of the quays, even during wintertime! The water quality is tested every two weeks and mostly achieves an Excellent rating.
You can get your culture on
LOWRY is a theatre and art gallery centre situated right in the heart of Salford Quays. It’s probably most famous as the home of the works of celebrated local artist LS Lowry; the latest exhibition is the immersive Lowry 360 experience, where you can step inside his iconic football painting, Going to the Match. Most importantly for students, entry to the galleries is free. The LOWRY theatres host a wide programme of performances, from plays and musicals to dance, comedy and live music. They offer a student discount and keep an eye out for shows through their Under 30s scheme, where you can get tickets for just a tenner!
It has a little oasis in the middle of it
The world’s longest-running kids’ TV show may or may not have been part of your childhood viewing, but you’ll no doubt have heard of it. The Blue Peter garden was opened in 2012 after production of the programme moved to MediaCity in the Quays. In it, you’ll find a fishpond, vegetable patch, various sculptures, plus little grassy knolls and benches that make perfect places for a lunchtime picnic.
Do you like the idea of Salford Quays as your new playground? Our luxury student accommodation is just a 10-minute walk away. From spacious en-suite rooms with double beds to dedicated study areas and welcoming social spaces, it is the perfect base for your time in Salford. Want to find out more?
Reserve a room or arrange a viewing today: true student Salford