Salford, Greater Manchester – Quick Guide
[Updated 1st August, 2009] The Metropolitan Borough of Salford is home to around 220,000 people. The area is dominated by the town of Salford with a population of around 72,000. Other areas include Broughton, Claremont, Eccles, Irlam, Kersal, Langworthy, Ordsall, Pendlebury, Pendleton, Seedley, Swinton, Weaste and Worsley.
The Metropolitan Borough of Salford is made up of two parts – an industrial core adjacent to Central Manchester, across the River Irwell, and a suburban and rural outer region in the west of the metropolitan area.
Historically, Salford has had a very important role in the development of Manchester as a world class industrialised city. Salford commences just outside Manchester town centre and the municipal boundary between Manchester and Salford follows the course of the River Irwell as it passes through the area.
Salford is home to the Salford Quays area, a once thriving port area known as Salford Docks or Manchester Docks. This linked Manchester, via the Manchester Ship Canal, to the sea. It allowed the export of cotton and linen while, at the same time being an important route for the import of 1,000s of different types of goods.
While changes in world trade over the last 30 years has meant the the area is no longer used as a port, the whole canal area has been redeveloped for residential, retail and leisure use and is now one of the most important attractions in the Greater Manchester area.
Salford Quays is now home to The Lowry, an arts venue that includes theatres, art galleries and souvenir shop. It is also home to the Salford’s Tourist Information Centre. The gallery exhibits over 300 paintings by Manchester’s world famous artist L. S. Lowry. Next to it is the Lowry Outlet Mall, a shopping mall with a range of shops, cafes, pubs and restaurants.
Ordsall Hall is nearby and dates back over 800 years. It was the family seat of the Radclyffe family although during its life Ordsall was used for a variety of purposes. It is now a popular museum with a range of exhibitions, events and activities of historical interest. Unfortunately, the museum is closed for refurbishment until 2011.
Worsley village is an attractive area to the west of Salford, on the Bridgewater Canal. Worsley village includes a number of historic buildings in a peaceful canal side setting.
