One of the most vibrant cities in the north-west, Salford offers up enough history and heritage, arts and culture to give its much larger neighbour Manchester a run for its money.
Home to stunning scenery and state-of-the-art shopping, Salford has long outgrown its industrious suburban past. And with the arrival of the MediaCityUK development in the heart of the town - home to the BBC - there's never been a more exciting time to be in Salford.
Salford is a hive of history and culture, and the first place to head when you arrive, for a mix of both, is The Quays. Go for a stroll around Greater Manchester's labyrinthine waterways, taking in the awe-inspiring architecture, before popping into the Imperial War Museum North, home to one of the country's finest exhibitions. For a sample of something more modern, head for the home of the BBC, the MediaCityUK studios, which are just off the banks of the North Bay.
For any budding bargain hunters, The Quays are also home to the Lowry Outlet, Greater Manchester's only designer outlet mall, packed with fashion favourites, from Gap to Kurt Muller. If you're still not shopped out, a short walk back to the city centre leads to an array of unique, traditional markets and precincts dotted throughout the city.
While it's easy to get lost in the hustle and bustle of Salford's city streets, bear in mind that it is also home to some of the finest countryside in the north-west. So, take the time to leave the city behind, relax in one of Salford's many country parks and meadows, or meander through the city along the banks of the River Irwell.
The main train station in Salford is Salford Central. Check out live arrivals and station facilities for Salford Central.
The primary operator of trains to Salford is Northern.
It's easy to bag cheap train tickets to Salford. We'd recommend using a Railcard, buying your ticket in advance or travelling during Off-Peak hours if you can. Read our cheap train tickets guide to find out more.
There are frequent daily services to Salford, although there may be fewer services on weekends and bank holidays. Check our live train times for up-to-date information on trains to Salford.