Culture vultures

Manchester Art Gallery

Has over 25,000 permanent exhibits for a serious, big-time history hit. Oh, and you'll need a sit down afterwards.

Is a thoroughly modern must-see for contemporary arts, book and independent film fans (and they do a nice sandwich too).

Is an uber-hip exhibition centre. You could just stand outside and go 'Wow!' but it's worth checking what's going on inside too.

Gives you that kind of humble feeling you only get when you're looking at over 1000 years of spiritual history.