Vibrant Manchester is great for city break — and the kids loved it

MARAUDING around Manchester has taken on a whole new meaning as a proud father of four.

Gone are the days of falling out of the city’s nightclubs as a shaggy-haired sixth-former.

Al fresco dining in Manchester city centre

Now I have swapped my bucket hat and glow sticks for a buggy and wet wipes — and Manchester for London.

So I was intrigued to see what the city had to offer young families on a weekend break.

Two tantrums, four spillages and nine toilet trips later — or 2hr 4min — we were about to find out as our Virgin Train from Euston eased into Manchester Piccadilly.

Booked into the Roomzzz Apart- hotel, in the stunning Grade ll listed Corn Exchange, the set-up was perfect for a family of six.

Grown-ups took the Neo Room, the children had the interconnected Liberty room.

Both had well-equipped kitchens and it meant us parents could get much-needed respite as well as keep an eye on our mischief-makers.

For a city break, Roomzzz’s location was second to none, with Harvey Nichols and Selfridges on the doorstep, the National Football Museum and Manchester Cathedral a stone’s throw away and great bars and restaurants right on our doorstop in the Corn Exchange.

But first was the Pirates & Mermaids excursion organised by Kids Takeover and Manchester River cruises in Salford Quays.

The boat, festooned with Jolly Rogers, cruised down the River Irwell past BBC’s MediaCity and Manchester United’s Old Trafford, as the sun set and sea shanties rang out across the water.

The historic corn exchange house top restaurants

Yet our young swashbucklers paid little heed to the view — they were too busy with flag making, fancy dress, tattoo transfers and glitter.

The organisers even allowed the children to steer the boat, much to the trepidation of the older sea dogs on board.

After regaining our land legs the next stop was Gino D’Acampo’s Italian restaurant, handily located within the Corn Exchange.

The decor was modern and stylish with the soul of an authentic Italian family eatery.

Our kids loved designing their own pizzas and watching them being made in the open kitchen, while my wife and I devoured our seafood and lobster linguines.

Refreshed after a great night’s sleep and fuelled by Roomzzz’s handy “Grab-and-go” breakfast, we set off for Legoland Discovery Centre and Sea Life in the Trafford Centre.

The sign says it all... Manchester was a hit — The sign says it all… Manchester was a hit

Legoland’s Factory Tour felt a little rushed but there was plenty more to do including rides such as Kingdom Quest and Merlin’s Apprentice.

The 4D Lego movie showing was well worth a look. Wearing the obligatory Timmy Mallett specs caused much mirth as Emmet, Wyldstyle, and Metal Beard battled President Business.

And the theatre added to the immersive experience with flashing lights, wind machine and foam snow.

Miniland, Ninjago temple (soft play) and make-your-own Lego movies (using a tablet) kept the children, particularly tech-mad Casper, eight, enthralled.

Next door at Sea Life, a tank filled with Nemos and Dorys (aka clownfish and regal blue tang), captivated four-year-old Luella. Other creatures also caught the eye including lumpsuckers, lionfish and Japanese spider crabs.

You could pet a starfish, cradle a crayfish, and the “Outrageous Ray Feed”, sharks and Ernie the green sea turtle drew an army of followers.

That evening we dined at the Blackhouse.

The stadium tour of Manchester City went a bit too well

The vibe was cool but the staff warm and the Argentinian rib-eye and Irish fillet steaks, with buttery mash, were melt in your mouth.

As a United fan, the last stop was bitter-sweet — the Manchester City Football Club Stadium tour.

Five minutes in Dominic, our quick-witted tour-guide, had already made his first good-natured jibe about the red half of the city.

He then wowed us with the Tunnel Club — City’s corporate hospitality offering — the dressing rooms, dug-out and press conference suite and gave the kids a chance to role play.

Isobel, my eldest at nine, took great delight in playing the part of the football agent, fielding questions from the press and showing off her new striking sensation — six-year-old Harvey.

But for the big kids, the tour was made special by City diehard Dominic’s passion for the team.

And while Manchester may be less counterculture, more coffee culture since my student days 25 years ago, it is that passion, energy and charm that will keep any visiting family happy.

The only problem is, I think the kids have become City fans . . .