Architecture

Lancashire: A glorious getaway

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Lancashire is a county of northern England blessed with a beautiful coastline, forests, waterways and heritage towns.

My home city of Manchester was part of Lancashire until 1974, so there’s a natural pull to day trips which are close to home.

I’ve often explored the county’s glorious countryside, which offers an escape from the big city. Here’s just some of what I’ve captured on camera with plenty more still to see.

Where should I go next in Lancashire? Please leave your comments below

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New Brighton: Back to the Mersey

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The resort of New Brighton sits on the edge of the Wirral peninsula, next to the River Mersey estuary and across from the city of Liverpool. It’s a place worth revisiting. CONTINUES BELOW

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It’s nearly five years since my first visit to New Brighton on a cloudy day. My return was marked with a splendidly sunny winter’s day and clear blue skies.

The scenic attractions of this Victorian resort remain: Perch Rock lighthouse which is irresistible to photographers, the tall red cranes of Liverpool’s port across the Mersey and amazing views of the city.

After exploring the rich sands of the beach and enjoying those Liverpool vistas, I left the promenade and wandered to New Brighton’s Victoria Quarter, an area of shops and cafes painted in vibrant colours.

I then clambered up the hill to see the impressive cupola of Saints Peter, Paul and Philomena Catholic church for the first time – well worth the steep incline.

This was a return trip to enjoy the coast and discover a little more about New Brighton. If you ever get the chance, make a stop here.

New Brighton lighthouse and red cranes of Liverpool portLink to mikeosbornphoto's shop

Manchester’s new Oxford Road

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Oxford Road in Manchester is a long thoroughfare synonymous with the city’s thriving student life.

It has grand old architecture but a crop of sleek new buildings have recently sprung up.

There are student accommodation blocks, modern apartments and smart buildings housing academic and research facilities.

The National Graphene Institute, the Circle Square residential development and even a multi-storey car park are among the striking new buildings featured here.

New architecture is one of my favourite photographic subjects. How about you? Or do you prefer something more traditional?

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Chasing fog

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We’re in the grip of winter in the UK, including thick fog which occasionally shrouds our cities and countryside.

I woke up to this one recent Sunday morning, quickly got dressed, grabbed my camera and went out into the cold.

It was swirling around the modern skyscrapers of my Manchester neighbourhood but seemed to be moving away with unexpected speed. But I could still see it creeping in the distance.

So I chased it over to our twin city of Salford, where it lay very deep by the Irwell river and an area called The Meadow. Wandering back into Manchester, I noticed the mist was having a second wave around the high rises.

Photographing the ghostly pall of fog isn’t always easy – have you tried? Please leave your comments below

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Stockport: Discovering the Old Town

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Stockport is just a short train ride away from Manchester but it’s taken me five years to explore the historical Old Town.

It’s bristling with beautiful architecture, from the imposing St Mary’s church, an elaborate Victorian glasshouse that houses an indoor market, to the magnificent Art Deco Plaza cinema and theatre. Come and take a look… READ MORE BELOW

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The old town is made to explore on foot, although be prepared for some steep stairways and uphill sections.

It’s now made for day trippers, with independent shops to explore and cafes to enjoy. Everyday outlets are all concentrated in the cheerlessly modern Merseyway mall which is best avoided.

You should also wander down to the area where you can visit Stockport’s air raid shelters and see the hat museum’s totemic chimney. There you’ll find the 1930s splendour of the Plaza and can glimpse the town’s impressive railway viaduct.

If you think Stockport is just the rail stop before Manchester, then think again. It was a pleasure to visit and I’ll be heading there again.

Stockport town centre sign

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