I lived in London for 16 years before heading north to Manchester. The first four years of this blog detailed places around the capital.
I found myself back in London recently on a very brief stopover. But long enough to ride the Elizabeth Line, the newest artery of London’s Tube network.
On the way I looked up and captured some new architecture above ground.
Have you been on the Elizabeth Line? Tell me what you thought in the comment section below.
My favourite local walk from home in Castlefield, Manchester is along the Manchester Ship Canal to Salford Quays.
You’ll find water (of course), city trams running along the route – and a whole lot of architecture.
The area is being developed rapidly and I like checking on how the buildings and skyline are taking shape.
Do you like new buildings or should our progress be slowed? Add your thoughts below!
That evening after I’d taken my walk, Manchester was blessed with a spectral, spectacular dusk. This is captured from my balcony which doesn’t even face the direction of the sunset.
A warm summer’s day is the perfect time to visit the RHS Bridgewater Garden in Salford, just a 30-minute bus ride from central Manchester. CONTINUES BELOW
The garden, which opened last year, is on the site of stately pile Worsley New Hall.
Some of the old architecture remains, while there’s a sleek new building which houses visitor amenities.
Bridgewater’s focal point is a large walled garden which was bursting with plants and colourful blooms on my visit. It looks like it’s been established for decades, not just a couple of years.
Woodland and meadow trails are also part of the site, full of grasses and wild foxgloves as I wandered around the site.
RHS Bridgewater is already a huge success, with many visitors which I hadn’t expected. It was a challenge to take photographs giving the impression I had the place to myself!
Have you been to Bridgewater or another RHS garden? Share your thoughts below.
There are plenty of spots to rest and enjoy the gardens
Salford. A city in its own right? A Manchester borough? Manchester’s twin?
It’s a debate that’s never gone away, but Salford is a large area with waterways, sparkling new buildings, gritty urban pockets and even its own village.
Salford is literally on my Manchester doorstep and an immediate place for me to explore with my camera. This gallery is based on three walks with architecture and light at its heart.
What do you think of these Salford views? Please leave a comment below.
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?
