Spring got off to a spectacular start in Manchester and across the UK.
For three weeks we enjoyed dry, sunny and settled weather thanks to a prolonged period of high pressure.
My local high rise buildings gleamed blue under the sun. The cherry blossom season also flourished.
I took a trip to Dunham Massey south of the city to see the gardens sparkle. What a time to take photographs – and be alive!
When the first signs of Spring show, my instinct is to get out of the city and enjoy some fresh air.
A few weeks ago this took me from Manchester to the Wirral Peninsula near Liverpool, a place I’ve visited many times.
The little town of West Kirby on Wirral’s western edge is blessed with water, wide beaches and open skies. Is this a good place to end your winter hibernation? CONTINUE READING BELOW
The first place I visited in West Kirby was the war memorial, an energetic walk uphill. The site, which offers views across the peninsula and Irish Sea, was bathed in buttery yellow gorse blossom.
One place that I always visit and photograph is the Marine Lake and the walkway that encircles the water. Little figures of walkers and a huge bright sky always create memorable frames.
To the north at the mercy of the tide is Hilbre Island and expanses of sand alongside shifting waters.
I also took my sun-kissed walk around the corner of the peninsula, skirting Hoylake promenade and sands which have been rewilded from beach to greenery.
This is an outing that never fails to energise and lift the mood, especially when it felt like an end to a long winter.
West Kirby walkers enjoy Spring skies
A visit from my photographer and blogging friend Kiki saw us take two photography walks around two great British cities over two days.
My home city Manchester was closely followed by a trip to Liverpool on a couple of chilly December days, mainly peering up at architecture.
Is it possible to compare the two cities? Is one more photogenic than the other?… CONTINUE READING BELOW
What was Kiki’s take on Manchester and Liverpool? Find out here
Our wander around Manchester city centre was extensive, taking in everything from the industrial red brick of Ancoats to New Jackson’s gleaming skyscrapers.
Of course this was very familiar territory for me, although accompanying a visitor alters your vision and perspective.
It was all very different in Liverpool which isn’t very familiar to me. I also became a tourist and allowed my eyes to be drawn to majestic buildings, from the iconic old Liver Building to a good dose of Art Deco magnificence.
Season’s greetings to all from Manchester city centre’s Christmas tree
I’d say that if you’re heading to Manchester, you’ll be spoilt for choice with new and tall buildings which have rocketed up during the past decade.
The parts of Liverpool city centre we walked around are full of grand, traditional architecture – but it’s a place that needs further exploration. Comparisons to my own adopted home city are tricky to make.
So is Manchester more photogenic than Liverpool? I couldn’t possibly comment. It’s best to visit north-west England and spend time in both its great cities. Just take a camera and keep looking up!
Do you have stronger opinions? Let me know!
The weather forecast promised a warm September day in northern England.
I hurriedly booked train tickets from Manchester to the genteel Lancashire seaside town of Lytham St Annes, and planned to walk along the coast to colourful, brash Blackpool.
I took this trip on a beautiful autumn day in 2023, but the route was reversed.
Did going from south to north make all the difference? KEEP READING BELOW
When I arrived at Lytham, I headed straight for the promenade where the tide was far out and sandscape glistening in the sun.
The curve of Granny’s Bay was full of people enjoying the warmth and dog walkers enjoying the sea’s absence.
I did the same at St Annes Beach, wandering far out on the golden sands, beyond the resort’s perfect row of bathing huts. Visiting the stranded pier and its famous old remnants had to be done.
St Annes Pier surrounded by sand not sea
The genteel coast eventually gives way to the bold bulk of Blackpool. Unlike last year, the tide was sloshing against the Brutalist coastal defences so there would be no walk along the beach this time.
I enjoyed peering up at the concrete monuments and huge mirrorball of the New South Promenade with a perfect view of famed rollercoaster The Big One – and the resort’s iconic tower.
So this time I finished my walk among the hum and buildings of Blackpool, unlike the relative calm of Lytham’s coast. As for the photographs, I was blessed with another year of stellar skies and finding relative minimalism by the sea.
This is a coastal escape from the hustle and bustle of inland Manchester, no matter which way you walk.
My Manchester apartment sits on the second floor of a low rise building. But very close by a new skyscraper neighbourhood is making rapid progress.
Here are some photographs of the newest towers which I finally got close to recently. What do you think of living in the sky? READ MORE BELOW
The New Jackson neighbourhood links together the four more recent skyscrapers – the slim Blade, rotund Three60, broad Elizabeth Tower and squat Victoria Residence – with the existing Deansgate Square towers.
This crop of four high rises have dominated the local skyline for a few years now and regularly feature in my photographs.
With thousands of new homes and people moving to this part of Manchester city centre, amenities including a primary school and medical centre are being placed on site.
But is this enough along with these sparkling, sky-touching new buildings?
Life in the city centre can favour younger people, who in my own experience may be less likely to connect with neighbours and their local community. Apartment living makes it easier to close the door behind you and forget those around you.
One thing is clear – the local skyline has changed for good. Is it progress for the better?…
New Jackson (right) as seen from a Manchester roof garden
