MOSI (the new name for the Museum of Science and Industry…which I rather like) should be the first on the list for attractions/museums in Manchester, purely for the fact it lays out the industrial heritage of the city like no other.
Head to the 'steam engines section first off and see the huge wheels of revolution in working order and take in the smells and sounds of these beasts which take you right back to the birthplace of the industrial revolution.
The collection of steam trains (a few of which you can climb inside) are worth the trip alone and just outside this exhibition you’ll find the world’s first railway passenger station (you can ride an old steam train along the a small section of the original route for a small fee).
Across from this and in the main building you’ll find an exhibition dedicated to the textile industry where you can learn about how cotton shaped Manchester into the place it is today.
Across from both these exhibitions is the air transport museum. Although a large space full of aircraft of all shapes and sizes, this section has become jaded over the past few years and is long overdue a rethink.

Within MOSI there are a series of successful changing exhibitions - these are charged however. So far they haven’t seemingly put a foot wrong with these shows - Dr Who was a roaring success (as was the dinosaur exhibition which preceded it) and the current Body Worlds show looks set to do the same. In two minds about going to this event - the tendency to crane my neck towards the horrific is slowly taking over my fear that gripping hypochondria will follow my visit. Not entirely sure the kids would skip around this show as they did at the Dr Who event.

There is a café and restaurant (and gift shop) with MOSI so plenty of opportunities to recharge your batteries on a busy, but interesting day at this fine Museum.