Greater Manchester is the third most populous metropolitan area in England after London and the West Midlands. Manchester is at the centre of the region, right next to the lesser-known city of Salford. To the south is Stockport, which has existed since Saxon times and was once famous for it's prodigious hat production. George Orwell mused upon Wigan and it's canalside pier, the town now boasts two of England's top sports teams in Rugby League and Football. On the edge of the Pennines in the north-east of the region are the former milling communities of Oldham and Rochdale, with the Rochdale Pioneers Museum commemorating the first co-operative general store. To the north-west is Bolton, which is surprisingly green for an area that was reliant on industry. Popular local businessman Lord Leverhulme sponsored a post-Victorian renaissance, ensuring open spaces in his home town were preserved.

Manchester International Airport has direct flights to most parts of the world and rail links are extensive. The Metrolink tram system services most of the Greater Manchester area.