Salford Lads Club, or Salford Lads and Girls Club as it is now known, has been an iconic youth club in the Salford area of the city of Manchester since the early 1900s. The Grade II-listed Edwardian building was made famous in the 1980s when it appeared on an album cover by influential English indie band The Smiths.
This cultural landmark is a must-visit for music buffs and anyone interested in Manchester’s rich heritage. The venue also occasionally hosts special events, including record fairs, live music gigs, and exhibitions.
Recreate the famous album cover and take a snap outside or visit on a Wednesday or Saturday to see inside. It’s free to enter.
Salford Lads Club is one of the top three most-visited music-related historical sites in the UK. It’s probably best known for being the setting for the cover photo of the 1985 album The Queen is Dead by The Smiths.
Morrissey, the frontman of the band, suggested the location as the band hailed from Greater Manchester. As well as this iconic shot, Salford Lads Club was also a place where another Manchester group – The Hollies – practiced during the early days of the band.
The red-brick building has also featured as a filming location for several productions, including long-running British soap opera Coronation Street and Peaky Blinders.
Yes, you can visit Salford Lads Club on Wednesdays and Saturdays between 11am and 2pm.
Inside Salford Lads Club, you’ll find:
Salford Lads Club was originally opened as a club for boys in 1904. Robert Baden-Powell, founder of the Scouts, officially opened the club, which aimed to improve the lives of working-class young men.
The club provided sports, games, and activities for children and teenagers most nights of the week.
Salford Lads Club is a registered charity and still operates as a youth club, although it now welcomes everyone. It offers club nights to young people in the area, including sports, creative activities, and conversations with positive role models.
The centre is a community-run youth club, supported by local volunteers and donations.
Salford Lads Club has played a huge part in popular culture over the years.
If you’re a fan of the legendary Manchester music scene, then there are plenty of places to visit for free. You can put together your own self-guided walking tour of some of the spots that have really put the city on the map when it comes to music.
Alongside Salford Lads Club, other popular places for audiophiles include:
It is just under a mile (1.3 kilometres) from YHA Manchester to Salford Lads Club.
On foot: It takes around 20 minutes to walk from the Youth Hostel to Salford Lads Club.
Cycling: It’s about a six-minute cycle ride between YHA Manchester and Salford Lads Club. There are bike stands nearby and a small amount of room to store bikes inside.
Public transport: Walk to the bus stop at the Museum of Science and Industry. Catch the 33 Bus to Worsley, alighting at Comus Street. From here, walk for about a minute to Salford Lads Club. The entire journey should take about 10 minutes.
Driving: It takes about six minutes to drive from YHA Manchester to the youth centre. There is limited on-street parking on Coronation Street.
WiFi
Restaurant
24-hour reception
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