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THE BEST WAY

From LAX, US Airways offers direct service (stop, no change of planes) and Aer Lingus, American, British, Continental, Delta and KLM offer connecting service (change of planes). Restricted round-trip fares begin at $842.

To call the numbers below from the U.S., dial 011 (international dialing code), 44 (country code for Britain), 161 (city code for Manchester) and the local number.

WHERE TO STAY

Hilton Manchester Deansgate, 303 Deansgate; 870-1600, www.hilton.co.uk/manchester. Beautiful design. Doubles from about $300.

The Ox, 71 Liverpool Road, Castlefield; 839-7740, www.theox.co.uk. Small but stylish rooms above this nifty pub. Doubles from about $110.

The Midland Hotel, Peter Street; 236-3333, www.qhotels.co.uk/hotels/the-midland-manchester-greater-manchester. Dignified but not stuffy. Doubles from $260.

The Lowry Hotel, 50 Dearmans Place, Chapel Wharf; 827 4000, www.thelowryhotel.com/index.html. One of the best restaurants and coolest bars in town. Doubles begin at $250.

The Princess on Portland, 101 Portland St.; 236-5122, www.princessonportland.co.uk. Refurbished Victorian cotton warehouse. Doubles from about $160.

WHERE TO EAT

Red Chilli, 70-72 Portland St.; 236-2888. Aromatic crispy duck and deep-fried sea bass are favorites. Main dishes $8 to $27.

Al Bilal, 87-91 Wilmslow Road, Rusholme; (instead of 161 dial 871) 207-6602. Stands out for its variety. Main dishes $12 to $24.

El Rincon, 244 Deansgate (entrance), Longworth Street, City Centre; (instead of 161 dial 871) 207-7084. It's a feast of small plates. Tapas $4 to $11.50.

Sam's Chop House, Back Pool Fold, Chapel Walks; 834-3210. Good, traditional food. Main dishes $26 to $43.

Simply Heathcote's, Jacksons Row off Deansgate, City Centre; (instead of 161 dial 871) 811-4894. Lighter Mediterranean-inspired fare. Main dishes $30.

TO LEARN MORE

Visit Britain, (800) 462-2748, www.visitbritain.org.