John Rylands Library

An easy candidate for top building in Manchester, this marvellous (and suitably ominous looking) Victorian Gothic library was one hell of a way for Rylands’ widow to remember her husband, John. Less a library and more a cathedral to books, Basil Champneys’ stunning building is arguably the most beautiful library in Britain – although there’s not much argument when you’re standing in the simply exquisite Gothic ‘Reading Room’, complete with high-vaulted ceilings and stained-glass windows. It’s such a breathtaking building that you could easily ignore the magnificent collection of early printed books and rare manuscripts. A £16 million refit has resulted in the addition of a surprisingly tasteful modern annexe with a cafe and a bookshop.