Discover Tameside's Stories and Places
Your guide to the best walks, pubs, food, and history across Ashton, Stalybridge, Hyde, Mossley and beyond.
Tameside isn’t one place — it’s a patchwork. Mill towns, moorland views, backstreet boozers and no-nonsense charm. It’s Greater Manchester’s eastern edge, shaped by gritstone hills and working-class graft. It might not shout about itself, but there’s loads here if you know where to look.
Tameside at a Glance
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Top picks for: Hillside walks, old pubs, local butchers, Northern mills, industrial heritage
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Easy access from: Manchester via train, tram or bus — Ashton, Hyde, Stalybridge and Mossley all connect easily
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Local legends: Howard Donald, Ricky Hatton, Dame Sarah Storey, Geoff Hurst
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Underrated gem: Mossley — quiet, steep, creative and proud
Must-Visit Places in Wigan
Explore the Towns of Tameside
Ashton-under-Lyne
The biggest of the lot. Indoor and outdoor markets, historic pubs, and a growing food scene.
Stalybridge
Strong industrial roots and the Huddersfield Narrow Canal. Great for a pint with a view.
Hyde
Home to Werneth Low and a good mix of old and new. Plenty of character.
Mossley
A creative hillside town with music, art and a proud community.
Denton
Known for hat-making, now full of quiet residential pride and decent parks.
Dukinfield & Audenshaw
Close-knit and often overlooked, but rich in local heritage.
Where to Eat in Trafford & Beyond
Lily’s Vegetarian Indian Restaurant
85 Oldham Rd, Ashton-under-Lyne OL6 7DF
Award-winning veggie Indian food with bold flavours and local roots. Loved across Greater Manchester.
Istanbul Grill
228 Stamford St Central, Ashton-under-Lyne OL6 7LJ
Turkish grill with big portions, friendly service and sizzling plates. A staple for locals after a hearty, satisfying meal.
Little Yeti
1 Stamford St, Mossley OL5 0LN
Nepalese café and restaurant with charm and chilli heat. Something different for the area.
Café Football
99 Sir Matt Busby Way, Old Trafford, Manchester M16 0SZ
Football-themed but genuinely good fun. Big burgers, loaded fries, and a lively matchday atmosphere right by the stadium.
Cafe Continental
30 Melbourne St, Stalybridge SK15 2JE
European-style café with homemade lunches, cakes and a smart, relaxed setting. A cut above the usual high street options.
Damo
20 Shaw's Rd, Altrincham WA14 1QU
A stylish wine and pasta bar with a relaxed atmosphere. Fresh dishes, great playlists and a real neighbourhood feel in the heart of Alty.
Where to Drink in Trafford & Beyond
Prairie Schooner Taphouse
33–35 Flixton Rd, Urmston, Manchester M41 5AW
Craft beers, friendly staff, board games and a dog bowl at the door. Indie in the best way.
The Longford Tap
100 Edge Ln, Stretford, Manchester M32 8HX
A CAMRA bar in the heart of Stretford, offering a variety of craft ales and spirits. It’s known for its friendly atmosphere and community feel.
The Church Inn
82 Church Rd, Urmston, Manchester M41 9BU
Cosy, candlelit and calm. Great for date night or a quiet post-walk pint.
The Gardeners Arms
41 Deansgate Ln, Timperley, Altrincham WA15 6SQ
Family-run and properly welcoming. Good food, plenty of space, and a classic local pub vibe. Regularly mentioned as one of the best in Altrincham.
The Buck Inn
31 Green Ln, Ashton upon Mersey, Sale M33 5PN
A classic pub with a beautiful interior, known for its warm ambiance and quality offerings. It’s a great place to relax with a pint in a traditional setting.
The Bridge Inn
Dane Rd, Sale M33 7QH
Canalside pub with a big beer garden, solid ales and a relaxed crowd. Gets great reviews for atmosphere and location. One of Sale’s most consistently praised pubs.
Trafford’s Sporting Roots & Global Reach
From Industrial Powerhouse to Stadium Spotlight
You can’t talk about Trafford without talking about sport. It’s home to Old Trafford football ground — known around the world as the “Theatre of Dreams” — and just next door, Old Trafford Cricket Ground, a historic venue for both county and international matches. Whether it’s derby day or the Ashes, the borough’s hosted moments that fans remember for a lifetime.
But Trafford’s legacy isn’t just on the pitch. Over in Trafford Park, the world’s first planned industrial estate helped power Britain through the 20th century, building everything from aircraft to engines. Its factories might be quieter now, but the scale of what was once made here still echoes across the canal.
And then there’s The Trafford Centre — love it or loathe it, it’s become a landmark in its own right. Not just for shopping, but for food, fun, and a certain kind of glamour you don’t always get round here.
Trafford’s always been a place of scale. Big ideas, big spaces, big crowds. But dig a little deeper, and it’s the pride behind it all that really stands out.
Image courtesy of Manchester Libraries
Recommended Walk: Green Trails & Market Stops
Start at Altrincham Interchange, head through the town centre and grab a snack at Altrincham Market. Walk west along the Bridgewater Canal to Dunham Massey, loop through the deer park, and stop off for a pint in Bowdon on the way back. About 5 miles of food, nature and old-world charm.
Insider Tips
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The tram is your friend. It’s the easiest way to explore the borough.
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Book ahead for food in Altrincham. It gets busy, especially weekends.
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The Bridgewater Way towpath is flat and peaceful, ideal for a longer wander.
Plan Your Visit
From market towns and microbreweries to deer parks and canal walks, Trafford is full of quiet surprises. It’s not flashy, but it knows what it’s doing.
Skip the city centre for a day. Trafford gives you space, flavour, and stories worth finding.
Telling Stories, One Series at a Time
Each series tells a different story — from hidden spaces to food reviews, from proud locals to stunning pub views. Click a tab to explore.
Best Seat in the House
Exploring the pubs with the best views. From hilltops to canalsides, a pint never looked so good.
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