Discover Trafford's Stories and Places
Your guide to the best walks, pubs, food, and history across Altrincham, Sale, Stretford, Urmston, and beyond.
Trafford’s a borough of contrasts. You’ve got market towns, modern stadiums, country houses, and indie bars all packed into one area. It’s not trying to be flashy — it’s just quietly brilliant in its own way. Whether you’re planning a day out or exploring the bits beyond Manchester’s ring road, here’s where to start.
Trafford at a Glance
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Top picks for: markets, walks, real ale, local food, historic houses, green space
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Easy access from: Manchester by tram or train — with stops across Altrincham, Sale, Urmston, and Stretford
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Local legends: L.S. Lowry, Ian Brown, Caroline Aherne
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Underrated gem: Dunham Massey Village — rural charm on the city fringe
Must-Visit Places in Trafford
Explore the Towns of Trafford
Altrincham
From award-winning markets to quiet canal walks and leafy suburbs.
Sale
A strong local community, great green space, and underrated food scene.
Urmston
Full of character, with indie shops and old-school pubs.
Stretford
Home to Borsdane Wood, one of Wigan’s best woodland walks.
Old Trafford
Not just a stadium — it’s also home to communities, heritage, and parks.
Partington & Carrington
Often forgotten, but surrounded by nature and proper working-class pride.
Where to Eat in Trafford & Beyond
Bar Etna
74 Stamford New Rd, Altrincham WA14 1BS
Savor classical Italian cuisine, exquisite Sicilian wines, and "feel like family"
The Barking Dog
9a Higher Rd, Urmston, Manchester M41 9AB
Originally built in 1939 as a post office, this iconic building was transformed into a pub in 2017, blending Northern Quarter cool with Chorlton charm.
Unagi Street Food & Sushi
1A Central Way, Altrincham WA14 1SB
Pan-Asian street food with a stylish twist. Sushi, bao buns, katsu and more — fast, fresh and full of flavour.
Café Football
99 Sir Matt Busby Way, Old Trafford, M16 0SZ
Created by the "Class of ’92" Café Football serves up handmade food inspired by "the beautiful game".
The Perfect Match
103 Cross St, Sale M33 7JN
Fine dining without the faff. Every dish comes paired with a drink. Great service, warm feel.
Damo
20 Ashley Rd, Altrincham WA14 2DW
Family-owned and founded by three brothers with a passion for authentic Italian cuisine, this restaurant is dedicated to quality and tradition.
Where to Drink in Trafford & Beyond
Prairie Schooner Taphouse
33 Flixton Rd, Urmston M41 5BQ
Independent bar and off-licence in Urmston, named after the pioneer wagons of the American West.
The Longford Tap
107, King Street Mall, Stretford, Manchester M32 9BA
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
34 Church Road Urmston, M41 6HS
Community pub with a proud heritage. Relax in the beer garden or enjoy the cosy atmosphere inside.
With free WiFi and a friendly team, it’s your home away from home.
The Gardeners Arms
41 Deansgate Ln, Timperley, WA15 6SQ
Welcoming, family-friendly pub in Timperley with a stylish modern feel. A great selection of drinks, dog friendly and full of community spirit.
The Buck Inn
59 Green Ln, Ashton upon Mersey, Sale M33 5PN
The Buck Inn serves up a solid selection of drinks and ales. Kick back in the sunny beer garden with its own outdoor screen. With regular entertainment and a Sunday night pub quiz, there’s always something going on.
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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