The Greater Manchester Guide

The “Greater” doesn’t mean “better”… although some might argue it is. It means more than just Manchester itself — a wider region that includes 10 boroughs that are linked by history, transport, industry, and culture. Some folk still say “I’m from Lancashire” or “I’m not part of Manchester” — and fair enough, that’s their pride talking. But in terms of governance and planning, it’s one big patch. United? Sometimes. Proud? Always.

As of 2024, Greater Manchester is home to just over 2.8 million people — making it the second-largest urban area in the UK after London. Each borough has its own demographic profile — from student-heavy Manchester to the family suburbs of Trafford to the post-industrial pride of Wigan and Oldham.

Greater Manchester covers around 493 square miles — about the size of London, but with more hills, fewer tourists, and slightly cheaper pints. Within that area you’ll find city centres, market towns, hills, moorland, suburbs, industrial estates, and greenbelt countryside — it’s more varied than people often realise.

Greater Manchester is a metropolitan county in the North West of England made up of ten boroughs: Bolton, Bury, Manchester, Oldham, Rochdale, Salford, Stockport, Tameside, Trafford and Wigan. It was officially created in 1974 to reflect how interconnected these towns and cities had become — socially, economically, and culturally. Despite the name, it’s not all about Manchester city centre. Greater Manchester is the red-brick terraces of Wigan, the moors of Saddleworth, the mills of Rochdale, the suburbs of Stockport — each borough has its own identity, history and pride, but they all contribute to the region’s shared story.

No — it’s not a city, it’s a region. Manchester is a city within Greater Manchester. The wider area includes other major centres like Salford (which is also a city), as well as historic market towns like Bury and Wigan, and large towns like Stockport, Rochdale and Oldham. So while the name can confuse people, Greater Manchester is more like a patchwork of places than one big urban sprawl.

There are 10 metropolitan boroughs, each with its own local council, distinct geography and strong sense of identity. They are: Bolton Bury Manchester Oldham Rochdale Salford Stockport Tameside Trafford Wigan These aren’t just administrative lines — each borough has its own landmarks, accents, football clubs, food favourites, and community spirit.

Manchester is just one borough — the city itself. Greater Manchester is the wider region that includes Manchester plus nine other boroughs. So someone from Wigan, Stockport or Salford is part of Greater Manchester but not technically from the City of Manchester. In conversation, people often say “Manchester” as shorthand for the whole region — especially when talking to outsiders — but locals know the difference. The pride runs deep in every borough.

Greater Manchester was established on 1 April 1974 as part of a nationwide reorganisation of local government. Before that, many of these places were part of Lancashire, Cheshire, or the West Riding of Yorkshire. The creation of Greater Manchester was designed to reflect how people actually lived and moved — commuting between boroughs, sharing infrastructure, and identifying more with the wider region than with old county borders.

Historically, most of it was. Wigan, Rochdale, Bolton and Bury were part of Lancashire. Stockport and Trafford were tied to Cheshire. But since 1974, it’s been its own defined metropolitan county. It’s not part of Lancashire or Cheshire anymore — though you’ll still hear people say “Lancashire lad” or “Cheshire set” depending on where you are.

Greater Manchester is in the North West of England, between the Pennines and the Cheshire Plain. It borders: Lancashire to the north West Yorkshire to the northeast Derbyshire to the east Cheshire to the south and west It’s around 35 miles from Liverpool, 25 miles from Leeds, and just over 200 miles from London. The region is a major hub for transport, with the M60 ring road, the Metrolink tram system, and rail links reaching across the UK.

The idea behind Greater Manchester was to reflect how people actually lived and moved — not just where old county lines happened to fall. By the 1970s, commuting, trade, and daily life had already blurred the boundaries between towns like Oldham, Salford and Stockport. So in 1974, the government redrew the map, grouping 10 boroughs into a single metropolitan county. Not everyone agreed with it — some still don’t — but it stuck.

Yes — historically, the City of Manchester was part of Lancashire, as were Salford, Bury, Wigan, Bolton and others. But in 1974, those ties were cut administratively when Greater Manchester was formed. You’ll still hear people say “Lancashire lad” or talk about “Lancashire pride,” especially in the northern boroughs — the history hasn’t been forgotten.

Yes — it’s a metropolitan county, created by Parliament in 1974. It’s not a traditional shire county like Yorkshire or Cheshire, but it has the same standing in terms of local government. It even has a Lord Lieutenant, coat of arms, and ceremonial mayor.

In just a few decades during the 18th and 19th centuries, Greater Manchester became one of the most important industrial regions in the world. Manchester was known as “Cottonopolis”, while towns like Rochdale, Oldham, and Ashton boomed with textile mills. Canals, railways and warehouses followed — and the region’s radical political voice grew just as fast. The legacy is still everywhere: in the bricks, the rail bridges, the worker bee, and the pride.

Technically yes, Wigan is one of the 10 boroughs that make up Greater Manchester. But if you ask someone fromWigan, you might get a different answer… especially if they’ve still got a red rose tattooed on their calf.

Not at all. Salford is its own city, with its own cathedral, its own university, and its own stubborn pride. It borders Manchester city centre, and the two feel joined at the hip, but locals will be the first to correct you if you get it wrong.

Because identities don’t disappear just because a line moved on a map. Even though Greater Manchester was created in 1974, lots of folk still say they’re from Lancashire or Cheshire... and some never accepted the change in the first place.

Wigan is the largest borough by area, and Manchester has the biggest population. But “biggest” depends how you measure it — and if you're in Oldham, it means hills. If you're in Trafford, it's house prices.

Depends who you ask. Trafford gets mentioned for its leafy suburbs and grammar schools. Parts of Stockport like Bramhall or Marple get a shout. But every borough’s got its own pockets — posh postcodes next to old pit villages. It’s a mixed bag, and that’s part of the charm.

We stay neutral… but let’s just say everyone’s got a local rival they love to mock. Ask someone in Bury about Rochdale, or someone in Tameside about Oldham, and you’ll get an answer. And probably a story to go with it.

Not really — but there are dozens of borough-based ones. The nasal twang of Bolton. The sharp edge of Salford. The flat vowels of Wigan. You can usually tell where someone’s from after a couple of sentences… especially if they say “our kid”.

Loads. Including but not limited to: Manchester City Manchester United Bolton Wanderers Wigan Athletic Oldham Athletic Rochdale AFC Salford City FC Stockport County The derby rivalries run deep — and not just the famous ones. And if you’re into the lesser-known teams, keep an eye out for our series Under the Floodlights — where we shine a light on the smaller clubs, local grounds, and grassroots legends that make Greater Manchester’s football scene what it really is.

The bee is a symbol of Manchester’s industrial heritage — representing hard work, unity and community. It became even more important after the 2017 Arena attack, as a symbol of resilience. You’ll find bees on buildings, bins, murals and tattoos all across the region.

Depends who you ask. Some say it’s the music. Some say it’s the footy. Some say it’s the people. But most agree — it’s the fact you can go from a canal-side pint to a hilltop view to a gig in a converted mill, all in one day.

Yep. Greater Manchester hosts its own anime and comic cons — just one of many cultural events happening year-round. Not just pies and pints (but also pies and pints).

There’s a growing reputation around Failsworth for vintage lovers — places like the Failsworth Antiques Centre and nearby spots have helped earn it the nickname “Manchester’s Antiques Quarter” ref: Secret Manchester. But it’s not the only place worth a rummage. You’ll find brilliant clusters of antiques and second-hand gems all over Greater Manchester — from Eccles and Altrincham, to Heaton Chapel, Ramsbottom, and even tucked-away spots in Levenshulme and Marple. Whether it’s mid-century furniture, military badges, old footy shirts or just something your nan used to have, there’s no shortage of character in the shelves round here.

Absolutely. From backstreet boozers to trendy taprooms, Greater Manchester takes its quizzes seriously. Expect fierce regulars, obscure music rounds, and at least one team called Quizzy Rascals.

It does — centred around Manchester but with events popping up in venues across the boroughs. Think stand-up, spoken word, indie theatre and the odd bit of chaos.

Across all 10 boroughs — from food banks to community gardens to youth groups. There’s no shortage of ways to get stuck in.

Nope. The Metrolink is Greater Manchester’s tram system — above ground, electric, and mostly used for local travel. Trains run regionally and nationally. You can’t use the same ticket on both (yet), which still catches people out.

It covers most of the central and southern boroughs: Manchester, Salford, Trafford, Oldham, Bury, Rochdale and Stockport (eventually). But Wigan, Bolton, and parts of Tameside are still waiting — and not quietly.

Easily. You can be out of the city and onto the moors in under 30 minutes from most boroughs. We’re ringed by nature — from the Peak District to the West Pennine Moors — and there’s green belt running right through the region. The hard part is choosing which hill to climb.

The Bee Network is Greater Manchester’s plan for an integrated transport system — buses, trams, cycling and walking routes all linked under one name and (eventually) one ticket. It’s about making travel across the boroughs easier, cheaper and more joined-up. Not perfect yet… but it’s getting there.

From the Pennines above Oldham and Rochdale, to the canal towpaths of Tameside, to the hilltops of Werneth Low and Winter Hill — you’re never far from a proper walk. Our blog’s got loads of hidden gems if you’re after views, nature or just a quiet pint at the end.

It’s a long-term plan (up to 2040) to improve travel across the region — more trams, better buses, cycling infrastructure, cleaner air. It’s a work in progress, and not without its critics.