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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Entertainment
Alexandra Rucki

32 reasons there's far more to Trafford than the football

The Greater Manchester borough of Trafford tends to be known for just one thing: Old Trafford football ground.

A crowd of tourists dressed in Manchester United football shirts heading towards the football club is a familiar sight.

But those living and working in Trafford know there is far more to do in the borough than watching the Reds.

Parks, shopping, outdoor activities and top restaurants are some of the things that make Trafford great.

Here are some of our favourite things about Trafford.

1. During lockdown, parks and open spaces have become vital to many of us. And Trafford has plenty - like Dunham Massey for example.

Dunham Massey (Getty Images)

2. Sale Water Park, just off the M60 or a short walk from a tram stop, has water sports facilities and is popular with anglers. A cafe and restaurant are also on site, while Jackson's Boat pub is also nearby.

Sale Water Park (Joe Stevenson)

3. There are also some lesser known - but equally beautiful - parks such as Walkden Gardens in Sale.

Walkden Gardens, Sale (Joe Stevenson)

4. Denzell Gardens, in Bowdon, is worth a visit.

5. The Bridgewater Canal is another popular walking spot. It stretches across the whole borough from Old Trafford to Altrincham.

Bridgwater Canal (Philip Hadwen)

6. You can even hire a kayak next to the King's Ransom pub in Sale to explore the canal or for an alternative commute to work. 

Kirsty Devlin has begun kayaking from Sale in Greater Manchester (Twitter - @Kirstydevlin1)

7. If shopping is more your thing, you're certain to find something at the Trafford Centre - the third largest shopping centre in the UK.

Trafford Centre (Publicity Picture)

8. But it's not just about high street brands. Emporium M33 is home to independent businesses ranging from a bridal shop to an upcycled furniture company.

9. You'll also find lots of independent places to shop at in the award-winning Altrincham Market .

Altricham Market (MEN)

10. As well as some delicious grub, such as Honest Crust pizza.

(Manchester Evening News)

11. If street food is your thing, head to Stretford Food Hall or Groceries and Beer, in Sale. Both convenience stores have pop-up vendors selling a range of different cuisines, alongside craft beer and other essentials.

Groceries & Beer in Sale (Publicity Picture)

12. Altrincham town centre is a foodie paradise. Whether it's pasta at Sugo, tapas at Porta or brunch at Toast, there is something for everyone.

Sugo Pasta Kitchen (SUGO)

13. Film fans can pay a visit to the Everyman Cinema in Altrincham, where you can have a bite to eat and even a cocktail while watching the latest release. It's not yet re-opened following the lockdown but fingers crossed it'll be back soon.

Everyman Cinema in Altrincham (Publicity Picture)

14. And don't forget the pubs - like the Barking Dog in Urmston, where you can get a Sunday roast pie alongside your pint.

The Barking Dog pub in Urmston (Manchester Evening News)

15. The Bridge, in Sale, is always popular with its beautiful beer garden overlooking the canal.

16. The Swan with Two Nicks, in Little Bollington, is a great traditional pub that's been used for scenes in Coronation Street and Cold Feet.

The Swan With Two Nicks, Little Bollington (Alexandra Rucki)

17. The Brooklands Tap, in Brooklands, is also worth a visit - especially for its live music nights, under usual circumstances. Performances have yet to resume under current coronavirus restrictions.

18. Near to the Trafford Centre you will find Chill Factore - the UK's longest indoor ski slope. It's planning to reopen on August 17.

Chill Factore Manchester (Publicity Free)

19. The O2 Victoria Warehouse in Trafford Park is one of the biggest venues for live music, comedy shows and club nights. We're looking forward to the day they can safely return.

Courteeners' frontman Liam Fray performs at the O2 Victoria Warehouse (Jon Mo / RadioX)

20. Football is not the only sport on offer, don't forget Old Trafford Cricket Ground. The stadium is also used as a major concert venue under normal circumstances, and has hosted everyone from Beyonce to Bruce Springsteen.

Emirates Old Trafford (PA)

21. The SEA LIFE Manchester Aquarium, located within Barton Square at the Trafford Centre, has reopend and will keep the little ones entertained during the summer holidays.

Sealife Manchester (Manchester Evening News)

22. You will also find the Legoland Discovery Centre located in Barton Square, featuring rides and a 4D cinema.

Legoland Discovery Centre (Manchester Evening News)

23. The UK’s first permanent indoor inflatable theme park Inflata Nation is in Trafford Park. It's still shut at the moment due to the pandemic, but you can imagine yourself bouncing along on the inflatables in this picture!

Inflata Nation Manchester (Manchester Evening News)

24. Not content with just one inflatable park, there is a second in Trafford Park. Total Ninja is a 4,000 sq ft obstacle course park, featuring slides, giant balls, climbing walls and more.

Total Ninja (Manchester Evening News)

25. Perhaps one of the greatest statues in the UK is in Trafford. You can find Frank Sidebottom in his hometown of Timperley.

The Frank Sidebottom statue (Mark Hadwen-Wright)

26. There is plenty of culture. Waterside Arts Centre, in the centre of Sale, includes a theatre, art gallery and studio space that we can't wait to reopen when it's safe for them to do so.

An exhibition at Waterside Arts Centre (Manchester Evening News)

27. The Altrincham Garrick Playhouse hosts amateur plays and musical productions. The theatre is appealing for donations to help it survive during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Altrincham Garrick Playhouse (Google StreetView)

28. The Altrincham Little Theatre dates back to 1896 and has space for 130 people. It is currently closed, but according to its website it'll be screening Nordic Cinema on Sundays from September 6.

The Altrincham Little Theatre (Google StreetView)

29. The Imperial War Museum North was purpose-built to tell powerful and personal stories from over a century of war. The Trafford Wharf Road attraction has reopened to visitors.

Imperial War Museum North (Manchester Evening News)

30. Stretford Public Hall is one of the area's most striking landmarks. A group of volunteers took over in 2015 and the building is now being used for community events.

Stretford Public Hall (Manchester Evening News)

31. You can lace up your skates at Planet Ice Altrincham, which is also home to the Manchester Storm ice hockey team. Justin Bieber even joined the team for a game. You'll have to wait a bit longer until your next whirl on the ice, though, with the reopening of rinks pushed back until August 15 at the earliest.

Justin Bieber re-visits Manchester Storm (Manchester Storm/ Twitter)

32. So remember next time you head to Trafford, there is far more going on than just the football.

Old Trafford (PA)
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