Trafford

There’s a lot that comes to mind when you think of Trafford – most likely The Trafford Centre and Old Trafford right? But this Greater Manchester borough has a long history. Even though it only became an official borough in 1974, there’s been a bunch of historical activity going way back before then. Neolithic arrowheads were found in Altrincham and Sale, bits of Roman pottery and coins were discovered in Urmston and Sale. There was even evidence of Bronze Age habitation found in Timperley. Even the name Trafford is historic as the Anglo-French version of the Old English word for ‘Roman Road’. Basically, it’s historic and cool, and you should visit and here’s why.

What’s on in Trafford

If you wanted to you could check out some of that history we’re talking about by visiting the two castles of Trafford. Watch Hill Castle is an early medieval motte-and-bailey, and it’s also a scheduled monument which means it’s a nationally important archaeological site. There’s also Ullerwood Castle and apparently, both were owned by Hamo de Masci who owned a lot of manors in the area after the Norman Conquest of England. Both are now castle ruins but make some great pictures and you can find out more about their history at their sites.

Now you’re in the historical mood, don’t forget to go to Altrincham. It started as a 13th Century market town and now hosts famous ‘modern markets’ every weekend. You can browse all kinds of themed goods and fill up your bellies from any of their 10 independent food and drink vendors.

After the markets, go and soak up some of the culture of Trafford by visiting Altrincham’s Art with a Heart. It’s an Arts and Heritage Centre for the community where you can see maps, artefacts and objects dating way back to the 1700s and beyond. You can also spot some of the archaeological finds from the surrounding areas.

Once you’ve taken a trip down memory lane, go and walk through the winners tunnel at the iconic Old Trafford football stadium. It put Trafford on the map, and it’s so famous you can actually build a Lego version of it (if you’re up for the 3,898 piece build). You can take a tour of the venue that lets you walk through the winners tunnel, sit on the gaffer’s seat and check out the players’ locker rooms.

After all this time being on your feet you’ll probably want to head over to the pub, right? Well why not make it the infamous Rovers Return? You can head over to MediaCityUK and walk on the iconic cobbles of the longest running soap Coronation Street on the set tour. Experience the real working set and find out never told before secrets from behind the scene.

You couldn’t possibly visit Trafford without heading to The Trafford Centre. It’s situated in TraffordCity where you can basically do every activity imaginable and then go shopping at all of your favourite shops afterwards. It’s the perfect day out if you’re with family or friends and there’s guaranteed something to please everyone. You can find out more about what you can do there here.

Don’t forget to grab a bite

After a busy day visiting all the things on in Trafford, you’ll definitely need to tuck into some grub.

If you’re already at The Trafford Centre then why not swing by The Orient, it’s one of Europe’s largest food courts with over 31 bars and restaurants. There’s cuisine from all around the world available right in Trafford. Don’t think you can choose? Don’t worry we’ve got your tastebud’s travel trip itinerary here.

You could go and tuck into some grub at one of the oldest Trafford pubs, The Volunteer Hotel. Its plot of land has history dating back to 1807 when it was a coaching inn called The White Lion. By 1829 it had been renamed The Volunteer Hotel in tribute to the local defence unit known as the Ashton-on-Mersey cum Sale Loyal Volunteers. Over the years, The Volunteer has changed hands and had work done, but it has been awarded a Grade II listing for its architectural interest so definitely make sure you swing by and have a pint.

There’s a lot to see and do in Trafford and you can make sure you keep up with it, and the rest of Greater Manchester by following us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.