Trafford: Two Old Traffords and the Centre of Everything
Trafford has the unusual distinction of containing two of English sport's most famous venues within a mile of each other. Old Trafford football ground — the "Theatre of Dreams" — has been Manchester United's home since 1910, a 74,000-seat stadium that generates matchday activity on a scale that transforms the surrounding streets of Stretford. Old Trafford cricket ground, home of Lancashire County Cricket Club and a regular Test match venue, sits just down the road. On summer afternoons when cricket and a United pre-season game coincide, the traffic around the A56 becomes something to plan around rather than drive through.
The Trafford Centre, opened in 1998 on the site of former docklands near the Ship Canal, was the largest shopping centre in the UK at the time and remains a major regional destination. Its baroque-inspired interior, complete with mock-Mediterranean food court, divides opinion but not footfall — millions visit annually. Beyond the retail and sport, Trafford's towns — Stretford, Sale, Urmston, Altrincham — have distinct characters. Altrincham in particular has undergone a remarkable revival, its market and town centre winning multiple awards and drawing visitors from across Greater Manchester. Sale Moor and Timperley are quieter, leafy, and increasingly popular with families.
The Manchester Ship Canal forms Trafford's northern boundary, and the industrial heritage along its banks — from the docks at Trafford Park (once the world's first planned industrial estate) to the MediaCityUK development at Salford Quays — tells a story of economic transformation. Trafford Park's factories produced everything from Rolls-Royce engines to Kellogg's cereals. The estate still operates as an industrial and commercial zone, though its character has shifted from heavy manufacturing to logistics and services.
Show more
Trafford has the unusual distinction of containing two of English sport's most famous venues within a mile of each other. Old Trafford football ground — the "Theatre of Dreams" — has been Manchester United's home since 1910, a 74,000-seat stadium that generates matchday activity on a scale that transforms the surrounding streets of Stretford. Old Trafford cricket ground, home of Lancashire County Cricket Club and a regular Test match venue, sits just down the road. On summer afternoons when cricket and a United pre-season game coincide, the traffic around the A56 becomes something to plan around rather than drive through.
The Trafford Centre, opened in 1998 on the site of former docklands near the Ship Canal, was the largest shopping centre in the UK at the time and remains a major regional destination. Its baroque-inspired interior, complete with mock-Mediterranean food court, divides opinion but not footfall — millions visit annually. Beyond the retail and sport, Trafford's towns — Stretford, Sale, Urmston, Altrincham — have distinct characters. Altrincham in particular has undergone a remarkable revival, its market and town centre winning multiple awards and drawing visitors from across Greater Manchester. Sale Moor and Timperley are quieter, leafy, and increasingly popular with families.
The Manchester Ship Canal forms Trafford's northern boundary, and the industrial heritage along its banks — from the docks at Trafford Park (once the world's first planned industrial estate) to the MediaCityUK development at Salford Quays — tells a story of economic transformation. Trafford Park's factories produced everything from Rolls-Royce engines to Kellogg's cereals. The estate still operates as an industrial and commercial zone, though its character has shifted from heavy manufacturing to logistics and services.
Country selected
Region selected
Optional — select or proceed
