A bustling metropolitan borough in Greater Manchester, Trafford is most famous for being the home of Old Trafford and Manchester United, but it’s got much more to offer than one football team. This vibrant borough is packed with heritage buildings, excellent museums, and serene areas of parkland. Located just a few kilometres south-west of Manchester City Centre, it’s also an excellent base for discovering the wider Greater Manchester area.
Known as the Theatre of Dreams, Old Trafford Football Ground is the home of Manchester United and stadium tours are conducted on non-match days. Old Trafford Cricket Ground is nearby in the north-east of the borough, close to Manchester City Centre. The majority of Trafford’s historic buildings are located to the south, including the 18th century Dunham Massey Hall, Royd House, Church of All Saints, and 13th century Church of St. Werburgh. Other attractions include an 180-metre long indoor ski slope in Trafford Park, the Imperial War Museum North, and the medieval Watch Hill Castle.
Greater Manchester’s excellent tram system is a good way to get around Trafford. Visitors can also take Northern line trains to destinations in the north of the borough. The southeastern border of Trafford runs alongside the runways of Manchester Airport, the UK’s third busiest aerial hub. All Trafford destinations are within 15 kilometres of the terminal, and the waiting taxis provide an easy airport transfer. For transport across the UK, there are various train and bus services from stations in nearby Manchester City Centre.
Trafford was only formed as a borough in 1974, although most of the area was built in the early part of the 20th century. Traditional red-brick terraces are found all over Trafford, including on the streets around the famous football stadium.