Let’s start a journey to discover the seven best towns in Manchester. Manchester is the perfect blend of culture, history, and modernity.
From award-winning restaurants and iconic cultural institutions to picturesque locations such as parks and rivers, the city provides plenty of opportunities for planning a fun and relaxing evening. Furthermore, charming pubs offer a great night out, making Manchester an alluring destination for individuals of all ages.
Manchester, a metropolis in Greater Manchester, northwest England, has a population exceeding 500,000. It is also the heart of many industries and pioneers, earning its place in history as the first city to embrace industrialization.
1. The List of Top 7 Towns In Manchester
Here are our top picks for the seven best towns in Manchester.
1.1 Bury
Bury is a borough located in Greater Manchester, United Kingdom. It’s about 8 miles to the north of Manchester’s city center.
There are various easy ways to get to the city. For instance, you can take a Metrolink tram or a bus. They are affordable options, or you can drive to the town center, which roughly takes half an hour.
This metro political borough is filled with excellent restaurants and bars. They will serve you different types of cuisines and drinks, which will be unique and exciting. In addition, the education system here is also very loved by the families living there.
It is also home to many excellent schools and universities. For example, Holy Cross College and University Center, Bury College, Derby High School, and Bury Grammar School are a few of the most well-known schools and universities.
Bury has institutions like museums, theatres, and art galleries. Some of the best are the Bury Art Museum and Sculpture Center, Elizabeth Gallery, Bury Transport Museum, People’s History Museum, etc.
This small town is home to numerous parks and open spaces. Clarence Park and Margaret Hes Riding Center are the best examples of such parks.
The most well-known thing about this suburban shopping area is its Open-air luxury market. It’s the perfect mix, making it a perfect destination for a vacation. It is also suitable for families looking for a long-term residency.
1.2 Didsbury
Didsbury, UK, is situated about 5 miles away from the Manchester city center to the south, Greater Manchester. You can drive or take the Metrolink tram there.
Depending on the traffic, it’ll take about 20-25 minutes by car/tram to reach Didsbury.
Didsbury’s food and drink scene has many award-winning restaurants, bars, and cozy cafes. For example, the Rose Garden serves the best authentic British cuisine in a stylish setting.
Moreover, Volta, another bar and restaurant, earned the Manchester Food and Drink Festival award for the best bar.
Didsbury has some of the nation’s best nightlife and some of the world’s top universities, like Didsbury High School and the Royal Northern College of Music.
Didsbury is a lively town with cultural institutions that offer possibilities for a fun day out with friends or family. This city has much to offer, from exciting museums and theatres to beautiful art galleries where you can participate.
You can also see the beauty of Didsbury at Didsbury Park, Marie Louise Gardens, Fletcher Moss Park, and the botanical gardens.
Therefore, Didsbury is a great place to live because it has much to offer, and the people there are friendly. There are many shops and things to do so you won’t be bored.
1.3 Oldham
Oldham is located in the northeast of Manchester. It is a 30-40 minute ride from Manchester to reach this town by bus or train.
In this charming town of Oldham, restaurants, bars, and cafes are abundant. It is a foodie’s true paradise. Notably, this fantastic place caters to all kinds of preferences.
One of the top-rated restaurants is The White Heart, which serves delicious food and drinks. The Oldham Coliseum Theater was established in 1885. And The Old Post Office, a café located in a historic building.
Oldham is a town that has plenty of cultural and historical landmarks. For instance, Oldham Music School offers classes for students.
Saddleworth Museum Art Gallery is dedicated to preserving the history of Oldham. Oldham parish church dates back to the 12th century.
Moreover, there are amazing educational institutions like the Blue Coat School, Oasis Academy Oldham, Oldham Sixth Form College, etc.
If you’re just looking for a fun activity for a day, check out Alexandra Park, located in the heart of Oldham. Dunwood Park also has several walking trails, a lake, and a playground for kids.
Oldham has everything you could want, whether you’re on the road exploring or looking to settle down. This cute place is suitable for people of all ages. Furthermore, you’ll have exciting activities and cozy places to stay.
1.4 Stockport
This metropolitan borough is located in Greater Manchester, about 7 miles southeast of Manchester city center. Remarkably, you can easily reach Stockport by car, train, or bus.
Public transport takes approximately 30-40 minutes, whereas driving takes 25 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.
If you’re in Stockport and seeking an adventure but don’t know where to start, fear not! Allow me to lend you a helping hand in navigating a perfect trip.
The Plaza is a historical theatre that’s been in operation since 1932. Stockport Gallery is located in the town center. Stockport Air Raid Shelters is an underground network of tunnels used as air raid shelters during WW2.
Staircase House is a unique museum that’s housed in a 15th-century building. After all this exploration, it’s time to indulge your taste buds at the finest restaurants and cozy, cute cafes.
Treat yourself to a culinary adventure. The Peters Gate Tap is a popular Craft beer bar in the town center. No. 25 Cafe is a cafe that serves breakfast and lunch, where the light gets in a Michelin-star restaurant.
Also, don’t forget to include visits to serene green areas and parks.
Vernon Park has several walking trails, lakes, and popular cafes. Etherow Country Park has beautiful views of the surrounding countryside.
1.4.1 Stockport: Home to Some of the Test Bars in the Country
These places are best for taking a stroll, breathing fresh air, and appreciating and experiencing the beauty of nature.
And for those looking for vibrant nightlife, visiting local bars is a must. The Magnet has a great selection of local and regional beers.
The Crown Inn is in the town center and has a lively atmosphere. Cheers to a perfect day out filled with culture, history, and delicious food.
If you are here with a family or to study, there are numerous reputable schools and universities—for example, Stockport College, Bramha High School, Aquinas College, etc.
1.5 Bolton
It is a town in Greater Manchester, Northwest of the Manchester city center. If you’re taking a train to Bolton, it’ll take you around 20-25 minutes.
However, if you’re going by bus, it can take up to 45 minutes or less. Top-rated restaurants in Bolton give the best foods from around the world and from the area.
For example, The Northern Monkey, The Blue Pig, and The Spice Garden. In addition to its food, Bolton has many places of culture and history you can visit.
The art and items in the Bolton Museum and Art Gallery are very lovely. Also, the Octagon Theatre is known for putting on unique shows. The history of Smithill Halls goes back to the 14th century.
Don’t miss out on these beautiful parks with views that will make you fall in love with Bolton. Queens Park has a large lake, and Smithill open farms in west Bolton are home to various animals.
Visitors can feed the animals and ride on a tractor. Doff Cocker Lodge is a beautiful nature reserve. Suppose you wish to enroll in a good university or have kids and are looking for the region with the best schools, then we have some excellent recommendations for you.
The well-known Bolton School, University of Bolton, Canon Slade School, and Bolton College are a few of the many good institutions in the center of Bolton.
Bolton is a great place to visit because it has a rich history, beautiful views, and some of the best foods in the world—the nice locals, places suitable for families, and fun things to do all year round.
1.6 Rochdale
Rochdale is about 10 miles(16km) from the north of Manchester city center, Greater Manchester. One can reach there by train in 20 minutes or bus in roughly 30-40 minutes.
There are so many things to do in this lovely town. For example, visiting museums and art galleries like Touchstone Rochdale.
It is a museum and art gallery located in the center of this town. It portrays Rochdale’s exciting history and culture.
Additionally, you can explore the Rochdale Canal. It is a canal that passes through the center of this small town. You can enjoy boating or cycling around it or leisurely walk in the evening.
Healey Dell Nature Reserve offers plenty of opportunities for hiking, picnics, and family fun day out. Gracie Fields Theater hosts a variety of shows like concerts, plays, dance, and comedy shows.
Or you can visit the famous Hollingworth Lake, where you can boat and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
Flying Horse Hotel, The Wine Press, and The Royal Toby Hotel. When it comes to education, it is not behind at all.
1.7 Altrincham
Altrincham is 10 miles southwest of Manchester’s city center. First, you can take a train from the Rochdale train station to the Altrincham train station via the Manchester Piccadilly train station. The whole trip takes about 50 to 60 minutes.
The bus trip, on the other hand, will take about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Also, remember that you will have to switch cars along the way.
Therefore, the population of Altrincham is 50,000. This town is full of history and has many old buildings showing off its beautiful past. For example, the Dunham Massey Hall is a Georgian house in a deer park with some of the world’s most beautiful art, cutlery, and furniture.
The Bridgewater Canal is another important place. It was built in the 18th century and was a big part of the industrial revolution. Also, people from all over the world visit Altrincham’s famous old markets. Additionally, it’s popular with families because it has a sound school system.
Altrincham is the best place to visit or live comfortably because it offers so much. This fantastic town has a lot of history and cultural heritage, which makes it a great place to explore.
Altrincham also has many job opportunities, making it a good place for tourists and people who want to move there. Come to this charming town and discover all the great things it offers.
For instance, some of Manchester’s best schools and colleges are in Altrincham. These include Altrincham College, Loreto Grammar School, and Trafford College.
All Nature lovers love its parks and open spaces. Notably, John Leigh and Stamford Parks are a few examples of such public parks.
Moreover, this town always has something fun and fascinating to offer to all the tourists and locals, like the year-round fairs and events. Therefore, the best examples are the Altrincham and the Food and Drink Festival.
These most popular events also teach you about their culture and the art of food and drinks. Great living, working, and visiting options. Furthermore, this town also offers activities, sights, and hobbies for all ages.
Key Takeaways
In conclusion, Manchester is a unique place that has something for everyone. It is a city that makes everyone’s dreams come true. Furthermore, this lively city has everything, from beautiful museums and nature parks to excellent restaurants.
Manchester has become a thriving hub for IT businesses and markets while keeping its rich cultural heritage and long history.
Last Updated on July 10, 2024 by Sathi Chakraborty
