Discover The 7 Best Towns In Manchester

Let’s start on a journey to discover the 7 best towns in Manchester. Manchester City is the perfect blend of culture, history, and modernity. Notably, this city not only has the beauty of a busy urban area, but it also owns several small towns that each have their unique vibe and culture. So, Join me as we explore the best towns in Manchester!

Whether you are a history lover, an art enthusiast, or simply here to explore, Manchester offers a diverse range of experiences to cater to your interests. 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 city in Greater Manchester, northwest England, is home to a population exceeding 500,000 people. Additionally, It is also the heart of a wide range of industries and pioneers, earning its place in history as the very first city to embrace industrialization.

Manchester boasts a highly diverse population, with over 200 languages spoken here alone. But have you ever wondered about the origin of the name “Manchester?” The English word “Manchester” is derived from the Latin “Mamucium” or its variation “Mancunio”.

The best time to go to Manchester is between July and August. During these months, the weather is warm and there are a lot of concerts and events planned. However, if you wish to live there for a long time, you need to think about how much it costs to live there.

The average cost of living for a family of four is about €4000, while the average cost of living for a person living alone, like a student, is about €1200.

List of The Best Towns In Manchester

Here are our top picks for the best towns in Manchester.

1. Bury

Bury is a borough located in Greater Manchester, United Kingdom. It’s about 8 miles to the North of Manchester 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 very affordable options or you can drive to the center of town, it’ll roughly take about half an hour.

This metropolitical borough is filled with cool 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 great schools and a university of its own. 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. 

This vibrant town is also a Strafford for various cultural institutions which are so beautiful and knowledgeable. 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. You can make a perfect day trip or an evening walk with your loved ones. 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. 

There’s no doubt that this place is rich in history, culture, and nature. 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.

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 you about 20-25 minutes by car/tram to reach Didsbury.

The food and drink scene in Didsbury is very huge, there are many award-winning restaurants, bars, and cozy cafes. For example, the rose garden serves you the best authentic British cuisine in a very stylish setting.

Moreover, Volta, another bar and restaurant, earned the Manchester Food and Drink Festival award for the best bar.

Not only does Didsbury has some of the nation’s best nightlife but also 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. From interesting museums and theatres to beautiful art galleries where you can take part, this city has a lot to offer.

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 a lot to offer and the people there are nice. There are many shops and things to do, so you won’t be bored.

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 amazing place caters to all kinds of preferences. There are endless options for you to choose from.

One of the top-rated restaurants is The White Heart which serves delicious food and drinks. The Old Bill is a pub well-known for its friendly and cozy atmosphere. And The Old Post Office, a cafe 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. Additionally, the Oldham Coliseum Theater was established in 1885. 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 also 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 good for people of all ages. Furthermore, you’ll have exciting activities and cozy places to stay. You’ll never regret visiting this place as it promises absolute satisfaction.

Come to Oldham and see what it has to offer. You’ll have an adventure you’ll never forget.

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 typically 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.

It’s always a good idea to start trip planning with culture and historical places. First, learn about the city’s rich history by visiting art galleries, museums, and other famous sites.

The plaza is a historical theatre that’s been in work since 1932. Stockport Gallery, located in the town center. Hat Works, is a unique museum that is dedicated to the history of hat making.

Stockport Air Raid Shelters, 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 that’s located in the town center. No. 25 Cafe is a cafe that serves breakfast and lunch, where the light gets in a Michelin-star restaurant. 

To balance out the urban experience, don’t forget to include visits to serene green areas and parks. Veron Park has several walking trails, lakes, and popular cafes. Etherow Country Park has beautiful views of the surrounding countryside. 

Stockport: Home To Some Of The Test Bars In The Country

These places are best to take a stroll, breathe fresh air, and appreciate and experiencing the beauty of nature. And for those looking for vibrant nightlife, a visit to local bars is a must. Like The Magnet has a great selection of local and regional beers.

The Crown Inn is located in the town center and has a very 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. 

Altrincham is the best place to visit or live comfortably because it has so much to offer. This amazing town has a lot of history and cultural heritage, which makes it a great place to explore.

Also, the people in Altrincham are known for being friendly and open, which makes everyone feel at home.

Altrincham also has a lot of job opportunities, which makes it a good place for both tourists and people who want to move there. Come to this charming town and find out all the great things it has to offer. You will not be let down!

5. Bolton 

It is a town located 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 also many places of culture and history that you can visit.

The art and items in the Bolton Museum and Art Gallery are very nice. 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 Smithills open farms, located in west Bolton are home to a variety of animals. visitors can feed the animals and ride on a tractor, Doff Cocker Lodge is a beautiful nature reserve. 

If you wish to enroll in a good university or have kids and are looking for the region with the best schools. I have some good 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 that are good for families, and fun things to do all year round. Also, the mood in Boston is very lively.

6. Rochdale

Rochdale is about 10 miles(16km)  away to 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 interesting 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 go for a 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 at all behind.

This little town has many schools and colleges which will help your children grow. For instance, RochdaSixth Form Collegeege, Wardle Academy, FalinPark High School, and Matthew Moss High School.

Chorlton Park is also located in the south of Manchester, United Kingdom, England.

Rochdale is a town with a friendly community and beautiful landscapes, moreover, there’s a lot of cultural diversity. Local services take care of day-to-day needs and educational chances help people grow. Additionally, this town is very budget-friendly. 

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.

About 50,000 people live in Altrincham. This town is full of history, and it has many old buildings that show off its beautiful past. For example, the Dunham Massey Hall is a Georgian house in a deer park that has some of the most beautiful art, cutlery, and furniture in the world.

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 good school system.

For instance, some of the best schools and colleges in Manchester 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 great examples of such public parks. Both of These parks offer many outdoor activities to travelers.

Moreover, this town always has something fun and fascinating to offer to all the tourists and locals. Like the year-round fairs and events that happen there. The best examples are the Altrincham Festival and Food and Drink Festival.

Additionally, these most popular events 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.

Conclusion

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 amazing restaurants.

Notably, Manchester has become a thriving hub for IT businesses and markets while still keeping its rich cultural heritage and long history. Furthermore, people in the area are known for being friendly and helpful.

Whether you’re walking through the parks of Oldham or cruising along the canals of Rochdale, the city’s beauty and lively culture will make you fall in love with it.

Manchester also has a lot of job and education opportunities, whether you’re just coming to look around and relax or you want to live there permanently. Don’t wait any longer; take in all of Manchester’s irresistible beauty today.

Your Opinion On The Best Towns In Manchester. 

Have you ever visited any of these places? Or wish to? If you have any stories to share about your experience please comment down. I would love to hear them. Your feedback is very important. 

Here are some more recommendations for things to do in Manchester.