Just Beyond Manchester Is England's Football Town With Incredible Bites, Indie Shops, And A Creative Spirit

Blink and you'll miss it, this Greater Manchester town shouldn't be overlooked while you're in the area. Stretford is an energetic and indie town located just beyond the larger city of Manchester, and it's a great addition to your U.K. itinerary. The town is famously known as the home of Manchester United Football Club and has been the team's headquarters since 1910. Aside from football (or, as Americans might call it, soccer), Stretford is also a great laidback location with casual local eats, indie shops to explore, and a thriving community.

The Stretford Mall is the go-to spot for entertainment, but the town is more than just the mall. In recent years, there have been efforts to revitalize Stretford's town center and expand the amenities beyond shopping. Laying the foundations on King Street, city planners have opened a new town center called Sir Tony Lloyd Square. In the past, King Street was a hub of activity, and, recently, the introduction of more local dining spots has restored the area's former glory. There are also several indie shops and locally-owned businesses that have taken up space in the center and would be a tourist's delight.

Aside from being just a 25-minute drive from the bustling Manchester city center, Stretford also acts as a gateway to other Greater Manchester towns and cities. The town is near the M60 motorway and Chester Road. Bus routes and trams are another option, connecting you to nearby towns like Partington, Altrincham, Sale, and Urmston. For those flying in, prepare for possible delays and busy queues, though, as Stretford's nearest airport has been called one of the worst airports in the world. 

If you're a football fan, your number one destination in Stretford will, of course, be the Old Trafford stadium. Catch a match on game day and grab a souvenir at the Megastore. But prepare yourself for the crowds, as game days are known to get incredibly busy and hectic. You might even want to arrive early to secure parking. This historic sports hub is also worthwhile to visit even when there's no game going on. On non-match days, the Old Trafford Tour and Museum is open, where you can take a stadium tour and view the displays and exhibits inside. At the time of writing, tickets cost £28 for adults.

For a more outdoorsy vibe, Longford Park is a great way to reconnect with nature. The park is Trafford's largest municipal park and has sports courts, playgrounds, a pet corner, and a wildlife garden. You can spend the whole day enjoying the park, even grabbing lunch at the Longford Cafe after you walk along the green. But what is you're more artsy than sporty? Don't fret, as Stretford is also home to a robust theatrical community with artsy and historic vibes in spades. 

There's The Edge Theatre & Arts Centre, where you can watch local shows and productions. Or if you're looking for a souvenir to bring home, check out the record collection in Reel Around the Fountain Records, an independent record store located in the town center. For fans of the television series "Coronation Street," Stretford is also home to the Coronation Street Experience. Here, you'll get a two-and-a-half-hour guided tour of the iconic town street, view replica production sets, exhibits, and so much more. Also, right next door you'll find the Imperial War Museum. 

No visit to Stretford would be complete without exploring the foodie scene in the area. Whether you're stopping for light bites in the Stretford Mall or experiencing one of the newer restaurants in the recently revitalized town center, there's always something delicious on offer in the Greater Manchester town. 

Fusion food lovers will especially love the family-owned bistro, Stretford Canteen. This restaurant blends French and British dining, boasting a locally-sourced and seasonal menu, and greets every guest with a welcoming vibe. Emilia's Della Roma is another popular family-run restaurant with Italian cuisine on the menu. Cap off the night with good drinks and live music at some of the best nightlife spots in the area: Head to the town center for a visit to either Longford Tap or The Head to try a wide variety of spirits. The Head is a unique joint that combines vintage decor with a modern craft beer selection. 

Longford Tap offers craft ales, wines, gin, and cocktails, and also hosts a collection of community events throughout the year, including many live music events. For more food options, check out the Trafford Centre, an all-in-one shopping and entertainment destination. This mecca has countless dining options, a stunning cinema, an 18-hole indoor golf course, and a huge family-friendly entertainment area called Namco Funscape. If you'd like to expand your search for good food and fun in the area, take advantage of your proximity to Manchester, one of England's most underrated cities. Or for more underrated foodie gems, Birmingham is less than two hours from Stretford and Manchester.