Welcome to Altrincham, a picturesque market town nestled within the borough of Trafford, Greater Manchester. Boasting a rich history dating back to medieval times, Altrincham combines historic roots with modern amenities, making it both a wonderful place to visit, and a delightful place to call home.
Just a stone's throw from Manchester City Centre, Altrincham offers a tranquil escape from the bustling urban landscape while maintaining great transport links - approximately half an hour on the tram or by car. With its thriving market, diverse dining scene, and abundance of green spaces, Altrincham appeals to a wide range of interests and tastes.
In this guide, Böhm takes you through a suggested itinerary which allows you to begin discovering some of the gems that Altrincham has to offer - exploring the vibrance and history that has led Altrincham to being named one of the Best Places to Live in the UK by the Sunday Times. Read on to explore the thriving hospitality scene, independent shops, green spaces, and historic architecture, revealing the spirit that makes Altrincham a standout destination in the heart of England's Northwest.
The Market House
Morning - Brunch at Blanchflower
Altrincham offers an abundance of fantastic choices for brunch or coffee, making it an ideal way to kickstart your weekend. We highly recommend Blanchflower, situated in the heart of town, where you can indulge in a delightful selection of brunch options, including freshly baked goods, sourced from their bakery in Sale.
Midday - Shopping
Following a relaxed morning, we’d recommend exploring the host of amazing independent shops in the area. A favourite is ‘Idaho’; a beautifully curated store selling design led homeware, gifts, cards and more. Another must-visit is ‘So Marrakesh’: a coffee shop and lifestyle store that works with “artisans of Morocco to design and hand-make contemporary homeware with an authentic soul”.
Whether you are looking for pieces to add to your home, or just looking for some design inspiration - ‘Ferrious’ boasts a beautifully curated showroom of mid-century and modern furniture, with the most comprehensive display of Porro, Living Divani and Flos in the UK. It is well worth a visit for fans of classic design, and is only a 5-minute walk from the pedestrianised centre of town.
As well as the beautiful independent stores in the area, the Altrincham High Street offers a number of well-known stores and charity shops, with landscaping completed by Planit.ie. The redesign includes seating and landscaped planting, enhancing the visual appeal and accessibility of the high street.
Idaho Homeware Store
Inside the Market Hall
Noon - Lunch at the Market
When exploring Altrincham, it would be impossible to miss one of the town's gems - the Grade II listed Market House. Renovated in 1990, the beautifully restored Victorian market hall is heaven for food lovers. A market has been held on this site since 1879, and today holds a range of incredible vendors, including award winning pies from Great North Pie Co and phenomenal wood fired pizza from Honest Crust. The market hall allows you and your group to order from different vendors, ensuring that everyone will be happy with the wide range of options.
Afternoon - Explore the Outdoor Market
Adjacent to the market hall, Altrincham also hosts a bustling Outdoor Market, where local traders sell a range of goods including handmade crafts and fresh produce. Exploring this bustling maze of beautiful stalls is a great way to spend an afternoon, immersing yourself in the atmosphere.
Evening - Porta Tapas Bar
After spending the day exploring, we recommend winding down with dinner at the Porta Tapas Bar, nestled in the heart of the town centre. With a menu described as “enthusiastically Iberian”, this charming restaurant draws inspiration from the tapas culture of Madrid and Barcelona. The relaxed atmosphere provides a relaxed yet vibrant setting for a Saturday night. Whether you’re sharing small plates with friends or enjoying a romantic dinner for two, Porta Tapas Bar is the perfect place.
Outdoor Seating at the Market Hall
The Outdoor Market
For the second day of this itinerary, we’re taking you a little outside of the town centre - a short 10 minute drive - to Dunham Massey. This National Trust property boasts a stunning historic Georgian house, a sprawling 300-acre deer park, and all-season gardens. We recommend dedicating a few leisurely hours to immerse yourself in the beauty of the estate, wandering through the grounds, as well as exploring the house’s ornate rooms and the impressive collections curated by the trust.
When it comes to lunchtime at Dunham Massey, there are a multitude of options to suit. You can opt for a light bite at the Stamford Cafe, or have a meal at the Stables Restaurant, surrounded by the beautiful grounds. Or, if the weather is on your side, enjoy a picnic in the gardens or at the accessible picnic tables in the North Park.
The Orangery at Dunham Massey
Oil painting of Dunham Massey: Bird's-eye View from the South, by Adriaen Van Diest | © National Trust Images
After a day of exploring, settle down and relax in the beautiful and intimate King’s Court. This hidden gem is “packed with independent traders - think specialist gins, live music in the afternoon sun, watching football with craft ale and a great atmosphere”.
Whether you choose to see out the rest of the day in the town, or want to relax back at home, we recommend stopping by 'Batch Bottlestore', one of the wonderful options in King's Court. Their incredible selection of beers and wines ensures there's something for every taste and preference. You can either take a bottle home or enjoy the rest of your weekend in King's Court square, which is shared by a variety of beautiful bars, pubs, and restaurants.
Batch Bottlestore, King's Court
Moving into a new home marks a truly exciting chapter full of change, and Böhm understands the importance of making that transition as smooth and welcoming as possible. To celebrate this milestone, Böhm has created the "Welcome Home Box"—a thoughtfully assembled collection of design-led items meant to add a personal touch to your new space, curated by the team.
Today, Böhm is exploring the creative and vibrant neighbourhood of Manchester’s Northern Quarter. Nestled in the heart of the city, this hub is home to an eclectic blend of some of Manchester’s best restaurants, coffee shops, and independent stores.
At Böhm, we’re passionate about celebrating spaces within our city which are led by brilliant design and an eye for detail. In line with this, today we are sharing the story behind the beautiful Allpress Cafe, based in NOMA, in conversation with designer Deidra Hodgson and the team at Allpress.
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