Major city · United Kingdom
Altrincham
Base here 1–2 nights only if you want the market food hall and Dunham Massey; otherwise day-trip from Manchester on the 30-min tram.
Altrincham is a Greater Manchester market town 30 minutes by tram from central Manchester, known for its market house food and drink scene, the National Trust estate at Dunham Massey and a compact, walkable centre. It works as a relaxed half-day or one-night stop rather than a destination in its own right.
More
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- GBP
- Best months
- May–Sep
- avoid Jan–Feb (cold, wet, short days)
- Airport
- Manchester (MAN)
- Nights
- 1
About Altrincham
Altrincham is a town in Greater Manchester, in northwest England. It began as a small market town and grew through industry after the Bridgewater Canal and the railway arrived. It lay in Cheshire until 1974, when it was moved into the new Greater Manchester area and became a commuter town for Manchester. The main reasons to visit are the cafe culture around the market house and Dunham Massey Hall, with Tatton Hall a few miles south.
The town centre is compact and best covered on foot. Dunham Massey Hall sits two miles west, and the Bridgewater Canal passes north of the centre. Metrolink trams reach central Manchester in about 30 minutes, and Manchester Airport is roughly five miles east. Altrincham Interchange holds the tram, train and bus stations and the main taxi rank.
Not a trip line yet
Rules in force · 8Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window…
- Europe ↗Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window, counted across all 29 Schengen states together — not per country; the Entry/Exit System now logs each crossing, so an overstay is detected automatically.
- Europe ↗On the first Schengen entry since EES began, non-EU travellers give four fingerprints and a face photo at the border instead of a passport stamp; there is nothing to apply for or pay in advance.
- Britain and Ireland ↗Neither the UK nor Ireland is part of Schengen: days spent here do not count towards the 90/180-day Schengen limit, and a Schengen visa does not admit you to either country.
- Britain and Ireland ↗The island of Ireland runs on two currencies: euro in the Republic, pound sterling in Northern Ireland and Great Britain. Carry a card that pays in both without fees.
- Britain and Ireland ↗Both islands drive on the left. Speed limits are in miles per hour in the UK (including Northern Ireland) and in kilometres per hour in the Republic of Ireland.
- United Kingdom ↗Most visitors who do not need a UK visa now need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling; this includes EU nationals. Irish citizens are exempt. Check the UK government site for your passport.
- United Kingdom ↗The UK is outside the EU and the Schengen area; a Schengen visa is not valid for the UK.
- United Kingdom ↗Driving is on the left; London has congestion and emissions charges for most vehicles, so do not drive in the city.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
See
What is worth your time in Altrincham.
- Dunham Massey — A National Trust mansion begun in the 17th century and mostly Georgian, with Huguenot silverware, paintings, a library carving by Grinling Gibbons, gardens and a 300-acre deer park.
- Tatton Park — A grand mansion house five miles south across the Cheshire boundary, described under Knutsford.
- Art With a Heart — A free community arts centre on New Street, open Wednesday to Saturday.
- Chapel Street plaque — A blue plaque on Regent Street marks the demolished street from which 161 men volunteered in World War I.
- Frank Sidebottom statue — A figure of Chris Sievey's comic creation stands at Timperley village crossroads.
Do
- Walk or boat along the Bridgewater Canal towpath, which has several access points including the A56 Manchester Road bridge.
- Join the Trans Pennine Trail, which passes north of town and the canal and suits walkers, cyclists and horse riders.
- Watch Altrincham FC play soccer at Moss Lane in the National League.
- Skate at Planet Ice on Oakfield Road, where Manchester Storm play home games, or play golf at Altrincham Golf Course.
Eat and drink
Specialities of this place.
- Market house cafes — The town's thriving cafe culture is centred on the market house and is the main reason to visit.
- Goose Green restaurants and bars — This historic street was given a makeover and holds several restaurants and bars.
Customs
- The town centre is best explored on foot.
- Altrincham Unlimited is an online listings magazine that includes parking options, and the town produces a quarterly magazine, Altrincham Today.
- A statue of a goose stands in the alley from the main road at Goose Green.
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Altrincham999 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Altrincham, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the pound sterling (GBP, £).United Kingdom-wide
- SIM or eSIMEE, Vodafone (merged with Three in 2025) and O2 run the networks; prepaid SIMs sell in supermarkets, phone shops and airport vending machines…United Kingdom-wide
- Tap waterTap water is safe everywhere.United Kingdom-wide
- TippingcheckRestaurant with table service: 10–12.5% if no service charge is on the bill; check before adding more.United Kingdom-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets G. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): fits · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.United Kingdom-wide
- SafetyA well-lit commuter town that generally feels safe by day and evening.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsPublic toilets are scarce and some charge 50p–£1 (≈ US$2) or are card-only.United Kingdom-wide
- Emergency numbers999 police, fire, ambulance · 111 NHS non-urgent · 101 police non-urgent
- Sundays & holidaysShops in England and Wales open six hours on Sundays (usually 10:00 or 11:00–16:00 or 17:00).Shops in England and Wales open six hours on Sundays (usually 10:00 AM or 11:00 AM–4:00 PM or 5:00 PM).United Kingdom-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportcheckMAN Manchester Airport (About 5 miles east; Bus 288 runs roughly hourly to Altrincham Interchange in about 20 min (check current timetable)…
- Getting aroundThe centre is walkable in 15 minutes end to end.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Coffeecheck
- BeerPint of cask alecheck
- Metro or bus rideMetrolink single, Zone 4check£4.60 (≈ US$7)
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a weekcheck
- Budget bedHostel or budget room, a night, per person£30 (≈ US$40)
- Mid-range bedMid-range double room, a night, per room£110 (≈ US$150)
- High-end bedMid-range double room, a night, per room£180 (≈ US$250)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget £45 (≈ US$60) · Mid £80 (≈ US$110) · High £140 (≈ US$190)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- MAN Manchester Airport (About 5 miles east; Bus 288 runs roughly hourly to Altrincham Interchange in about 20 min (check current timetable), or take a taxi.)
Map of Altrincham
Where it is, and the guides within about 120 km.
- Altrincham
- Basic guide
Directions in Google Maps · Apple Maps
Guides nearby
- Sale · 5.4 km straight line
- Lymm · 8.1 km straight line
- Knutsford · 9.1 km straight line
- Wilmslow · 10 km straight line
- Salford · 12 km straight line
- Alderley Edge · 12 km straight line
- Manchester · 13 km straight line
- Stockport · 14 km straight line
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
Feb
Avoid
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
Mar
not flagged
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
Apr
not flagged
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
May
Best
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Jun
Best
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Jul
Best
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Aug
Best
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Sep
Best
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Oct
not flagged
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
Nov
not flagged
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
Dec
not flagged
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
Best: May–Sep. Avoid: Jan–Feb. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)), coolest Jan (2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C) low), wettest Jan (15 rain days), driest Feb (12). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Altrincham: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
15 rd
Feb
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
12 rd
Mar
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
13 rd
Apr
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
12 rd
May
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
12 rd
Jun
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
12 rd
Jul
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
13 rd
Aug
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
14 rd
Sep
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
13 rd
Oct
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
15 rd
Nov
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
15 rd
Dec
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
15 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
The centre is walkable in 15 minutes end to end. Metrolink trams and trains meet at Altrincham Interchange; Bus 280 runs hourly to Dunham Massey Hall (about 2 miles west). Tap in and tap out with a contactless card on the tram.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Manchester
goDoor to door: About 40 min
Metrolink tram from Altrincham Interchange, about 30 min
Trams every 10 min or so, roughly 06:00–midnight.Trams every 10 min or so, roughly 6:00 AM–midnight.
Dunham Massey
goDoor to door: About 40 min
Bus 280 from the Interchange, about 15 min, then a short walk
House closed in winter; gardens and deer park partly open.
Tatton Park
goDoor to door: About 1 h
Train to Knutsford, then walk
Grand mansion and parkland; check opening days before you go.
Stockport
cautionDoor to door: About 45 min (check)
Train from Altrincham Interchange, about 30 min (check)
A short trip for the town centre; not a full day.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Town centre (George Street / Market Street)
Walk to the market, tram and bus interchange; best for one night without a car.
Hale and Bowdon
Leafier, quieter, more restaurants; about 15–20 min walk or a short taxi from the Interchange.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- £45–70 (≈ US$60–95) excl. bed
- Mid
- £70–120 (≈ US$95–160) excl. bed
- High
- £120 (≈ US$160)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Mid-range double room1 × 1 night × £110 | £110 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × £80 | £160 |
| Metrolink tram, Altrincham to central Manchester, one way2 × £5 · check | £9 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × £8 · check | £16 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | £30 |
| Trip total≈ £163 per person per day, bed included | £325≈ US$450 |
2026 estimate in pounds; long-distance travel excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | check |
| Market House lunch plate | check |
| Pint of cask ale | check |
| Fish and chips | check |
| Metrolink single, Zone 4check | £4.60 (≈ US$7) |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | check |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Metrolink is in Fare Zone 4: tap in and out with contactless, or buy a ticket before boarding.
- Dunham Massey house closes in winter; check the National Trust site for current opening details.
- Some bars may be cash-only; carry a little cash as a backup.
- Check the last tram or bus before staying out late.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 999
- NHS non-urgent
- 111
- Police non-urgent
- 101
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
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AltrinchamAltrincham
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance999
- NHS non-urgent111
- Police non-urgent101
Embassy
No embassies in Altrincham; check your country's official consular information for assistance in the UK.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Metrolink Altrincham → Manchester, single: £4.60 (≈ US$7), about 30 min (check)
- Bus 288 Manchester Airport → Altrincham: About 20 min, roughly hourly (check)
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Altrincham. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: May–Sep · avoid Jan–Feb (cold, wet, short days) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 2 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 4 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for MAN: Bus 288 and last-service times field-checked, taxi fallback.
- Walking clusters: Market Street and Goose Green, Shaw's Road, the Interchange, Dunham Massey.
- Place pages with verified opening days (Dunham Massey, Tatton Park, Altrincham Market) and eat pages with last orders.
Sources
- officialVisit Altrincham
- officialTransport for Greater Manchester — Metrolink
- officialNational Trust — Dunham Massey
- officialAltrincham Market
- secondaryWikivoyage: Altrincham, revision 5237413 (CC BY-SA 4.0)
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