The Trafford Centre: Manchester’s Premier Shopping and Leisure Destination

Manchester’s grand shopping and leisure centre blending flagship retail, family attractions, and vibrant dining under one spectacular roof.

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Trafford Centre

The Trafford Centre in Manchester is one of the UK’s largest and most vibrant shopping centres, offering a vast range of retail stores, dining options, and entertainment venues. Located in Trafford Park, Stretford, it features flagship stores like Selfridges, John Lewis, and a two-storey Primark, alongside attractions such as SEA LIFE and LEGOLAND Discovery Centre. Open daily with extended hours on weekdays, it blends shopping with leisure in a grand, architecturally impressive setting.

A brief summary to Trafford Centre

The Trafford Centre, Manchester, Trafford Park, Stretford, M17 8AA, GB
+441617491717
Visit website
Duration: 2 to 6 hours
Mid ranged
Indoor
Mobile reception: 5 out of 5

Monday 10 am-10 pm
Tuesday 10 am-10 pm
Thursday 10 am-10 pm
Friday 10 am-10 pm
Saturday 10 am-9 pm
Sunday 12 pm-6 pm

Local tips

Visit on weekdays for a less crowded experience and extended shopping hours.
Explore family attractions like SEA LIFE and LEGOLAND Discovery Centre for an entertaining day out.
Check out seasonal events such as the Christmas Ice Rink and festive parades for unique experiences.
Use the centre’s ample parking facilities or public transport options for convenient access.
Enjoy a variety of dining options ranging from casual food courts to sit-down restaurants.

Getting There

Public Transport

Take the Metrolink tram to the Trafford Centre stop, with frequent services from Manchester city centre. The journey takes approximately 25-35 minutes. Trams run every 12 minutes during peak times. Tickets cost around £4-£6 for a single journey.
Car

Driving to The Trafford Centre is straightforward via the M60 motorway with ample free parking available. Travel times vary from 15 to 30 minutes depending on traffic. Note that parking is free but can be busy during weekends and holidays.
Bus

Several bus routes serve The Trafford Centre, including services from Manchester city centre and surrounding areas. Travel times range from 30 to 50 minutes. Bus fares typically cost between £3 and £5. Check local timetables for specific routes and times.
Taxi or Rideshare

Taxis and rideshare services provide a convenient door-to-door option from Manchester city centre, with travel times around 20-30 minutes depending on traffic. Fares generally range from £15 to £25.

Trafford Centre location weather suitability

Any Weather
Rain / Wet Weather
Mild Temperatures

Discover more about Trafford Centre

A Landmark of Retail Excellence and Variety

The Trafford Centre stands as a monumental retail hub in Greater Manchester, renowned for its extensive selection of shops and flagship stores. It houses the first Selfridges outside London, a large John Lewis, and a two-storey Primark, among many other high-profile brands such as Next, Zara, and Victoria's Secret. This diversity caters to a broad spectrum of shoppers, from luxury seekers to bargain hunters, making it a key destination for retail therapy.

Architectural Grandeur and Visitor Experience

The centre’s design is notable for its grandiose and opulent interiors, featuring elaborate domes, fountains, and decorative motifs that create a lavish shopping atmosphere. The architecture combines modern retail functionality with a theatrical flair, offering visitors not just shopping but an immersive experience. The Great Hall, a central feature, often hosts events and seasonal activities, enhancing the centre’s appeal beyond commerce.

Entertainment and Family Attractions

Beyond shopping, The Trafford Centre is a vibrant leisure destination. It includes family-friendly attractions such as SEA LIFE Manchester and LEGOLAND Discovery Centre, providing engaging experiences for children and adults alike. Seasonal events, like the Christmas Ice Rink and festive parades, add to the lively atmosphere, making it a year-round destination for entertainment and celebration.

Dining and Social Spaces

A wide array of dining options complements the shopping and entertainment offerings, from casual eateries to more upscale restaurants. The centre’s food courts and bars provide varied cuisines and atmospheres, accommodating different tastes and occasions. Comfortable seating areas and ambient spaces encourage visitors to relax and socialize, contributing to a well-rounded visit.

Accessibility and Practical Information

Located in Trafford Park, Stretford, The Trafford Centre is easily accessible by car and public transport. It offers extensive parking and facilities designed for accessibility, including wheelchair access and multi-faith rooms. The centre operates generally from 10am to 10pm on weekdays, with shorter hours on weekends and Sundays, adapting to seasonal changes and special events.

Community and Sustainability Initiatives

The Trafford Centre engages in community activities and sustainability efforts, promoting eco-friendly practices and supporting local initiatives. Its management emphasizes creating a welcoming, inclusive environment that respects the local community and environment, striving to balance commercial success with social responsibility.

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Barton Swing Aqueduct

1.0 km

Explore the world’s only swing aqueduct, a Victorian engineering marvel carrying the Bridgewater Canal over the Manchester Ship Canal since 1894.

5 Sir Matt Busby Way

3.8 km

Old Trafford, the legendary Theatre of Dreams, is Manchester United’s iconic home since 1910, blending rich football history with modern innovation.

Sky Hook Statue 1

4.1 km

Towering steel sculptures marking Trafford Park’s industrial heritage with humor and monumental design.

Stretford Weir

4.2 km

Historic riverside weir on the Mersey offering scenic walks, flood management insight, and a peaceful nature escape near Manchester.

Salford Lads Club

4.9 km

A Victorian youth sanctuary where music history, social purpose, and community spirit converge.

St Clement's Parish Church

5.0 km

Victorian Gothic masterpiece with five centuries of spiritual heritage in Chorlton-cum-Hardy.

LS Lowry birthplace

5.6 km

Discover the humble origins of LS Lowry, the iconic painter of industrial Manchester, at his birthplace in Old Trafford.

Bahnhof Manchester

6.0 km

Manchester Piccadilly Station – Historic gateway and bustling hub connecting Manchester to the UK and beyond.

Rochdale Canal Lock 92

6.0 km

Final lock on the historic Rochdale Canal, linking Manchester’s waterways and embodying two centuries of industrial heritage.

Reconstruction of Mamucium Roman Fort Wall

6.1 km

Explore Manchester’s Roman roots at Mamucium, a reconstructed fort showcasing ancient military might and early urban life.

Reconstruction of Mamucium Roman Fort Wall

Roman Gardens

6.1 km

Discover Manchester’s Roman past through tranquil gardens featuring reconstructed fortifications and ancient pathways in the heart of Castlefield.

Remains of eastern wall of the Roman fort

6.2 km

Explore the evocative remains of Mamucium’s eastern wall, a cornerstone of Manchester’s Roman heritage and ancient military might.

Remains of eastern wall of the Roman fort

Castlefield historical zone

6.2 km

Explore Castlefield, Manchester’s vibrant urban heritage park where Roman ruins meet industrial canals and lively cultural scenes converge.

Friedrich Engels Statue

6.6 km

A bold Soviet-era statue honoring Friedrich Engels stands proudly in Manchester, bridging industrial history with modern radical spirit.

Free Trade Hall

6.7 km

Historic landmark on the Peterloo Massacre site, blending Victorian architecture with a rich legacy of music and political activism.

Unmissable attractions to see

LEGOLAND Discovery Centre

0.2 km

A vibrant indoor LEGO playground in Manchester, perfect for children aged 3-10 to explore, build, and play with thrilling rides and interactive attractions.

Chill Factore

1.1 km

Experience the UK’s longest indoor real snow slope with year-round skiing, snowboarding, and snow play in Manchester’s Chill Factore.

iFLY Manchester Indoor Skydiving

1.1 km

Experience the thrill of flight in Manchester’s premier indoor skydiving wind tunnel, where safety meets adrenaline in a family-friendly setting.

Inflata Nation Inflatable Theme Park Manchester

1.7 km

The UK’s first indoor inflatable theme park in Trafford Park – giant slides, ball pits and non-stop bouncing fun for kids and adults.

Inflata Nation Inflatable Theme Park Manchester

Monton Lighthouse

2.9 km

A quirky, privately built lighthouse on the Bridgewater Canal offering scenic views and a unique inland maritime charm in Manchester.

Media City Footbridge

3.1 km

An elegant cable-stayed swing bridge linking MediaCityUK with cultural landmarks across the Manchester Ship Canal.

IWM North

3.1 km

Discover powerful stories of war and peace in Manchester’s iconic deconstructivist museum overlooking the Ship Canal.

Quayside Tours Meeting Point

3.2 km

Start your journey through Salford’s rich heritage and vibrant Media City at the iconic Blue Tower meeting point.

BBC Dock House

3.2 km

Explore the vibrant BBC Dock House at Salford Quays, where cutting-edge broadcasting meets stunning waterfront views and cultural energy.

The Lowry

3.3 km

A dynamic cultural landmark in Salford Quays, The Lowry offers world-class theatre, galleries, and vibrant arts experiences on Manchester’s waterfront.

Pier Eight Restaurant

3.4 km

Discover the exquisite flavors of Modern British cuisine at Pier Eight Restaurant, set against the stunning backdrop of The Quays in Manchester.

The Quays

3.5 km

A regenerated waterfront of museums, media studios, shopping and waterside dining that fuses dockland history with contemporary city life.

Salford Riviera

3.5 km

Salford Riviera: Where historic docks meet vibrant culture and scenic waterfront living in the heart of Salford Quays.

Quayside MediaCityUK

3.5 km

Waterside outlet shopping and family leisure in the heart of MediaCityUK’s regenerated Salford Quays waterfront.

Manchester United Museum & Stadium Tour

3.6 km

Step inside Old Trafford to explore Manchester United’s legendary museum and stadium in an immersive football journey.

Essential places to dine

The Botanist Media City

3.3 km

A botanical-themed restaurant and bar in MediaCityUK offering creative cocktails, hanging kebabs, live music, and striking Salford Quays views.

The Alchemist MediaCity UK

3.4 km

Experience innovative cocktails and global cuisine in a striking futuristic setting overlooking Salford’s historic quays at MediaCity UK.

Nando's Salford Quays

3.4 km

Savor flame-grilled PERi-PERi chicken in a lively, accessible setting at Nando's Salford Quays, where Portuguese and South African flavors meet Manchester’s vibrant quayside.

Turtle Bay Salford Quays

3.4 km

Escape to Caribbean flavors and reggae beats at Salford Quays' vibrant jerk pit and cocktail haven, moments from MediaCityUK.

Unagi

3.5 km

Experience the North West’s largest sushi bar with vibrant pan-Asian street food, crafted cocktails, and a lively atmosphere at MediaCityUK’s Unagi.

Lime

3.5 km

Savor grilled delights and Asian fusion by Salford Quays' waterfront, where relaxed lunches flow into lively nights in a spacious, vibrant venue.

Bella Italia - Salford Quays

3.5 km

Casual Italian dining with diverse menu options in Manchester’s vibrant Salford Quays waterfront setting.

Harvester Quayside Mediacityuk

3.5 km

Flame-grilled favorites and endless fresh salads on Salford Quays, where family dining meets MediaCityUK's creative buzz.

Quay House Beefeater

3.9 km

Classic British steakhouse and family-friendly pub offering scenic waterside dining with a cosy, modern atmosphere in Salford Quays.

The Banyan Tree

5.7 km

Bohemian bistro in Castlefield serving fusion bites, brunch, cocktails, and live events amid murals and canal vibes—Manchester's go-to for eclectic dining.

Albert's Shed Restaurant Manchester

6.0 km

Modern European dining with generous portions and lively canal-side ambiance in Manchester’s historic Castlefield district.

Dukes 92

6.1 km

A vibrant Manchester hotspot blending generous dining, lively music, and versatile event spaces in a stylish city centre setting.

Dom's Italia

6.3 km

Experience authentic Italian flavors and warm hospitality in the heart of Manchester at Dom's Italia, where tradition meets vibrant city dining.

Tattu Manchester

6.3 km

Modern Chinese cuisine and theatrical design in Manchester's Spinningfields district.

Bill's Spinningfields Restaurant

6.3 km

Cozy British dining with eclectic charm and seasonal flavors in Manchester’s lively Spinningfields district.

Sustainable designer vintage at £25 and under – Manchester's thrift haven for slow fashion lovers in the city centre.

Essential bars & hidden hideouts

The Dockyard

3.3 km

Rugged dockside pub in MediaCityUK: cask ales, hearty pies, and industrial charm for after-work vibes and Quays camaraderie.

SEVEN BRO7HERS BEERHOUSE Media City

3.3 km

Craft beer haven in MediaCityUK: house-brewed IPAs, pizzas, and lively vibes await at Seven Bro7hers' Salford outpost, perfect for post-work pints or casual hangs.

Craftbrew

3.4 km

Salford Quays' craft beer haven: artisan brews, tapas, and coffee in industrial-chic style, from dawn brunch to midnight pours.

11 Central

3.6 km

Riverside bar in MediaCityUK serving craft brews and bites amid Salford's creative quayside energy—ideal for relaxed evenings with canal views.

Reflexion Lounge Manchester Shisha

3.9 km

Luxury glass-fronted shisha lounge on Salford Quays, blending waterfront views, flavorful hookahs, Moroccan teas, and plush VIP vibes for unforgettable evenings.

Matchstick Man

4.1 km

Waterside, budget-friendly pub serving hearty classics and live sport in a modern, family-friendly setting at Salford Quays.

The Wharf

6.0 km

Cosy canalside pub in Manchester's Castlefield, where real fires, craft ales, hearty roasts, and patio views create an unmissable waterside retreat for all.

Bar Eight

6.0 km

Lively Irish pub on Manchester's Castle Quay, blending sports screens, hearty grub, and canalside cheer for unforgettable nights out.

Barça - Canal-side Bar, Castlefield - Manchester

6.0 km

Canal terraces, stylish drinks, and Castlefield vibes—Manchester's waterside bar for every occasion.

Barça - Canal-side Bar, Castlefield - Manchester

cask

6.3 km

Authentic Manchester pub pouring cask ales amid Castlefield's historic canals and warehouses—timeless brews in a revolutionary setting.

Atlas Bar

6.3 km

Discover Manchester’s iconic gin bar with 570+ gins, award-winning service, and a year-round heated terrace in the heart of Deansgate.

The Deansgate

6.3 km

Historic Deansgate pub revived with cask ales, hearty eats, rooftop terraces, and Manchester buzz—perfect pit stop since the 18th century.

Lock 91

6.4 km

Historic charm meets inventive cocktails in Manchester’s vibrant Lock 91, a versatile bar and events venue beneath the city’s Metrolink station.

Cloud 23

6.4 km

Experience Manchester’s skyline from the stylish 23rd-floor cocktail bar with innovative drinks and panoramic city views.

The Alchemist Spinningfields

6.4 km

Innovative cocktails and contemporary dining in Manchester’s vibrant Spinningfields district, blending theatrical flair with a lively social scene.

Your Ultimate Free Travel Guide

Discover Trafford Centre with Evendo, a 100% free app-based travel guide. Explore attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and more with ease and convenience.

The Trafford Centre: Manchester’s Premier Shopping and Leisure Destination

A brief summary to Trafford Centre

Local tips

For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you

Getting There

Public Transport

Car

Bus

Taxi or Rideshare

Trafford Centre location weather suitability

Unlock the Best of Trafford Centre

Buy tickets

Book tours with entry

Book tours without entry

Discover more about Trafford Centre

A Landmark of Retail Excellence and Variety

Architectural Grandeur and Visitor Experience

Entertainment and Family Attractions

Dining and Social Spaces

Accessibility and Practical Information

Community and Sustainability Initiatives

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Barton Swing Aqueduct

5 Sir Matt Busby Way

Sky Hook Statue 1

Stretford Weir

Salford Lads Club

St Clement's Parish Church

LS Lowry birthplace

Bahnhof Manchester

Rochdale Canal Lock 92

Reconstruction of Mamucium Roman Fort Wall

Roman Gardens

Remains of eastern wall of the Roman fort

Castlefield historical zone

Friedrich Engels Statue

Free Trade Hall

Unmissable attractions to see

LEGOLAND Discovery Centre

Chill Factore

iFLY Manchester Indoor Skydiving

Inflata Nation Inflatable Theme Park Manchester

Monton Lighthouse

Media City Footbridge

IWM North

Quayside Tours Meeting Point

BBC Dock House

The Lowry

Pier Eight Restaurant

The Quays

Salford Riviera

Quayside MediaCityUK

Manchester United Museum & Stadium Tour

Essential places to dine

The Botanist Media City

The Alchemist MediaCity UK

Nando's Salford Quays

Turtle Bay Salford Quays

Unagi

Lime

Bella Italia - Salford Quays

Harvester Quayside Mediacityuk

Quay House Beefeater

The Banyan Tree

Albert's Shed Restaurant Manchester

Dukes 92

Dom's Italia

Tattu Manchester

Bill's Spinningfields Restaurant

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

The Body Shop

The Works

Next Outlet

Flock and Gaggle

M&S Outlet

The Sweet Emporium

SPAR Salford Quays

Salford Shopping Centre

Science and Industry Museum Shop

INFINITE RUNNING