Trafford Centre

Manchester's ultimate shopping and entertainment destination with 200+ stores, dining, and year-round family attractions.

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Trafford Centre

The Trafford Centre is one of the UK's largest shopping destinations, located in Stretford, Manchester. This sprawling retail complex features over 200 stores, restaurants, and entertainment venues under one roof, from flagship department stores like John Lewis and Selfridges to high-street favourites. Beyond shopping, visitors can enjoy attractions including SEA LIFE Manchester, LEGOLAND Discovery Centre, a Christmas ice rink, and the Big Wheel. With its diverse mix of retail, dining, and family entertainment, it's a comprehensive destination for a full day out.

A brief summary to Trafford Centre

The Trafford Centre, Manchester, Trafford Park, Stretford, M17 8AA, GB
+441617491717
Visit website
Duration: 2 to 8 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 during off-peak hours (weekday mornings) to avoid crowds and enjoy a more relaxed shopping experience. Weekends and school holidays are significantly busier.
Validate your parking at Guest Services (ground floor near M&S) if you plan to stay longer than three hours—bring your purchase receipt to extend your parking time.
Plan your visit around seasonal attractions: the Christmas ice rink (November–January), Big Wheel, and Santa grotto offer excellent family entertainment beyond shopping.
Hire a Fun Buggy if visiting with young children or if you have mobility concerns—these are available daily during operating hours and make navigating the vast centre much easier.
Check opening hours before visiting, as they vary seasonally and on bank holidays. Extended hours run until 11pm on select December evenings.

Getting There

Car

The Trafford Centre is located at Barton Dock Road, Manchester M17 8AA. From Manchester city centre, drive approximately 5 miles southwest via the A5103 or A5182, taking around 15–20 minutes depending on traffic. Extensive on-site parking is available, with multiple car parks offering free parking for up to 3 hours (extended with purchase receipt validation at Guest Services). Peak parking times occur during weekends and December shopping season.
Public Transport – Tram

The Metrolink tram network connects directly to the Trafford Centre. From Manchester Piccadilly or St Peters Square stations, take the Altrincham or Bury line towards Altrincham and alight at Trafford Bar station, approximately 10–15 minutes depending on starting point. From the station, the centre is a 5–10 minute walk. Tram fares vary by zone; a typical single journey from city centre costs £2.50–£3.50. Trams run frequently throughout the day, with reduced evening and Sunday services.
Bus

Multiple bus routes serve the Trafford Centre from across Greater Manchester. Services run from Manchester city centre and surrounding areas, with journey times typically 20–40 minutes depending on the route and starting location. Bus fares are approximately £2–£3 for a single journey. The 100, 101, and 102 routes are among the primary services. Check Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) for real-time schedules and route planning.
Taxi or Ride-Share

Taxis and ride-sharing services (Uber, Bolt) operate throughout Manchester and serve the Trafford Centre. From Manchester city centre, expect journey times of 15–25 minutes and costs ranging from £12–£25 depending on traffic and service type. This option is convenient for groups or when carrying shopping, though costs increase during peak hours and festive season.

Trafford Centre location weather suitability

Any Weather

Discover more about Trafford Centre

A Shopping Destination of Exceptional Scale

The Trafford Centre stands as one of the United Kingdom's premier shopping destinations, commanding a vast indoor complex in Stretford, Manchester. Opened as a revolutionary retail concept, it has evolved into a comprehensive entertainment and shopping hub that attracts millions of visitors annually. The centre's sheer scale—housing over 200 stores, restaurants, and leisure facilities—makes it far more than a traditional shopping mall. Its distinctive architecture, featuring grand atriums and soaring ceilings, creates an almost theatrical shopping environment that distinguishes it from conventional retail spaces.

Retail Excellence Across All Categories

The shopping experience at Trafford Centre spans the full spectrum of retail categories. Anchor stores include John Lewis, Selfridges (the first location outside London), and a flagship two-storey Primark at Barton Square. Fashion retailers range from Zara and Victoria's Secret to Next, while the centre also accommodates homeware, electronics, beauty, and lifestyle brands. This curated selection ensures that whether you're seeking high-end designer pieces, everyday essentials, or niche boutique finds, the centre caters to diverse shopping preferences and budgets. The layout encourages exploration, with distinct zones and themed areas that make navigation intuitive despite the vast footprint.

Dining and Culinary Experiences

Beyond retail, the Trafford Centre offers a comprehensive dining landscape. Multiple restaurants and casual eateries provide everything from quick bites to sit-down meals, accommodating various cuisines and dietary preferences. The dining venues operate on extended hours, allowing visitors to refuel during extended shopping trips or enjoy evening meals after retail therapy. This integration of food and beverage options transforms the centre into a destination where visitors can comfortably spend entire days without needing to leave the premises.

Family Entertainment and Seasonal Attractions

The centre's appeal extends well beyond shopping through dedicated entertainment venues. SEA LIFE Manchester offers an immersive aquatic experience, while LEGOLAND Discovery Centre provides interactive play for younger visitors. Seasonal attractions add further dimension to the experience: a Christmas ice rink operates from late November through early January, offering festive skating sessions with tiered pricing for adults, children, and families. The Big Wheel, positioned at the bottom of Regent 13, provides panoramic views across the centre and surrounding area, operating daily with extended hours during peak seasons. A Santa grotto experience, running through December, includes specialised sessions designed for children with additional needs, ensuring inclusive festive celebrations.

Accessibility and Visitor Amenities

The Trafford Centre prioritises visitor comfort and accessibility. Wheelchair access is available throughout, with dedicated facilities and a multi-faith room for diverse visitor needs. Fun buggies are available for hire daily during operating hours, accommodating those with mobility challenges or families with young children. Guest services staff assist with extended parking validation for visitors spending more than three hours, provided they can show a purchase receipt. The centre maintains comprehensive customer service support, and bespoke group tours can be arranged during weekdays, complete with dedicated guides and wheelchair accessibility information.

Seasonal Highlights and Year-Round Appeal

While the Trafford Centre operates year-round, the festive season transforms the space into a winter wonderland. Christmas events include a parade, ice rink, Big Wheel rides, and Santa meet-and-greet experiences. Black Friday promotions bring significant retail discounts across the centre. The extended opening hours during peak shopping periods—particularly in December, when the centre remains open until 11pm on select evenings—accommodate the surge in festive visitors. This seasonal dynamism ensures that repeat visits throughout the year offer fresh experiences and attractions beyond the core retail offering.

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.

Nightclubs & after hour spots

Royal Vida Night Club

6.4 km

Dive into Manchester's underground pulse at Royal Vida, where Castlefield's industrial shadows host thumping beats and endless nights from 11pm to 4am.

Ark Manchester

6.4 km

Multi-room beats and canal-side cocktails fuel Manchester's electric Deansgate Locks nightlife at Ark—dance, drink, repeat till dawn.

Popworld Manchester

6.4 km

Dance to cheesy pop anthems amid neon lights and poptail cocktails in Manchester's ultimate throwback nightclub.

History Nightclub

6.5 km

Experience Manchester’s lively hip hop and house beats at History Nightclub, a large, energetic venue open late into the night.

42's

6.5 km

Manchester’s iconic indie nightclub blending rich musical heritage with a lively, inclusive nightlife experience.

Bliss Club Manchester

6.6 km

Experience Manchester’s authentic late-night vibe at Bliss Club, where music and local energy blend into a spirited urban nightlife hub.

Venue Nightclub

6.7 km

Manchester's underground indie haven: cheap drinks, packed dance floors, and anthems till dawn in Deansgate's electric night scene.

Club Liv Manchester

6.7 km

Experience Manchester’s vibrant nightlife with exclusive VIP vibes, world-class Pan-Asian dining, and a stylish rooftop terrace at Club Liv.

Viva Manchester

6.9 km

Compact stage-driven nightclub on Whitworth Street West — theatrical themed nights, DJ sets and group-friendly table service.

Hidden at Downtex Mill

6.9 km

Manchester's raw warehouse nightclub in a historic mill: underground beats, industrial grit, and all-night raves in Cheetham Hill's creative heart.

Kable

7.0 km

A compact, late‑night basement club on New Wakefield Street, favoured for punchy electronic nights and close‑up DJ sessions.

Bijou Club

7.0 km

Manchester's hidden riverside gem: celebrity vibes, secret garden terrace, and LED-lit beats in an exclusive Deansgate nightclub.

Satans Hollow

7.2 km

Manchester's infernal punk-rock abyss: demonic decor, dirt-cheap drinks, and mosh-pit mayhem for metalheads and rebels.

Cargo

7.2 km

Manchester's Printworks powerhouse: light-up dance floors, bottomless brunches, and non-stop beats until dawn in the city's nightlife epicenter.

FAC251 - Factory Manchester

7.2 km

Experience Manchester’s legendary Factory Records heritage with three floors of indie, rock, and electronic music at FAC251 - The Factory.

Your Ultimate Free Travel Guide

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Trafford Centre

A brief summary to Trafford Centre

Local tips

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

Getting There

Car

Public Transport – Tram

Bus

Taxi or Ride-Share

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 Shopping Destination of Exceptional Scale

Retail Excellence Across All Categories

Dining and Culinary Experiences

Family Entertainment and Seasonal Attractions

Accessibility and Visitor Amenities

Seasonal Highlights and Year-Round Appeal

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