Heritage trail takes town's visitors back in time

3 January 2026

Laura O'NeillNorth West

News image — George Street in Altrincham

Trafford Council A black-and-white period photograph of George Street in Altrincham from Trafford Council's archive. In the foreground a group of three men in suits can bee seen talking - one of them is holding a rocking chair. A woman in an ankle-length skirt, jacket and hat can be seen looking in a shop window. A horse and cart can be seen further up the street. — George Street in Altrincham

A free walking trail is offering visitors and locals alike a chance to step back in time and explore a town's rich heritage.

It uncovers Altrincham's past from the town's medieval roots in northern Cheshire, right through to World War One.

The self-guided,10-stop trail starts at Altrincham Interchange and finishes at Goose Green in the Greater Manchester town.

Along the way, it takes in Old Market Place, St George's Church, Altrincham Town Hall and Altrincham Market.

Trafford Council A black-and-white period photograph of Stamford New Road in Altrincham from Trafford Council's archive. A clock tower can be seen on the left, a horse and cart is pulled up at the side of the road while a tram is travelling down the middle. On the right a man in a suit is waiting to cross the road, a woman in an ankle-length skirt and white shirt is walking down the pavement. — Stamford New Road in Altrincham

Gothic architecture, royal visits, wartime hardships, forgotten ale houses, famous residents and the site of a one-time whipping post used for public punishments are all featured on the trail.

Trafford Council A black-and-white period photograph of Old Market Place in Altrincham from Trafford Council's archive. Two buildings with black-and-white, thatched-style, fronts are on either side of the road. Three horses and carts are at the end of the road. — Old Market Place

The trail has QR code activities that allow participants to click through to hear stories, pictures and testimonies about the town.

Trafford Council A black-and-white period photograph of Altrincham Arch from Trafford Council's archive. A man on a horse and cart rides under the brick archway. It has two smaller brick arches on either side and a metal gate that has been pulled up. — Altrincham Arch

"The multimedia nature of the tour allows young and old, local and not-so-local people to fully immerse themselves in our fascinating past," said Mandy White, director of Altrincham Business Improvement District.

Trafford Council A black-and-white period photograqh of Altrincham Town Hall from Trafford Council's archive. The brick building stands on the corner of a road. — Altrincham Town Hall

Councillor Liz Patel, Trafford Council's executive member for economy and regeneration, said the trail makes for "a fascinating afternoon out in the fresh air".

"It's another reason for people to visit Altrincham and get some steps in while they are there," she added.

Trail sheets can be obtained from Altrincham Interchange, OYEZ Arts in the Town Hall or from Altrincham Library.

They can also be downloaded from the Visit Altrincham website.

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