The top Greater Manchester places to explore at the end of Metrolink lines including sought-after Altrincham

Exploring Greater Manchester can be an enjoyable experience, with plenty of interesting spots located around the region. For many of these, you may need to drive, which can take some of the fun and relaxation out of your trip. 

The Greater Manchester area is fortunate to have the Metrolink tram network, which takes the need to drive out of journeys across the region. With lines extending across Manchester and beyond, many days out won’t need a car to get you there. 

The Metrolink has 99 stops and with calls for more to be added, this could soon hit three figures. At the end of its eight lines, there are several towns and villages which are well worth a trip for a day, and you’ll not need to worry about driving or parking. We’ve taken a look at some of the things you can do in these end of the line Greater Manchester spots. 

Rochdale

Rochdale, like many other parts of Greater Manchester, was a key focal point of the Industrial Revolution. The Ellenroad Cotton Mill is now a museum dedicated to this part of the region’s history, and you can see restored features of the mill in action. 

The town is also home to art galleries and the 500 seater Middleton Arena, which hosts a wide range of functions and events. For fans of trains from back in the day, a trip on the East Lancashire Railway is also a recommended stop. The Heywood station is located just to the south of Rochdale Town Centre. 

Rochdale Town Centre and Rochdale Train Stations have their own Metrolink stops, and are both at the end of the pink line. This line also goes through Oldham and pass through all of the main Manchester city centre stops. 

Bury

One of the big attractions in Bury is the town’s transport museum, which is housed in a Grade II listed building used by the railway and dates back to 1848. The building has been refurbished back to its former glory and now houses a wide range of classic vehicles including cars and buses. 

Bury is also home to a variety of parks and outdoor spaces. Close Park is one of particular interest, with its large space home to an interesting sculpture trail. You’ll find Bury at the end of the green and yellow lines to the east of Manchester city centre. You can hop on these lines at Piccadilly, Piccadilly Gardens or Victoria. 

Altrincham 

Described as a modern market town, Altrincham lies to the west of Manchester city centre. The town’s beating heart is its Market Quarter which is brimming with independent shops and stalls. Another stand out area is Kings Court. Here, you’ll be able to check out more independent traders or wind down further with a pint watching live sports. It's fast becoming one of the go-to places in the region.

Altrincham is the most westerly stop on the Green and Purple lines. Both pass through Old Trafford and Stretford on the way out of the city centre and the journey time of around 25 minutes from St Peter’s Square means even an afternoon or evening out is possible. 

East Didsbury 

East Didsbury lies to the south of Manchester city centre and although many people may consider it as just a park and ride stop- if offers plenty more. Along with the Didsbury Village and West Didsbury tram stops, the Didsbury area in general is well covered. 

Parks, restaurants and bars are scattered around this corner of Greater Manchester.  Fletcher Moss Park & Botanical Gardens is one of the greener attractions in the area, and Parrs Wood has a cinema, a bowling alley and plenty of restaurants to get a bite to eat somewhere away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre. 

Like mentioned earlier, there are three tram stops for Didsbury, with East Didsbury being the furthest out. The brown and pink tram lines connect all three stops with Manchester city centre and beyond.