If you want to explore more of Greater Manchester than just the city, then Sale is a great place to start. Bisected by the Bridgewater Canal and ringed to the north by the River Mersey, it’s a lovely place to spend the day strolling the parks, taking in some theatre then recouping your energy over a cocktail and some food.

Canal boats on Bridgewater Canal in Sale by Bill Boaden

GETTING THERE: Metrolink

Sale is located five miles to the south-west of Manchester city centre in the local authority of Trafford. It is on the Altrincham line of the Metrolink tram system with a journey taking approximately 17 minutes from St. Peter’s Square.

THINGS TO DO: Sale Water Park

Sale Water Park is an area of countryside and parkland containing a lake, woodland, meadows, the River Mersey, cafe, restaurant and water sports centre. It’s a great location for a family walk or cycle from where you can reach Chorlton and Didsbury or just circle the lake. If you need refreshment, you’ll find The Boathouse restaurant or the Jackson’s Boat pub (which has an outdoor play area). There is plenty of parking and its also on the Manchester Airport Metrolink line (with park and ride facilities).

THINGS TO DO: Walkden Gardens

Sale’s ‘secret garden’ with Japanese, Fuchsia and Dovecote gardens, Wisteria Arch and labyrinth. Walkden Gardens host outdoor theatre and events throughout the year.

Walkden Gardens

EAT: Mustard

A neighbourhood diner serving burgers, craft ale and milkshakes. Make sure you try their buttermilk chicken. Mustard is a one-minute walk from Sale Metrolink station.

DRINK: Us Four

Just down the road from Sale, literally on top of Brookland Metrolink station, you’ll find US Four, a retro-styled American diner serving shakes, cocktails, waffles, cakes and snacks.

DRINK: Cork Of The North

A wine shop and bar selling over 300 different wines by the glass and by the bottle, as well as artisan bottled beers and a great selection of spirits, including local gins. Cork Of The North is really close to Sale Metrolink station and also about ten metres away from Mustard (and other bars) if you want to make an evening of it.

ENTERTAINMENT: Waterside

The Waterside is a thriving and vibrant arts venue in the heart of Sale. Comprising a theatre, art galleries, studios and workspaces, there’s always something going on from theatre productions, music, comedy and art exhibitions.

WHAT’S ON: Makers Market

On the third Sunday of every month you’ll find the Makers Market in the centre of Sale. Makers Markets bring together the finest and often award-winning food, drink, art and craft producers in the area.

WHAT’S On: Sale Art Trail

Every July the Sale Art Trail takes over the M33 postcode. The Sale Arts Trail provides the opportunity to visit artists’ studios, quirky and unusual display spaces; gardens, shops and cafes all exhibiting and selling the work of professional artists and makers in the Trafford area along with some guest artists.

FAMILY FRIENDLY: Bean & Brush

Bean & Brush is an independent, neighbourhood, family art café serving breakfast, brunch, lunch and beyond. After eating, head up to the Art Studio where the kids (and you) can try some art projects, from paint a pot to decopatch.

FAMILY FRIENDLY: Walton Park

Close to Brooklands Metrolink station you’ll find Walton Park, with bowling greens, tennis courts and play areas. Every Sunday (weather permitting) the Sale Area Model Engineering Society run the narrow-gauge railway on which adults and children can ride for the sum of thirty pence per person.