The town of Urmston in south east Manchester has a flourishing independent food and drink scene. A new wave of restaurants and bars have started to settle in the town in recent years, catering to the young professionals and families flocking to the area.

GETTING THERE:

Urmston is located six miles southwest of Manchester city centre. Urmston train station is located on the Liverpool Lime Street line, with a journey time of approximately 15 minutes to Manchester Oxford Road.

THINGS TO DO: Urmston Meadows & The Mersey Valley
Urmston also benefits from a rich heritage of parks and greenspaces.  Just a short walk from the town centre is Urmston Meadows located on the southern fringes of Urmston close to the River Mersey. The meadow pastures, woodland paths, pond and ditches provide ideal habitat for wildlife and a peaceful place for visitors to unwind.

This walking route takes in a more secluded area of the Mersey Valley. Enjoy the woodland paths and meadow pastures of Urmston Meadows and venture past Barrowfield Farm onto Old Ees Brook. Once here, walkers can explore the beauty of the flood meadow in spring and enjoy panoramic views of the River Mersey as it meanders through the valley. The route returns via Urmston Meadows where walkers can continue along the surfaced path towards Riverside Drive or go in search of Urmston’s majestic oak, the ‘climbing tree’

DRINK: Prairie Schooner Taphouse
Describing itself as an ‘off-licence with a drinking parlour’ and an ‘independently-minded gathering place’, Urmston’s Prairie Schooner Taphouse stocks craft beer from the US and Europe and regularly hosts events.

DRINK: The Barking Dog
The Barking Dog Alehouse & Kitchen has taken over the glorious former post office. Purpose built in 1939, this beautiful building has been lovingly restored retaining much of the original character, whilst at the same time making it a proper pub.

EAT: The Steamhouse pub sits in the original Urmston train station, specialising in real ales & home cooked food.

WHAT’S ON: Artisan Market
A monthly Artisan Market takes place on the first Saturday of the month. Located right in the centre of Urmston, the market brings together the finest and often award-winning food, drink, art and craft producers in the area.

FAMILY FRIENDLY: Miniature Railway
Also known locally as 'Chassen Park', Abbotsfield Park is especially worth visiting on a Sunday when the Urmston and District Railway Society operate a charming miniature train around the park. Ideal for trainspotters of any age. 

FURTHER AFIELD:
A trip to Urmston can be easily combined with a visit to Manchester’s busting intu Trafford Centre, located just a few minutes away. For those looking to extend a walking our cycle route, Urmston Meadows links to the Trans Pennine Trail, The Bridgewater Canal and other attractions including Sale Water Park, and Dunham Massey.

Written by @SmartieAnt