Lying on the outskirts of Altrincham is the National Trust property Dunham Massey Hall, a mansion dating back to the Georgian era and heavily refurbished during Edwardian times. Dunham Massey Hall was built in 1616 and includes a moat encircling the property. Attractions inside this Grade II listed National Trust house include a bust of Emperor Hadrian, a range of valuable paintings and an impressive collection of Huguenot silver. Dunham Massey Park stretches across 192 acres, with deer roaming the land alongside foxes and rabbits, with an estimated 57 species of bird found nesting in the grounds. The oak trees in the park date back to the 1600s and are in such abundance that the National Trust regard this as one of the most important ecological sites in Britain.
Stamford Park is a 16-acre park owned by the Trafford Borough council. Designed by John Shaw it was opened in 1880 on land donated by the 7th Earl of Stamford. It is one of the most heavily used parks in Trafford. In recognition of its position as one of the first public parks to be designed for sports it is listed as Grade II on the Register of Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest in England. It won a bronze award from the Greenspace award scheme.
Altrincham has two theatres, Altrincham Garrick Playhouse and the Club Theatre. Altrincham Garrick group is an amateur dramatic society. The Garrick has a long and illustrious history from its initial stirrings in November 1913 through to the major redevelopment recently completed. It normally stages 12 main productions per season. The Garrick held the world stage premier of Psycho in 1982. In 1998, it received a grant of £675,000 from the National Lottery as part of a £900,000 redevelopment of the theatre.The Club Theatre group began in 1896, as the St Margaret's Church Institute Amateur Dramatics Society. The Trafford Youth Theatre performs here each year, and it runs the Hale One Act Festival, an annual week-long event started in 1972. Professional entertainers covering all different types of performance occur here. The Club has received awards from both the Greater Manchester Drama Federation and the Mid-Cheshire Theatre Guild.
Altrincham is one of the few towns in the North West with an ice rink. The modern attraction has a 2,500 seater arena and is home to Manchester Phoenix and Trafford Metros ice hockey teams. When not being used by Phoenix the Ice Dome is open to the public for ice skating.
Altrincham F.C.(1903) are often nicknamed 'The Robins', and play home matches at Moss Lane. The club plays in the Football Conference, the highest level of English non-league football and the fifth tier overall.
Altrincham Kersal RUFC with over 112 years of rugby history was founded in 1897. They are amongst the top 80 clubs in England and play rugby union in division North One. They have 5 senior sides and 12 junior mini sides, in total more than 300 playing members.
Altrincham Golf Club offers competitive and recreational golf on a large scale. There are major competitions most weekends from April to October, and there are some major competitions during the winter months.
Altrincham and District Athletics Club was founded in 1961. They have over 200 members and provide training facilities for four disciplines; track and field, road running, cross-country running and fell running.
Seamons Cycling Club is a traditional cycling club which was formed in 1948.
There is an enticing selection of shops in Altrincham from high street names to independent retailers. George Street, Stamford New Road and Railway Street are shopping areas currently being developed and well worth a visit. Many people admire the specialist shops on the Downs, Ashley Road and Oxford Street areas. There are also some unique shops on Greenwood Street, Market Street and Shaws Road.
Altrincham's Historic Market Quarter dating back from 1290 offers a great environment where great bargains can be had. It provides a wide range of fresh, wholesome produce ideal for a healthy family diet. Alongside quality food stalls the market offers the family friendly café, haberdashery and craft stall, fancy dress and accessories, gifts and fancy goods, cards and wrapping paper, clothing, shoes, handbags, health foods, plants, flowers to name a few.
Altrincham has an excellent range of cuisines to suit all tastes, including American, English, French, Indian, Italian, Oriental and Spanish. With award winning restaurants, quaint cafes, gastro pubs, independent specialist bars and international pub/restaurant chains there is somewhere whatever the occasion. Popular restaurants are located on the Downs, Ashley Road and the Greenwood Street area.
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