
We’re not sure about you, but when we think of South Manchester suburbs, we think of the likes of Didsbury, Stretford and Levenshulme, but one gem that we particularly love is Chorlton-cum-Hardy. Known generally in its shortened form of ‘Chorlton’, this South Manchester area has gone through a major improvement in the last decade, becoming one of the most sought-after areas for those wanting to be within easy reach of Manchester, but still with a cosy community feel.
Chorlton’s Metrolink and train access into the city and out further afield makes it particularly desirable, and its new cycleway is attractive to those wanting to cut down on their emissions or get outside more, plus, the lovely cat mural at Chorlton tram stop greets commuters on a daily basis. With multiple high streets boasting everything you could need, Chorlton is whatever you want it to be: a kitch, village-style community, somewhere to meet friends and party, or a homestead to settle down with your family.
High street improvements are also ongoing, with the council looking to improve public spaces and streets, plus a rejuvination for the street outside Chorlton Library, Four Banks and High Lane Junction. The conservation area at Chorlton Green is centred on the tranquil residential area of the Green itself, the last remaining vestige of the original village, which was largely a woodland clearing, and later farmland, as settled by the Saxons in 610 AD.
Much of what we know of Chorlton today derives from the new village centre that arose to the east of the green, centred on Beech Road. When the London Midland railway opened in 1880, with a station in Chorlton, another centre sprang up further east. An electric tram service opened in 1907 and this, together with the train service, finally rendered the original horse-drawn buses obsolete.
The best things to do in Chorlton
Have a drink and a yap at one of Chorlton’s many bars and pubs
Like any self-respecting suburb, and town centre in itself, Chorlton boasts many of its own bars and pubs completely separate to Manchester city centre. It means you can have a pint, or non-alcoholic beverage of choice, in a different place every hour and not feel the need to move to the next town over.
The likes of The Beagle, Bowling Green and Horse & Jockey give traditional yet elevated pub vibes, and you can find more of a bar/nightlife experience at the likes of The Lead Station, Electrik and Brewski. Pay Chorlton Tap a visit for your real ale needs, and see the hype of now-famous city centre names like The Laundrette, The Jane Eyre and The Font (RIP) – there’s plenty to choose from. Many of these also serve incredible food, so you’re covered at meal times too.
Discover your new favourite at one of Chorlton’s lovely restaurants
Chorlton is an absolute hotspot for incredible food, and you’ll likely never get bored of the options on offer. The original home of pizza v pizza v pizza, Chorlton boasts a Rudy’s, Croma AND Double Zero… but which one’s better? You decide. World food is also well-covered, with Spanish at Bar San Juan (including the drinks to match), Jerk Junction providing the Caribbean vibes, and indulgent ramen and Japanese cuisine at Shogun Ramen.
Casual lunch, brunch and dinner can be found at Mary & Archie – perfect for catch-ups with friends – with light Mediterranean cuisine and delicate seafood at Casa De Moor and The Oystercatcher. There truly is something for every taste! Plus, several Chorlton spots host guest chefs throughout the year, so there’s always something new to try.
Have a cuppa and a sweet treat at a gorgeous Chorlton cafe
As you can imagine, there are plenty of spots in Chorlton to sit down with a coffee and a book, or a friend, and relax of an afternoon. The likes of North Star Delicatessen and Epicerie Ludo will provide you with ample eats (plus gifts to take away, if you like) to accompany your warm beverage, with names such as Bisous Bisous and Le Petit Paris, which have made their name in the city centre, also a lovely option.
Chorlton’s own 99 Reasons, Junipers and Cocoa Tree are also great independent options to try, with Swig Coffee offering your caffeine fix on the go from an adorable coffee van. The options truly never end in Chorlton, and we could honestly sit in any of these very happily for hours on end.
Pick up a gift for yourself or a loved one from one of Chorlton’s many independent shops
If you’ve got money burning a hole in your pocket, there are plenty of Chorlton spots to visit for a browse. Grab crafts and plants from Floral Affair and Pottery Corner, spend hours looking at books and records at Chorlton Bookshop and Kingbee Records, or find your style at Love Lucy Boutique or McQueen Independent. Get your hands on a classic gift like a piece of jewellery at No 68, or cheese and wine from Chorlton Cheesemongers or Carringtons Wines for a loved one, or just a regular weekday night for yourself – why not?
Take a stroll in one of Chorlton’s green spaces
Although Chorlton is mainly suburban, it has a pretty impressive array of green spaces and parks to enjoy, wherever you happen to be in the neighbourhood. Chorlton Ees Nature Reserve, Ivy Green and Sale Water Park all merge together on the south west side of Chorlton, bordering Sale, providing a huge area to walk, cycle, or play with friends and family.
Beech Road Park offers a small, convenient bit of green space on the high street, perfect for taking a cup of coffee or the kids to play. The likes of Chorlton Water Park, Longford Park, Hough End Playing Fields and Manley Park are dotted around the area, offering plenty of outdoor fun whatever your intention.
Other activities to consider in Chorlton
Chorlton also provides other activities and plenty of arts and culture to explore. Chorlton Library offers a great space to work or research from, or just somewhere to have a time out and browse some books. The Edge Theatre & Arts Centre allows the village to pull in and put out some fantastic productions, and house community entertainment, plus Manchester’s Makers Market often visits Chorlton, with stalls selling everything from food and drink, to crafts and art, and jewellery and spiritual equipment – you can find out when the Markets will be in Chorlton here.