Best Shopping Malls, Outlet and Places in Bridgewater Canal Area

"A whole dining and drinking neighbourhood made up of vibrant shipping containers, Hatch is one-of-a-kind here in Manchester – continually growing over the years to welcome more and more local traders. Hosting both events and live music frequently, guests can kind of create a DIY day or night out at Hatch – with tons of bars and restaurants housing their own indoor spaces and terraces, a vast open-air space with tons of seating, and lots of independent shops to potter around. Expect cuisines from countries such as Vietnam, Portugal, Spain, Italy and even Teesside, as well as cocktail bars, coffee shops and more."

"What: Ok so Hatch is more of a food market than a restaurant, but it certainly has plenty of outdoor space. The shopping and dining hub is made up of a variety of different street food restaurants and independent shops housed inside converted shipping containers. All you have to do is have a browse, pick the food you want to eat and then settle in on one of the bench tables dotted around the space - simple.Where: 103 Oxford Road, M1 7ED"

"Tiny nanobrewery Öl has its own brew kit on-site and makes some fabulous concoctions. But, as a result of the tiny set-up, their own beers usually sell out incredibly fast, so they stock a range of others too. Find them at Hatch on Oxford Road in one of the shipping containers."

"Anyone who grew up in Manchester probably spent a good proportion of their teenage years wandering around Afflecks (formally known as Affleck’s Palace). Since its opening in 1981, this warren of independent shops is a perfect alternative to high street shopping in the city, offering everything from rubber jumpsuits to rave gear. Yes, there will always be that side of Afflecks (you’ll also find condoms and sex toys), but there really is something for everyone if you take the time to browse its multitude of market stalls."

"Have you even visited Manchester if you haven’t shared a photograph of the mosaic sign outside Affleck’s?. The iconic sign reading ‘and on the sixth day, God created Manchester’ is surely one of the most popular photos of Manchester city centre on Instagram with many tourists and locals flocking to Short Street to admire the piece of art. Affleck’s, Short Street, Manchester, UK"

"I ended up at the massive building of ‘Afflecks’, which turned out to be “An Emporium of Eclecticism“, meaning it was full of shops selling random shit, basically. Afflecks is an indoor market with dozens of independent stalls, small shops and boutiques, some of them quite strange, but also a lot of them with awesome handmade goods."

"Established by artists in 1984, Castlefield Gallery is Manchester’s first public contemporary visual art gallery dedicated to the advancement of contemporary visual art and artists."

"Barton Arcade is a Victorian shopping arcade that has shops and restaurants on the ground floor and offices and administrative spaces on all the other floors. The architecture style is really beautiful and the stairs between floors are stunning as well. Barton Arcade is especially beautiful when it’s empty in the morning hours (just after opening), so you can capture it without the crowds."

"Barton Arcade is a beautiful grade II listed Victorian shopping arcade which is a 5-minute walk from the Arndale Centre. Therefore, the transport links are the same as those to the Arndale Centre. This is one of the best places for shopping in Manchester if you prefer local independent businesses."

"The Cavendish Arcade used to be a set of public baths, and it retains the tiling and fragrant air. Homewares, clothing and gifts can all be found here."

"The Trafford Ecology Park is tucked away in the industrial Trafford Park behind an oil depot and is a registered Biological Important site and a true oasis of wildlife. The park is spread across an area of eleven acres and is a true delight for a nature enthusiast."

"Climb up to Hen’s Cloud, go past the mysterious Doxey Pool and then across the Roaches to bag the Roaches trig!. The Roaches is a popular spot with climbers and rock enthusiasts. It is thought that wallabies (released from a zoo) roam the area, but we didn’t manage to spot any, so it may be a legend."

"The Roaches is located above Leek and Tittesworth Reservoir and is loved by hikers and climbers alike. The impressively rugged and steep gritstone ridge is home to mythical mermaids and 15 metre natural gritstone clefts."

"We spent a beautiful weekend in the Roaches and it is the best place for walking enthusiasts in the Peaks!. There are also some beautiful rock formations."

"Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing. Tucked away from Warrington’s main town centre, where you will find all your standard high street shops and some small independent boutiques too, you will find Woolston Park. A wonderful way to spend a Sunday morning or sunny weekday after work, Woolston Park is a much-loved spot by local people."

"Beginning life as a cupcake company, And the Dish Ran Away With the Spoon still serves freshly baked, hand decorated desserts, from layered cakes to brownies, in its charming little tearoom. As well as selling delicious treats, this café serves a popular afternoon tea/brunch, from Thursdays to Sundays. A little different from other locations, And the Dish Ran Away With the Spoon requires advanced booking, but you can expect generous portions and typical English scones and cakes for an alternative style brunch."

"An all-time foodie favourite Dish and Spoon is A-class in every way. Their cakes cover all flavours from chocolate honeycomb to toffee apple to raspberry and rose. The buttercream is light and the layers of sponge are… there’s no other way to say it….moist."

"It is a place where you can eat both delicious and quality cakes. Have you tasted the wet cakes?. If the answer is no, you should try it."