Best Shopping Malls in Stubbins Area

"The colourful village of independent shops and street food just off Oxford Road will be reopening from April 12, Government roadmap allowing. The complex of shipping containers will be open for business seven days a week for outdoor dining, and is offering table bookings for the first time as well as keeping space for walk-in guests. There are more than 30 businesses calling Hatch home, including coffee shop Takk, OL brewery, Grandad's Sausages, T'Arricrii, and Hanoi 75."

"This trendy foodie outlet sits under the flyover near Manchester Met and Manchester University. Strings of exposed light bulbs cast a hipster twinkle over the self-contained courtyard, and there’s a sun-soaked garden filled with long wooden tables where you can while away summer afternoons. Peruse the artisan beers on tap and by the bottle at Öl nanobrewery."

"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"

"Affleck’s is a perfect spot for a stylish and unusual photo. It’s also a place, where you can buy a lot of unusual things for a photoshoot or just for yourself. There are some amazing dresses, jewellery and other items that I have never seen anywhere else!"

"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."

"Behind the Arts Centre in Salford Quays is an outlet mall with savings of up to 70% at 90+ stores on two floors. This is the only factory outlet mall in Greater Manchester, offering discounts in fashion, interior design, home appliances, sportswear, cosmetics and much more. A few of the British household names at the Lowry Outlet are Marks & Spencer, Clarks, Clintons and The Body Shop, as well as Gap, Black and Decker, Trespass, Holland & Barrett, The Works, Claire’s and Cotton Traders."

"Whether you’re in the mood for Chinese food, Italian food or a cheeky Nando’s, there’s really something for everyone at the Lowry Outlet, where you can grab a bite and pick up a bargain. Then why not head over to The Lowry Theatre and take advantage of their cheap ticket offers for 16-25 year olds. Whatever you do, you can always finish off the evening with a walk around the stunning Salford Quays."

"Located near Preston Dock, the Ribble Steam Railway museum invites you to hop aboard a heritage train ride on one of their working steam trains. The museum makes a fantastic and interactive day out for all the family, delving into Preston's historical links to steam trains and Preston Dock. See their Diesel Locomotives, Steam Locomotives, miniature railway, and much more."

"This attraction features well-maintained locomotives that date back more than 100 years. A preserved railway, it is now also the home of the collection from the Southport Railway Museum and was opened to public access in 2005. It also operates passenger services from Preston Riverside to and from Strand Road Crossing."

"Contemporary Six – The Gallery is a leading independent art gallery located in the heart of the city centre of Manchester opposite the beautiful Town Hall. Established in 2010 by Alex Reuben, the gallery is known for offering a warm and friendly welcome to art enthusiasts, collectors, and new visitors and explorers to the city. Specialising in original paintings, landscapes, portraits, abstracts handmade prints, sculptures, and ceramics."

"From Darrell Evanes’ scrap metal sculpture to Matthew Bourne’s natural abstracts, Contemporary Six’s repertoire is all encompassing. Having outgrown its former location of Royal Exchange Arcade, the gallery - founded by Alex Reuben in 2010 - now occupies an airy space on Princess Street, where it represents around 40 artists. Best feature: Contemporary Six offers the Own Art Scheme, which allows buyers to pay in monthly instalments"

"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."

"Treat the family to a day out at Brockholes, boasting the UK’s first floating visitor village and the 250-acre Lancashire Wildlife Trust nature reserve. Whilst you’re ambling along the River Ribble and the nearby lakes, keep your eyes peeled for wildlife. What’s more, you’ll be able to visit year-round with free admission!"