Old Trafford is a district in the Metropolitan Borough of Trafford, immediately southwest of Manchester city centre. The area developed rapidly during the industrial expansion of Manchester and Salford, with the Manchester Ship Canal and surrounding factories shaping its growth. Today Old Trafford is internationally recognised for its sporting venues, particularly football and cricket, while retaining important industrial and transport heritage.
Old Trafford: Historical sights and information
Facts about Old Trafford
- Latitude:
- 53.462781
- Longitude:
- -2.276645
- GPS Coordinates:
- 53°28' N, 02°17' W
The historical and tourist importance of the district
Old Trafford is home to Old Trafford football stadium, the historic ground of Manchester United, which attracts visitors from around the world. Lancashire County Cricket Club's Emirates Old Trafford is another major sporting venue and has hosted international cricket for generations. The Manchester Ship Canal and nearby Trafford Park illustrate the region's industrial heritage, while the Imperial War Museum North provides a major museum experience across the canal. The wider Trafford area also contains the Lowry arts centre and MediaCityUK nearby.
Food, shopping and when to visit
Old Trafford has a wide selection of restaurants, cafés, pubs and takeaways, particularly around the sporting venues and main transport routes. Manchester's wider dining scene is easily accessible by tram, with British, Indian, Middle Eastern, Chinese and contemporary cuisines widely represented. Visiting times are especially influenced by football and cricket fixtures, while museums and cultural attractions operate throughout the year. Old Trafford is particularly suitable for visitors interested in sport, industrial history and Manchester's cultural heritage.
Locations & Tours
Discover famous landmarks, historical sites and tourist attractions in Old Trafford.