How would you spend time in one of the region’s liveliest towns?

9.00am . Time for breakfast in one of Altrincham’s great cafes such as the Y McGregor which serves up locally sourced, fair-trade, free range, organic, farm fresh, preservative and additive free freshly-made food. The fresh decor and friendly service make this a pretty relaxing start to the day. Other cafes to make your day include the rather lovely Oxford Road Cafe and King’s Cafe

10.00am. A little bit of pampering is always a good thing we feel, so head over to House of Finesse and get your crowning glory into great shape. Altrincham has plenty of choice for those in need of some beauty and hair TLC. You could also book in for a professional make-up session before setting off for some retail therapy.

12.00pm. Altrincham’s shopping is improving all the time, just make a beeline for the Stamford Quarter and the big department stores like House of Fraser, Next and Debenhams for a spot of Christmas shopping perhaps? For more unusual gifts or one-off fashion buys the Trader’s Outlet on The Downs is the place to visit and for that cool cocktail frock there are boutiques the gorgeous Laundry Boutique and Dress2Party.

1.00pm. Time for lunch and where better to eat than Francs a delightfully authentic French restaurant? It has been at its lovely location on Goose Green for more than 20 years and is elegant but relaxed. You can choose from a la carte or the prix fixe lunch menu and of course in the run up to Christmas there’s also a seasonal menu so you can really celebrate in Gallic style.

2.30pm. Mention must be made of Altrincham’s markets which include vintage and bric-a-brac stalls on Thursdays and a producers and craft market every first Friday of the month from 8am-2pm. Pick up fresh local produce, flowers and household goods on Tuesdays and Saturdays and on Fridays general produce at a scaled down market.

3.00pm. If you skipped lunch there’s always the delight of afternoon tea to look forward to. Why not try the Fab patisserie on the Downs?

They say: ‘ Our afternoon teas are the perfect way to while away a couple of hours, and to catch up with old friends. Come sit in our “country cottage” teahouse, and have a fabulous afternoon filled with sumptuous sandwiches, scones, and gorgeous desserts - served with a constant supply of tea or coffee.’

Maybe Beatnik, a cafe and record shop on Greenwood Street would be great for a pit stop too. It has live music and cakes - what’s not to like?

4.00pm . If you’re planning of having a little home re-vamp you’ve come to the right place. Altrincham has some superb suppliers and traders who can fit a beautiful kitchen, convert a basement and generally help you to maximise the value of your home. Businesses such as Able Joinery, Altrincham Basements, The Kitchen Gallery, Chestergate and Altrincham Kitchens are all there to help.

6.00pm. Time to relax, perhaps over a glass of wine in a wine bar or a pint in one of Altrincham’s pubs. You can also have some supper at one of the town’s restaurants. There’s something here to tempt you, whether you love authentic Indian, Japanese, Italian or modern British. Altrincham’s restaurants are designed for fun too!

7.00pm. Now that winter is here it’s a real pleasure to spend a night at the theatre and Altrincham is blessed with its very own Garrick Playhouse. The programme for November includes An Inspector Calls followed by the Vicar of Dibley in early December and the festive season is covered with panto favourite Aladdin.

If you want to listen to some live music head over to the Cinnamon Club for a night of drinking, dining and listening to cool jazz or smooth soul. possibly catch the cinema club or one of the salsa classes there too.