Looking for things to do in Bramhall? Here’s what we discovered.
It is certainly true what they say about Bramhall; you can take this well-heeled Stockport suburb out of Cheshire, but you will struggle to shake the feeling of Cheshire out of it. Although now technically falling under the jurisdiction of Greater Manchester; this exclusive enclave benefits from fantastic road and rail links to both Manchester and Stockport as well as its close proximity to Manchester Airport, all whilst sitting a stone’s throw away from the rolling Peak District National Park and picturesque Cheshire countryside. The pretty village centre has been lovingly decorated by its residents and, along with a high concentration of locally owned shops and eateries, it is easy to see how this community spirit creates a strong sense of belonging amongst those that call Bramhall home. Once named as the friendliest village in the UK, the residents and small business owners will welcome you with open arms.
In the Morning
The ever-popular Bramhall Park is an important meeting point for locals and the perfect place to begin your day when visiting the area. Within the 64-acre landscaped grounds there is an excellent playground, duck ponds and pram-friendly walking routes to suit families. The wonderful on-site Stables Cafe offers both indoor and outdoor seating with a tasty selection of meals, homemade cakes and ice creams available. The 14th Century Tudor house, Bramall Hall, at the heart of the park is a must-see attraction, with tickets being available to book for its opening days (Thursday-Saturday) in advance through the Stockport council website.
Over the years, Bramhall’s links to famous footballers has generally been well known, with many high-profile players choosing to call this discreet suburb home whilst playing for nearby clubs. Along with its legendary footballing alumni, the village also has a strong sporting focus elsewhere with two excellent 18-hole golf courses, a cricket club and three lawn tennis clubs within its boundary. For any keen golfers, day passes can be booked in advance at Bramhall Golf Club with lessons being arranged through the nearby Bramhall Park Golf Club Training Academy. The on-site Pro Shop at the latter is the perfect place to visit ahead of your day to get suited and booted.
A great way to appreciate the beauty of the area is to take in a waterside section of the Ladybrook Valley Interest Trail, including the Happy Valley Nature Reserve, which begins close to Bramhall Train Station. This attractive 8.5 mile circular trail encompasses Poynton Park and Lake before looping back into Bramhall just in time for lunch.
Have you ever visited neighbouring Poynton? Here’s all you need to know.
In the Afternoon
After a morning of activity, slow the pace and enjoy some time perusing the village shops; the quaint Simply Books, run by Andrew and Sue, is a great place to start. The owners of this multi-award-winning independent bookshop and café pride themselves on sharing their passion for books while offering a calendar of events, currently all virtual, to support the community. From here take in the Cheshire Art Gallery before crossing into the Village Square where you will be greeted by an attractive array of locally owned stores, a small but perfectly formed enclosed playground and comfortable outdoor seating adjacent to the friendly Plumcake Cafe.
The bright yellow Crookilley Toy Emporium tempts younger shoppers in with its wide range of toys, games and puzzles whilst the original longstanding family business, the Crookilley Crafts Emporium, offers homemade gifts, haberdashery and craft supplies. Other stores to note in the precinct include Modiste, a contemporary ladies boutique showcasing niche labels and offering a bespoke dress-making service, and the colourful Little BigHeads, providing children’s haircuts and shoe fittings alongside an array of delightful clothing, the perfect one-stop-shop for busy parents.
Finally, be sure to check social media for updates on the next Worker Bee Market coming to Bramhall. This popular artisan market, suitable for the whole family, showcases independent crafters, regional produce and incredible street food stalls.
Where to eat in Bramhall
Brunch is a big thing in Bramhall, and you will be spoilt for choice when it comes to fantastic eateries for breakfast, lunch or a meal in between. Juniper Café offers a relaxed vibe with its exceptional service, quality cooking and fascinating interiors featuring the work of Manchester photographer, Neil Roland. There is a wide variety of choice, from pancakes to Eggs Benedict, as well as an excellent value children’s menu to suit smaller guests. Over the road, the recently opened Turquoise Café Patisserie draws you in with its window display of delectable cakes and pastries. There are often queues out the door as customers await a highly sought-after table in this increasingly fashionable establishment.
A venue worth visiting late afternoon onwards is Bramhall’s first brewpub, The Mounting Stone, on Woodford Road. This exciting establishment opened in 2016 and now hosts its very own on-site microbrewery following a crowd-funding campaign. The Made of Stone brewery combines both traditional and contemporary brewing methods to produce four casks weekly to be sold in the bar alongside championing other locally produced beers, gins and fine wines.
Finally, for an evening meal head next door to the Romulus Trattoria for authentic Italian food served with passion and flair. This family-friendly restaurant provides a relaxed environment in which to feast on freshly made pizza and daily specials that keep locals coming back time after time. To finish your evening why not enjoy a cocktail in chic surroundings at Yardbird or a nightcap at the uber fashionable Bubble Room on Ack Lane.
What do the locals say?
Wendy Green - I Love Bramhall founder: I was born and bred in Bramhall and I absolutely put my money where my mouth is – ‘Shop Local’ is not a mantra for me it’s a way of life. Our businesses are the very heartbeat of a village and Bramhall is one of the best examples of this. Bramhall has a real community spirit, it makes Bramhall a very special place to live, I love it!
Sara Butler: I’ve both lived and run my business in Bramhall for over 15 years now, and I wouldn’t want to do either anywhere else. The community spirit, plus a variety of shops, green spaces and bars / restaurants make it the perfect place to work, rest and play.
Fran Smith: I love living in Bramhall. I love the atmosphere around the Village; where people stop to say hello; where shops are local, independent and staff ask after my family; where I can pop into my local cafe, be welcomed by my name and meet friends I didn’t know before. I can buy just what amounts I need and not what’s convenient for the distributor. During the Covid outbreak, people stepped up to the mark to make sure vulnerable members of our community were cared for. The same people helped local pharmacies deliver, made and delivered treats, including skin care to hospital staff.
Roger Prydderch: Both living and working within Bramhall has many advantages. Whether you’re going about your working life, out with the family or simply walking the dog there’s always a friendly face around to catch-up with or just exchange waves from across the road. There really is a strong support network amongst local independent businesses and residents to ensure the Village feel is maintained along with original shops and a personal touch. There is a great blend of shops, bars and restaurants to keep everyone happy and of course only a short journey to visit historical Stockport or Manchester city centre.
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