Sale Travel Guide

Discover the top places, things to do, food, accommodations, and transportation options in Sale, England. Read on!


Introduction to Sale

Sale is a charming town situated in Greater Manchester, in North West England. It’s a historic town that has a lot to offer visitors. From beautiful parks, outstanding cultural attractions, and stunning landscapes, you’ll surely have a fantastic time in Sale.

List of Places to Visit in Sale

Whether you’re a history buff, nature lover, or an adrenaline junkie, there are plenty of things to see and do in Sale. Here are some of the top places to visit:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Waterside Arts Centre: One of the most important cultural attractions in Sale is the Waterside Arts Centre. This modern venue is host to exhibitions, music performances, and film screenings that all provide a unique experience.
  • Sale Library: Head to Sale Library, a fantastic place to learn more about the town’s history and borrow a great book while you’re there. It’s one of the best ways to experience the local culture and get an authentic taste of the region’s vibrant intellectual life.
  • Sale’s War Memorial: Erected in 1921, Sale’s War Memorial is a poignant and fascinating attraction that serves as a reminder of the town’s involvement in two world wars.

Natural Attractions of Sale: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Worthington Park: The Worthington Park is home to a network of footpaths that run throughout this beautiful green space. The park is well-maintained and boasts picturesque walkways that are perfect for hiking, picnicking, and relaxing.
  • Sale Water Park: If water sports are more your thing, then a trip to Sale Water Park is definitely in order. This fantastic attraction offers kayaking, canoeing, and even windsurfing in some of the most beautiful surroundings you’ll find in the UK.
  • Dane Road Park: A further hidden gem in Sale, Dane Road Park, offers more picturesque views, playgrounds, green spaces, and benches for visitors to enjoy.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Sale

If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, there are fantastic hiking and biking options throughout the Sale area. Here are some of the best routes:

  • Sale Water Park: A Rough Guide, takes you through a varied and challenging landscape with breathtaking views overlooking the lake.
  • The Bridgewater Canal Trail, which runs from Sale to Castlefield Basin in Manchester, offers a smooth, tranquil route for a leisurely ride.
  • Sale Wanderings, a network of paths that includes trails throughout the Worthington Park area, is perfect for those looking for an easy stroll with picturesque views.

Best Things to Do in Sale: Activities and Tours

There are numerous activities and tours available in Sale for all types of travelers. Here are some of the best options:

  • Sale Tourist Information Centre: Start by heading to the tourist information centre to grab a map and learn about all the different things to experience.
  • Sale Waterside Theatre: Catch a play or musical performance at the award-winning Sale Waterside Theatre to immerse yourself in the cultural scene.
  • The Trafford Centre: One of the largest shopping centers in Europe that offers everything from high-end fashion, the latest gadgets, and culinary delights.

Week-Long Itinerary for Sale

When it comes to planning a week-long itinerary for Sale, here are some suggestions:

Day Activity
Day 1 Visit the Waterside Arts Centre, Sale General Market, and Sale’s War Memorial
Day 2 Explore Worthington Park, grab a cup of coffee or tea from We are One Cafe
Day 3 Check out the Sale Water Park, try kayaking & windsurfing, and have lunch at the Boathouse Cafe
Day 4 Take a historical walking tour of Sale, including the Sale Library and Ashton upon Mersey
Day 5 Immerse yourself in the local cultural scene and experience music and theater performances at the Sale Waterside Theatre
Day 6 Visit the Trafford Centre for some shopping and food delights
Day 7 Wind down with a tranquil walk around Dane Road Park

Food and Drink Scene of Sale

Sale offers a unique and varied culinary scene. You can find everything from traditional British classics to diverse international cuisine. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Butter Pie: Want to try some traditional British cuisine? Then head to the local chippy and ask for some butter pie. This classic pie is made from mashed potatoes and cabbage and makes for a hearty meal.
  • English Breakfast: Start your day off right with the famous English breakfast. It features eggs, bacon, black pudding, and toast.
  • Fish and Chips: Another English classic, head to any local fish and chip shop and enjoy this delicious dish.

Local Beverages

  • Manchester Gin: Gin, tonics and even gin afternoon tea is becoming increasingly popular in the local area with Manchester’s premium gin line.
  • Manchester Beer: Sauvage bottles and other Manchester breweries are rising to the top of the scene.

Where to Stay in Sale: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Sale has a great range of accommodation options for all travelers’ needs. Here are some top-rated ones:

  • The Belmore Hotel: This highly-rated establishment offers luxurious rooms and fine dining options.
  • Trafford Hall Hotel: This budget-friendly hotel has clean rooms & great amenities for travelers.
  • The Sale Travelodge: A great option for travelers wanting budget-friendly accommodation, this hotel is located centrally, within walking distance of the town center.

What to Buy in Sale: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

If you’re looking for some great local souvenirs to bring back home, then Sale has plenty to offer. Here are some of the best things to buy:

  • Manchester Bees: The Manchester bee represents the hard-working community of Manchester. Grab a Manchester Bee souvenir while you’re there. From t-shirts to jewelry, there is definitely something for everyone here.
  • Traditional British Teapots: Get yourself a classic British-style teapot in the charming Sale area.
  • Artisanal Beers: Traditional, rich local artisanal beers are well-known among the locals and a fantastic souvenir to take home.

Local Culture and Customs of Sale

Sale is a town steeped in tradition and culture. The locals are friendly and proud of their heritage, so try and engage with them for a more authentic experience. In the town center, you will notice a statue of an iconic hero, Oliver Cromwell because, in the early 1800s, he was regarded as a hero by the locals for unrivaled dedication to his cause.

Best Time to Visit Sale

The ideal time to visit Sale is from May to September when the weather is warm, but it is popular, so be sure to book your hotel in advance. Nonetheless, if you want to enjoy the lighter crowds and experience cooler temperatures, the months of March, April, September, and October are peak seasons.

Do’s and Don’ts of Sale

Here are some essential tips on what to do and not to do in Sale:

Do:

  • Do explore walking trails and parks, and enjoy the fantastic scenery and wildlife.
  • Do appreciate local culture and engage with locals for a more authentic experience.
  • Do try traditional British cuisine such as fish and chips, bangers and mash, roasts, or butter pie.

Don’t:

  • Don’t litter the parks and walkways, as the people here take pride in their green spaces.
  • Don’t forget to tip the waiter. Standard practice in Sale is to leave a 10% tip in bars and restaurants.
  • Don’t drink alcohol on the streets; this is frowned upon, and punishable by law.

Safety and Health

The Sale area is generally very safe. However, it is still essential to take precautions while traveling. Here’s what you need to know about safety and health in Sale:

Safety in Sale

  • Sale is a safe town, but, nonetheless, be mindful of your belongings when in busy areas like the Trafford Centre or the Water Park.
  • Emergency services include 999 or 112, and Sale Police on Civic Centre Road, Sale, 0161 856 7747.

Health in Sale

  • In the event of a medical emergency, contact the Sale Waterside Medical Centre on Tatton Road, Sale, on 0161 244 9525.
  • The UK has a free health system, known as the NHS (National Health Service), so make sure you consult the doctor if you have any medical issues.

Getting to Sale: Transportation Options and Logistics

Sale is a well-connected town with numerous transportation options available. Here are some of the most popular ones.

Airports Near Sale

  • Manchester Airport: The nearest airport to Sale is the Manchester Airport, which is just a 15-minute drive away from the town centre.

Bus Stations Near Sale

  • Ashton Upon Mersey Bus Station: Head to the Ashton Upon Mersey Bus Station for regular connections to Manchester and other nearby towns.

Other Options

  • Taxi Ranks: There are several taxi ranks throughout Sale, making it easy to get around.
  • Train: The metro tram to Trafford Centre or Sale timetables and routes can be found on Metrolink’s website.

How to Get Around in Sale

Navigating around Sale is relatively easy, with a wide range of transportation options available. Here are some of the most popular ones:

  • Bus: There is an extensive bus network throughout Sale, providing easy connections to other towns and major cities like Manchester.
  • Metro Tram: The Metrolink tram system runs through Sale, providing quick and affordable transportation.
  • Taxi: Taxis are widely available in the Sale area and offer an affordable way to get around the neighbourhood.
  • Walking and Biking: Sale is a small town that is easy to walk or bike, and you’ll get to experience all of its scenery, and you can rent city bikes from various stations throughout the area.

Where to Go Next from Sale: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Whether you’re looking for more picturesque scenery or exploring new cities, there are plenty of nearby destinations and excursions. Here are some suggestions:

  • Manchester City: The vibrant city of Manchester, only a short drive away from Sale, can provide plenty of things to see and do, from shopping for great deals in the Northern Quarter to visiting the popular Old Trafford Stadium or learning a new dance move at the salsa clubs in The Printworks or Deansgate Locks.
  • The Peak District: Nature lovers will appreciate the Peak District, which can be reached from Sale in under an hour. This picturesque park offers stunning landscapes, excellent hiking trails, and activities like zip-lining and horseback riding.
  • Chester Zoo: For family-orientated trips, head to Chester Zoo, a 45-minute drive away from Sale. There, you’ll get to explore one of the largest and most vibrant zoos in the UK, home to over 35,000 animals.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a charming and exciting place to visit in North West England, then Sale is the perfect destination. With its beautiful parks, stunning landscapes, and exciting attractions, there is plenty to see and do here. So book your tickets today, pack your bags, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure in Sale, England.

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