Handforth

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Guide to Living in Handforth

Living in Handforth

Nestled in the picturesque Cheshire countryside, the village of Handforth offers the ideal combination of rural hospitality and modern conveniences. Located only twelve miles from the cosmopolitan city of Manchester, Handforth is easily accessible both by private and public transport from anywhere in the country. The village is served by a railway station which can be reached in only 20 minutes from Manchester Piccadilly or 30 minutes from Crewe. Manchester Airport is only four miles away, making Handforth an ideal stopover point for business and leisure travellers alike.

A Brief History of Handforth

The name Handforth can be traced back at least to the Saxon period, when a spot called ‘Hanna’s Ford’ was commonly used to cross the waters of the local River Dean. Originally knows as Handforth-cum-Bosden, the village sat for many years in the parish of Cheadle before two separate civil parishes were formed in 1877.

The People

The people of Handforth live a modern but easygoing lifestyle and enjoy access to a wide range of local amenities and entertainment options. With a third of its population aged under 25, Handforth has a noticeable youthful energy and a strong sense of community. There are three primary schools serving the village children: Wilmslow Grange, Dean Oaks Primary and St Benedict’s RC Primary. Secondary schooling is generally conducted further afield in nearby Wilmslow.

Outdoor Pursuits

The River Dean feeds the River Bollin near Wilmslow and the lush, green landscape surrounding both rivers provides one of several local spots that will delight keen walkers and ornithologists alike. For the more adventurous, Teggs Nose Country Park in the foothills of the Pennines is a rocky outcrop rising around 350 metres above sea level. Those making the climb to the top can be assured that magnificent views of the Cheshire countryside await them. On a clear day, the Welsh hills can be seen to the west.

For a more leisurely outdoor experience Tatton Mansion and Park is well worth a visit. Situated around 12 miles south west of Handforth, the mansion was bequeathed to the National Trust in 1960. The park was awarded Cheshire’s Large Visitor attraction of the year in 2004 and 2005 and boasts 750,000 visitors per year. The attractions include 1,000 acres of deer park, home to both red and fallow deer; a working farm; 60 acres of gardens and of course the spectacular mansion itself, dating from the early nineteenth century.

Sport and Fitness

For those preferring to take their exercise indoors, Handforth boasts no less than four health and fitness centres. The Total Fitness and Rehabilitation Centre at Handforth Dean is the newest in the area. Facilities include three swimming pools, squash courts, over 250 cardio-vascular and resistance machines, a ladies only gym and a juice and snack bar.

The Handforth area of course also has plenty to offer the armchair sports fan and the area is well known for being home to several professional football players. One of the most well known football teams in the area is Manchester United, formed in 1878 as Newton Heath LYR by railway yard workers. The club is now one of the most famous in the world and has supporters in every continent. Manchester United play their home games at the Old Trafford ground.

Shopping

Handforth also offers more relaxing pursuits and has plenty to offer those wishing to indulge in some retail therapy. The shopping area of the village itself is home to a range of local retailers supplying everything from groceries to financial services. If it is big name brands you’re after then look no further that the 40 acre Handforth Dean Shopping Centre. This retail hub hosts a huge array of goods and is home to Marks and Spencer, Tesco and British Home Stores, to name a few.

Nightlife

The attractions of Handforth by no means end at nightfall. The village is well-served by hotels and public houses. One of the oldest pubs in the village is The Bull’s Head, dating from at least as far back as 1828. The Bull’s Head is a short walk from the railway station and serves a selection of beers and ales. The Waggon and Horses on the northern edge of the village provides traditional pub entertainment on weeknights, such as quiz nights and offers several ‘guest beers’ in addition to the standard brands.

All in all, Handforth is a delightful rural village with all the conveniences you would associate with a modern urban lifestyle. All tastes are catered for by the wide range of local amenities making it the perfect spot for a family excursion or a weekend break.