Walking down the cobbled streets on a sunny morning, you can feel the energy bouncing between the carefully curated shops, eclectic bars and restaurants which look like they’ve been plucked straight from Manchester’s city centre.

But surprisingly, or maybe not-so-surprisingly, I’ve taken a 10 minute train from Manchester’s Piccadilly Station and I’ve reached my destination: Stockport.

Hailed by The Sunday Times’ Best Places to Live guide, Stockport is making waves across the region and is becoming a top destination with residents and visitors alike. Thanks to a burst of funds and regeneration efforts, the town has welcomed a flurry of independent businesses to the Upper and Lower Hillgate areas and the historical Market Place.

Many residents will argue it’s been a long time coming, but Stockport is finally getting its turn in the spotlight - and what a time it is for you to explore. 

Get your dose of sticky pastries 

Housed deep inside the old town’s Market Hall, Sticky Fingers is an artisan Polish bakery. Join the long queue and peruse the counter as you ‘um’ and ‘ah’ over which sourdough bloomers, sugar-dusted doughnuts, sweet and sticky pastries and traditional savoury snacks take your fancy. Head down there early to guarantee your dose of freshly baked goodies and ‘stick’ around while you wash your treats down with a perfectly roasted cup of coffee. 

Shop local 

Get to know Stockport and some of its most creative individuals by shopping local. Still Life Story is a homeware and lifestyle store with an Instagrammable and award-winning shop-front, here you’ll find bunches of colourful flowers, nordic-inspired ceramics, locally-made candles and gifts for just about everyone. Located in the lower-hillage area you’ll find the electric blue Rare Mags shop which is bursting with books, stationary and hard-to-find magazines. For the vintage-lovers, you’re spoilt for choice with 20th Century Stores, Top of the Town Vintage plus a selection of trendy charity shops. Visit the quirky, little Plant Shop, say hello to Herbie (the shop-dog) and pick-up a new botanical baby. And finally, drop-by SK1 Records, an independent record shop and cafe, and arguably one of the coolest spots in Stockport.

Step back in time

Go deeper (quite literally) and learn more about Stockport’s wartime history with a visit to the Air Raid Shelters. This intriguing network of underground tunnels which stretch to almost 1 mile, offers visitors a unique chance to experience the sights and sounds of daily life for Stockport residents during the Second World War. Deepen your knowledge and hear from the enthusiastic guides with private or family tours, or explore independently with a self-guided visit.

Have a night out with the locals

On the last Friday of every month, Stockport’s Market Place is buzzing with energy and jam-packed with locals as the hugely popular street food event, Foodie Friday kickstarts the weekend. Expect to smell sizzling, street food stalls, hear the beats of live musical performances and see friends and families enjoying an evening out together - fancy joining them? 

Enjoy a crafty one 

Stockport Gin is ranked #1 on Tripadvisor as the best tour and activity in town. Take a sneak peek behind the scenes on a guided distillery tour and enjoy a tipple of the premium craft gin to get a real taste of Stockport. But if gin’s not your thing, swing by Robinsons Brewery and learn more about the long history of the brewery and its process, before sampling a taste of the ales and if you’re lucky, you may even meet Bobek, Mojo and Boris - the brewery’s famous shire horses!