It has a Village Square. It has village schools. And above all else, it has a true village community spirit. And yet, it’s so much more. Nestled conveniently between Stockport and Wilmslow, around 11 miles south of Manchester city centre, Bramhall is also surrounded by lush green spaces and open countryside.

Bramhall is the Place

Bramhall has long been known for its attractive and highly sought-after residential areas, and sustained demand for properties. That demand is fuelled by excellent transport links as well as the aforementioned thriving local community. That community is never more apparent than in the regular events in Village Square, arranged by the local businesses and active volunteers of the Bramhall Together Trust, as well as frequent Bramhall and Woodford Rotary events including the famous Duck Race, plus the annual Paws in the Park fun day and dog show.

One of Bramhall’s many attractions is its variety – a veritable myriad - of independent shops, cafés, bars and restaurants. The village centre – yes, it’s really named Village Square - is home to a range of local businesses. There’s Plum Cake café run by amazing octogenarian Cath, who recently starred on tv’s Would I Lie to You - with Jason Manford, who has already made Bramhall his home. Peruse Modiste, an indie boutique, where owner Sue will be happy to advise – and even alter if need be. Super-friendly Bramhall Dog Groomers is owned by local hero Alejandra with business partners Ed and Mike of the brilliant Ed’s Hair, just around the corner. Lovely, helpful Maggie runs Crookilley Crafts Emporium, an absolute treasure trove, and its sister company, a proper toy shop. And there are several others including Pix Pizza and the Brooklyn Quarter. Unlike lesser villages, ALL these business owners – even those in similar spheres – are passionate in their support and promotion of Bramhall.

Bramhall Village Square - and Beyond


Just up the road is BE Lifestyle Boutique, where Babs has curated a plethora of fantastic finds from her travels. There are bags, candles, cards, purses, jewellery, plants, pots, and clothes. And considerably more. Next door is Foster’s, a proper chippy, and back down towards the Village Square is Piccolino, a big Italian restaurant with atmosphere to match, then across the road, the simply magical Simply Books. Up Woodford Road is the micro-pub, the Mounting Stone, and Romulus, an authentic Italian restaurant of over twenty years standing. Other Woodford Road eateries include Juniper and Marjoe’s, both of whom boss breakfasts and brunch.

Household names Greggs, Boots and Superdrug also grace Bramhall’s high street, happily rubbing shoulders with other indie clothes shops, two traditional butchers and a greengrocer as well as plenty of hair and beauty salons, and barbers. Other little enclaves of ‘local’ shops boast other super amenities. Fir Road is home to another butcher and chippy, as well as the ever-tempting Sandwich Heaven, and hosts a fabulous Christmas market with the help of the popular Ladybrook Pub. The Dairyground estate is home to a few more shops, as is North Park Road. These all have their own community spirit as well as sharing in that of the wider area.

Eat, Drink, and Be Merry in Bramhall


Perhaps where Bramhall really comes into its own is in its vast array of bars and restaurants. Until recently, there were just a few pubs, including the aforementioned Mounting Stone and Ladybrook, as well as the Shady Oak, which sits on Bramhall’s borders with Woodsmoor and Hazel Grove. The old Victoria on Ack Lane has had a facelift and rebrand and is now Duttons, while the Cheshire Pub Company recently transformed what was once a restaurant into the charming Crown and Conspirator. Across the road is the Nook and Broom, then further up is the Drawing Room.

Woodford Road is home to the gin bar, 78 Degrees, while the Bubble Room and Long Bar are near neighbours on Ack Lane. Both serve excellent food with their warm welcomes. Nok’s Thai Street Food is divine, Shaam is lovely for middle eastern deliciousness, and Otto’s Vegan empire is reached by a colourful al-fresco staircase adjoining Crown and Conspirator. Further down is Trunk, and Turquoise in the other direction. An afternoon drink, a leisurely lunch or a night out – Bramhall really does have it all.

Parks and Recreation
Bramhall is also home to several parks and green spaces, notably Bramhall Park, with its formal gardens, lake, and a playground. There one can spend hours in historic Bramall Hall (and no, there’s no ‘h’ in Bramall here), learning all about Bramhall’s past back to Tudor times. For a more relaxing time, Stables Kitchen with its walled garden has you covered with all manner of tasty treats. Other pleasant walks – with an abundance of nature – are Happy Valley and Carr Woods. Look carefully, you could see a heron or even a kingfisher, with sightings of badges, foxes and even barn owls after dark.

When not learning or out for drinks, Bramhall is also blessed with plenty of sports facilities and clubs. Junior football clubs – including the old Mountfield Rovers – and Stockport Rugby club have great reputations, while there are TWO golf clubs and a cricket club. Bramhall High’s sports facilities are available to hire, providing squash, badminton and table tennis, and there are plenty of local gyms – even one, Anytime Fitness, right in Village Square.

Welcome Home to Bramhall


In terms of housing, Bramhall is known for its highly desirable residential areas, and always has been. There are imposing Victorian detached homes, substantial 1930s semis, sympathetic new builds, and modern apartments. Friendly and welcoming estates such as the little Australia estate, Midland Road and the Dairyground are popular, too, and have a wide range of property styles. Always, though, that community spirit is apparent. The schools are as sought-after as the homes, including several highly regarded and over-subscribed primary schools, such as Queensgate, Pownall Green, Moss Hey, Nevill Road and Ladybrook.

Overall, there are countless reasons why Bramhall is – and always has been – such a popular place to live. A thriving community and a range of amenities and attractions, along with superb schools and nurseries. Its location between Stockport and Wilmslow, as well as its excellent transport links to Manchester, and easy access to Manchester Airport, make it the perfect place to live for those who want to be close to the city, while still enjoying the benefits of suburban living, with countryside on the doorstep. There aren’t many villages as well-appointed and well-loved as Bramhall. Welcome to your Happy Ever After…

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