Emirates Old Trafford is one of the great cricket grounds in England. It’s hosted Test matches since 1884 and the recent redevelopment turned it from a tired venue with character into a modern ground that still has character. The Point – the striking angular building at one end – houses a hotel, conference facilities and hospitality suites. The pavilion end retains more of the old feel. And when a Test match is on, there are few better places to spend a day in Manchester.
Lancashire’s county cricket is the bread and butter, though. Championship matches spread across the summer, often with free or cheap entry, played in front of a few hundred committed regulars. The quality is high – county cricket is seriously competitive – and the pace is completely different from the limited-overs stuff. You can sit for hours watching proper batting, proper bowling, with a pint in hand and nobody rushing you. It’s one of the most underrated days out in the city.
The real ale selection at Old Trafford has become genuinely good. There are multiple bars around the ground and during festivals and internationals you’ll find guest ales and craft options alongside the usual. The food has improved too – beyond the standard burger vans, there’s proper street food during bigger events.
T20 Blast nights in the summer are a different beast. The ground fills up, the music’s on, and the atmosphere is closer to a football match than traditional cricket. These sell out, so book early. County matches you can usually turn up on the day.
Getting there is the same as for football – the Metrolink tram to Old Trafford stop, then a short walk down Warwick Road. From the city centre it’s fifteen minutes door to door. Parking exists but fills up fast for internationals.
If you’ve written cricket off as boring, spend a T20 evening here. If you already love cricket, a quiet County Championship day with a pint of Thwaites is about as good as it gets.
