It’s huge. Just getting there and into the complex is confusing enough - it is indeed like a town of it’s own. I went here again last weekend with guests up on a visit. I make the trip to the Trafford Centre bi-annual. Anything more regular would probably be the end of me. I have a bit of a like/hate (never love) relationship with this monolithic shopping cathedral. I’ve admittedly had pleasant evenings strolling through seemingly 12,000 stores (all pretty much the same chains you see in everywhere uk), the busy hum of evening shopping is somewhat soothing.
I’ve had other times however when a mental meltdown is mere minutes away and I have to leave the place quick like.
The collection of restaurants here are surprisingly good - give or take a few fast food joints there are some top notch family restaurants (the likes of Giraffe); the new Great Hall (including Carluccio’s and Pesto); the Orient section (containing probably the best eateries in the Trafford Centre with local names such as Yang Sing and Tampopo represented.
All a little expensive for what you’re ultimately getting but if you view this as an occasional visit then it can be fairly enjoyable.
Selfridge’s have their second Manchester store here and that is always good for an hours perusal - the food section in here is well thought out if not a tad pricey.

They’ve recently opened a 200,000sq foot extension called Barton Square: this contains mainly home wares stores and in true Trafford Centre 'Classy’ style it is supposed to represent an Italian Piazza with attached Bell tower for authenticity. This probably pushes the TC back nearer the top of largest malls in the country.
The vast car park is reputedly the safest in the country, getting out of it can be a little daunting however…I’ve lost count at the amount of times I’ve ended up traversing Trafford park.

A short while ago a huge indoor ski slope (Chill Factor E) opened across from here, then even more recently one of the largest indoor golf courses opened slap bang next to Dome - Paradise Island…which actually looks like a whole load of fun.

Seems to have lost its initial appeal since it first opened however still gives a whole days worth of stuff to do for all the family. Situated off the motorway to Trafford it has ample parking (that much you are very capable of losing your car!)

The site is absolutely huge and comprises of a large amount of shops as well as a massive indoor food area, its own cinema etc

The shops cater for numerous clientelle offering a wide range of mens/womens/childrens/household names to suit your needs. There is nearly always a good bargain to be had even if its on something you don’t really need.. but have to have anyway!

After trekking what seems miles up and down the centre there are many areas you can take a break, have a coffee and relax your feet. A popular spot is the huge fountain that performs different spectacles you can watch as you enjoy your mocha.

If shopping isn’t your thing you can visit for other reasons - watching a film in the cinema, visiting for an evening meal etc. There are a huge range of different style restaurants/cafes on offer that are open till late (just like the centre itself)

There is a live stage situated within the food area which can offer live entertainment on specific days, if not when you visit there is a large screen that advertises/plays numerous things throughout the day. Above the food area is a specially crafted ceiling that represents night and day through special lighting. Fantastic to watch as you are eating and a great way to distract the kids! There is a play area for the children to visit right next to the food complex so you can enjoy your meal as they burn off energy.

There is a lot to say about the trafford centre so I have probably missed most out but definitely go see for yourselves as its a must do.

its a brilliant place to go shopping and a cinema a lot of bars arcade and much more

Can you say massive? Everything you need in this huge mall, shops, food, places for the kids and so much more! TC as it is known is a 3 mile walk from start to finish, there are over 230 stores and over 60 restaurants to choose from as well as the usual fast food chains! This place is always busy and is open until 10pm nightly. What more could you ask for? The areas are clean and tidy and the scenery as you walk round is brilliant!

Absolutely amazing place to go, I travel 80 miles each year to do my Christmas shopping there.

shopping shopping shopping. fantastic place, clean tidy. anything you wish to buy you can find under 1 roof, plenty of eating places inside whether you want fast food ie mcdonalds, kfc burger king, sandwich bars or a pub lunch . chinese , indian thai or a 3 course meal. suitable for all ages and wheelchair users. shop til you drop

I think the Trafford Centre is one of those places people tend to love or hate.

What’s to love? The range of shops. Everything under one roof (handy if Manchester’s weather is having one of its off days). Plenty of places to eat/drink after a hard day’s assault of one’s credit card. Loads of car-parking spaces, all free. Cinema. You are free to do your shopping without being stopped by charity workers, Big Issue sellers or market researchers or having to dodge gangs of youths hanging around looking for people to annoy.

What’s to hate? Public transport links to the TC are poor, to say the least: there’s no rail link or Metrolink (what were the GMPTE thinking of!!?), so the car really is your best bet. The sales crowds are unbearable, as are the pre-xmas ones; whatever you do, don’t go to the TC on Saturday or Sunday in November/December - it just ain’t worth the stress.