Discover Eccles: History and the Salford Trail

If you’re looking for a hotel in Eccles, you can get a sense of the town through several specific themes: medieval architecture, the local history of the Eccles Cake and the Salford Trail. St Mary’s Church brings together historical details, while the library, green space and walking trail add further dimensions.

Historic buildings and keepsakes

St Mary’s Church is listed as a Grade I building. It preserves architectural features from the 13th century and was extended in the 15th century. Its medieval features include a 15th-century coffered roof over the nave. This makes it possible to place the surviving older features, the later extension and a specific architectural detail in their historical context.

The coat of arms of the former Waterloo Gates is also on display at St Mary’s Church. The gates were erected shortly after the Battle of Waterloo in 1815. Eccles town centre also has a high concentration of listed and locally listed buildings. Another historic landmark is the Queens Arms, built in 1828 in preparation for the opening of the Liverpool and Manchester Railway, which opened in 1830.

Eccles Library is housed in the Grade II listed Carnegie Library and has an extensive local history collection. This brings together a protected building and a collection focused on local history.

The Salford Trail and getting around

The Salford Trail offers a scenic contrast to Eccles’s buildings and local history. It is around 50 miles, or 80 kilometres, long and runs alongside rivers and canals, as well as through country parks, fields, forests and moorland. On its return to Salford Quays, the trail passes through Eccles. The total length describes the route, while its passage through Eccles provides a specific local connection for your planning.

The trail is divided into ten sections, each accessible by public transport. This division is a useful guide if you’d like to explore the route section by section. Eccles Interchange is also a transport hub, offering several ways to reach Eccles.

Leisure at Eccles Recreation Ground

Eccles Recreation Ground has bowling greens, football pitches, a multi-use games area and French boules. There is also a children’s playground for ages 4 to 14. The facilities offer different activities; the age range applies to the playground.

Eccles Cake: history and local speciality

In 1796, James Birch began making Eccles Cakes in a shop opposite Eccles Parish Church. The former shop premises still stand on Church Street; they are now occupied by a dry cleaner. So the former place of sale has been preserved, but is now used for a different purpose.

The traditional Eccles Cake is recommended as a local speciality to try. This lets you explore the subject from two angles: its datable origins and a culinary recommendation for visitors. If you choose Eccles as a destination, this local history and the other topics described here can help you get your bearings as you look for a hotel.

Discover more destinations: Audenshaw, Shevington, Uppermill, Heald Green, Timperley, Oldham, Mellor, Sale

For the wider travel overview: Greater Manchester.