Stalybridge was a leading town in the industrial revolution of the nineteenth century, when the cotton mills closed down it became a small market town, then as people moved nearer to the city of Manchester, traders moved resulting in Stalybridge being only half the town it was before. 

Stalybridge is now in the midst of a major refurbishment program which may change this yet again.  The canal, which once ran through the middle of Stalybridge, before being filled in and replaced with a car park, has now been made into a permanent feature in it's original place, once more. 

It is hoped that this will enhance the tourist trade, already a number of cafe's have opened, and boat trips are available.  The finished developements should provide a town similar to that of Uppermill- somewhere that can provide entertainment whatever the weather.

Memorials

There are two sections to the Stalybridge war memorials.  Each has a Remembrance Garden and statue and seats.  The gardens are maintained all the year round, providing a peaceful area to sit and contemplate. 

Old buildings

Staley Hall once an Elizabethan Manor house is now a ruin of it's former self, but it's history is an interesting one and the lovely Bohemia Cottages the oldest cottages in the area, are definitely worth looking at.

The town centre

The shopping area of Stalybridge has been pedestrianised, allowing easy access from the shops to the library and post office.  The town centre contains a selection of shops, including art and craft shops, cafes and those selling essentials such as the new Tesco store and a Somerfield.

Stalybridge is very popular in the evening, as well as a cinema and bingo hall there are a small number of restaurants and a large number of pubs and clubs full of vibrant night life. This has led to Stalybridge being given the soubriquet of "Stalyvegas"

If you are more sporty, there are fitness suites, a recreation centre, and the local football team Stalybridge Celtic to support. Stalybridge also has two cricket teams (although Stalybridge Cricket Club has it's ground in Dukinfield) and a Golf Course. There are plenty of areas for walking, along the riverside or up on the moors with views extending as far as North Wales and Blackpool from the top of Wild Bank.

Arts

Astley Cheethams Library is home to Tameside's Local Studies Library, where it is possible to rely upon censuses, newspapers and other records to discover information concerning the history of the area.  The library itself is a magnificent building, but it also houses the Astley Cheethams art gallery, which includes both a permanent collection, and several temporary exhibitions.  The palace cinema  and Grays nightclub, aswell as the local pubs, offer entertainment from themed nights to Karioke.

Parks

Cheethams Park covers a large area, the majority of which is the enclosed Eastwood nature reserve, which is home to many species of birds and mammals, including foxes and badgers.  The atmosphere is one of peace and tranquility under the leafy trees that fringe the pathways.  There is a play area and plenty of beautifully set out flower beds, but there is also a huge field, just right for playing ball sports, or running about on. 

Stalybridge country park provides a lovely area for strolling around or watching nature in it's natural habitat, walking and hiking. 

Stamford park on the Stalybridge Ashton border is a pleasant area for boating or just sitting around

Interesting links to other sites related to Stalybridge

	Stalybridge Festival
	Stalybridges annual Carnival, proving that at leas once a year something Does happen in Stalybridge.