places to visit in manchester day trip

One Day in Manchester Itinerary – How to spend an amazing day in Manchester, United Kingdom

Manchester is undoubtedly a powerhouse and the uncrowned capital of the North of England. While most travelers make a beeline for London to soak up the history and the hustle and bustle, the vast majority fail to even consider Manchester. And that’s a shame because this is the city that gave birth to the Industrial Revolution. The locals are regarded as the most friendly and relaxed people in the UK and are fiercely proud of their roots. And why wouldn’t they be? Manchester has a rich history, promotes one of the world’s leading medical and scientific research facilities and sports two of the world’s largest football (soccer) teams, an ice hockey team and has hosted the Commonwealth Games. One day here, therefore, means you will have plenty to see!

GUEST POST BY KEITH EVANS My Passport To Shangrila

What’s the best time to visit Manchester?

Because of its geographical location in England, it is known as ‘Rain-chester’ due to the fact that it rains a lot here. Even by English standards! The city is surrounded by hills and mountains, and the weather tends to get trapped rolling in off the Atlantic Ocean.

However, this is not to say the city is grey, far from it. It’s colorful and very vibrant. Like anywhere in Northern Europe, the summer months between June and September are your best chance to stay dry, plus summer days are very long. The sun rises around 4 am and does not set until almost 10 pm!

You can also enjoy many fascinating festivals here. King Street Festival , for example, brings an additional explosion of life to this famous street. On the other hand, Manchester International Festival covers all kinds of art, from music to contemporary art. Then there’s also the Manchester Festival of Nature , an ideal event for all nature lovers.

A few facts about Manchester

Store your luggage:  LuggageHero allows you to store your luggage for as long as you want to. If you are there only for a day, or waiting for a check-in, this sounds like a perfect option!

– The architecture around here is extremely impressive. Most people tend not to look up but focus on the streets below. You miss out on so much.

– It’s an incredibly easy city to get to. Manchester is fed by a direct train service from London Euston that takes about two hours, and outside of London Heathrow and London Gatwick, boasts the country’s third-largest airport with direct services from every continent in the world.

– Manchester airport is roughly 7 miles from the city center and trains leave every few minutes.

– Navigating the city is easy. The whole city is connected by the Metro service. Bright yellow trams meander the city and are relativity cheap. Do not bother with taxis. You will be faster on foot or using the Metro service.

– If you enjoy food, music, and culture, Manchester will not fail to please you. The city is divided into various districts. The CBD, The Green Quarter, The Northern Quarter, Spinningfields, Exchange Square, Albert Square are all worthy of your time and have something interesting to offer.

– Manchester also boasts one of the largest gay neighborhoods named the Gay Village.

One day in Manchester itinerary

Exploring this city for just one day would be a shame. However, if you don’t have more than 24 hours here, wake up early because you have a busy day ahead! Follow this itinerary and you can be sure you will have a fantastic time. You are about to enjoy a spectacular experience! These are the top sights and things to do during your one day in Manchester.

Start your day with a nice breakfast

There’s a lot of ground to cover during your one day in Manchester, so first, you will want to get a nice breakfast. And it’s also a good excuse to start exploring first thing in the morning.

Moose Coffee is the best choice for an early bite. Not only do they serve excellent food (they are known for American breakfast), but their location also fits perfectly into this itinerary. Evelyn’s Cafe and Bar is a good alternative as they offer several different options. Ezra & Gil are also a good choice if you don’t mind being slightly further away from your next stop in this itinerary.

In any case, there are many places to choose from. And once you have a nice breakfast, the whole day will be much better!

Find a very special library

The John Rylands Library  is breathtaking in a kind of ‘Hogwarts sort of way’. Named for John Rylands but actually founded by his wife, it is the kind of place where you never stop looking up, even when you manage to score an alcove in the soaring Reading Room for yourself. The place is just magical, there’s no other way to put it.

This neo-Gothic beauty belongs to the University of Manchester, and it opened its doors in 1900. The place holds some truly breathtaking collections, including a precious Gutenberg Bible, among other spectacular things. Definitely a must during your one day in Manchester.

Learn about the city’s legacy in the MOSI

MOSI,  or Manchester of Science and Industry , is a free museum that displays Manchester’s rich industrial legacy. No doubt, one of the best free things you can do in the city.

As an added bonus, this legacy is explored in an excellent museum set within the enormous grounds of the old Liverpool St Station, the oldest rail terminus in the world. The large collection of steam engines and original factory machinery tells the story of the city from the sewers up, while a host of new technology talks about its future.

You can access this museum by using the Metro and disembarking at the Castlefields-Deansgate stop.

Sit down and have a delicious lunch

Now would be the perfect time to stop for lunch. And Manchester abounds with some amazing options! Oh yes, the foodie in you will be very happy.

For example, Hawksmoor Manchester serves amazing steaks and other British food in a fascinating setting. Gusto Italian is very close by if you would like some good stone-baked pizza, and Dishoom Manchester will treat you to some excellent Indian food. Oh, and we can’t forget about Australasia – a very interesting place where Australian food is served with an Asian twist.

All of these places are close to each other, so they fit into this itinerary perfectly. However, if you would like to explore some more, you certainly won’t be disappointed. The food scene in Manchester is incredibly vibrant.

Visit the Central Library

The Manchester Central Library  is considered one of the grand old buildings in Europe. Circular in design, it stands resolutely between the Midland Hotel (where Mr’s Rolls and Royce developed the car) and Manchester Town Hall. The galleries and exhibit halls flank the outside of the structure.

Go ahead and enter it because there is much to see inside. There are some very impressive collections and more than 30 incunabula, and when you’re done exploring you can always sit in the library’s cafe and just take a moment to yourself. Enjoy the fact that you’re here and do some people-watching.

Marvel at the Town Hall

Manchester Town Hall  is one of the most iconic landmarks in the city providing a decadent, historical setting. And it’s practically right next to the Central Library, so you won’t have to go far.

Indeed, the Town Hall is regarded as one of the finest examples of neo-Gothic architecture in the United Kingdom and is one of the most important Grade 1 buildings in England. It also creates an incredible backdrop to one of Europe’s biggest Christmas Markets. So, should you come here during Christmas time, you know where to go.

​ Treat yourself to some shopping

If shopping is your thing, then you will be spoiled. There are three distinct areas all of which are accessible by foot or by jumping on the relevant Metro services.

If you are after Premium department stores offering lavish items, then head to King Street where you will discover Chanel, Dior, Vivienne Westwood, and Louis Vuitton, along with the designer restaurants of Rosso or Gotham. Most bars and restaurants in this area are owned by celebrities, so this is where you’ll be most likely to spot them.

If you are after High Street stores, then head to Market Street and Exchange Square which is home to the usual Diesel, H&M, Lacoste, and two huge department stores Selfridges and Harvey Nichols.

The third shopping area is found in the Northern Quarter . This is probably the most relaxed area of the city and offers very independent, trendy, and bohemian items. One of the best places to just lose yourself is Aflecks Palace. Floors of independent stalls selling everything from food, jewelry, and clothing.

End the day with a nice dinner and some drinks

Food and drink are extremely important in Manchester. The locals are hard drinkers and are ever so surprised foreigners choose this city over London . They have a genuine interest in knowing your business over a few beers, so you feel welcome here in a matter of seconds!

Some of the best places to sample the local brews are in the Northern Quarter, fondly known as The NQ, where most bars serve local independent beers. Tib Street Tavern, Lammars, Dry Bar, and The Terrace are among my favorite bars here.

If you head towards the Town Hall and Albert Square, you will find numerous bars and restaurants that all offer great food and reasonably priced cocktails.

Where to stay in Manchester?

Citysuites Aparthotel

16 Chapel Street, Salford, Manchester, M3 7NH, UK

When it comes to five-star accommodation in Manchester, Citysuites Aparthotel is really hard to beat. Apart from the swimming pool, the hot tub and the fitness center, you can also enjoy a great breakfast here. Then there’s also the view of the city, which is just amazing, and there’s also a secure car park in the vicinity. With all that, you will definitely feel like you got your money’s worth and be eager to come back again.

BOOK A ROOM HERE

King Street Townhouse

10 Booth Street Manchester, Upper King Street Conservation Area

King Street Townhouse offers  contemporary accommodation as a great combination of historical features and modern standards. It is located in the center of Manchester, only 5 minutes’ walk from Manchester Town Hall. The hotel is set in an impressive Italian renaissance building, originally built in 1872. The hotel features an infinity spa pool on the rooftop, a relaxation room, and a steam room as well as a conference and event space. The rooms provide comfort and contemporary design.

Motel One Manchester – Royal Exchange

15 Cross Street, Manchester M2 1WD, United Kingdom

With a great location right in the city centre, Motel One Manchester – Royal Exchange is very convenient. But it’s so much more than that! The staff does an amazing job maintaining the hotel, and the interior design is lovely. The rooms are spacious and comfortable, with toiletries and other nice details. There is also a hotel bar where you can enjoy a nice drink, plus the continental breakfast is great. Excellent value for your money!

YHA Manchester

Potato Wharf, Manchester City Centre, Manchester

YHA Manchester is a modern and comfortable hostel stay not too far from the city center. The hostel features café bar, cinema room, communal kitchen and canal side restaurant. Bright rooms provide a comfortable stay in bunk beds and are en-suite.

Day trips from Manchester

Yes, Manchester does have a lot to offer. However, a day trip from this beautiful city is also an excellent idea. There is much to see and explore in this part of the world, so if you have the time, it would be a shame to miss the opportunity. Here are some day trip destinations you won’t want to miss!

Now, this is a really obvious choice. Liverpool is only about 45 minutes away from Manchester and offers plenty to see. Obviously, it’s the city that gave us the Beatles, but there are so many interesting sights to see, too. Anglican Cathedral is the largest cathedral in England, but its Catholic Metropolitan counterpart is just as impressive. Apart from that, museums, galleries, and stunning parks guarantee a fantastic experience.

Because it’s less than 100 kilometers away, York is an excellent destination for a day trip from Manchester. The city was founded way back in Roman times, so it has a rich history and loads of things to see. The view from its impressive city walls  will leave you speechless, and you certainly must see York Minster . Apart from those, there are plenty of medieval monuments left from the age when the Normans ruled here.

Chester is another historical English city worthy of your time. Basically, on the outskirts of Liverpool, you will be absolutely stunned by the architecture characterized by white and black timber and the history this place brings. The immense Chester Cathedral and the city walls are a must, but the whole city is a time machine because it too dates back to Roman times. If you can, visit it!

This is a real foodies paradise, so if you want some fine dining just head to Knutsford. You will find all kinds of fantastic restaurants there, but you would do well to try some authentic British cuisine or simply hit one of the pubs. You know what they say, when in Rome… It is also possible to visit the beautiful Tatton Park with its magnificent mansion. A stroll through this place will surely build up an appetite.

If you’re a fan of architecture, you’ll love what Stockport has to offer. Loads of beautiful mansions , some of them going back centuries, are a sight to behold. Of course, their surroundings with impeccable greenery are just as impressive. Be sure to visit Lyme Park in the nearby village of Dysley, which is a huge Tudor building. Authentic England at its best.

Extra tips for visiting Manchester

– Manchester allows London to have the attention it so desires because Manchester already knows what it has. The city is just waiting for everyone else to figure this out.

– If you want the traditional English experience of castles, red tourist buses, and people too socially stunted to look or speak to a stranger, stay in London. Despite the business, it really is beautiful, and everyone should go at least once.

– However, if you want the kind of city that makes you feel at home, if you want to make friends, if you want to stroll amidst gorgeous architecture and good books and better music — visit Manchester. You will be the only person you know who did.

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If you have any other propositions for this One Day in Manchester Itinerary feel free to share it in the comments below! Save

Make sure you have everything you need

What to pack for your next trip.

Make your next trip as simple and as enjoyable as possible by packing smart. It’s amazing how much stress top travel items can save you, so choose carefully. Things like lightweight travel backpacks, for example, are ideal for short trips and allow you to move around with ease, and a passport holder will make sure you keep your documents safe at all times. Check our travel checklist guide for 2021 to make sure you haven’t missed anything, and travel to your next destination in style and with maximum comfort.

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Keith Evans

British Born and raised in "Alice in Wonderland" country. From a small village known as Daresbury, Cheshire where the infamous story was fabricated. Traveling around the globe is not only a hobby but a true life experience. The World and Geography have always been of interest since a child and it was not uncommon for me to be seen reading atlases and maps rather than storybooks. South-East Asia is my happy place. Its where most of my memories are made. Life is a rich tapestry.

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10 Of The Best Places To Take A Day Trip Near Manchester

Fancy taking a break from the city air and exploring the beautiful North West region? Luckily, Manchester is close to a number of idyllic destinations worth visiting by car or train.

Peel yourself off the sofa, stretch your legs and start the new year by visiting somewhere different with our ultimate guide to day trips near Manchester .

1. Formby Beach

A beautiful National Trust area near to Southport , Formby Beach is both a nature reserve and a highly presentable beach with sand dunes and high sandy hills to explore. Perfect for dog walking or a family day out , the beach spans 13.2km, great for a coastal walk while you take in the salty sea air. Not only can you experience the sand in your toes while you eagerly anticipate your next holiday, but the area also has a Red Squirrel reserve featuring breathtaking views of the Irish Sea, a great opportunity to stretch your legs, even on the coldest of days.

Just outside of Huddersfield and only 30 minutes by train from Manchester Piccadilly , Marsden is a great stop for aspiring or fully-fledged walkers looking for day trips out. The small, old-fashioned village has a handful of pubs and, of course, a chippy , where you can grab a swift pint and fill your tummy with tasty traditional fish and chips . There’s a number of walks you can take up, too, with three reservoirs to uncover and the Marsden Moor circular walk , where can see Pule Hill , the Easter Gate return , Standedge and more.

3. Blackpool

This list wouldn’t be complete without a trip to Blackpool , the North West ‘s most iconic beach town. Featuring the famous Pleasure Beach , the pier and the iconic Blackpool Tower , there’s plenty to explore – and all the better if you’re new up North. To the locals, it might be ‘just Blackpool’, but to the rest of us, it’s the perfect nostalgic day out at the seaside, with plenty to do, a whole lot of rides and a ton of fish and chip shops to try out while you’re there.

4. Chester Zoo

One of the best day trips near Manchester for animal lovers , whether you’re a child or an adult, Chester Zoo is home to approximately 35,000 animals , from birds and big cats to reptiles and amphibians . Just a one hour drive from Manchester, see giraffes , tigers and so much more across 128 acres of zoological gardens , or check out the beautiful botanical gardens for a bit of peace and quiet away from the wildlife. Guests can learn a ton about the animals that live on-site, as well as learn about the zoo’s very own conservation charity.

5. Saddleworth

A short drive away from town, Saddleworth offers beautiful views of the Pennine Hills , with a number of villages and walks to explore. It’s a fairly big place, with Dovestone Reservoir , the moors , Standedge Tunnels , Chew Valley and so much more nearby to visit. Take part in a four-mile walk that showcases points of interests such as Diggle , Brownhill Countryside Centre and the Huddersfield Narrow Canal , or take in the spectacular Pennine countryside with a six-mile walk that stops by Standedge Tunnel. It’s the perfect destination for people who love to get a bit of exercise, as well as discover hidden gems in the country.

6. Ness Botanic Gardens

Situated on the Wirral , Ness Botanic Gardens is just over an hour’s drive from Manchester, providing incredible scenes of beautiful plants and flowers . The gardens were created by a man passionate about plants, with a desire to share his love with others. Guests can explore the stunning gardens and views of North Wales , with a whole lot of land to uncover. Surround yourself with vibrant flowers, learn about the history of the gardens and grab something to eat at the Botanic Kitchen , with outdoor seating for those that want to take in the nature that surrounds.

7. Tatton Park

A historical estate with 50 acres of landscaped gardens and 1000 acres of deer park , Tatton Park has plenty to see and do. Situated in the Cheshire town of Knutsford , it’s not too far from Manchester, just a 40-minute drive away. The never-ending land is home to an 18th-century mansion , as well as a working farm with lambs and other animals, a deer park and a playground. Guests can explore the mansion and the grounds, as well as meet cows , pigs and lambs in the on-site farm or take a stroll around the traditional Japanese Gardens and deer park.

8. Bridgewater Canal, Worsley

Although originating in town, the Bridgewater Canal flows all the way out to Runcorn at one end, and Leigh at the other. Anywhere along this scenic reminder of the industrial revolution would be a great place to stroll and sit, all at your own pace, but it is particularly picturesque once you hit the village of Worsley . Known for the historical mining area of Worsley Delph , and its mock Tudor houses , Worsley is also home to RHS Bridgewater , perfect for a peaceful day meandering through the stuff of horticultural dreams . There’s truly so much to see in such a small village, and with it being just five miles from Manchester, it’s worth the visit.

9. Hebden Bridge

Midway between Manchester and Leeds , Hebden Bridge is the perfect solace for those looking for day trips out with easily accessible quaintness . The Leeds train travelling from Wigan hits local stops on the way, so if you’re anywhere between you can easily get to Hebden Bridge, otherwise getting there from Manchester is simple, and of course you can get there by car. With quaint shops and cafes lining the canal , over which stands the cobbled Hebden Bridge, the town is packed with character , setting the scene for TV programmes such as Happy Valley . The town is also just a stone’s throw away from the Brontës’ childhood home , which is said to have inspired elements of Emily Brontë’s Wuthering Heights house.

10. Haigh Hall & Woodland Park

Hidden away in Aspull , Wigan, just a 45 minute drive from Manchester, Haigh Hall is a 19th Century stately home surrounded by lush woodland , packed full of activities . Although a stroll around the grounds is activity enough, the surroundings are graced with cafes , a golf course , a miniature railway , and an animal park to keep everyone entertained. The woodland area is home to high and low rope adventures , and the expansive estate houses a huge playground , as well as a summer fair complete with bouncy castle slides and a carousel between spring and late summer. As well as being great for day trips out of Manchester, Haigh Woodland Park also hosts parkrun every Saturday at 9am, so if the day out is a success you’re welcome back for more every weekend.

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11 Unmissable Day Trips from Manchester (By Train & Car!)

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The following list of day trips from Manchester is brought to you by Tilly from  TillyText , a Manchester local! Read on for her roundup of the greatest Manchester day trips, and how to access them by car or train.

There’s a reason it’s hard to drag yourself away from Manchester.

Well, there’s about nine. Music, shopping, culture and one-hell-of-a-night-out. It’s true when they say Manchester truly has everything you could wish for from a great Northern city in the UK. 

But so do the areas surrounding Manchester, too. You’ve got the swoon-worthy Lake District so beautiful that Taylor dedicated a whole entire song to it on her album – in fact, pretty much all of the cute quaint little towns outside Manchester look like they belong in the Folklore universe. 

Not to mention the bustling cities of York and Liverpool that are on hand to help you experience a distinctly different flavour of a good British knees-up!

So, if you’re lucky enough to have set aside a whole weekend to explore Manchester and its surrounding areas, why not jump on the train (or snag a lift) to do one of these fab day trips – after smashing through this 24 hours in Manchester itinerary, of course.

Save this list of Manchester Day Trips for Later!

You’ll be very glad you did.

1. Liverpool

The argument over which is a better city has made Mancunians and Liverpudlians even feistier over the years (an achievement in itself!). An easy way for you to settle this debate is to visit them both yourself. 

If you’re a big Beatles fan, there’s plenty of fun Beatles-themed Liverpool activities, like the Magical Mystery Tour , a fascinating 2-hour tour over every spot in the city the band ever laid eyes on. Or head to the British Music Experience Museum to fully cement the idea that no one has contributed more to British music than Northerners. 

Finish the day by testing out some of Liverpool’s incredible beer gardens and terraces, before moving onto Matthew Street or one of the city’s very many Irish bars for a night out you definitely won’t forget in a hurry. 

And yes, that photo of you and the John Lennon statue will definitely look good in the morning.

How to get to Liverpool from Manchester: The drive to Liverpool takes just over an hour if you’re willing to deal with city centre parking. Equally, you can get a direct train from either Manchester Victoria or Manchester Picadilly to Liverpool Lime Street for less than £10.

2. Crosby Beach  

Look, no one is going to the North of England for beaches. That’s what the South is for! 

But that doesn’t mean there aren’t some great coastal spots up there too. One of these is Crosby Beach. 

Crosby Beach is just outside Liverpool city centre, which makes it a very doable day trip from Manchester. Come summer, the beach is full of groups of friends enjoying those endless summer evenings with a picnic blanket, music speaker, and can of supermarket gin and tonic. 

And the pièce de résistance to Crosby Beach? The 100 cast-iron figures stretching the coastline, many of which are in the water when the tide comes back in. So, no. You don’t need to call the coastguard to rescue that random person who is stuck still in the far distance.

How to get to Crosby Beach from Manchester: Unless you’re driving to Crosby Beach, the quickest way to get there from Manchester is taking a train from Manchester Victoria or Manchester Picadilly to Liverpool Lime Street, and then changing onto a train to Blundellsands & Crosby station. The beach is a 10-minute walk from there.

3. Hebden Bridge

There’s no doubt that Manchester has its fair share of vegetarian eateries, independent coffee houses, and shops full of everything and anything. 

But so does the small market town of Hebden Bridge. And some might even say it does it better!

After it was taken over by former hippies in the 1970s, Hebden Bridge quickly became home to a vibrant arts and culture scene, locally sourced and independent businesses, and a melting pot of free-thinking and liberation. 

The reason I love Hebden Bridge is because it’s one of the more unique day trips from Manchester. Where else are you able to spend hours trawling through one-of-a-kind stores stocking eco-friendly clothing, and also go wild swimming, too?

How to get to Hebden Bridge from Manchester: Direct trains from Manchester Victoria to Hebden Bridge take less than 30 minutes and cost less than £5.

4. Hope Valley (The Peak District)

Much like how Evermore is Folklore’s chaotic younger sister , the Peak District is the dramatic and all-encompassing counterpart to the more serene and cool-as-a-cucumber Lake District. 

If you’re looking to find yourself in the Peaks’ many gritstone ridges and stark moorlands (or just fancy getting away from the hustle and bustle of Manchester city centre for the day) head to Hope Valley. 

Here, you can strap on your walking boots and complete one of the many renowned nearby walks like Mam Tor and Kinder Scout. 

And the best reward after a couple of hours hiking in the Hope Valley? A cold pint of cider or a hot mulled wine in one of the local villages – depending on the season you visit. 

However, I’d argue a Sunday roast goes well whatever the weather. 

How to get to Hope Valley from Manchester: Hope Valley is a great option for those who want to explore The Peak District without a car. You can get the train from Manchester Piccadilly to Hope (Derbyshire) for about £7.50 and takes less than 50 minutes.

It’s okay that Manchester isn’t the prettiest city. Why? Because Buxton’s just over an hour away. 

Step into the set of Bridgerton (not literally – that’s Bath , but Buxton looks close!) in this quaint town full to the brim with Georgian and Victorian architecture that’s guaranteed to make you swoon. 

You could take a romantic stroll in Buxton’s Pavilion Gardens while keeping an eye out for the Duke of Hastings looking for his next wife, or rent a boat and go rowing in the lake desperately hoping that Anthony will appear soaking and shirtless on the promenade!

After trying (and sadly probably failing) to be married off into perhaps the greatest literary family out there, you can dry your tears on Buxton’s outdoor adventure Go Ape course where you’ll have so much fun swinging through the trees, you won’t even notice the humungous camel toe from your harness…

How to get to Buxton from Manchester: You can get a train from Manchester to Buxton that takes just over an hour, and starts from just £5 if you book in advance.

Small and mighty – that’s the best way to describe York. And fitting everything into only one day might be a challenge, but it’s definitely possible. 

You just have to keep an eye on the time you spend getting lost in this medieval city’s higgledy-piggledy back lanes, the number of cups of tea you drink at Betty’s Tea Rooms, and the photos you take in the 2,000-year-old Gothic halls of York’s cathedral!

If you still need convincing that York is worth the visit, why not trust the thousands of people who have voted it as one of the UK’s top tourist destinations? They probably went to the city’s Viking Centre, too… yep, you read that right.

How to get to York from Manchester: There are tons of trains that go between York and Manchester every day. The journey takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes and can cost as little as £6.90 if you book ahead of time.

7. The Lake District 

Find out if those Windermere peaks really do look like a perfect place to cry by visiting the Lake District for a day. 

Compared to the Peaks, the Lakes are a little further out of Manchester – but they’re definitely more than worth the extra journey…

You could honestly just go to The Lake District for the jaw-dropping scenery itself, but if you’re up for it, there are also a few short-ish hikes that’ll really help you understand why Taylor kept begging to go back here. 

The Old Man of Coniston route takes you up and through some of The Lakes’ steepest and most spectacular peaks, passing the many remnants of discounted copper mines. No doubt the incredible view from the top from leave you speechless and unable to shout all the many Wordsworth puns in your repertoire. 

Finish your day trip to The Lake District by visiting some of the other imaginatively named towns like Ambleside or Lakeside. The best way to get there? Across Lake Windermere on a boat, of course. Oh, Taylor would be so proud!

How to get to the Lake District from Manchester: The easiest way to get to the Lake District is to drive, however, it is possible to get the train. There are over 30 direct trains from Manchester to Oxenholme Lake District every day. Just be wary of the walk on the other side to get to the different hotspots.

8. Stockport

If you’d asked a Mancunian about the best Manchester day trips ten years ago, they would never have said Stockport. However, this historic market town is now well and truly on the map. 

Just seven minutes on the train from Manchester Picadilly, Stockport is the definition of a great day trip destination: accessible, affordable, and different enough from the starting point 

Take Stockport’s unique hat museum, for example. That’s not in Manchester! And the gorgeous 1930s art deco theatre that does afternoon tea. You can’t find that in the city! 

Aside from some brilliant cultural landmarks and museums (don’t miss Stockport’s Staircase House, a Medieval townhouse that’s been converted into a museum), there are also tons of great places to eat and drink in Stockport. 

See here: Where the Light Gets In, an open kitchen/restaurant where the chefs aren’t separated from the diners, and the soon-to-be-opened curry banquet hall with room for 1500+ people looking for some delicious Indian cuisine across four staggering floors.

Need I say more?

How to get to Stockport from Manchester: There’s no need to drive to Stockport. You can take a direct train from Manchester Picadilly which takes as little as 7 minutes, or the 203 bus which (unsurprisingly) takes slightly longer.

Fans of the Brontë sisters, this one’s for you. Step into the world of Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights with a visit to Haworth, a quintessential village just off the Yorkshire moors. 

With cobbled streets lined with shops and cafes, and majestic steam trains bringing visitors to their very own moorland adventure, Haworth belongs in every Gothic romance. 

There’s also the must-visit Brontë Parsonage Museum where keen Brontë buffs will delight in showing you around the house of these female literary legends. 

Just remember to bring your Cathy or your Heathcliffe with you…

How to get to Haworth from Manchester: The far easiest way to get to Haworth is by car. However, you can also get there by train – it’s just a little long-winded. You could either get the train from Manchester Victoria to Hebden Bridge, before taking the hourly 500 bus to Haworth over the moors. Equally (and a much more fun way) to get to Haworth from Manchester is by taking a train to Leeds, then a train to Keighley. At Keighley, hop onto the restored Keighley and Worth Valley steam train.

10. Dovestones

If you’re keen to escape the hullabaloo of Manchester city centre but have vowed never to be that person who pretends to like hiking , Dovestones is a great middleman. 

Part of the Peak District National Park, a day trip to Dovestone Reservoir will give you the chance to experience the unique beauty of the Peaks, but on a much more toned-down scale; a popular walk in the Dovestone Reservoir is a pretty flat circular route around the Reservoir edge and briefly up into the Twilight -esque forest. 

Hold on tight, Spider Monkey!

Those in desperate need of some cool countryside air often head to Dovestones with a picnic in tow, ready to be eaten near the end of the trail on the allocated picnic benches. 

If it’s chilly, you’ll also likely see many walkers warming themselves up on their flasks of tea and hot chocolate!

How to get to Dovestones from Manchester: Annoyingly, Dovestones isn’t very accessible by public transport, so your best bet is to go by car (or head to Hope Valley in the Peak District instead.)

11. Chester 

Chester is my Roman Empire. No, really. This historic city is home to the largest Roman Amphitheatre in Britain – not to mention some great places to grab some grub and a pint.

I often find cities that feel like you’re reading a history textbook aren’t usually as good for eating, drinking, and shopping – but that doesn’t fly with Chester. 

You could spend hours nosing about independent and high-street brands in Chester’s Tudor-style half-timber buildings or following the Roman walls along traditional boozers and local pubs!

Slightly left-field suggestions for a Chester day trip include a visit to Chester Zoo (one of the UK’s largest zoos that’s so famous it appears on British TV) and kayaking or paddleboarding along the River Dee. 

Equally, having a drink and a mooch around the Roman ruins is great, too.

How to get to Chester from Manchester: You can get a direct train to Chester from Manchester in 50 minutes for as cheap as £5.80 if you book ahead of time.

Did we miss any of your favourite Day Trips from Manchester? 

Let us know in the comments!

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One Day in a City

24 Hour Travel Itineraries to Make the Most of a Day in a Destination

One Day in Manchester, England

December 10, 2020 By Gina Posts on this site may contain affiliate links. Read the full disclosure here .

A Cultural and Fun-Filled Itinerary for a Perfect Day in Manchester

The northern English city of Manchester is one of the most vibrant and exciting places to visit in the whole of the United Kingdom. Known for its love of the arts, it is one of the best cities to visit if you enjoy music, theatre, and art.

Manchester is also known for its two gargantuan football clubs, Manchester United and Manchester City, which dominate life in the city.

We can trace life in Manchester back to the Romans, and it’s home to some of the best historical sights in the country too.

So, whether you fancy a stadium tour of Old Trafford, a tour of Manchester Cathedral, or you want to party alongside some of the world’s best DJs at The Warehouse Project, you’re sure to find something that takes your fancy on our exhaustive list of the best things to do if you have just 24 hours in Manchester.

One Day in Manchester Itinerary

For this Manchester itinerary, you’ll find the day split into morning, evening, and evening, plus a recommendation for finding some nightlife excitement. As you read, you’ll also find recommendations for where to go shopping and eat.

Morning in Manchester

Start your day with a quick breakfast at your accommodation or a local cafe and then head out to discover the cultural touchstone of Manchester.

Take a Football Stadium Tour

In Manchester, football (that would be soccer for Americans!) is life. You are either a red or a blue.

Even if you aren’t a soccer fan, touring one of Manchester’s iconic football stadiums will help you better understand the culture of Manchester since football plays such an important part in it.

For years under Sir Alex Ferguson, Manchester United dominated English football, racking up the trophies and attracting world class players such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Ruud van Nistelrooy, and David Beckham.

But following a financial takeover in 2008, the noisy neighbors in blue, Manchester City, emerged from their slumber. Now managed by arguably the world’s greatest coach, Pep Guardiola, Manchester City are more than a match for United these days.

The two clubs play their home matches at Old Trafford (United) and the Etihad Stadium (City), both of which offer stadium tours to visitors. Stroll through changing rooms, marvel at the pitch where the players strut their stuff and see the collections of trophies that the two clubs have acquired over the years.

At Old Trafford there is an onsite museum too, so you can learn about the history of some of Manchester United’s older legends, from Sir Bobby Charlton to George Best.

One Day Tip: If short on time, the Old Trafford Stadium and Museum tour is probably your best bet — just book well in advance to get one of the earlier morning time slots.

Visit the Manchester Museum

The Manchester Museum is The main focus of the Manchester Museum is archaeology and natural history, and visitors will be dazzled by its main exhibits. The most famous of these is probably Stan the T-Rex, a near complete and well-preserved skeleton of a Tyrannosaurus Rex.

Other exhibits include one on the natural history of Manchester and a vivarium. The latter is a fascinating exhibit that is home to a live collection of reptiles and amphibians, including some of the world’s rarest frog species. Some of these, such as the Lemur Leaf Frog, are on the brink of extinction in the wild, and captive breeding programs initiated by the museum are helping to preserve these rare species.

Into Manchester’s City Center

After the Manchester Museum, it’s time to head to the city center (or back into the city center if that’s where you’re staying). Unfortunately, there’s not an easy to get to metro stop by the Manchester Museum so either walk the 25 to 30 minutes back into the city, walk 15 minutes to the Oxford Road station and then get off at the Dean’s Gate Station, or just hail a cab or uber for the roughly 2-mile drive.

Whichever way you take, you’ll be heading first toward the Ruins of Mamucium, followed by Manchester Town Hall, before getting lunch and starting the afternoon portion of your day in Manchester’s Chinatown and Northern Quarter neighborhoods.

Admire the Ruins of Mamucium

It was the Romans who first settled what was to become Manchester, when they built a fort called Mamucium in 79AD. This structure actually survived for centuries but was sadly bulldozed during the Industrial Revolution.

Luckily for today’s visitors, the ruins of the original fort can still be found on the site. Fans of Roman history can learn all about the colonisation of Manchester by the Romans and see the original layout of this groundbreaking settlement.

Manchester Town Hall

A 15 minute walk from the ruins of Mamucium takes you to the Manchester Town Hall.

One of the most recognizable landmarks in the city is Manchester Town Hall, which was featured in such blockbuster movies as The Iron Lady and Sherlock Holmes.

Located in the heart of the city’s Albert Square, Manchester Town Hall is a stunning gothic building, dating all the way back to the 1870s.

A guided tour of the interior reveals equally stunning architecture, with spiral staircases and arched ceilings. There’s also a Sculpture Hall, displaying a number of statues of famous Mancunians (the nickname given to people from Manchester).

Alternative Idea for Your Morning in Manchester: Go Skiing at Chill Factore

If you like your day out in Manchester to be spent getting the adrenaline pumping, then you’ll want to pay a visit to Chill Factore – one of the best indoor ski slopes in England . Home to Britain’s longest real snow indoor slope, visitors can enjoy a day of skiing and snowboarding, while kids can hang out in the snow play park.

If you’ve never skied before then you can get lessons at the center, or if you’d prefer to give it a miss, then you can enjoy a coffee and a bite to eat at the onsite restaurant, while the rest of your family or friends hit the slopes.

Afternoon in Manchester

After your morning of learning about Manchester’s culture and history, you’re no doubt ready to eat. Grab some lunch at one of the below places, and then spend the afternoon exploring some of Manchester’s most enchanting neighborhoods, and maybe grabbing a pint or two.

Wander Through Chinatown

A short walk from Manchester Town Hall is Manchester’s Chinatown neighborhood.

Chinatown in Manchester is the second largest in the United Kingdom, home to a range of authentic restaurants, shops, and supermarkets. A large Chinese archway greets you on arrival into the area.

The best place to head for a bite to eat is arguably Red Chilli, an authentic Chinese restaurant located in the basement of a store. You can also spend some time browsing the shops for traditional products and toys or buy your own ingredients if you’re spending a few days in Manchester and fancy cooking a meal for yourself.

Explore the Northern Quarter

The Northern Quarter is perhaps the must-visit region of Manchester if you have limited time. Packed full of small independent shops, trendy cafes, and hip bars, a wander around the area is a great way to spend a few hours. You could also choose to get lunch here instead of in Chinatown and just walk through Chinatown on your way to Northern Quarter if you so desire.

Affleck’s Palace is a one-stop shop for shopping, while numerous art galleries have popped up around the Quarter, selling a range of locally produced and international art. Piccadilly Records is a great place to shop for vinyl records, attracting music lovers from all over the country.

When evening falls, the Quarter bursts into life, with jazz bars and live music venues full of revelers enjoying some of the city’s craft beers. And if you get hungry, you can file into one of the independent eateries, selling a range of locally sourced meals and snacks. Just follow the queues!

Sample Local Craft Beer

The craft beer scene in Manchester is well-known and worth exploring if you’re visiting the city and love a pint.

Many independent bars and breweries sell locally brewed real ales and craft beers, and Manchester even plays host to an annual beer festival.

Some of the best bars and breweries to try include Port Street Beer House, Beermoth, and The Hope, all fabulous venues selling a range of premium craft beers.

Evening in Manchester

Your evening in Manchester will likely be dominated by eating, drinking, and going to a theater performance or nightclub. Here’s what you need to know to plan the perfect evening in Manchester for your interests.

See a Show at The Lowry

Several great theaters are located in Manchester, but the Lowry is arguably the best place to watch a show in the city. Constructed at the former city docks, just 10 minutes from the bustling city center, the Lowry knows how to put on a show — from West End classics to Shakespeare.

There are also shopping facilities, a cinema and plenty of bars and restaurants in the area.

The Lowry is also within walking distance of the Imperial War Museum North and Old Trafford Stadium, providing plenty of things to do for people of all ages and interests during a day in Manchester.

Manchester Nightlife Recommendation

Party at The Warehouse Project

The Warehouse Project offers one of the best nights out in all of England. Attracting partygoers from all over the world, The Warehouse Project relocated in 2019 to the much bigger and more impressive Mayfield Depot, just a stones throw from Piccadilly Station in Manchester.

If you’ve got 24 hours to spend in Manchester and fancy some nightlife with dancing, then there is nowhere better in the city. The venue attracts people of all ages to see world class DJs perform with top quality sound, lighting, and pyrotechnics. Legends of the game such as Fatboy Slim and Carl Cox feature on line ups alongside more recent arrivals on the dance music scene.

The venue is colossal, with several bars and different rooms, meaning you’ll never get bored – which is good news because partying at the Warehouse Project can last well into the early hours of the morning!

Have Fun During Your Day in Manchester!

Manchester is one of the most diverse and vibrant cities in the United Kingdom, and there is something to do for everyone, whatever your interests.

Historic landmarks, an atmosphere-charged nightlife, a love of the arts, lush green spaces, and the all-encompassing nature of football combine to make Manchester one of the most desirable places to visit in the whole of the UK and is well worth a day trip or overnight stay.

About the Author: Vicki runs the blog, Day Out in England , which is here to help you make the most of this wonderful country and to find great days out to suit your budget. Filled with guides and itineraries to England’s best days out, and searchable by interests, counties, cities, and areas – Day Out in England is definitely not just for the kids!

Found this One Day in Manchester Itinerary helpful? Pin to read again later!

I'm a former travel agency marketing director turned freelance travel writer. My editorial and copywriting work has been published on and in USA TODAY, Travel + Leisure, the Travel Channel Cities app, TripSavvy, and many more online and print publications. I especially love sharing my knowledge of traveling with limited vacation time, making the most of cruise ports of call, and vacationing with kids. I also enjoy sharing my favorite travel gear and products to make traveling easier!

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13 Top-Rated Day Trips from Manchester

Written by Bryan Dearsley Updated May 11, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Author Bryan Dearsley traveled to Northern England in the spring of 2022 to explore cities, including Manchester and the surrounding area.

Thanks to its ideal location in the middle of England and the fact that it's served by a major international airport and is home to plenty of great places to stay, Manchester makes an excellent base from which to explore the surrounding area on fun day trips.

Be sure to include some of the many wonderful small towns and villages within an easy drive or rail trip from the city on your day trip itinerary. If you do, you'll be rewarded with a chance to enjoy stately old manor homes, including a number run by Britain's National Trust, along with some of the country's most beautiful scenery.

Larger destinations that make great getaways or weekend breaks include cities such as Sheffield , Birmingham, and lovely Coventry . All of these great UK travel destinations are within an easy commute and deserve to be included on your Manchester travel itinerary.

Discover more of the best places to visit around what is widely regarded as one of the best cities to visit in England with our list of the top day trips from Manchester.

1. Have a "Fab Four" Time in Liverpool

2. little moreton hall, congleton, 3. salford and the art of l.s. lowry, 4. take a trip to england's lake district, 5. the old market town of altrincham, 6. take a york weekend break, 7. ashton-under-lyne, 8. the bolton and bury loop, 9. stockport's tudor mansions, 10. quarry bank mill, 11. macclesfield, 12. knutsford, 13. head to north wales, map of day trips from manchester.

Highlights : Short train ride to many Beatles attractions including museums and shopping

Just a short train ride west of downtown Manchester is another of Britain's most visited cities: Liverpool. Visitors come from far and wide to visit the birthplace of The Beatles , taking in such iconic landmarks as Penny Lane and Strawberry Fields, as well as the rebuilt Cavern Club, where the Fab Four thrilled audiences in 1961 before hitting the big time.

Other related attractions include the fun Beatles Story in Liverpool's trendy Albert Dock area, with its renovated old warehouses and wharves. Also worth seeing are Paul McCartney's childhood home on Forthlin Road, now a museum with many interesting displays of Beatles' memorabilia, and the famous Beatles Shop . Here, fans can get their shopping fix with the purchase of everything from Fab Four inspired clothing to signed photos and artwork.

For those willing to explore these and other Beatles-inspired locations on foot, look into the Cavern Walks. This excellent walking tour takes in many of the above sites.

Interested in a Beatles-themed weekend break in Liverpool? Consider booking a stay in the fancy and centrally located Hard Days Night Hotel . In addition to naming its elegant suites after band members, the hotel has thoughtfully stocked each room with plenty of unique memorabilia, from photos and artwork to musical instruments.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Liverpool

Highlights : Fun guided tours by costumed characters, year-round events, afternoon tea

Little Moreton Hall is a fun excursion. Located just 35 kilometers south of Manchester in the pretty village of Congleton, this stunning old building is widely regarded as one of the most impressive half-timbered mansions in England.

Built in 1508 for a wealthy landowner and remaining in his family for over 450 years, Little Moreton Hall has been meticulously restored and preserved. It's certainly striking to look at, and consists of multiple stories featuring superb half-timbered construction and a pretty inner courtyard, a moat, and a garden that together paint an excellent picture of rural life in 15th- and 16th-century Cheshire.

Now owned and operated by the National Trust, the property offers a number of interesting interpretive tour options, including one with a court jester, as well as a variety of fun events and programs year-round. A restaurant and tearoom are located on-site, as is a well-stocked gift shop.

If you're visiting on a Sunday, consider attending one of the weekly services in the building's private chapel.

Address: Newcastle Road, Congleton, Cheshire

Highlights : Preserved canals, art museums, historic buildings

Just five kilometers west of downtown Manchester, the university town of Salford, on the River Irwell, boasts many first-rate attractions. These include Ordsall Hall, a 15th-century manor house well known for its magnificent timbered Great Hall. Also of interest is the Bridgewater Canal, one of the best-preserved historic inland waterways in England.

Another must-see is The Lowry , a beautifully designed art center and gallery, as famous for its architecture as it is for its collections. Located on the redeveloped Salford Quays, the Lowry Centre is best known for its large collection of original works by artist L.S. Lowry, famous for his unique matchstick figures set against the backdrop of everyday Salford scenes. In addition to its Lowry collection, the facility also boasts two performing arts theaters.

Address: Pier 8, The Quays, Salford

Highlight : Organized tours to this area of outstanding natural beauty include a boat ride

Located only a 90-minute drive north of Manchester and about the same time via train, England's Lake District is one of the most picturesque corners of this island nation. Fortunately, for visitors to Manchester there's an even easier way to take in the best sightseeing in this area of outstanding natural beauty: join an organized tour of Lake District National Park.

One of the best tours takes visitors to the Lake District from Manchester , with pickup and drop-off in Chorlton Street. In addition to seeing the pretty scenery of this UNESCO World Heritage Site from the comfort of your air-conditioned coach, your trip includes a pleasant cruise on famous Lake Windermere.

The trip also includes a lunch stop at Hawkshead, one of the prettiest of the region's many quaint old villages. Plenty of time is allocated to allow you to walk and enjoy the village's shops and landmarks as you follow in the footsteps of such legendary writers as Beatrix Potter and William Wordsworth.

Highlights : Historic market town with manor house, gardens, and family events

Located about 13 kilometers southwest of Manchester, Altrincham began as a market town in 1290 and makes a pleasant day trip. Attractions include Stamford Park and its numerous historic sites, as well as the town's medieval market square with its restored whipping post, a rather somber reminder of the cruel justice once meted out to thieves and those accused of witchcraft.

A must-see is the lovely Dunham Massey Hall . This spectacular 18th-century National Trust property is worth visiting for its extensively replanted grounds, deer park, and watermill. The property's White Cottage is also well worth a visit. Built around 1500 or so, this timber-framed structure is famous for its beautiful trussed open hall.

A restaurant and a café are also located on-site, and regular fun events are held for kids to enjoy.

Address: Woodhouse Lane, Altrincham

Highlights : Tour York Minster and explore the famous Shambles and UK's longest city walls

Just an hour away from central Manchester by train, the historic city of York is a marvelous choice for a weekend break or overnight getaway. Wherever you stay in this remarkably preserved medieval city, you're never more than a short stroll away from the action.

After getting your fill of stunning York Minster , stroll through the aptly named Shambles . This fascinating network of narrow alleys and winding laneways dates all the way back to the 14th century, where they began life as the homes and shops of meat vendors.

After exploring the shops and galleries that now fill these timber-framed buildings with their overhanging upper floors, find one to dine in. There are plenty to choose from, covering everything from casual fare to fancy teas and fine dining (reservations are recommended).

Day two, for the adventurous, should involve walking along the magnificent medieval city walls, the largest of their kind to have survived the centuries. It's a three-mile hike, most of it above ground and offering incredible views over the city's landmarks. It's an adventure that can take a few hours; and longer still if you stop and enjoy the vistas, particularly stunning as the sun sets, and take time to explore the even older Roman ruins.

The key is finding somewhere to stay close to York's top things to do . A favorite is the highly rated Grays Court Hotel , which features charmingly decorated rooms just steps away from York Minster (ask for a room with a view of this beautiful building). The elegant Principal York is also worth considering, and is located near the train station and the York National Railway Museum .

Highlights : Attractive small town with historic church and military museum, close to Manchester

Ashton-Under-Lyne lies on the Tame River just nine kilometers east of Manchester, and is home to one of the Midland's oldest churches, St. Michael and All Angels. Completed in 1262, this fine old church is in fact one of the best preserved of the 116 medieval churches in the area.

Another attraction worth exploring is the Museum of the Manchester Regiment . Located in the majestic old Ashton Town Hall, this fascinating museum illustrates the history of the Manchester Regiment, as well as the local community from the 18th century. Be sure to check out the excellent exhibition about the history of military medals.

Highlights : Scenic drive with pretty countryside through historic towns

A fun excursion if you're traveling by car, the Bolton and Bury loop takes you through some of the prettiest countryside north of Manchester. Bolton should be your first stop, where you'll enjoy wandering the nearly 800-year-old town center. Notable landmarks include Bolton Parish Church, completed in 1871, and the Town Hall, opened in 1873.

Another great tourist attraction is Hall i'th' Wood, a typical medieval merchant's house containing both Stuart and Georgian furniture. Also worth a visit is Smithills Hall. Set above Ravenden Brook on the lower slopes of Smithills Moor, this 15th-century structure features a nature trail and garden center.

Next stop is Bury , a short drive east of Bolton, where you'll find a vibrant arts scene, including a museum, art gallery, and library all under one roof. Also of interest is the Bury Market , located on the same site for the past 600 years and attracting visitors from miles around.

Highlights : Historic town with old homes and famous viaduct, plus pretty villages

An easy 30-minute drive southeast of Manchester or just 10 minutes by high-speed train, Stockport and its surrounds have much to offer for a day trip or extended weekend break.

Stockport is perhaps best known for its famous viaduct, built in 1840 and made famous by local artist L.S. Lowry. The town also contains a great many fine old mansions, the most interesting being beautiful Underbank Hall .

With its oldest sections built in the 14th century, this fine Tudor building makes a perfect photo stop, as does the majestic Stockport Town Hall, with its tall wedding-cake-like cupola. The town hall also serves as home base of the Stockport Symphony Orchestra, which regularly offer first-rate classical concerts.

A short drive south of Stockport is the village of Disley , home to splendid Lyme Park , one of the biggest Tudor houses in Cheshire. Highlights include a chance to view the building's detailed decorative work and fine quality furnishings, along with its magnificent country park setting and splendid views.

Another landmark home in the area is Bramall Hall , one of Cheshire's most important black-and-white, timber-framed houses (1590).

Highlights : Pretty village with historic working textile mill, pleasant gardens, and walking trails

About 20 kilometers due south of Manchester and easily accessible by road and rail, the tiny village of Styal , near Wilmslow, is home to Quarry Bank Mill , Europe's largest working textile museum. Here, in the Apprentice House, you'll see sobering displays relating to the often-difficult lives of the many children forced to work in the cotton industry.

As you make your way through the factory, costumed interpreters explain the history of cotton production from bale to bolt, offering a fascinating insight into one of the industries that helped establish the British Empire. Afterward, visit the stunning gardens and stroll to the picturesque village of Styal and through the ancient woods along the River Bollin.

Address: Styal Rd, Styal, Wilmslow, Cheshire

Highlights : Silk museum, huge telescope with planetarium, public parks with trails

Macclesfield, on the Bollin River 27 kilometers south of Manchester, was once one of England's major centers of silk manufacturing. Today, you can learn about the former importance of this industry in the Macclesfield Silk Museum highlighting its history.

Another attraction of this once-important industrial hub is the world-famous Lovell Telescope , a giant dish 76 meters in diameter. Built in 1957 and once the world's largest steerable radio telescope, it's part of the Jodrell Bank Science Centre and the Nuffield Radio Astronomy Laboratories, the site includes fascinating interactive displays on astronomy, space, energy, and satellites, along with planetarium shows and an arboretum.

Also worth a visit is Hare Hill , a nearby National Trust property that includes a lovely walled garden, as well as extensive parkland. A little closer to Manchester but on the main Macclesfield road is Alderley Edge , a steep red sandstone escarpment enjoyed by day trippers attracted by the rolling fields and surrounding woodland.

Highlights : Great restaurants and a popular manor house with working farm and deer park

Picturesque Knutsford, about 21 kilometers southwest of Manchester, is noted as a popular dining destination thanks to its many splendid restaurants. It's also famous for being the setting of author Elizabeth Gaskell's best-selling Cranford novel.

A must-see is nearby Tatton Park , one of Northern England's most popular historic attractions. Highlights include a 1930s working farm, a medieval old hall, a magnificent mansion, and a deer park set amid 1,000 acres of parkland and lakes.

Also, be sure to visit Uppermill, the largest village in Saddleworth, with its museum, craft shops, and tearooms. Home to the Rushcart Festival each August, it's a great place to catch a glimpse of England's famed Morris Dancers.

Highlights : Visit small towns and historic sites on an organized day trip

A visit to the popular tourist region of North Wales is certainly time well spent, and can easily be accomplished from Manchester if you hook up with a professional tour operator.

One of the best options is to join a full-day North Wales sightseeing adventure from Manchester. With handy pick-up and drop-off at Manchester Airport, you'll be whisked away by coach, first to the lovely seaside town of Llandudno , a Victorian-era resort destination with one of the best-preserved promenades and piers in the UK.

Other highlights of your day-long excursion include Conwy Castle, the famous Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, and the romantic small town of Betws-y-Coed. You'll also pass through parts of stunning Snowdonia , too. It's one of the most scenic corners of the country so have your camera at the ready.

Read More: Best Small Towns in Wales

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

Top Attractions in England : Thanks to the country's brilliant rail network, it's easy to get to England's top attractions . Popular destinations within easy striking distance of Manchester include Chester , famous for its world-class zoo (Chester Zoo); Warwick , home to the remarkably well-preserved Warwick Castle; and Birmingham , popular for its museums and art galleries.

UK's Best Beaches : Many visitors are pleasantly surprised by the quality and number of great beaches in England . One of the top-rated beach experiences can be enjoyed in the seaside resort town of Brighton in Sussex , famous for its promenade and pier, and Rhossili Bay Beach on the spectacular Gower Peninsula, near Swansea in Wales . Also worth a visit is beautiful St. Brélade's Bay Beach on Jersey in the Channel Islands .

More on England

One Day in Manchester, UK: Day Trip Itinerary, Map & Insider Tips

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: January 15, 2024

Going on a day trip to Manchester and wondering what to see and do and how to plan your time? In this guide, we share a suggested Manchester itinerary for one day . This guide includes recommendations on what to see, plus a detailed 1-day itinerary as well as suggestions on where to eat, tips for getting around, and more. Take a look!

As the unofficial capital of the north of England and one of the UK’s biggest cities, Manchester is packed with cool things to see and do . It is also one of the most friendly and welcoming places to visit in England!

Its people are rightly proud of their city’s industrial history, along with its influence on the music scene. Manchester was where world-famous bands like Oasis, The Chemical Brothers, The Smiths, and Stone Roses all started out.

And as any sporting enthusiast will know, Manchester is also renowned for its contributions to football. Home to two world-class stadiums and some of the best football teams in Europe, it is where the world’s first professional football league was established in 1888.

If you only have one day in Manchester , you may be wondering just how to spend it in order to make the most of your time and see the very best the city has to offer.

In this guide, you’ll discover Manchester’s most popular attractions and which ones you should visit if you only have a day in the city. We also include practical tips and some insider recommendations , as well as a detailed 1-day itinerary and a map indicating all the sights mentioned in this article. Take a look!

Top Picks in Manchester:

• FUN TO DO: River cruise + walking tour + football stadium tour .
• HOTELS: £££ The Edwardian ££ Hotel Brooklyn £ ibis Styles .
• IF YOU HAVE MORE TIME: Day trip to Lake District NP .

• What to see
• Detailed 1-day itinerary
• Getting around
• Where to eat
• Where to stay

What to see in Manchester in One Day

Further below, you can find a detailed 1-day Manchester itinerary with our recommendations on how to plan your time.

But first, a bit more on the main sights and attractions you could visit in Manchester in a day:

Football Stadiums & Museums

If you are a big football fan and only have one day to spend in Manchester, you will need to choose between its 3 main football-related attractions . At best, you could visit two places – one stadium plus the museum in the city center.

First, pick one of the stadiums of the city’s two premier league football clubs – Manchester United (at Old Trafford) and Manchester City (at the Etihad Stadium) . Both allow you to do fun things like walk through the player’s tunnel, walk next to the pitch, visit the changing rooms, and have virtual conversations with the clubs’ managers. They also give you plenty of opportunities to learn more about their history, with trophy and kit displays.

Unless you have an allegiance to one particular club, you might prefer to visit the Etihad Stadium on a short visit to Manchester as it is closer to the city center. On the other hand, Old Trafford is closer to the Quays where river cruises run. So – depending on your overall interests – pick one of them, but be sure to do at least one stadium tour !

Good to know: Stadium tours last around 1.5-2 hours and have to be booked in advance. Here you can book a tour of the Etihad Stadium (Manchester City), and here – a tour of Old Trafford (Manchester United) .

Alternatively – or in addition – pay a visit to The National Football Museum , located right in the city center. Not just devoted to Manchester’s football clubs, the museum has exhibits from lots of different men’s and women’s teams, plus lots of interactive games for children to enjoy.

Good to know: You can visit The National Football Museum in about an hour, but if you want to see (and do) everything, you’d probably need 1.5 – 2 hours as well. Also here, prebook your tickets in advance.

Manchester’s Best Libraries

There are two beautiful libraries to visit in Manchester – Manchester Central Library and John Rylands Library . But if you only have time for one, then it has to be The John Rylands Library at Deansgate.

John Ryland made his fortune through the textile industry and was Manchester’s first multi-millionaire. After he died in 1888, his widow opened the library in his honor. One of the city’s most beautiful buildings , this library has high windows and an exquisite vaulted roof that make it look more like a cathedral than a library.

Part of the University of Manchester, John Rylands Library contains historically important items such as the 1476 William Caxton edition of Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales and the oldest known piece of the New Testament. You are welcome to read here for a while, or take a self-guided tour of the building and the exhibits describing its interesting history.

TIP: Be sure to check out the toilets during your visit – they date back to Victorian times and have not been altered since 1900.

If you get time to see Manchester’s Central Library , it’s also worth a visit – even if only to admire the building from the outside. This Grade II Listed Building is located in St Peter’s Square and is instantly recognizable by its unique domed architecture, a little reminiscent of Rome’s Pantheon. It has lots of interesting exhibits inside detailing the city’s history, plus a ‘Secret Garden’ for kids.

Manchester Cathedral

Manchester Cathedral may be one of England’s smaller cathedrals, but it is exceptionally beautiful! With impressive stained glass windows, ornate medieval woodwork, and the widest nave of any cathedral in England, it’s one of the must-sees in Manchester!

The Cathedral also happens to provide a little haven of tranquility, right in one of the city’s busiest areas close to Victoria Station.

The cathedral often hosts orchestral performances, ballets, and craft markets, so you may find something fun going on here during your visit!

Historic City Center

In addition to all the museums , libraries , and the Cathedral , there’s more to see in the city center, of course. And even if you have just a day in Manchester, be sure to take a walk through the historic city center , to get a better idea of what the city is all about.

Don’t miss Albert Square with the impressive City Hall building, and Albert Memorial. Check out Piccadilly Gardens and its fountains. Walk through Chinatown or explore Castlefield Conservation Area , go shopping at Afflecks indoor market, or spend some time at Arndale shopping center…

TIP: One of the best ways to see the best of Manchester in a short time is by taking a walking tour with a local. This popular afternoon walking tour of the city highlights is one of the very best options. Further below – in our detailed 1 day Manchester itinerary – you can see our suggestions on how to plan your day so that you could include this tour as well.

River Cruises

If you’re visiting Manchester between April and September, a river cruise is a lovely way to see the city from a whole new perspective! Cruises operate from Salford Quays , which you can get to by tram from the city center in just 15 minutes. It’s also close to Imperial War Museum North.

River cruises range in length and there are different options depending on the time of the year. The most popular option is this highly-rated 1-hour sightseeing cruise .

It’s also the best option if you are short on time. It’s a quick and enjoyable way to take in famous landmarks like the Victoria & Albert Hotel, George Stephenson’s 1830 Railway bridge, and the studios of BBC TV, plus the commentary is very informative.

Good to know: The top deck of the river cruise is open to enjoy the views. But there is also a fully enclosed lower deck to which you can retreat if the heavens decide to open!

Manchester Museums

There are several excellent museums in Manchester that are well worth a visit. However, if you only have one day then the very best two to visit are the Science and Industry Museum or the Imperial War Museum .

Both museums are free of charge and open from 10 AM to 5 PM, Wednesday to Sunday, plus during school holidays.

The Science and Industry Museum celebrates Manchester’s leading role in the Industrial Revolutions through a variety of exhibits, galleries, and hands-on activities. There are also fully operational vintage steam-powered machines that are regularly fired up to allow you to appreciate their scale and power. You also get the opportunity to get a feel for how life was for the residents of the city at that time.

The historic railway and transport exhibits are fascinating, but the highlight for children has to be the ‘Experiment’ gallery. Here they can learn all about science through a series of fun and interactive games.

TIP: This museum can get very busy at weekends, particularly in the afternoons. It’s usually at its quietest from 10 to 11 in the morning, or late in the afternoon. Plan to spend around 1 to 2 hours here.

The Imperial War Museum is located outside the city center at The Quays and contains more than 2,000 exhibits connected to the worldwide conflict. Not only does the building have a very contemporary, eye-catching design, but the way in which information is presented to visitors is both unique and effective. Immersive, 360-degree cinematic Big Picture Shows bring to life the stories of people who have either fought in – or been victims of – war, from WWI until the present day.

This is a large museum, so you need a few hours to fully appreciate it.

Good to know: The displays and shows here are aimed at children from around 10 years plus. There are few interactive exhibits or activities for younger children.

As an alternative to either the Science and Industry or Imperial War Museums, you can also visit the People’s History Museum . It’s incredibly interesting for both adults and children. Concepts like racism and social justice are explored via engaging and thought-provoking exhibits that can lead to some very interesting family discussions. This museum is also free to visit and there is enough to see and do to keep you occupied for several hours.

Manchester is a mecca for shoppers and you’ll find everything here from independent stores to high street names.

One of the best shopping malls in Manchester is the Trafford Centre , outside the city center. However, with just a day in Manchester, it’s not the best option, especially if you are also interested in sightseeing.

If you don’t want to travel quite so far to shop, then check out the Arndale Centre right in the heart of the city center. The shops here are actually much bigger than those in the Trafford Centre – and it’s located right opposite Selfridge’s and Harvey Nichols. But it doesn’t have the restaurants and leisure facilities of the Trafford Centre, nor is it so beautifully designed.

For shopping of a completely different kind, try Afflecks indoor market in the Northern Quarter. Here, you’ll find an eclectic collection of everything from vintage clothing to pop art, plus quirky eateries and coffee shops. Even if you don’t want to buy anything, it’s a fascinating place to just wander around.

1-day Manchester Itinerary

Below are our suggestions for how you could spend a day in Manchester (with hours indicated just for your reference).

TIP: We recommend starting your day with a stadium tour since it’s easier to plan your itinerary that way. Also, the city center is livelier and more enjoyable in the afternoon.

Here’s how your 1-day Manchester itinerary could look like:

• 8.30 AM : Start the day with breakfast in the city center (see ‘Where to Eat’ section below).
• 9.15 AM: Make your way to one of the football stadiums . Old Trafford can be reached by the hop-on hop-off bus , which also allows you to see more of the city, but you can simply take a tram as well. Our itinerary below is planned around this stadium, but you can easily adapt it and visit Etihad Stadium instead. Etihad Stadium tours usually run daily, so it can also be a great alternative if the other stadium tour is not available on the day of your visit.
• 10 AM: Stadium tour of either Etihad Stadium (Manchester City F.C.) or Old Trafford (Manchester United F.C.). No matter which one you choose, be sure to book your tour in advance! Here you can book a tour of the Manchester City Etihad Stadium , and here – tickets for the Manchester United Museum & Stadium tour .
• Time permitting (and if interested), visit the Imperial War Museum (IWM) North which is located on the same side of the river as the Old Trafford Stadium. Keep in mind that it’s a very big museum so you need a few hours.
• Afterwards, take the pedestrian Millennium Bridge to the Quays, on the other side of the river. Here, you’ll find lots of nice restaurants for lunch. This is also where you’ll find river cruises (they usually have multiple departures every day, so it’s rather easy to add a cruise to any Manchester itinerary).

• Next, make your way back to the city center . If you take a tram, count about 20-30 minutes.
• 2 PM – walking tour (optional): If you don’t visit the IWM or take a river cruise, you could easily be back in the city center by this time. In that case, check out this highly-rated afternoon walking tour of the main attractions of Manchester city center . This tour starts at Manchester Central Library and covers all the best places in about 2.5 hours. If you don’t go with a tour, you can also get back to the city center a bit later. See our recommendations on what to see below.
• Visit St Peter’s Square and check out Central Library . From here, it’s an easy 10-minute walk on to the John Ryland’s Library . On the way, check out Albert Square and the City Hall .
• 3.30 PM: Visit either Science and Industry Museum OR National Football Museum . It can be busy here and these museums usually close at 5 PM. So if you want to visit, be sure to come here at least 1.5 hours before the closing time. For the Football Museum, you can book your tickets online ; Science & Industry Museum is free to enter. ALTERNATIVELY, you can also opt to visit the People’s History Museum . But – with just a day in Manchester – you’ll have time for just one of them at best (depends on your other choices, of course).
• Afterwards, pop in to see the Manchester Cathedral , which is practically next door to the National Football Museum. Just behind the cathedral, check out the picturesque Shambles Square . There are lots of restaurants and pubs in this area as well.
• 5.15 PM: Pop over to Afflecks indoor market and have a look around its independent stalls and boutiques.
• 5.45 PM: Take a walk to check out the fountains at Piccadilly Gardens . There’s a lively atmosphere here – locals come to hang out and there are often public speakers or street entertainers. It’s a great place to get a real feel for the city.
• 6 PM: Chinatown, shopping , etc.
• Evening: Dinner and drinks. See suggestions below.

Here you can see the map indicating all the places mentioned in this article . From the must-sees and alternative suggestions to recommended restaurants – this will give you a better idea of where everything is and help you plan your day trip to Manchester.

How to use this map:  Use your computer mouse (or fingers) to zoom in or out. Click on the icons to get more information about each place. Click the arrow on the top left corner for the index. Click the star next to the map’s title to add it to your Google Maps account. To view the saved map on your smartphone or PC, open Google Maps, click the menu and go to ‘Your Places’/’Maps’. If you want to print the map or see it in a bigger window, click on ‘View larger map’ in the top right corner.

Getting Around

Getting around Manchester is very easy and very inexpensive. Bright yellow trams of the Metrolink service connect the entire city, and there are also frequent, cheap buses. If you plan to use them throughout the day, then you can usually get a 24-hour pass to cut costs. You’ll find more details here .

Even better is the ‘ free bus ‘ – a service with 3 lines that links the main rail stations with the car parks, shopping areas and businesses. You can learn more about the routes and timetables here .

Manchester city is very bike-friendly too, with plenty of dedicated cycle routes and bike rental shops if you feel like going that route.

In addition, there’s also a very affordable hop-on hop-off bus too, but it’s probably a better option if you have at least 2 days in Manchester. On the other hand, it can be an excellent option for those who want to get a taste of what Manchester is like without having to walk much.

But the easiest option to see the main sights is to go on foot . Many of Manchester’s main attractions are clustered in its city center so you can walk from one to the other. This is something I recommend doing if you have the time – there always seems to be something going on in the city and lots of interesting sights to catch your eye during your journey!

Where to Eat

Manchester has to be one of the best cities in the UK for good food! No matter which type of international cuisine is your favorite, you’ll find it all here. Also, from street food to fine dining, the options for where to eat in Manchester are endless.

Below are just a few recommendations – more than you’ll be able to try in a day! We also indicated all these places on our map, so you can see what fits your itinerary best.

Good to know: In Manchester, lunch is commonly referred to as ‘dinner’. And dinner is known as ‘tea’. This can certainly be confusing for visitors, although many restaurants tend to stick with the more traditional usage of the words!

BREAKFAST or LUNCH in the city center:

• The Koffee Pot . This simple cafe has the tastiest – and best value – ‘fry ups’ in the city, plus American pancakes, the ‘Manc Muffin brekkie burger’, and veggie/vegan options.
• Bill’s at Spinningfields – a slightly more sophisticated vibe. Here you can enjoy a healthy breakfast served alongside nutritious smoothies and cold-pressed juices.
• Wilson’s Social is a great spot for lunch. Its menu is quite small but the food is absolutely delicious and very reasonably priced.
• Mr. Thomas’s Chop House . Set in a historic building that first opened as a pub in 1870, this is a gorgeous venue serving hearty and traditional British food , ranging from pub snacks to full meals. Don’t miss the rustic bread served with beef dripping – it might not be the healthiest option but it tastes incredible!

LUNCH at The Quays:

• The Alchemist MediaCity . If the weather is nice, don’t look any further. The views here are amazing, and they serve simple meals and great cocktails.
• Pier Eight Restaurant . Modern British cuisine with nice views.

There are so many options for a great dinner, from the excellent oriental restaurants scattered throughout Chinatown (just behind the town hall) to The Curry Mile on Wilmslow Road (South Manchester, quite far from the city center). Here, you’ll find the biggest concentration of south-Asian restaurants outside of Asia!

The area around Shambles Square, just next to the Cathedral, is another nice area with restaurants and pubs. Here, you’ll also find the Corn Exchange Manchester food court with lots of nice restaurants.

Alternatively, enjoy dinner (and potentially catch a movie) at the Printworks , just across the street from the National Football Museum. This old refurbished warehouse is home to numerous restaurants including the Hard Rock Cafe, Wagamama, and the sushi bar Wasabi, plus a cinema and mini-golf. For the Hard Rock Cafe , you can best reserve priority seating (+ a meal) in advance.

Don’t miss! Close to St Peter’s Square is The Temple , possibly Manchester’s quirkiest venue. This cool underground pub – which has its own jukebox and a great atmosphere – was actually built in an old Victorian toilet!

Where to Stay

For sightseeing, we recommend staying in the heart of the city center. That way – even with just 1 day in Manchester – you can make the most of your visit.

Ideally, you spend at least two nights in Manchester so that you can make the most of your day, and maybe also visit one or two places on the day of the arrival or before you leave.

Here are some of the best-rated hotels in this area for all budgets:

• £££££ The Edwardian – a very popular (and quite affordable) 5* hotel in the heart of the city center. Indoor pool.
• ££££ The Midland – the most popular 4* hotel in a great central location. Indoor pool.
• £££ Hotel Brooklyn – excellent-value 4* hotel. Top pick in the mid-range budget!
• ££ Holiday Inn Express Manchester City Centre Arena – a very nice 3* hotel, great value for your money.
• £ ibis Styles Manchester Portland – the best lower-budget choice in the city center.

TIP: If you like something a bit less traditional, check out the bright, colorful, and quirky YOTEL Manchester Deansgate . This highly-rated 4* hotel has an excellent location and that something bit extra to make your Manchester getaway a bit more special.

So, these are our suggestions for things to do on a day trip to Manchester.

I hope that this guide and the recommended Manchester 1-day itinerary helps you plan your time and decide on the things you want to see the most. And maybe it even inspires you to spend more time in the city!

READ ALSO: Best Things to Do in Manchester

Have a great trip!

More Travel Inspiration for the UK:

• Top Sights & Attractions in London
• Tips for Visiting London
• London Hidden Gems
• Where to Stay in London
• London with Kids
• Free Things to Do in London for Families
• 1 Day in London
• 2 Days Itinerary London
• Best Day Trips from London
• What to See in Greenwich
• Camden Town
• Yorkshire Day Trips
• Best Places to See in Cornwall
• Where to Stay in Cornwall
• Best Things to Do in Liverpool
• How to Visit Liverpool from London
• What to Do in Blackpool
• Blackpool Travel Tips
• Best Places to Visit near Blackpool
• Where to Stay in Blackpool
• Isle of Skye Itinerary
• Scotland Whisky Tour
• Top Sights & Attractions in Edinburgh
• Tips for Visiting Edinburgh
• One Day in Edinburgh
• One Day in Glasgow
• …For more travel inspiration for these and other destinations, take a look at our UK travel guide .

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10 of the best day trips from Manchester, UK

Although Manchester has timeless appeal and myriad attractions that make for happy city dwelling, locals and visitors alike can take advantage of its position within easy reach of many destinations worthy of a day trip.

Evolving from its industrial past, Manchester has taken up a proud place in more recent years as a city of innovation, with culinary, musical and cultural scenes that are thriving. What’s more, just a little way out of the city, there’s even more variety to explore. To the west are stretches of seaside, while heading north or east takes you to some of the largest national parks in the UK. From nearby cities to quaint villages and market towns, we round up some of the best places to get to in under 90 minutes for a day trip from Manchester.

Tudor-style half-timber buildings line the streets of Chester, originally founded as a Roman fortress. Reachable in roughly an hour by car or train from Manchester, the city is still known for its extensive Roman sandstone walls that envelop the town. Chester Cathedral, the Eastgate Clock and the Roman amphitheatre are among the city’s most popular spots for visitors, but there are also plenty of restaurants, cosy pubs and boutiques occupying the medieval buildings, while the River Dee can make for a scenic stroll. Head to Lower Bridge Street near Old Dee Bridge for a selection of old Tudor-style and Victorian-heritage pubs.

2.   Port Sunlight

Driving west for just over an hour to Merseyside will bring you to the historic village of Port Sunlight. Here, 900 Grade II-listed buildings line wide boulevards with landscaped parks and woodland dotted in between. The village was the project of entrepreneur and industrialist William Hesketh Lever, whose aim was to provide housing for soap-factory workers. A walk around the village, with visits to the Port Sunlight Museum and Lady Lever Art Gallery, reveals a space bristling with history and creativity — every building has its own unique design. Walking tours are available to book from the Port Sunlight Village Trust’s website, and there are tea rooms and cosy pubs where you can fuel up along your route.

3. Congleton

Head south on the train to the edge of the Peak District and you’ll reach the pretty village of Congleton in about 40 minutes. Here, Little Moreton Hall is worth a visit — the beautiful old building is one of the most notable half-timbered mansions in England. Having been restored and preserved since being built in 1508, it’s now run by the National Trust. The hall hosts a selection of events throughout the year, and has a restaurant and tearoom. Elsewhere in Congleton, the Macclesfield Canal runs through the town, where you can embark upon peaceful walks surrounded by countryside.

4. Peak District

To the southeast of the city is yet another national park filled with dramatic landscapes. Reachable in roughly an hour by car, the Peak District has numerous moorland plateaus and valleys to hike through, as well as caves, rivers and other wildly beautiful spots. A more gentle walk through Padley Gorge encompasses ancient woodland, shallow streams and large flat rocks, while The Roaches, a gritstone ridge, provides a more challenging route with the reward of exceptional panoramic views. The thermal-spa town of Buxton is a great point to stop for food or rest ahead of the trip back to Manchester.

5. Delamere Forest

Roughly an hour’s drive southwest from Manchester, Delamere Forest in Cheshire is a scenic 2,400-acre plot of woodland laced with deciduous and evergreen trees. There are Segway tours for those wanting to explore the breadth of the forest, but the landscapes here are stunning and there are plenty of hiking, cycling and horse-riding trails running throughout if you wish to see the forest at a gentler pace. Above the serene strolls, a Go Ape tree-top adventure playground is spread over the estate, where you can climb over platforms and swing from ropes up high.

6. Hebden Bridge

A breather from the hustle and bustle of city life, Hebden Bridge is a leafy market town in West Yorkshire’s Upper Calder Valley that’s roughly a 30-minute train journey from Manchester Victoria. There’s a string of small towns to check out in the area, all with plenty of independent shops to browse and restaurants to dive into, with Hebden Bridge at the epicentre. Its popularity has recently resulted in a younger demographic setting down roots — coffee shops, craft stalls and pubs now dot the town, while regular antique markets draw crowds from further afield.

7. The Pennines

The Pennines runs as an almost continuous line of mountain ranges and hills, separating North West and North East England. Getting the train from Manchester Victoria to Greenfield (20 minutes) lands you in a great spot to explore the area, on the western end of the Chew Valley, surrounded by hills and lush grassland. Excellent walks along the Pennine Bridleway trail — alongside cosy pubs in which to fuel up, such as The Old Bell Inn with its record-breaking collection of more than 1,000 gins — start from Uppermill, Delph, Denshaw and Dobcross.

8. Lake District

Rugged mountains, glacial ribbon lakes and manicured fields dominate this national park region in Cumbria. Hit the traffic right and you can reach the Lake District in under 90 minutes by car from Manchester city centre. Lake Windermere is one of the most southerly and easiest points to access for a day trip — it’s also one of the largest of the lakes and has 18 islands. Pack walking boots and hike around the terrain or opt for a watersport activity, such as paddleboarding. The nearby market town of Kendal is a great spot for refreshment or browsing local art galleries.

9. Southport

This seaside town on the fringes of the Irish Sea makes for a wonderful coastal escape that’s about an hour and 20 minutes by car or train from Manchester. It has 22 miles of coastline lined with beaches and footpaths, and the town is dotted with boulevards, Victorian buildings and scenic gardens. The pier draws the crowds for its classic seaside style, complete with a buzzy arcade and takeaway shops touting fish and chips. For a more active coastal trip, the Trans Pennine Trail is a great walking and cycling route connecting Southport and Hornsea in East Yorkshire.

10.   Liverpool

Another of the most visited cities in the UK, Liverpool is reachable in 40 minutes by train from Manchester. Famously, it’s the birthplace of The Beatles, and as such, there are many landmarks, tours, attractions and memorabilia around the city to explore. Penny Lane and Strawberry Fields are some of the top hits for day trips, as are some of the warehouses and wharves around the Royal Albert Dock area, including the Tate Liverpool museum and art gallery. There’s been an influx of bars and restaurants opening in the city, too — Bold Street or Mathew Street provide plenty of options.

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Activities and Experiences | Manchester Guides | Travel

15 great places for a day trip from Manchester

Here we have a selection of some of the best places to take a day trip from the city – places not too far away so you can get enough time there.

By Emma Davidson | Last updated 21 December 2022

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As much as we love residing in one of the best cities in the world, nothing beats a weekend escape from the hustle and bustle of Manchester city life and we’re very lucky to have so many picturesque retreats pretty much on our doorstep. 

From secluded spots less than an hour’s drive away, to safari parks and award-winning theme parks, it’s the time of the season for a winter staycation and we’ve rounded up our top picks for varying itineraries. 

If booze is top of your agenda, there’s some great crawls and cocktail bars that are serving up drinks difficult to contend with and there’s also a plenty places to take the kiddies, too, as we’re aware that you’re probably panicking trying to fill the next few days with worthwhile fun.

There’s no way we were starting this list with anywhere else. Blackpool holds a special place in the heart of many a working class Brit that, over the years, has gained fond memories of long, illuminated tram trips, cruel donkey rides and soggy sandy chips atop the pier. It’s the epitome of British summer time, and is very easy to get to from Manchester for a nostalgic day out.

There wasn’t a year that passed by without us making the hour round trip to the seaside destination, and Blackpool’s famous pleasure beach was always at the top of our list. The theme park attracts thousands of visitors each year seeking thrills on the iconic The Big One, Grand National, or steel shuttle coaster, Revolution, or if you don’t class yourself as a daredevil, you can always opt to hold everyone’s bags. 

The seaside town is also complete with a myriad of cracking pubs, which you’ll often catch a drag act or karaoke session in at whatever time of day – and the town’s Latin America Las Iguanas restaurant sits directly below Blackpool Tower, so drink enough Pina Coladas and you could be in Paris. 

One of the UK’s most quaint and historic cities, Chester makes for an informative but very enjoyable trip out of Manchester. Complete with city walls and the largest Roman Amphitheatre in Britain, there’s plenty to see and do, as you’ll find yourself standing exactly where Roman legionaries once marched to war. 

Its rows, which now house an abundance of independent and more recognised stores, also make for a unique shopping experience as the district is distinguished by 2-level covered arcades, and Tudor-style half timber buildings. There’s also an amazing range of pubs, loads of traditional boozers and some mint places to grab a bit of grub, including Shrub and Telford’s Warehouse . 

Marsden is truly one of West Yorkshire’s hidden gems. With peaks, canals, valleys and reservoirs, as well as a burgeoning, up and coming food scene, the village has become a must-visit for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, lace up the walking boots and try some award-winning grub. 

The Yorkshire village is also home to BBC’s timeless ‘ Last Of The Summer Wine ’ series, and, more recently, the BBC Three zombie drama ‘ In The Flesh ’. Namely for its picturesque setting, the inspiring endless landscape makes it a great popular with filmmakers, artists and creatives alike as its a total retreat from reality that’s complete with a rich, cultural heritage.

A destination that may not automatically spring to mind when planning your next day trip, Buxton is a town full of character that sits right on the edge of the Peak District. Known for being a ‘thermal spa town’ and housing the UK’s oldest National Park which spans stunning ornamental gardens and some incredible Georgian and Victorian architecture, you should book a relaxing getaway to the town as soon as possible!

The Pavilion Gardens are great for a romantic stroll, and the Opera House hosts a programme of one-off, world-class performances from a range of established artists, comedians and theatre companies. If you’re looking for something a little more adventurous, though, Buxton also has Go Ape! which will have you wading through the trees like a true wild beast (complete with a rather unsightly harness-induced camel toe).

The Pennines

There’s nowhere quite like rolling Northern hills of The Pennines, and, lucky for us, the destination is only a short journey away from Manchester. Get the train from Victoria to Greenfield and you’ll find yourself in a lovely area of the world, with stunning views, loads of greenery and plenty of sheep. 

There’s Uppermill , Delph , Denshaw and Dobcross in the area, too, where you’ll be greeted with some cracking old school boozers, some great walks and the odd fantastic restaurant.

We’re pretty big fans of The Old Bell Inn in Delph, which is a hotel, brasserie and bar with an insane collection of over 600 gins! It’s absolutely perfect for a winter walk, but make sure you also check out the The Bank’s award-winning Sunday Roast and endless list of cocktails. 

Hebden Bridge

Somewhere you’d expect to be overrun with pensioners, ancient butchers, one post office and a catholic church is actually one of the best day trips to book yourself out of Manchester. Hebden Bridge is great for walkers, and one of the town’s most exciting trails will take you past Stoodley Pike, ending up at one of the UK’s highest beaches in Todmorden, Gaddings Dam . Providing gorgeous 360º views and one of the best wild swimming spots you’ll find, Gaddings Dam has continued to become hugely popular, especially in the summer months. Back on dry land, though, there’s plenty of arts and crafts shops in the heart of the town, as well as a mint veggie brunch spot, Leila’s Kitchen and award-winning Greek and Mediterranean retreat, Aya Sophia where you’ll find traditional cuisine and some of the best cocktails in town.  

Jodrell Bank & Tatton Park

We’ve combined these two together as they aren’t too far from each other and, when paired, make for a cracking day out. Home of music, science and innovation, Jodrell Bank is a great place for an educational jaunt, especially if you have kids in tow as there’s plenty to keep them occupied, including the Lovell Telescope and the Pavilions which offer state-of-the-art exhibitions for all the family. Once you’re finished there, ​​ head on over to Tatton Park , which is home to a massive Neo-Classical stately home, award-winning gardens, a deer park with real deer and an actual working farm. You can also pre-ordered picnics full of homemade sandwiches and cakes to enjoy out on the grass during the warmer months.

Delamere Forest

Located over in Cheshire, Delamere Forest gives you a chance to be at one with nature without having to spend your evening in a cramped pop-up tent complete with she-wee. The landscape is truly breathtaking with plenty of activities to keep you busy during a full day of exploring. The forest sits very close to the town of Frodsham, which is great to stop off for some lunch and a couple of bevs after exhausting yourself with a lengthy walk. Make sure you factor Kash 22 into your day, a pub full of character that often hosts a regular calendar of live music and karaoke. The stage is yours!

Blasphemy, I hear you cry. But Liverpool is mint, and I’m happy to challenge anyone who doesn’t agree with me on that one. There’s absolutely loads to do here, from the coveted Magical Mystery Tour to the British Music Experience Museum that’s complete with Marc Bolan’s outlandish outfits and even Cilla Black’s frocks, you won’t be bored. If the sun’s out in the city, Liverpool has loads of incredible beer gardens and terraces, head on over to Bold Street and take a waltz around there, or get your drinking hat on and head to Mathew Street for a pretty enjoyable session. There’s loads more places, but I just don’t have the space. However, if the heavens have opened, get yourself to Baltic Market – a huge street food and drink venue that sees burgers, vietnamese cuisine, greek dishes and everything in between make up its menu. 

Hollingworth Lake

If water sports are your thing, Hollingworth Lake is the place to be. Many Mancs might already be familiar with the school trip destination, which allows visitors to partake in windsurfing, kayaking, canoeing, sailing and rowing. There’s a couple of decent pubs on the shoreline of the lake, with plenty cosy seating, too. There’s a bike trail that runs past the lake, which will no doubt get you a few chipper ‘hellos’ from those cycling through the area, but if you’re also a keen rider yourself, pop your bike in the car before you head down. Don’t forget your picnic either, as there’s loads of beauty spots to enjoy a disappointing ham and cheese butty.

Knowsley Safari Park

Everyone loves a zoo, especially one that allows you to drive through the enclosures and get up close and personal with a load of monkeys. Apart from your Dad, though, who won’t stop going on about the scratches on the paintwork of his precious Corsa for months after. Knowsley Safari Park also offers a trail on foot, where you’ll get a glimpse into the lives of sea lions, meerkats, giraffes, and the incredible tiger trail and a huge amusement park for kids with a carousel, roundabout and all the fun of the fair! There’s places to fuel your fun as well, with an outdoor food court and a restaurant and grill also making up the diverse offerings.

Home of the Brontë sisters, anyone with a love for the bleak landscapes and cruel beauty of Wuthering Heights or Jane Eyre should definitely give this place a try. At the top of the hill is the Brontë Parsonage Museum , where the brilliant staff will take pleasure in showing you around their house and giving you all the information you could ever need on these literary legends.

On top of that, there’s some corking pubs and food establishments, of which we found that some sort of elaborate ‘crawl’ is the best way to get the most out of the town. There’s also some great little antique shops too, which sell some random goodies – perfect for an afternoon mooch.

The Lake District

A little further out of Manchester, The Lake District is one of those places you could never get bored of. Complete with beautiful landscapes, cosy pubs, quaint little shops and some incredibly fancy hotels if you really want to treat yourself. Its a vast part of the world, so personally we would recommend heading on over to Bowness-on-Windermere, right on the banks of the lake where you can get a lovely little boat which will take you on the water and over to other imaginatively named towns such as Ambleside or Lakeside. In Bowness itself, there is a stunning Garden Terrace at The Belsfield Hotel which overlooks the lake, perfect for a few drinks and some excellent food in the sun. I would also highly recommend The Albert Pub , run by Stockport’s Robinsons Brewery – top boozer and they sell Ginger Tom which is amazing.

Macclesfield

Another destination not too far at all from Manchester city centre, Macclesfied will take you around 20 minutes to get to and, once you’re there, you’ll be spoilt for choice for things to do. Once home to Joy Division frontman, Ian Curtis, you can visit where he lived on 77 Barton Street or marvel at the new mural that was erected in the town centre this year. Aside from this, Macclesfield is home to its very own Mackie Mayor-style food hub, Picturedrome Macclesfield and loads of mint bars, which range from traditional inns to more upmarket cocktail bars. If you’re staying over, get up to Tegg’s Nose Country Park the next day for a well-needed detox. 

Finally, another beach to round off the list, Southport is only an hours train journey away from Manchester and is great for a short break or staycation. With 22 miles of coastline to explore, you’ll be surrounded by natural beauty and the charm of a traditional seaside town with a number of award-winning restaurants and bars to choose from, too. Southport Market is also an incredible space, complete with Greek, Canadian, Mexican, Italian and more from ten local, independent traders who cover a variety of cuisines from around the world, and are joined by a stunning feature bar.

COMING SOON: Kong’s Chicken Shop’s New Northern Quarter Mexican Quesadilla & Taco Kitchen

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Day trips to the North of England from Manchester

Manchester is an ideal base for day trips to explore the beautiful countryside, cities, culture and history of northern England.  Enjoy a lake steamer trip and discover Beatrix Potter’s home in the Lake District or head to the waterfront at Liverpool. It’s also just a quick trip to York Minster and the Railway Museum, to Wedgwood in The Potteries or to Chester Zoo.

Many of our day trips from Manchester include guided tours, boat trips and free entry to top attractions.

Have a look at our list of day trips from Manchester:

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43 best places to visit within 2 hours of Manchester that will inspire you

Manchester is an incredibly well connected city in the north west of England. If you are visiting, or even if you live there, you might be looking at doing some day trips or generally exploring the surrounding areas. The good news is there are so many amazing day trips from Manchester that you can do. In this post we go through the best places to visit within 2 hours of Manchester, including beaches, forests, historic villages, and more.

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About Manchester

Dunham massey, alderley edge, quarry bank mill, dovestones reservoir, lud’s church, snowdonia national park, crosby beach, lytham st annes, hebden bridge, yorkshire sculpture park, bowness-on-windermere, day trips from manchester – a recap.

Before we start looking at day trips from Manchester, here is a little bit of background on the city.

Manchester is one of the biggest cities in England, behind London obviously! It is located in the north west of the country and has a population of about 553, 230 people. Manchester is famous for being the birthplace of the industrial revolution. It has also played an important part in science, politics, music, art, and sport around the world.

For more information on Manchester plus a 24 hour itinerary , you can checkout this post.

And if you are wondering if Manchester is worth visiting here is a helpful guide.

Best places to visit within 2 hours of Manchester that are close to the city

Due to Manchester’s excellent location in the north west of England, it has some excellent day trip options. So to start with here are some of the best places to visit within 2 hours of Manchester that are pretty close to the city centre. These day trips from Manchester don’t involve a lot of driving or travelling, and make for a pretty chilled out day.

Altrincham is a market town located in Greater Manchester. With that in mind you know that it is well and truly within 2 hours of Manchester. In total it is 8 miles southwest of Manchester, with a population of about 52,419.

Distance from Manchester: 8 miles.

How to get here: Considering Altrincham is so close to Manchester you can either drive here, or hop on the tram.

What to see: Altrincham has a really great community feel to it. There is a fantastic market that you can explore, the aptly named Altrincham Market. On the weekend there are a number of stalls selling things like fresh produce, flowers, and vintage clothes. There is also a Planet Ice in the area, if you are keen on ice skating or looking for something to do with the kids.

Eating and drinking in Altrincham: There is certainly no shortage of food and drink choices in Altrincham. In fact it was voted top foodie destination at the Manchester Food & Drink Awards.

Next to the Altrincham Market there is a food hall with 10 independent vendors serving things like pizza, steak, craft beers, and wines. It’s worth visiting on a weekend for some food, drink, and shopping.

There are a number of fantastic indie cafes and restaurants in the town centre, and all of them are very welcoming. So for some good quality food, coffee, or even cake head make sure you visit.

Dunham Massey is a National Trust site, located between Manchester and Cheshire. It’s a beautiful place to visit and includes a 300 acre park, gardens, and historic buildings.

You can visit Dunham Massey at any time of the year, although as it is National Trust property you will need to pay for entry. Of course if you are a member this is free. Prices can be found on the National Trust website .

Distance from Manchester: 13.2 miles.

How to get here: The best way to get to Dunham Massey from Manchester is by car. It usually takes under an hour to get here, traffic depending.

What to see: Dunham Massey is one of those places that you could spend a whole day exploring. There is so much to see and do. For instance you can do a tour of Dunham Massey Hall, and walk through the stunning gardens. You can also just hike around the incredible grounds, and try to spot some of the resident deer.

Oh and a top tip, if you are visiting around Christmas you should try and book onto the Christmas light trail.

Eating and drinking at Dunham Massey: Dunham Massey has a cafe and restaurant where you can enjoy some foods like soup, sandwiches, coffee and a number of sweet treats.

Salford is a city located in the north west of England. It borders on parts of Manchester so is one of the best places to visit within 2 hours of Manchester. It’s an up and coming city. It was once known for being incredibly rough around the edges, and there are elements of that still in Salford, but many parts of the city are being modernised and attracting younger residents.

Distance from Manchester : 2.35 miles is the shortest distance between Salford and Manchester.

How to get here : Salford is very easy to get to from Manchester. You can walk to parts of Salford from the Manchester City Centre. You can also hop on a bus or tram.

What to see : The main highlight in Salford is Media City UK and Salford Quays. The two areas are adjacent to each other so you can easily walk between the two to explore.

Media City UK, is home to the BBC and ITV studios. There are several cafes, restaurants, and hotels in the area, making it an excellent choice for a day trip from Manchester.

Salford Quays is home to the Lowry Arts Centre, Imperial War Museum, and a water sports centre. There are markets on the last weekend of a month, selling local produce, and arts and crafts which are great to visit if you have time. You can also do a cruise from here into Manchester City Centre. Or a walking tour of the area .

A short walk from Salford Quays, is a former manor house, now called Ordsall Hall. It’s over 600 years old, and gives you some insight into Tudor life. It’s also said to be haunted!

Eating and drinking in Salford : There are a lot of great places to eat and drink in Salford. If you are spending time around Salford Quays, there are a number of restaurants and bars in the area. Seven Brothers Brewery is one of our favourite spots to grab a pint or a G&T.

There is also the newly opened Kargo MKT and Central Bay area. Located on the waterside, you will find a number of vendors, serving all kids of food, from Palestinian cuisine, to pizzas.

Another one of our favourite places to visit within 2 hours of Manchester is Rivington which is a village in Chorley, Lancashire. It’s an area of outstanding natural beauty with a lot of nature walks in the area.

Distance from Manchester: 24 miles.

How to get here: The easiest way to get to Rivington is to drive. It takes around 45 minutes to drive from Manchester to Rivington and there is parking around the village.

What to see: Rivington itself is relatively small, and there are only really a handful of houses, a cafe, and a church. So the real highlight for us is the area around Rivington Reservoir and Rivington Pike.

The Rivington Reservoir is owned by United Utilities, and is a great place to walk around and enjoy the scenery. There is also a Go Ape in the area.

Rivington Pike is just across from the Reservior and is the perfect spot to go hiking. As you make your way to the tower on the top, you will see The Japanese Lake, and Terraced Gardens. The views from Rivington Pike are incredible, so take your time and enjoy it! It’s also one of our favourite day trips from Manchester in autumn because you can watch the leaves change colour.

Eating and drinking in Rivington: There are a few places to eat in Rivington. You can try the Great House Barn which is a 16th-century barn where they do some great breakfast and brunch options. There is also the village tea room for some sweet treats and a hot drink.

Rochdale is a town in Greater Manchester, with a population of around 111,261. It’s famous for being one of the world’s leading cotton processing spots, and played a big role in textile manufacturing during the industrial revolution.

Distance from Manchester: 11 miles.

How to get here: Getting from Manchester to Rochdale is relatively easy. It’s about a 40 minute drive from Manchester city centre. It’s also easily accessible by public transport. You can either get the train from Manchester Victoria, which will take 13 minutes, or you can hop on a tram, which is slightly longer as there are more stops in between but still doable.

What to see: Rochdale isn’t a huge tourist hotspot but there is a bit to see and do on a day trip from Manchester. For instance you can see the Grade I listed Town Hall or even visit the Pioneers Museum.

Our favourite bit of Rochdale though and the reason it has made our list of best places to visit within 2 hours of Manchester is Healy Dell. It’s essentially a beauty spot around 2 miles from Rochdale Town Centre. There are a number of beautiful waterfalls in the area, plus the remains of some cotton mills. You can visit any time of year but summer and autumn are especially beautiful.

Eating and drinking in Rochdale: There are some great spots to eat in Rochdale. Owd Betts is one of our favourites, because it’s a traditional country style pub that dates back to 1796. The pub also has some pretty incredible views.

If you are visiting Healy Dell there is a fantastic tea room that serves some impressive breakfasts but also cakes and teas. It’s a good place to visit after a stroll around Healy Dell.

For one of the best day trips from Manchester with great views, we recommend Alderley Edge. It’s a small village in Cheshire, with a population of under 5000. It’s got a reputation of being home to the rich and famous, and a lot of Manchester’s top footballers call the area home.

Distance from Manchester: 16 miles

How to get here: You can either drive which will take around 45 minutes, or you can catch a train. Trains usually depart from Manchester Piccadilly and take about 30 minutes to get here.

What to see: In the village itself there are lots of trendy cafes and bars that you can check out. It’s also kind of fun walking around. the neighbourhood and looking at the houses. Obviously keep to public areas and be respectful as these are peoples homes.

There is also a National Trust site, and many gorgeous hiking trails to explore in Alderley Edge. If you walk up to the ‘edge’ you get some stunning fantastic views over the Cheshire Plain.

Eating and drinking in Alderley Edge: Considering that the area is home to the super Rich it’s certainly got some quality restaurants and bars. The Alderley Bar & Grill is a popular spot and you also have The Bubble Room which is a great place for cocktails and food.

Quarry Bank Mill is one of the best day trips from Manchester if you don’t want to go too far from home. It’s a National Trust site, and is home to one of the best preserved textile factories from the days of the Industrial Revolution.

It’s located in Cheshire near the beautiful village of Styal, and makes for a fun and incredibly wholesome family day out. As it is a National Trust site you do need to pay for entry, and prices can be found on their website .

Distance from Manchester: 11.8 miles

How to get here: The most hassle free way to get to Quarry Bank is to drive. It’s around 35 minutes from Manchester and there is parking on site.

What to see: You can honestly spend a full day exploring Quarry Bank Mill. If you aren’t a National Trust member, paying to go into the Mill is definitely worth it. It gives you a fantastic insight into Manchester’s cotton producing heyday.

There are also some beautiful gardens that you can explore, along with several walking trails around the property. And if you want to walk further afield you can also checkout the nearby Styal Woods, which are incredibly beautiful.

Eating and drinking in Quarry Bank: As Quarry Bank is a National Trust Property, there is a tea room that serves things like soup, sandwiches, cakes, and coffee. There is also The Ship Styal which is a quick walk from the property, and they serve your typical pub style meals.

Marple is a great place to visit especially if you want a mix of natural beauty and a quaint town. Located on the River Goyt, Marple is one of our favourite day trips from Manchester. It’s very scenic, and doesn’t tend to get overly crowded, making for a relaxing day. In terms of location is south east of Manchester with a population of around 23, 686 people.

Distance from Manchester: 11.7 miles.

How to get here: If you are driving to Marple from Manchester this will take approximately 40 minutes depending on traffic. You can also get a train from Piccadilly Station which is a lot quicker and will take around 25 minutes.

What to see: After you have explored the town, you can then walk around and discover some of the canals that Marple is famous for. There are several walks you can do either around the canals, or further into the woodlands.

One of the absolute highlights is walking to the Marple Aqueduct. It’s such an incredible bit of architecture where you have a canal that has been built over a bridge to enable these boats to cross the Rover Goyt. Unfortunately my pictures don’t do it justice, this really is something you need to see for yourself. And once you have you will know why this has made our list of best places to visit within 2 hours of Manchester.

Eating and drinking in Marple: There are a lot of great places to eat and drink in Marple. For a pub lunch we recommend The Crown for some delicious home made pies. You also have All Things Nice for a decent selection of sandwiches and cakes. And for those with a sweet tooth Coco Lato is the place to go for artisan chocolates and gelato.

Located just south east of Manchester is the industrial town of Stockport. It was a key player in the industrial revolution, and is an important historical place in the north of England. In fact Stockport was once famous for being the home of England’s hatting industry.

These days Stockport is becoming a foodie favourite, as well as being home to a number of Stately Homes, and Country Parks.

Distance from Manchester: 6.8 miles.

How to get here: You can very easily get a train from Manchester Piccadilly to Stockport. The total journey time takes around 10 minutes.

Alternatively if you want to explore more than just the centre of Stockport you should drive. This usually takes around 35 minutes depending on which part of Stockport you are visiting.

What to see: There is quite a bit to see in Stockport. If you are focussing on the centre, then you can do a tour of the air raid shelters or even the hat museum to understand the towns past.

There are also a number of incredible parks to visit in the area like Etherow Country Park, and Reddish Vale. Reddish Vale is one of our favourites. It was once home to a calico printing works, but is now a stunning bit of nature with lots of trails to explore.

Another must is Bramall Hall and Park. The Hall itself is a stunning example of a Tudor Manor House. If you get the chance to visit the inside, make sure you do. You get to learn all about the lives of the families and servants who lived and worked in this grand bit of architecture. The grounds are also worth exploring and there are lots of trails and woodland walks to experience.

Eating and drinking in Stockport: As mentioned above Stockport is becoming a foodie favourite in the north of England. Where the Light Gets In is one of our favourite spots. They serve small plates and do wine pairings too. For cocktails you should try the Bohemian Arts Club. The drinks are incredible, and the venue itself is very intimate, and pretty much perfect for sipping an old fashioned or negroni.

Best places to visit within 2 hours of Manchester by train

Here we look at some of the best day trips from Manchester that you can do by train.

Located in the north west of England, and about an hours train ride from Manchester you will find the maritime city of Liverpool. The city is full of culture, history, and so much more, which is why it is one of our top day trips from Manchester.

In 2004 Liverpool gained UNESCO World Heritage Site status., due to its number of 19 th  and 20 th  Century buildings. So, architecture lovers will absolutely love Liverpool! As will museum lovers. Liverpool is only second to London in terms of the highest number of galleries and museums in the UK.

Distance from Manchester: 30.97 miles.

How to get here: The best way to get to Liverpool from Manchester is by train. In fact Liverpool is one of the best places the visit within 2 hours of Manchester by train. This is because the trains are very frequent. You can get a train from both Manchester Piccadilly and Manchester Victoria station to Liverpool Lime Street. It will take under an hour from either station.

You can also drive to Liverpool. Depending on your route and traffic conditions this will take you just over an hour.

What to see: There is so much to see in Liverpool, so it’s kind of lucky that it is one of the best places to visit within 2 hours of Manchester, because it means you can come back very easily.

Albert Dock is a great place to start when visiting. It’s a great place to learn about Liverpool’s industrial history ad there are several old docks and warehouses located along the waterfront. There are also many museums here like the Mersey Maritime Museum and Tate Liverpool.

Music is a big part of the culture and identity of Liverpool. The Beatles are of course one of the most famous musical acts to come out of the city. You can visit the Beatles Story which is a fantastic museum to learn all about their history. There are also a number of tours you can do to see some of the childhood homes and other prominent places that play a part in the bands history.

Eating and drinking in Liverpool: You will be spoilt for choice when it comes to food and drink in Liverpool. If you go anywhere in the city for a drink though, make it the Cavern Club. It originally started as a Jazz club and then evolved to become the centre of rock and roll in Liverpool in the 1960’s. The Beatles would often play here, sometimes at lunch time. And so, the workers used to come down and listen to them. These days its a lively bar where you will hear some Beatles cover songs, and trust me you will want to sing along and dance!

For a full weekend in Liverpool itinerary, here is a useful guide.

Chester is another popular city that you can visit within 2 hours of Manchester. It’s a favourite with tourists due to its strong Roman roots and unique architecture. It was founded as a Roman fortress in 1AD, so it is literally THAT old. It’s retained a good majority of its ancient Roman Walls, and has some very distinct Tudor Style Buildings you won’t find anywhere else in the UK.

Distance from Manchester: 34 miles but 42 miles if driving.

How to get here: You can either drive to Chester from Manchester or get a train. Driving will take around 1 hour and 10 mins, depending on the route and traffic. A train will take you just over 1 hour. The train is our preferred option. The station is very central, and you don’t have to worry about parking.

What to see: Chester has so many incredible historic sites that you have to experience. The Roman Gardens and Roman Amphitheatre are a must visit, as are the city walls.

In the town centre you have the Rows which are a set of half timber galleries unique to Chester. You should also try and see the Eastgate clock. It is a really beautiful decorative piece and is one of the most photographed clocks in the UK, after Big Ben of course.

Another must is Chester Cathedral, which is a gothic style cathedral that is incredibly picturesque. It’s a real community place with tranquil gardens, and a lot of local events that take place here too.

For a more detailed Chester itinerary you can checkout this post.

Eating and drinking in Chester: Chester has an excellent choice when it comes to food and drink. Hickory’s is one of our favourites, because of its riverside location. It’s brilliant on a sunny day and food and drink prices are reasonable.

For something a little fancier we love Porta, for all your Spanish tapas needs. It’s located in the city centre, and they have a lovely terrace that is perfect for the warmer months.

If you want a few cocktails we recommend Kuckoo. They do some very creative drinks, and the music here is awesome, especially if you are into indie. Or if beer is more your thing we highly recommend Beer Heroes, a bar that stocks over 350 craft beers.

Located on the Irish Sea Blackpool is a popular seaside resort town. It used to be a holiday spot for those working in the mills and these days it’s kind of got this nostalgic vibe to it. I feel like whenever we talk about Blackpool it’s one of those places you either love or hate. We are on the love side, which is why we have added this to our list of best day trips from Manchester.

Distance from Manchester: 52 miles.

How to get here: Like most of the choices on this list of best places to visit within 2 hours of Manchester driving to Blackpool is the easiest way to get there. The trip usually takes around 1.5 hours and you will spend a good portion of this drive in the M61. There are many parking options in Blackpool too.

If you don’t have access to a car the good news is that Blackpool is also easy to get to by train. It takes an hour and 15 minutes from Piccadilly Station with regular trains throughout the day.

What to see: Blackpool is one of those places that provides fun for the whole family. You can visit Madame Tussauds and the Blackpool Dungeon for starters. Plus you can also visit the Blackpool Tower and admire the views from the top.

There are also tours you can do on the heritage trams in operation around Blackpool as well as exploring the promenade.

One of the most popular things to do though has to be visiting Blackpool Pleasure Beach. It’s an amusement park with a number of old school rides, and vintage rollercoasters, as well as many modern ones too.

Eating and drinking in Blackpool: One of our favourite things to do in Blackpool is to get a fish and chips. I know it’s cliched but stopping at Harry Ramsden’s by the Blackpool Tower is a must for us.

Birmingham is one of the major cities in England, apart from Manchester and London of course. It’s located in the west midlands and is home to about 1.1 million people. It’s a university city and apparently one of the youngest cities in Europe with over 40% of the population under 25 years of age.

Distance from Manchester: Approximately 86 miles.

How to get here: In order to fit the criteria for places to visit within 2 hours of Manchester, you will need to get a train from Manchester to Birmingham. There are frequent trains that depart from Manchester Piccadilly, and they take around 1.5 hours to get there.

If you did decide to drive this would bring you above the 2 hour mark.

What to see: Birmingham is famous for it’s extensive canal network, so a walk around the Canal District is a must. The city also has a stunning Botanical Gardens that is perfect for exploring on a clear day.

If it happens to be raining on your visit to Birmingham though don’t despair, there are a number cool museums to visit such as the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery.

Eating and drinking in Birmingham: Birmingham is the place to be when it comes to food and drink. For starters it has more Michelin starred restaurants than any other UK city excluding London.

But it’s not all about the Michelin stars here, you also have some great food spots like Orelle, which is a French fusion restaurant that has some awesome views across the city. You can also pop in for a drink if you prefer.

For drinks a popular spot to go is Stirchley. There are a number of craft beer spots, dives bars and more.

Ok Technically London doesn’t qualify as one of the places to visit within 2 hours of Manchester, but it is pretty close so we are including it. Officially London is around a 2 hours and 10 minute train trip from Manchester. Despite those 10 minutes, it is still one of the best day trips from Manchester that you can do.

London is the capital of England and the United Kingdom. It’s also the political, economic, and cultural centre of the country. It’s also a bustling metropolitan city with so much to see and do.

Distance from Manchester: Approximately 200 miles.

How to get here: If you want to get close to qualifying as one of the places to visit within 2 hours of Manchester, then you will need to get a train to London. Otherwise you are looking at a 4-5 hour trip by car.

You can get a train from Manchester Piccadilly, and this will take you to London Euston. Trains are very frequent, especially during peak hours. The more direct trains usually take around 2 hours and 10 minutes to get to London.

Also it is worth noting that if you want to get a cheaper ticket avoid travelling to London early morning or after work. Additionally book your tickets well in advance to get the best deal.

What to see: There is so much to see and do in London , and fortunately we have written an in depth article covering this. In the meantime though here is a quick overview.

If you are visiting London for the first time you will want to visit places like the South Bank, where you will see the London Eye, and get some fabulous views of Westminster and Big Ben. You also have other tourist hotspots such as Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, the Tower of London, and London Bridge. And let’s not forget St Pauls Cathedral.

London also has some amazing museums a lot of which are free. This includes the National History Museum and The National Gallery to name but a few.

One of our favourite things about London though are the quirky neighbourhoods. For instance Camden is a favourite for alternative clothing, and grungy pubs. Covent Garden is a little more upmarket with its colourful shops, and fancy cocktail bars. Plus you also have incredibly instagram worthy streets like in Notting Hill and Chelsea.

Eating and drinking in London : Again there is so much choice when it comes to food and drink in London we couldn’t possibly mention them all. The cool thing though is that London is incredibly multicultural, and this is reflected in the food and drink on offer. From a simple Indian Curry, to dumplings in Chinatown, London has some excellent options.

Of course, one of the things  London is famous for  is the traditional pub style food. Pub meals are a big deal in London where you can eat things like fish and chips, sausage and mash, and other comforting delights. You also have places like Peggy Porschen Cakes, which is not only instagrammble but perfect for tea and cake.

London also has a plethora of fancy restaurants dotted around. You have a few Michelin Star spots as well like Sketch in Shoreditch which is not only visually appealing but is tasty as anything!

The city is also known for it’s amazing nightlife. And you will definitely find something here to suit all tastes. From swanky cocktail bars in Covent Garden, to dive bars in Camden.

Best places to visit within 2 hours of Manchester in the Peak District

One of the best day trips from Manchester has to involve visiting the Peak District. In fairness the area is huge, so you won’t be able to see it all, especially not in a day. The Peaks are also close to a number of UK counties like Yorkshire, Greater Manchester, Derbyshire, Cheshire and Staffordshire.

In this section we have listed some of the best places to visit within 2 hours of Manchester that are also in the Peak District.

And for more Peak District inspiration here is a handy guide.

Dovestones Reservoir is located on the edge of Oldham and the Peak District National Park. It’s a really beautiful area that is popular with hikers, families, and outdoor lovers. There is paid parking right by the reservoir, although this does get incredibly busy on the weekend. You can also park on Holmfirth Road, but do keep in mind that people live here.

Distance from Manchester: Approximately 14 miles.

How to get here: Admittedly this is one of those day trips from Manchester that you will need a car to do. It takes around 45 minutes to drive from Manchester to Dovestones, but this will depend on the route you take and traffic conditions.

What to see: Dovestones Reservoir is the perfect place to go for those wanting to explore nature. For an easy walk you can stroll around the reservoir itself, or for something a little more advanced you can climb one of the hills for incredible views.

If you want to extend your walk, particularly if you are into hiking you should see the Trinnacles. The Trinnacles are a group of very unique stones along Dovestone Edge. There are a few different hiking paths that you can take to get here, and the walk itself is moderate in terms of intensity.

Eating and drinking in Dovestones: There isn’t a lot in terms of food next to the reservoir itself, but if you make your way to Saddleworth there are several excellent pubs. The Clarence and the Church Inn are good options especially for a hearty pub lunch

Castleton is by far one of our favourite places to visit within 2 hours of Manchester. It’s an incredibly picturesque village located in the heart of the Peak District National Park and at the head of the Hope Valley.

Distance from Manchester: 28.5 miles.

How to get here: This is another one of the best places to visit within 2 hours of Manchester that you do need a car for. It takes around 1 hour 10 minutes to get here from Manchester.

What to see: Castleon is a lovely little village, so we recommend taking the time to explore it. There are lots of quirky shops where you can buy all kinds of trinkets, and cafes and pubs to get cosy in.

You can also explore Peveril Castle which is one of the top sights in the area, or visit one of the 4 caverns. The Speedwell Cavern is one of our favourites because you get to do an underground boat trip. Although it’s not ideal if you are even slightly claustrophobic. There is also the Peak Cavern which is close to the village.

If you are into hiking you can climb Mam Tor, or even Winnats Pass. In fact this is a really popular area for particularly around sunrise and sunset.

Eating and drinking in Castleton: There are a number of pubs and cafes selling everything from homemade cakes and hot chocolate to proper British pub food. If you go during peak times or at a weekend we recommend making a pub reservation in advance especially if there is somewhere you desperately want to eat at.

Buxton is a spa town in High Peak in Derbyshire. It sits on the edge of the Peak District National Park and is England’s highest market town at 1000 feet above sea level. The town itself is full of history and has some incredible architecture. There are some great tea rooms, cafes, gardens, and local pubs that you can visit.

Distance from Manchester: Around 29 miles.

How to get here: You can get a train to Buxton from Manchester Piccadilly. This will take just over 1 hour to get to Buxton station. It’s a similar amount of travel time if you choose to drive. We do recommend driving if you can as it makes getting around Buxton and seeing the sights so much easier.

What to see: There are a few things to see and do in Buxton. For starters you can explore the town itself, with its quirky shops, and cafes. The Pavilion Gardens are another must and there are some excellent cafes here, as well as stunning landscaped gardens.

Other highlights include Poole’s Cavern and Buxton Country Park which sit at the edge of Buxton.  Poole’s Cavern  is an almost 2 million year old natural limestone cave. For around £15.00 you can book yourself a guided tour of the caves, which is well worth it. The tour lasts about 45 minutes and is really informative. It is recommended that you book tickets in advance to avoid missing out.

We also recommend making some time to do the wooded walk around the caves. About 20 minutes from the cavern you will Solomon’s Temple and some breathtaking views across the high peak.

Eating and drinking in Buxton: One of the great things about Buxton is that you can have some top quality food here. For a fantastic afternoon tea we recommend Hargreaves of Buxton or the Vintage Tea Rooms.

If you are after a pub lunch you should try The Vault. They also do an excellent Sunday Roast, which in itself is worth a day trip from Manchester.

Glossop is a town in High Peak, Derbyshire. It’s east of Manchester and is known as one of the gateway towns to the Peak District.

Distance from Manchester: 15 miles

How to get here: You can either get a train to Glossop or drive. The train will take you around 30 minutes. Driving however will take about 45 minutes. We do recommend the driving option as Glossop itself is small and a lot of the attractions are around it and you will need a car to get to these.

What to see: You should take the time to explore the town, especially if you want a pub lunch or dinner. Snakes Pass is very close to Glossop and this is one of the best walking trails in the Peak District.

Another great walking option is Bleaklow. Here you will find the wreckage of the B-29 Superfortress “Overexposed”.  Located in the hills above Glossop this is where you will find the wreckage of a U.S. Air Force bomber that crashed here in 1948. A lot of the wreckage is still scattered here to this day, so it’s a very unique walk.

Eating and drinking in Glossop: There are lots of great places to eat and drink in Glossop. If you are after some brunch we recommend A’bout Thyme on the High Street. There are also some excellent pubs which are great for pints and dinner. The Bulls Head, The Queens Arms, and The Wheatsheaf are all incredibly popular and close together too. So if one is busy you can make your way over to the next.

Lyme Park is technically nested on the edge of the Peak District. But despite this we are still including it in our list of best places to visit within 2 hours of Manchester in the Peak District. It’s a large estate that has a manor house and is surrounded by gardens and a deer park.

The Park is a  National Trust site so if you are not a member you will need to pay for parking and to visit the house.

Distance from Manchester: 19 miles.

How to get here: Realistically you will need to drive from Manchester to get to Lyme Park. It should take just under an hour and there is parking on site, although this is paid.

What to see: Lyme Park is such a beautify estate. One of the highlights is exploring the house and garden on site. Inside the house you can learn all about its former inhabitants and take a trip back in time. After visiting the house, make sure you take some time to explore the gardens. One of the cool things about the gardens is that Pride and Prejudice (the Colin Firth edition) was actually filmed here. And yes that does include the pond scene!

If you venture past the house and gardens you can do one of the walks of the surrounding area, and get an incredible view of Manchester in the distance whilst you are at it. You might also get lucky and spot the deer who reside on the estate.

Eating and drinking at Lyme Park: There are a couple of cafes/ restaurants at Lyme Park. These sell items like tea and scones, soups, sandwiches, and sausage rolls. There is also a pizza cafe selling wood fired pizza if you are wanting a bit more of a substantial meal.

Located near the town of Buxton you will find Chee Dale a dramatic gorge on the River Wye. It’s a protected nature reserve that is looked after by the Derbyshire Wildlife Trust. Chee Dale is not far from Miller’s Dale, a village and valley in the Peak District.

Distance from Manchester: 30 miles

How to get here: You will need to drive to get to Chee Dale, and this will take around 1 hour and 10 minutes. Parking is available at the Miller’s Dale Car Park but this is limited so you will want to try and get here early.

What to see: Chee Dale is all about nature and walking. There is a circular walk you can do from the Miller’s Dale car park. It takes you on part of the Monsal Trail, and past wooden bridges, stone walls, and the Chee Dale Valley. Our favourite thing about this walk are the Chee Dale Stepping Stones .

Eating and drinking in Chee Dale: If you are hungry there is a small cafe next to the toilets by the car park at Miller’s Dale. Here you can stock up on bottles of water, and other refreshments. They do tea, and coffee, sweet treats, ice cream, sandwiches, and limited hot food. Some of the hot food includes things like a baked potato which is always enjoyable after a long walk. There are also some great pubs nearby, particularly in places like Bakewell and Buxton.

Lud’s Church is an 18 metre deep chasm caused by a giant landslip. It’s only 100 metres long and is a popular place to visit, plus one of the best day trips from Manchester.

The site itself has been the source of many myths and legends, with some saying that the chasm was created by the devil’s fingernail as he scraped parts of the earth.

Distance from Manchester: 30 miles.

How to get here: Driving is the only way to get to Lud’s Church and its around an hour and a half from Manchester.

What to see: There is a walk that you can do around Lud’s Church which is stunning, but the real highlight here is the chasm itself. When you are in the chasm there are lots of narrow passages to explore. You don’t have to be an expert hiker, but just take care as it can be a little slippery.

Eating and drinking around Lud’s Church: Lud’s Church is pretty secluded but there are a few spots nearby you can eat. The Ship Inn is the closest though and is about a 10 or so minute drive from where you would park for Lud’s Church.

Best places to visit within 2 hours of Manchester in Wales

Because if Manchester’s location in the north west of England, you can actually add Wales to your list of places to visit within 2 hours of Manchester. Here are some of the best spots to go.

Llandudno is a popular beachside resort located in North Wales. It is also rumoured to be where Lewis Carroll was staying when he wrote part of Alice in Wonderland. It’s a gorgeous seaside place where you can just relax, and we highly recommend adding it to your North Wales itinerary .

Distance from Manchester: 81 miles.

How to get here: You can get a train to Llandudno, but if you want this to satisfy your criteria for places to visit within 2 hours of Manchester you will need to drive. Overall it takes just under 2 hours drive time to get here from Manchester.

What to see: There is a lot to see in Llandudno. It’s a seaside resort so you should try and spend a bit of time around the beach. There is also Llandudno Pier with its rides and games to enjoy. It’s also the longest Pier in Wales and stretches 700m over the sea.

On top of this you have the Great Orme Tramway. It is the only cable hauled tramway in the UK. It climbs 1 mile up through the Great Orme Country Park and Nature Reserve all the way to the summit of the Great Orme. The views are spectacular and tickets are only £8.50 during off season and £9.50 during the summer months. When you get to the summit there is an exhibition as well as a cafe.

Eating and drinking in Llandudno: Llandudno has some excellent food choices. And considering it’s seaside location, seafood is a must here. We recommend the Seahorse Restaurant for some top quality seafood and other dishes. Indulge is another good choice as they try to use local produce.

You also have a number of great pubs like the The Cottage Loaf which are great for a bit of comfort food. Bistro Bach is another great place to go for a hearty meal and this is located on Mostyn Avenue.

Snowdonia National Park is by far one of the best places to visit within 2 hours of Manchester. I think it still surprises me to this day that this is still a viable day trip option from Manchester. Snowdonia is the biggest National Park in Wales, and quite honestly is just beautiful.

Distance from Manchester: 86 miles.

How to get here: You do need a car to get to Snowdonia National Park. From Manchester you are looking at a 2 hour drive time. Of course this may increase depending on traffic conditions.

What to see: You cannot visit Snowdonia without seeing Mt Snowden. A lot of people tend to hike up it, but for those that can’t there is the Snowden Mountain Railway . The journey takes about 2 hours with 30 minutes at the summit. The views going up Snowden are honestly so incredible and it really is a memorable experience.

There are also so many beautiful walks, waterfalls, lakes, and much more that you can experience in Snowdonia National Park.

Eating and drinking in Snowdonia: One of the best places to go for locally produced food in Snowdonia is Y Bistro Yn Yr Hebog. It’s only a short drive from Snowdonia and somewhere we highly recommend. There are also a lot of food choices in Betws Y Coed a village that is often seen as the gateway to Snowdonia National Park.

Located not far from Llandudno is the beautiful town of Conwy. It’s a listed world heritage site, and has an impressive castle and city walls.

Distance from Manchester: 81.7 miles.

How to get here: Conwy is somewhere that you will need a car if you are wanting to add it to your list of best day trips from Manchester. It will take you around 1 hour and 45 minutes to drive from Manchester to Conwy.

What to see: The real highlight at Conwy is the Conwy Castle. It’s very well preserved considering it was built by Edward I between 1283 – 1287. Entry to the castle costs just over £11 for an adult, which is definitely worth it just to see inside this amazing structure.

Other must see spots in Conwy are the Conwy Walls. They circle the town and you can essentially walk them in under an hour. You also have Conwy Quay which is great if you are looking to soak up the views and seaside atmosphere

Eating and drinking in Conwy: Conwy is small but there are a few great places to eat and drink. Signatures Restaurant is perfect if you are looking for something a little upmarket for dinner. The menu does change seasonally and it has won many awards.

For something less fancy we recommend the Castle View Bar & Restaurant. As you have probably gathered with the name you do get some great views from here, as well as traditional gastro pub food.

Best places to visit within 2 hours of Manchester for beaches

If you want to get outdoors and experience some sand between your toes, here are some of the best day trips from Manchester that involve the beach.

If you want to get out and explore some beaches Southport is one of the best day trips from Manchester. It’s a seaside town in Sefton, Merseyside, with a population of around 94,421 people. It very much has an old school resort vibe, and you won’t find anything like it nearby.

Distance from Manchester: 51.8 miles.

How to get here: Southport is quite easy to get to from Manchester. You can hop on a train from either Manchester Piccadilly or Manchester Victoria. You should get to Southport in about 1 hour and 20 minutes. Alternatively you can drive and this will take around the same length of time.

What to see: The area around Southport Pier is the best place to start when visiting. You can wander around the pier, and there is even a small train you can hop on that takes you from one end to the other.

There is also a theme park in the area which is perfect for kids, or you can hire a paddle boat and float around the Marine Lake.

Eating and drinking in Southport: There are a number of restaurants you can try in the area, but honestly we are all about the fish and chips. There are a couple places serving around the pier that you can try. They also do freshly made donuts along the pier which you have to try for a bit of a treat.

Not far from Southport is the town and civil parish of Formby. It’s known for it’s wildlife and nature reserve and leafy suburbs.

Distance from Manchester: 44.8 miles.

How to get here: You can get a train from Manchester, however you do need to change at Liverpool South Parkway. This takes around 1 hour and 45 minutes. Driving is a lot quicker and you should get. to Formby in around 1 hour and 10 minutes.

What to see: Formby Beach is the highlight here. It forms part of a National Trust site so you do need to pay to visit. Once you have paid you can explore the area, checkout the wildlife, and walk around the the National Trust-managed woodlands.

Eating and drinking in Formby: One of the best places to eat around Formby is Sparrowhawk. It’s got some excellent quality food making it one of our favourite places to go in the area. Another alternative is The Good Catch for fish and chips which are always a good idea when visiting the seaside.

Crosby Beach is a great option when looking for the best day trips from Manchester, especially if you love the beach and art.

The Beach is only about 20 minute’s drive from the centre of Liverpool, and here you will get to dip your toes into the start of the Irish Sea. It’s also a cool place to visit for art lovers as it is here that you will come across Anthony Gormley’s ‘Another Place’ installation.

Distance from Manchester: 42.3 miles.

How to get here: Driving is the easiest way to get to Crosby Beach from Manchester. The trip will take you just over an hour, although it can be substantially longer if you are driving during peak hour.

It is also possible to get a train and this will take about 1 hour and 30 minutes. You will need to get off the train at Liverpool Lime Street, and walk for about 15 minutes to Liverpool Central. From here you can take a train to Blundellsands and Crosby.

What to see: The real highlight at Crosby Beach is seeing Anthony Gormley’s ‘Another Place’ installation. You can get some fantastic shots with the statues, and just generally walk around witnessing these incredible sculptures as they stand against the backdrop of the sea.

You can also explore the promenade, walk around the sand dunes, and if you have time you can stay and watch the sunset. 

Eating and drinking at Crosby Beach : If you are looking for food and drink Bus Yard, is a great place to visit at Crosby Beach. It’s an outdoor bar located in a converted double decker bus.

Moving away from Merseyside, Lytham St Annes is one of our other beach orientated best places to visit within 2 hours of Manchester. It’s located in Lancashire on the Fylde Coast and is just south of Blackpool.

Distance from Manchester: 54 miles

How to get here: You will need a car to get here and explore the area. The dive will take around 1 hour and 30 minutes depending on traffic.

What to see: One of the best things to do in Lytham St Annes is to hit the beach. There are parts where you can rent out these really cute cabins with everything you need to spend a day relaxing.

You can also explore the pier at St Annes. It’s just a number of restaurants, shops and amusements to keep you entertained.

Eating and drinking in Lytham St Annes: You have probably gathered by now that when it comes to beaches, fish and chips are my go to. The View Fish and Chips is a great choice for some delicious takeaway seafood. Just watch out for the seagulls.

Best places to visit within 2 hours of Manchester in Yorkshire

Yorkshire is one of the prettiest counties in the UK, and luckily one of the best places to visit within 2 hours of Manchester. Here are some of our top picks.

Hebden Bridge is one of our favourite short day trips from Manchester. It’s a really beautiful market town, located in West Yorkshire. It has an incredibly relaxed vibe, and is probably one of the friendliest and most welcoming places we have visited.

Distance from Manchester: Around 28 miles.

How to get here: The train is your best best for visiting Hebden Bridge. For starters it’s only 30 minutes from Manchester Victoria Station. And it also means that you can have a drink or two in one of the super cool bars.

You can also drive, but this takes just under an hour. There is parking in Hebden Bridge but most of it is street parking, so make sure you get in early to nab a spot – particularly on a weekend.

What to see: Hebden Bridge is perfect for spending a lazy Saturday or Sunday. There are lots of quirky shops and markets in the town centre to keep you entertained.

There are also some great hiking trails around the canals, and leading you to some great views of the area. And if you are into nature you can visit Hardcastle Crags which is a stunning National Trust site around 2 miles from the town.

Eating and drinking in Hebden Bridge: Eating and drinking in Hebden Bridge is a real treat. The Remedy Wine Merchants is one of our favourite spots for wine tasting, and they do a cracking cheese board too. Drink? is another favourite especially for craft beers and IPAs.

When it comes to eating there is no shortage of pubs and restaurants. The Hinchcliffe is one of our absolute favourites though. The food is excellent, especially after a day spent hiking.

Leeds is one of the best day trips from Manchester, particularly if you are after a city break. It is a city in Yorkshire and if often referred to as the unofficial capital of the county. Leeds has a big cultural scene with live music, theatre companies, and some great food and drink options.

Distance from Manchester: 44.6 miles.

How to get here: You have two options for getting from Manchester to Leeds within 2 hours. Firstly you can drive. This will take around 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes depending on traffic. Parking can be slightly stressful in Leeds so we would recommend the second option, the train. A train will get you to Leeds in under an hour. Trains mostly depart from Manchester Victoria, but you also get a few from Piccadilly Station.

What to see: Leeds is a haven for shoppers, so this is one of the best things to do in the city. Apart from your standard high street stores and shopping centres, there are also lots of little Victorian arcades that are great for exploring.

Leeds also has some great museums and galleries including the Leeds Art Gallery and Leeds City Museum. But one of our favourite things to do in Leeds is visit Kirkstall Abbey. Located in a stunning parkland by the River Aire this is one of the most complete examples of a medieval Cistercian Abbey in England.

Eating and drinking in Leeds: Leeds is often referred to as the foodie capital of the north. There are a lot of indie restaurants and bars in the city and you definitely won’t go hungry here. If you are after some of the best sandwiches we have tasted head to ‘Things in Bread’. It’s a gourmet sandwich shop perfect for lunches.

There are also a number of fantastic international cuisines available in Leeds. Bundobust is a real favourite. They do Indian street food and craft beers. And there is also Nam Song Cafe a sensational little Vietnamese place with some amazing food and cocktails.

Sheffield is another great option for places to visit within 2 hours of Manchester. It’s a beautiful city located in South Yorkshire. It used to be home to the UK’s steel industry back in the day of the industrial revolution. These days though it’s a very green city, with a lot of charm and character.

Distance from Manchester: 38 miles.

How to get here: You can get a train from Manchester to Sheffield that takes around 1 hour and 20 minutes. Otherwise you can drive. There are a couple of driving routes between the two cities but on average you are looking at a drive between 1 hour and 40 minutes.

What to see: Sheffield is a really green city so some of the best things to do happen to involve parks. The Sheffield Botanical Gardens are a great place to visit, as is Endcliffe Park. But if the weather isn’t great you don’t need to despair because Sheffield also has a Winter Garden.

The city also has some great museums including on Kelham Island where you can learn about its industrial past. Oh and it also has a pretty cool video games museum too!

Eating and drinking in Sheffield: Sheffield has some excellent food and drink options. For starters you have a number of quirky cafes you can visit including The Steel Cauldron which is a wizard themed tea room.

For fine dining you have a number of options like Assembly and Bench , which are both favourites with the locals.

There are also some fantastic bars in the city such as Kelu who try to incorporate the Italian way of living with aperitivos. For cocktails you have places like The Great Gatsby near Division Street, and Public. And don’t forget Sheffield was once voted the British capital of Ale!

For one of the best places to visit within 2 hours of Manchester for art lovers, we highly recommend the Yorkshire Sculpture Park. It’s essentially an outdoor art gallery with exhibition spaces all around. It occupies 500 acres of parkland, and you can combine your love of art and nature by walking around and enjoying the works.

Distance from Manchester: 43.1 miles.

How to get here: You definitely need a car for this one. The drive will take you around 1 hour and 12 minutes depending on traffic.

What to see: The Yorkshire Sculpture park is all about walking around enjoying nature and the various art instalments. You will need a good part of a day to properly explore and see it all.

Eating and drinking at the Yorkshire Sculpture Park: There is an onsite restaurant and cafe and the food quality is honestly quite good.

Holmfirth is a quaint little town in West Yorkshire. It’s not far from Huddersfield, and is on the cusp of the Peak District.

Distance from Manchester: Approximately 23 miles.

How to get here: You will need a car to get to Holmfirth particularly if you are sticking to the criteria of places to visit within 2 hours of Manchester. Overall the drive should take you around an hour.

What to see: Holmfirth is famous for being the filming location of the BBC show, The Last of the Summer Wine and there is an exhibition all about it that you can visit.

The town centre is a great place to visit with some excellent shops. There is also a vineyard you can visit and learn all about English wine.

Holmfirth is incredibly close to the Peak District and there are some great walks you can do to appreciate these incredible views.

Eating and drinking in Holmfirth : There are plenty of food options in Holmfirth including the Holmfirth Vineyard and Restaurant which is a must for wine lovers.

Sid’s cafe is another favourite especially if you were a fan of The Last of the Summer Wine. For a more hearty meal head to The Whippet and Pickle, where the food is just incredible.

Holmfirth also has a number of tap rooms and pubs serving craft beers and IPAs. One of our favourites is the Magic Rock Tap where they have an excellent selection of beers. They also do food, in case you need to line your stomach.

York is located in the north of England, in Yorkshire. It’s a fascinating city that was founded by the Romans in 71AD. It attracts over 8 million tourists per year with its incredible attractions, ancient architecture, and quirky shops. It’s also supposed to be one of the most haunted places in Europe!

York is by far one of our favourite places to visit within 2 hours of Manchester because it’s beautiful, and steeped in so much history. It almost feels like you have been transported to another world when you visit York, which is cool to think about considering it is only a short day trip from Manchester.

Distance from Manchester: Approximately 60 miles, depending on how you get there.

How to get here: There are a number of ways you can get to York from Manchester. The train is by far the easiest, and it’s around 1.5 hours each way. Trains are very regular but just make sure you book in advance to get the cheapest fare.

You can also drive to York, and the trip usually takes about 1 hour and 50 minutes, but this is will be dependant on traffic. If you do drive, we recommend parking outside of York city centre. The York park and ride is the best choice to save you from having to navigate those narrow streets. There are a number of places to choose from but essentially you park your car, and then hop on a bus into York city centre.

For more information you can have a look at  the following website .

What to see: York has so much to see and do, making it one of the best day trips from Manchester. You can explore the Shambles, one of the most popular streets in York, with its picturesque 15th century buildings that appear to lean over the cobbled streets.

You also have the York City Walls that you can walk, as well as the striking York Minster Cathedral , that add to the ancient charm of the city.

On top of this the city has several museums and gardens to explore, so you really won’t get bored when visiting York.

You can have a look at our post on how to plan the perfect day trip to York .

Eating and drinking in York : There are lots of different options for food and drink in York. For something a little different though we recommend visiting the Golden Fleece for a drink. It’s actually the most haunted pub in York , so who knows what you might see.

When it comes to food, there are so many places serving top quality comfort food particularly around The Shambles. From roast pork sandwiches to freshly baked Brownies, you will be spoilt for choice in York.

If you want to sit down though, we recommend Betty’s . It is somewhat an institution in Yorkshire with people lining up in the street to get a table. And it is worth it because the desserts in Betty’s are incredible.

Best places to visit within 2 hours of Manchester in The Lake District

Another of our favourite places to visit within 2 hours of Manchester has to be the Lake District. Located in Cumbria it is a very beautiful park of the country perfect for hiking, water activities and so much more.

For a full Lake District itinerary you can go here.

Bowness-on-Windermere is a scenic village located on Lake Windermere. It’s part of the Lake District National Park and is located north of Manchester.

Distance from Manchester: 86.1 miles.

How to get here: Driving in your best option particularly if we are sticking to the criteria of best places to visit within 2 hours of Manchester. It takes just under 2 hours to drive here, but this will depend on the route you take and traffic conditions.

What to see: There are lots of great things to do in the area. For starters you can shop in some of the quirky stores in the village. You can also purchase some bird seed and get up close and personal with the resident birds. Just keep in mind they are wild animals and can bite.

There are also Lake Cruises that you can do in the area, with options to go to Lakeside or Ambleside. Or if you are feeling adventurous you can even rent your own boat.

Eating and drinking in Bowness-on-Windermere: There are plenty of great spots to eat around Bowness-on-Windermere. For some fine dining we recommend Porto a family run restaurant offering some of the best food in the area.

If you want something more casual head to The Boathouse where you can eat and drink with some great views of the Windermere Marina.

There are also so many cosy pubs to settle into around the area. The Hole in t’Wall is one of our favourites though because it is the oldest pub in Bowness-on-Windermere.

Not far from Bowness-on-Windermere you will find Ambleside. This is a small town, that sits at the head of Lake Windermere. And a fun fact, Lake Windermere is actually England’s largest natural lake.

Distance from Manchester: 88.4 miles.

How to get here: This is another one of our best day trips from Manchester that you will need a car for. The drive will take you just under 2 hours in total.

What to see: Ambleside is a good choice if you are wanting to get away from the touristy Bowness-on-Windermere. You can do a boat cruise, walk around the town, explore the pier and much more.

There are also plenty of stunning nature walks you can embark on in the area. If you do a short walk from Ambleside you will get to the Stagshaw Gardens, which are a National Trust site. They are about 8 acres with some incredible plant life.

Eating and drinking in Ambleside: If you are after a light snack or home cooked lunch we recommend Chesters by the River in Ambleside or the Copper Pot. They both do excellent food at really good prices.

For something more substantial you have The Old Stamp House and Dodd’s for locally sourced top quality foods.

Rydal is a village just between Ambleside and Grasmere in the Lake District. It’s a significant place in the history of English literature, and a beautiful spot to visit if you are looking to drive within 2 hours of Manchester.

Distance from Manchester: 90 miles.

How to get here: You will need to drive to Rydal from Manchester and this will take you exactly 2 hours. Of course that is dependent on traffic so it may just tick over the best places to visit within 2 hours of Manchester threshold.

What to see: One of the best things to do in Rydal is to visit Rydal Hall. It is a former 17th century mansion turned hotel with around 34 acres of grounds including manicured gardens, and waterfalls. Apparently William Wordsworth was also a fan which isn’t hard to believe as its such a beautiful spot.

Speaking of Wordsworth close to the hall you will find Rydal Mount and gardens, which is the childhood home of William Wordsworth. You do need to pay to explore the house and gardens (around £7.50 for both) but this is a must for all literary fans.

There are also several walks you can do such as the Rydal Water walk. This is a 2.8 mile walk with gorgeous lakeside scenery. There are also caves in the area which are fun to explore. They are pretty well signposted so you shouldn’t get lost on your walk.

Eating and drinking in Rydal: The Badger Bar is our main suggestion for food in Rydal. You should pass it if you are coming from Rydal Hall and walking to the caves. They do a decent pub lunch with things like fish and chips and pies on the menu.

Best places to visit within 2 hours of Manchester by plane

Here we look at the best places to visit within 2 hours of Manchester by plane. Admittedly many of these won’t be added to your best day trips from Manchester list, because you want more than a day in each spot. But they technically within a 2 hour flight of Manchester so we are adding them to our list.

Paris is the capital of France and one of the most popular places to visit within 2 hours of Manchester by plane. It’s famous for its culture, fashion, food, and so much more.

Distance from Manchester: 494.5 miles.

How to get here: If you are looking for places to visit within 2 hours of Manchester and Paris is one your list, then flying is going to be your best bet. The flight time is around 1 hour and 20 minutes according to google, although we have known it to be much shorter.

A number of airlines fly from Manchester to Paris including Easyjet, Ryanair and Air France.

What to see: There is so much to see in Paris, that you won’t be bored here. You have sights like the Eiffel Tower, The Louvre, the Arc de Triomphe, Moulin Rouge, Sacre Coeur and that doesn’t even begin to scratch the surface.

Eating and drinking in Paris: There is also no shortage of food and drink options in Paris. From swanky city cocktail bars to fine dining restaurants you will find it all here.

Paris deserves a whole article onto itself, so if you want more info on visiting, you can checkout this post .

Amsterdam is the capital of the Netherlands, and is famous for its canals, narrow houses and museums. There are about 821,000 people living in the city, but 1.2 million bikes! In fact bikes definitely rule when it comes to transport in Amsterdam. They have right of way over both pedestrians and cars.

Wondering if  Amsterdam is worth visiting ? Here is a helpful guide.

Distance from Manchester: 306 miles.

How to get here: You will need to fly to get to Amsterdam from Manchester. Flight time is over an hour at around 1 hour and 20 minutes. We got the ferry to Amsterdam from Newcastle which was great but obviously not within the 2 hour threshold of this article.

What to see: Considering Amsterdam is famous for its canals, a great way to see the city is from the water. We really do recommend going on a cruise to orient yourself with the city. Tours take about an hour and you can  book these online  in advance.

The city also has some incredible museums to visit like the Rijksmuseum and the Anne Frank House. Both places are must visits in the city.

Eating and drinking in Amsterdam: Amsterdam is such a foodie city and there are just way too many places to mention in this post. Some must try foods though are dutch cheese, pancakes, and herring. Although the herring is definitely more of an acquired taste.

You can also do a street food tour that will take you to all the best places here.

Dublin is one of the best international day trips from Manchester that you can do. Flights between Manchester and Dublin are really regular, with several Ryanair flights alone departing and arriving throughout the day. As a bare minimum you usually have a morning, lunch, and evening flight between the two cities. The other bit of good news is that the flights are often super cheap too. These days £16.99 one way seems to be the cheapest option, but still that’s often cheaper than a train to London.

Dublin is located in the Republic of Ireland on the east coast of the country. There is a lot to see and do in Dublin, and the city is incredibly walkable too.

Distance from Manchester: 166 miles.

How to get here: If you are reading this article it’s because you were looking for places to visit within 2 hours of Manchester. So for that reason flying is going to be your only option in terms of getting to Dublin. You can take a ferry, but you would need to get to Holyhead, and the whole trip will take way more than 2 hours.

As mentioned above there are a number of scheduled flights between Manchester and Dublin daily. The total flight time is around 40 minutes, so you will landing in Dublin before you know it. Once you have arrived at Dublin airport you can easily hop on a bus, like the Aircoach which will take you straight into the city centre.

What to see: Dublin is totally doable as a day trip from Manchester, especially because it isn’t a huge city. On top of that a lot of the main attractions are relatively close together,.

Some of the must dos in Dublin include, a visit to the Guinness Storehouse. If you have ever wondered if Guinness tastes better in Ireland, you can find the answer here. You can also learn about the history of the drink, and enjoy a pint as you look out at the views over Dublin.

Other tops sights include, Trinity College and the Book of Kells, which is essentially like something out of Harry Potter. You also have the historical Dublin Castle, which you can do a tour of.

Dublin also has a lot of parks, like St Stephen’s Green and Phoenix Park. Of course if the weather isn’t great you can just go to a pub instead. The Temple Bar is probably the most famous, but there are many others to choose from when visiting.

Eating and drinking in Dublin: Dublin has come a long way in recent years when it comes to food and drink. For food, we recommend Gallaghers Boxty House  in Temple Bar. They do a modern take on the traditional Irish food.

Drinking in Dublin is a lot of fun. You have a lot of traditional Irish pubs to visit. The Brazen Head is on of our favourites as it is the oldest pub in Dublin. You also have some fun cocktail bars like The Blind Pig which is a speakeasy style bar, and Bar 1661 which serve Poitín cocktails.

For a more detailed Dublin itinerary you can checkout this post.

Brussels is the capital of Belgium, but also the political capital of Europe. The city is home to the EU headquarters with over 40,000 employees living in the city. Unsurprisingly around 27% of people living in Brussels aren’t actually Belgian born.

Distance from Manchester: 334 miles.

How to get here: There are a few airlines flying directly from Manchester to Brussels. Brussels Airlines do around 12 flights per week. For a cheaper option Ryanair also do several flights to the city daily. But keep in mind they land at Charleroi Airport which is a little bit further away from the city.

What to see: One of the most beautiful spots in Brussels has to be the Grand Place. It is the central square of Brussels and is surrounded by some pretty incredible architecture. Some of the buildings include the former Guilds of Brussels, which were the centre of economic life in the late medieval and early modern periods, as well as the Flamboyant Town Hall. And before you ask, Flamboyant is actually a style of architecture.

Nearby is the Manneken Pis a statue of a naked boy peeing into a fountain. The statue attracts many visitors and even dresses up for different occasions. For instance on our visit the statue was decked out in full graduation gear.

Other must see sights include the Atomium which was was originally constructed in 1958 for the Brussels World Fair, and has become a tourist attraction ever since. You can also visit Mini Europe next door where you can walk around miniature sculptures of different European nations, and learn all about the EU.

For a full Brussels itinerary you can checkout this guide.

Eating and drinking in Brussels: Brussels is all about the food and drink in our opinion. From waffles to Belgian beers this is the city to indulge.

Street food, such as Pomme Frites, or Belgian Waffles are a must in the city, and you will find stores selling these mouthwatering delights all around the city. Or if you are feeling a bit more creative you can even do a  waffle making workshop . Devouring as much chocolate as possible is of course another must in Brussels. But if you want to learn more about how it is made you can do your own  chocolate making workshop .

Belgian beers are obviously a big deal in Brussels, some of our favourite bars to sample them are Le Cercveil, a coffin themed bar close to Grand Place, and A La Morte Subite a typical Belgian cafe.

You can also do a  Beer tasting tour . That way you can drink some beer but also get to know what is in your glass too.

This  tour is another option  if you are wanting to visit some bars in Brussels and taste some beers.

Jersey is the largest of the Channel Islands located in between France and England. It’s a dependency of the UK but is self governing and is a mix of both French and British culture.

Jersey is one of those places you can visit that has a little something for everyone. Nature lovers will enjoy the many coastal walks you can embark on, whilst history lovers will be fascinated exploring the many war tunnels built during the German occupation of the island during the second world war. Then of course there are the gorgeous beaches, the castles, the shopping, and the delicious food. And that is only scratching the surface. No matter what kind of break you are after, Jersey really has something for everyone

For more information on visiting Jersey here is a helpful guide.

Distance from Manchester: 287 miles.

How to get here: Easyjet do a direct flight from Manchester to Jersey. The total flight time is said to be 1 hour and 20 minutes but when we flew it was honestly more like an hour.

What to see: Jersey is perfect for nature lovers. You have a lot of beautiful spots like  St Ouen’s Bay, Plemont, and Greve de Lecq. You definitely need to rent a car here, and you can just drive around and enjoy the scenery.

One of the highlights in Jersey has to be Gorey Harbour and Mont Orgueil Castle. This is a perfect photo spot and tourist area.

There are also some great tours you can do in Jersey like the Jersey War Tours that allow you to explore some of the underground bunkers throughout the island.

Eating and drinking in Jersey: There are so many places to eat in Jersey but some of our favourites are Bass and Lobster  located in Gorey and The Old Court House Inn  at St Aubin.

Belfast is the capital of Northern Ireland, and is the largest city in the country. But in terms of the island of Ireland Belfast is second in size and population to Dublin.

Belfast has an industrial history where it built ships, produced rope and tobacco and was a key player in the linen industry. It gained the nickname Linenopolis by the end of the 19th Century due to this.

As mentioned above Belfast is in Northern Ireland, which is part of the United Kingdom. That means that you will need to pay for things in British Pounds not Euros.

Are you wondering if  Belfast is worth visiting ? Here is a helpful guide.

Distance from Manchester: 184 miles.

How to get here: Both Easyjet and Ryanair have flights from Manchester to Belfast. There are usually a few flights per day. In terms of flight time you are looking at around 1 hour.

What to see: Belfast has some great places to visit which is why it is one of the best places to visit within 2 hours of Manchester. You can explore the Belfast Town Hall, stroll around the Botanical Gardens, or even visit the Crumlin Road Gaol.

The real highlight in Belfast though is the Titanic Museum. The museum is located by the old Harland and Wolff shipyard in Belfast’s docks, which is actually where the Titanic was built.The area was once derelict, but now is home to the museum, various ships, a distillery and much more. The museum is interactive, and takes you back to Belfast’s shipbuilding heyday.

Eating and drinking in Belfast: One of our favourite spots in Belfast for eating and drinking is the Cathedral Quarter. It’s full of cobbled streets, quirky graffiti and murals, plus tons of bars and restaurants. It does get lively particularly in the evening, and is a great place for an evening pub crawl.

For more information on the city you can look at this guide to spending a weekend in Belfast .

Hopefully this guide to the best places to visit within 2 hours of Manchester has been useful. As you can see there are so many amazing spots that are so close to Manchester city centre that will provide you with the perfect day trip. All you have to do now is decide which one of these day trips from Manchester you want to try.

Don’t forget you can pin this article for later below.

Happy Travels!

Wanderlust and Life is a blog for those that love to travel.

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12 Iconic Day Trips from Manchester, UK

With its central location and great transport links, Manchester serves as the ideal launch point for day-tripping adventures. Within an hour or two, a spectrum of English countryside, heritage cities, and charming villages await discovery on the perfect day out. Venture into the emerald hillsides and stone villages that inspired legendary authors. Stop for hearty lunches at centuries-old pubs frozen in time. 

Step back to witness the Coalbrookdale iron bridge that give birth to the Industrial Revolution. Bask in nostalgia strolling the candy-striped promenades of Britain’s best-preserved seaside holiday resorts! Extensive rail networks, coach bus tours and highways connect Manchester to the surrounding Northwest region with ease. Whether you fancy literary inspiration, industrial innovations, or seaside relaxation, iconic destinations promise brilliant, revitalising escapes. 

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An ideal city for day tripping

One of the best things about Manchester is its proximity to beautiful countryside, quaint villages, and historic cities, all within an hour or two’s drive or train ride. I find this super convenient for taking spontaneous day trips whenever the wanderlust strikes.  You can ride along gorgeous green hillsides dotted with sheep straight out of a postcard before stopping for lunch at a centuries-old country pub (although there are also plenty of old pubs in Mancheste r !).  You can also discover the inspiration behind your favourite authors and artists by stepping into their preserved homes and gardens.

Getting around

Luckily, Manchester and the Northwest region in general have great public transport connections. For car-free travellers like me, trains provide an easy option to make the most of your time one-way while admiring countryside views speeding by. For destinations a bit too remote for trains, coach tours pick up right in the city centre for seamless day trip experiences. With tours handling navigation and itineraries, you simply sit back and soak up the travel without hassle.

If you prefer being behind the wheel yourself, having a car allows ultimate flexibility to cruise through charming villages or stop spontaneously for photo ops along your drive.  While highways connecting Manchester provide an efficient base, don’t be afraid to veer onto winding backroads for eye-catching scenery far from tourist crowds.

12 Iconic Day Trips from Manchester

While lists abound for the most popular day trips from Manchester, some of my favourite places for Manchester day trips are the hidden gems which surround the city. Here are my top recommendations after extensive personal explorations that promise you a brilliant day out.

1. Quirky Port Sunlight Village

For a uniquely charming and endlessly Instagrammable escape less than an hour from Manchester, Port Sunlight always delights. Built as a model village for workers of the Sunlight soap factory, this self-contained riverside gem overflows with imaginative architecture, vibrant gardens, and an utterly happy ambiance. As you wander the meticulously preserved cottages and community buildings, you’ll discover quirky details everywhere. Keep your eyes peeled for the carved mice popping out of windowsills!  The Lady Lever Art Gallery provides a refined dose of fine art and history within the village itself. With such visual intrigue packed into a compact area, you’ll love losing yourself in Port Sunlight’s beauty on repeat visits.

How to get from Manchester to Port Sunlight

If you’re driving, the journey from Manchester to Port Sunlight will only take around 1 hour. However, if you’re taking the train, expect the journey to take around 2.5 hours. I always find the cheapest trains on Trainline. You can check train times and buy tickets from Manchester to Port Sunlight here.

2. Heritage heaven in Ironbridge Gorge

History truly comes alive with a day trip to Ironbridge Gorge in Shropshire, where the world’s very first iron bridge still stands strong across the River Severn. More than just a bridge, this site lets you experience the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution by exploring interactive living history museums and preserved 18th-century factories and homes. See how iron was forged, bricks fired in traditional kilns, and decorative tiles created. Learn from live demonstrations of everything from cooking to crafts amidst quaint workshops and cottages. 

For a fun change of pace, try your hand at making glass or pottery yourself in hands-on classes! With 10 unique attractions set amongst stunning natural scenery, you’ll be immersed in Ironbridge Gorge’s worlds of discovery from the past and present. Fun fact: Manchester used to be the textile capital of the world! This gave the city its nickname ‘Cottonopolis,’ and to this day, Australia, South Africa and other commonwealth nations still refer to their textile departments as the Manchester department! Here are more fascinating facts about Manchester .

How to get from Manchester to Ironbridge Gorge

It is possible to get from Manchester to Ironbridge Gorge using public transport, but it’s not easy – I’m talking about multiple trains and buses, so for a day trip, it’s probably not worth it. However, if you have a car, you can drive there in just under 2 hours, making it more than doable.

3. Seaside nostalgia in Llandudno

For the picture-perfect seaside holiday straight from the pages of a storybook, Llandudno is sure to grab you with its vintage charm. As one of Britain’s best preserved Victorian seaside resorts in North Wales, strolling the seaside promenade and long sandy beach here feels deliciously nostalgic. Add in the mountainous Snowdonia backdrop, and you have a destination dazzling from every angle. Hop aboard the historic Great Orme tramway ascending to stunning summit views, try your luck for a win in the arcade, or simply bliss out on the beach with ice cream from a candy-striped hut.  Llandudno has family fun down to an art form! When you tire of the bustling seafront, the peaceful gardens and preserved homes in the Conservation Area offer a glimpse into the seaside glamour of the past.

How to get from Manchester to Llandudno

You can drive from Manchester to Llandudno in 1 hour and 50 minutes, but public transport options are also great, with around 21 trains per day from Manchester to Llandudno, many of which are direct! Expect the train journey from Manchester to Llandudno to take just over 2 hours. Check times and buy tickets here.

4. Literary landscapes of the Lake District

Of course, no roundup of North West day trips is complete without the postcard valleys, glittering lakes, and craggy fells of the Lake District National Park, one of the most historical places to visit in England . Reachable in under 2 hours by direct train, the Lake District packs outstanding natural beauty with every mile.

However, it isn’t just natural beauty you’ll find here, for you will also step into the cherished locale that ignited creativity for England’s greatest writers like William Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter.  Tour their preserved homes bursting with boundless inspiration just as they left them, then hike the very footpaths threading through the wild landscape that stirred some of literature’s most famous verses and characters. This Beatrix Potter half-day tour looks simply magical, as does this Wuthering Heights, The Brontes, and Jane Eyre tour.

How to get from Manchester to the Lake District

You can get to the Lake District National Park from Manchester in 1 hour and 20 minutes by car. If you’re travelling by train, you have several options. You can take the train from Manchester to Windermere , which takes about 2 hours, from Manchester to Oxenholme , which takes 1 hour and 20 minutes, or head further north to Penrith in 1 hour and 40 minutes. For a fuller experience, this full-day tour from Manchester to Windermere includes your transport, tour guide, a boat trip on Lake Windermere, and numerous historical villages in the area.

5. Enchanting Chester and its Medieval Rows

The ancient walled city of Chester captivates with a magical mix of over 2,000 years of architecture and history within easy walking distance.  Inside the Roman and medieval walls, Chester’s most iconic feature awaits: The Rows. This two-tiered medieval shopping gallery with unique facades preserves the original street plan and buildings, creating the experience of stepping back in time. 

Explore The Rows’ hidden secrets like passages threading between buildings and stunning decorative craftsmanship boasting traditional techniques. Beyond these timber-framed gems, Chester brims with relics from every era like amphitheatres and castles.  Stroll along the canal paths or have a pint in England’s oldest racecourse to soak up Chester’s enduring charms.

How to get from Manchester to Chester

Chester is one of the easiest day trips from Manchester. By car, you can get there in 1 hour, or you can take one of the 87 daily trains between the 2 cities in the same amount of time. Check train times and get your tickets here.

6. Mighty Mountains and Mines of Snowdonia

Venture deep into the rugged beauty of Snowdonia National Park to discover a landscape of both natural and industrial wonders that tower in grandeur.  Ascend Mount Snowdon itself on train or foot to stand atop the tallest peak south of Scotland, dwarfed by sweeping views in every direction.  Alternatively, descend 300 feet underground into Great Britain’s largest former slate mine. These mountains fuelled Wales’ industrial growth for centuries, leaving Llechwedd Slate Caverns and similar mines as reminders of the backbreaking work once locked within.  Both above and below ground, Snowdonia delivers epic scale and perspective found nowhere else.

How to get from Manchester to Snowdonia

The drive from Manchester to Snowdonia takes 2 hours. If you’re using public transport, you’ll need to take the train from Manchester to Bangor (2 hours and 25 minutes on average), and then use the Snowdon Sherpa bus service to get to Snowdonia itself. This organised tour from Manchester combines a visit to Snowdonia with the aforementioned city of Chester, killing two birds with one stone!

6. Coastal path and castle of stunning Conwy

On the coastal edges of Snowdonia, the walled seaside town of Conwy presents you with postcard perfection around every turn. Conwy Castle itself captures the imaginations right away as one of Britain’s most impossibly picturesque and best-preserved fortifications.  While no longer guarding the kingdom, this UNESCO World Heritage castle now invites you to clamber staircases peeking into secret nooks and unseen views. 

Beyond its turreted silhouette, Conwy charms with a cascading waterfall springing under the walls, colourful harbour houses, and the North Wales Path threading just above it all. Give your legs a stretch with the 6-mile loop hike rewarding you with nonstop vistas between castle and sea. Fun fact: Conwy is also home to the smallest house in Great Britain!

How to get from Manchester to Conwy

The drive from Manchester to Conwy takes 1 hour and 40 minutes, making it one of the easiest day trips from Manchester. If you prefer to take the train, there are around 3 direct trains per day, with a journey time of 2 hours. Check train times and buy tickets here.

7. Traditional Lytham St Annes

A scenic drive under an hour transports you to the peaceful paradise of Lytham St Annes, among England’s most historic resort towns. Its meticulously preserved seafront radiates traditional seaside charm.  Green space and low-rise buildings give Lytham an airy, relaxed ambiance. Meander down the mile-long promenade, sink your toes in squeaky golden sand, then rest up Green and Pavilion gardens alive in vibrant bloom.  In town, independent shops and tea rooms beckon from Georgian facades. And Lytham Windmill still stands proudly after 300 years! Quieter than bustling Blackpool down the coast, Lytham St Annes offers up nostalgia perfected.

How to get from Manchester to Lytham St Annes

You can reach Lytham St Annes in just an hour by car from Manchester. By train, it takes 2 hours, but with 90 trains every day going from Manchester Piccadilly to Lytham St Annes, this is still a very convenient option. Check train times and book tickets here.

8. Quirky Scottish seaside town of Kirkcudbright

If you don’t mind a longer trip, venture just over the border for a quirky change of pace in the Scottish artists’ town of Kirkcudbright (pronounced ‘kir-coo-bree’). Its waterfront surprises with a distinctly Mediterranean aura thanks to exuberant multicoloured houses radiating a sunny vibe even on grey days.  Kirkcudbright flourished from trade links with Europe, shaping an arts scene attracting creatives for over a century. Galleries and studios open their doors to visitors, while specialty shops and a picturesque harbour tempt extended exploring.  With narrow wynds and tiny cottages cropping up delightfully around every turn, Kirkcudbright captures small town magic that’s anything but ordinary.

How to get from Manchester to Kirkcudbright

The only realistic way to squeeze in a day trip to Kirkcudbright from Manchester is to drive. The journey is incredibly scenic and takes 3 hours and 20 minutes, so as long as you get an early start, you’ll have plenty of time.

9. Easy coastal beauty of Formby Beach

If you really only have a few spare hours for a quick revitalising reset, Formby Beach delivers coastal serenity just over an hour northwest.  Stroll unspoiled stretches of sand through grassy dunes and pine forest. Watch horseback riders emerge through the trees, lending an atmosphere both peaceful and lively. Keep your eyes peeled for rare red squirrels frolicking in the woods!

How to get from Manchester to Formby

You can get to Formby from Manchester in just 1 hour by car, or 2 hours by train. There are on average 113 trains per day between Manchester and Formby, making this a great option, despite the longer time it takes. Check train times and buy tickets here.

10. Liverpool

Liverpool, the birthplace of The Beatles, is a vibrant city full of surprises. With its iconic waterfront, spectacular museums and galleries, and unique culture, it’s one of the most exciting day trips from Manchester. You can’t leave without visiting The Beatles Story, the largest permanent museum telling the story of Liverpool’s most iconic band. I’m not a fan of The Beatles, but I actually went on a Beatles tour in  Hamburg , and found it really interesting!

How to get from Manchester to Liverpool

The best way to get from Manchester to Liverpool is actually by train, with the journey taking just 37 minutes (driving takes 1 hour!). You can check train times and get tickets here.

11. Hebden Bridge

I only visited Hebden Bridge recently and I immediately fell in love with this adorable little West Yorkshire town. With adorable little cottages lining the equally picturesque Rochdale Canal, rolling hills all around, and an abundance of cutesy gift shops, artisanal food shops (we may have splurged a bit in the cheese shop), and traditional English pubs, Hebden Bridge is a great place for a holiday, or you can easily visit as a day trip from Manchester! If you enjoy walking, there are heaps of walking trails around here, and you can also go and visit the Heptonstall Museum in the neighbouring village, which is also where you can pay your respects at Sylvia Plath’s grave.

How to get from Manchester to Hebden Bridge

As with Liverpool, it’s far quicker taking the train to Hebden Bridge than it is to drive! The train journey takes 33 minutes, while the car journey takes 1 hour. Get train tickets and check times here.

12. Blackpool

Ah, Blackpool. Blackpool claims to be the ‘Las Vegas of The North,’ but I’d say it’s more like the Benidorm of England. Famed for Blackpool Tower, a landmark which was built in 1894 as a replica of the Eiffel Tower (and, weirdly, contains a circus and an ornate Victorian ballroom), Blackpool is also home to a theme park known as the Pleasure Beach, tonnes of tired-looking arcades, tacky souvenir shops, aggressive seagulls, and a rather depressing beach. It could never be considered a ‘nice’ place to go, but it’s certainly an ‘experience,’ and definitely one of the most iconic places to visit in Northern England.

How to get from Manchester to Blackpool

Blackpool is an easy city to reach from Manchester. By car, the drive will take 1 hour, and by train, you’ll be travelling for 1 hour and 15 minutes. There are 89 trains from Manchester to Blackpool every day, most of which are direct. Get train times and tickets here.

Essential travel tips for day trips from Manchester

Taking a few helpful tips into account will make your day trips from Manchester smooth and memorable. Here are some of my best tips.

• Check train/bus times in advance – Some routes to popular destinations have limited services per day so confirm schedules fit your plans.
• Pack layers even for summer – Bring a lightweight jacket as British weather fluctuates. Refer to this UK packing list for a complete guide on what to bring.
• Purchase advance discount tickets – Booking regional train tickets and attraction passes online ahead saves substantially over walk-up rates.
• Have cash on hand – While most major attractions and food shops accept payment cards, smaller villages and vendors may be cash-only.
• Give yourself flex time – When relying on public transportation, delays happen. Leave wiggle room before return trains/buses.
• Research stop locations – Understand where your station/stop sits in proximity to attractions using maps to minimise connections needed.
• Check attraction hours – Some historical sites and smaller museums have limited opening days or seasonal closures to confirm.

Day Trips from Manchester | Final Thoughts

What I love about these day trips from Manchester is how easily you can fully immerse yourself in places brimming with beauty, history, and culture so different from the city. Equipped with this list, you can confidently venture to the abundance of magical locales awaiting discovery by rail, bus or car. Have an incredible time making memorable adventures, and as always, if you have any questions then don’t hesitate to reach out in the comments section below! You may also find my Manchester guides interesting: Best Things to Do in Chorlton The Oldest Pubs in Manchester Gandey’s Circus Review The Fountain House Review Cosy Club Review Best Northern Quarter Restaurants 33 Reasons to Visit Manchester Places to Visit in Northern England Historical Places to Visit in England Bleakholt Animal Sanctuary, Ramsbottom Until next time, XOXO

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20 Best Day Trips From Manchester By Train – Cities & Nature

Table of Contents

This post may contain affiliate links to things like tours, hotels, Amazon associates and products. These help me earn a small commission at no additional charge to you.

Manchester is a creative, diverse city with lots to see and do. Although it would be difficult to get bored, there are plenty of day trips from Manchester should you want to explore further afield. Located in the northwest of England , Manchester is close to Sheffield, Leeds and Liverpool. If you’re more motivated by nature than city life, you’re in luck: Manchester is lodged between the Peak District and the Lake District. It’s also not far from North Wales.

MANCHESTER DAY TRIP ESSENTIALS Accommodation:  Booking.com // Hostelworld Activities:  GetYourGuide / Viator Getting there: Air ( Skyscanner ) train ( Trainline ), bus ( Busbud )

Map of the best Manchester days out:

Read my other Manchester blog posts:

• How to spend a weekend in Manchester
• Cool places to eat in Manchester
• The best Manchester cheap eats
• 12 independant coffee shops in Manchester
• Where to find street art in Manchester

How to take day trips from Manchester UK

Train is my preferred method of transport in North England. It’s the fastest way to get around and can be pretty affordable for short distances. Although travelling further afield in the UK (for example from London to Manchester) can feel extortionate, none of these trips listed will cost more than £30 return. I use Trainline to get the best prices on UK train prices .

Read next: How to travel the UK on a budget

Buses often take longer but can be even cheaper. Use Busbud to compare prices and availability of the major bus networks like National Express, Megabus and Flixbus. For more rural destinations like the Lake District, you may wish to check out organised day tours from Manchester. My preferred option is GetYourGuide for the variety of options but Viator often has decent deals, too. Although you can take all the below day trips near Manchester by public transport, a final option is to hire a car . Compare prices on Rentalcars.com . With no more ado, here are the best days out from Manchester, England…

1. Liverpool (journey time: 1 hour)

Despite the rivalry between the two cities, one of the best day trips from Manchester is to Liverpool, just an hour away by train. In my personal opinion, Manchester is the cooler of the two cities with better food options, however I’m still a huge fan of Liverpool. Things to do during a Liverpool day trip include exploring the Royal Albert Dock area where you can take a boat trip and visit museums including the Beatles Story, the Museum of Liverpool and the Tate. Don’t miss Mathew Street to see legendary Beatles spots such as the Cavern Club. For a hidden gem, pay a visit to the Bluecoat, a modern art gallery with a lovely cafe and inner-city garden. Nearby, shoppers will be in their element at Liverpool ONE with over 170 high street shops and restaurants. For food and drink, tuck into trendy eats at the Baltic Market , dine at stylish popups inside Duke Street Market or grab Asian food in Chinatown . Getting to Liverpool as a day trip from Manchester: From Manchester Piccadilly, trains take 1 hour and prices start from £2.90. Bargain! Browse train tickets from Manchester to Liverpool .

2. Peak District (journey time: 45 minutes) – best day trip from Manchester for hikers

The rolling limestone hills of the Peak District surely constitute some of England’s most beautiful scenery. Although it would be hard to decide whether the Lake District or Peak District is more beautiful, it’s fair to say the Peak District is easier to reach as a day trip from Manchester by public transport. From Dovedale and Lathkill Dale valleys in the south to the craggy Dark Peak area in the north, there’s a wide variety of hiking routes for different levels of ability. The highest point is Kinder Scout, best accessed by the Jacob’s Ladder hike. A beautiful hike suitable for casual hikers (including those wearing trainers rather than proper hiking boots) is Mam Tor. To reach the area by public transport during a day trip from Manchester, arrive into Edale station. Turn left out of the station to begin the Mam Tor hike . Top tip – mobile signal is patchy at best when you exit Edale station so make sure to download a map or screenshot the route beforehand. There aren’t many signs directing you to Mam Tor.

After hiking Mam Tor, I continued on foot to Castleton, a picturesque village in the Hope Valley. Here I rewarded my hiking efforts by indulging in afternoon tea at a cute cafe. Finally, I followed signs to Hope and caught a direct train back to Manchester Piccadilly from the station. Getting to the Peak District as a day trip from Manchester: Take a train from Manchester Piccadilly to Edale. A day return should be £12. If you do what I did and journey back from Hope, you should technically purchase an extra ticket to cover the Hope to Edale stop. Book tickets from Manchester to Edale .

Peak District by day tour: to see more of the Peak District during a one day trip from Manchester, consider a Peak District group trip inc Poole’s Cavern & Bakewell (and try Bakewell tarts in their birthplace).

3. Lake District (journey time: 1 hour) – the most beautiful Manchester day trip

Although the Lakes are considerably further than the Peaks, it’s possible to visit during a day trip from Manchester as long as you’re prepared to pick just a tiny patch to explore. With over 2,000km of countryside encompassing mountains, woodland, towns, villages and – of course – lakes (16 to be precise), you couldn’t thoroughly discover the Lake District in a month let alone a day. Popular things to do in the Lake District include taking a scenic boat cruise across L ake Windermere, seeing where Beatrix Potter used to live and write at Hill Top National Trust property, eating famous sticky toffee pudding in Cartmel village, hiking the Old Man of Coniston, and relaxing afterwards with cafes and boat trips from Coniston Water. Getting to the Lakes as a Manchester day trip: If you’re hoping to take a Lake District day trip from Manchester by public transport, your best bet is to travel by train to Oxenholme. From here, you can go gorge walking, kayaking and canoeing. Book tickets from Manchester to Oxenholme . To see the Lakes in better depth without your own vehicle, take a choice of day tour beginning in Manchester . This includes transport and commentary as you visit some of the Lake District’s most beautiful destinations.

Suggested tours:

• Lake District, Windermere, and Lancaster (£46)
• Grasmere, Langdales, Ambleside & gingerbread (£49)

If you have longer, follow my itinerary for a weekend in the Lake District .

4. Llandudno (journey time: 2 hours) – a Manchester day trip to Wales

A day trip from Manchester to another country? It’s possible and, better yet, will only cost you £13! With great rail connections, North Wales is easily accessible from Manchester. There are plenty of points of interest ranging from climbing Mount Snowdon to exploring postcard-perfect Portmeirion and heading further afield to Anglesey Island and Holy Island . One of the easiest places to reach from Manchester is Llandudno , a traditional Victorian seaside town with bags of charm and a perfectly-preserved pier (voted Pier of the Year, dontcha know!). When you’re not playing arcade games and eating fish n chips and candy floss, other things to do in Llandudno during a day trip from Manchester include taking the cable car or tramway up to the Great Orme, wandering in Happy Valley Botanical Gardens and discovering Alice in Wonderland connections via the moble app trail. Getting to Llandudno from Manchester: Direct trains from Manchester Piccadilly to Llandudno Junction start from £13, taking 2 hours. If you leave early and return late afternoon/early evening, it’s easy to visit North Wales as a day trip from Manchester. Book tickets from Manchester to Llandudno . When to visit: This trip is best taken during the summer months, ideally on a sunny day. If you don’t like crowds, try shoulder season from March-May or September-October instead.

5. Conwy, Wales (journey time: 2 hours)

Just 15 minutes from Llandudno is Conwy, a coastal town widely known as the best-preserved walled city in Europe. Worthwhile activities in Conwy include walking the city walls for spectacular views of the harbour and Snowdonia, visiting the smallest house in Britain and exploring Conwy Castle. Since time will be tight if visiting Llandudno and Conwy during the same day, choose one or split them into different day trips from Manchester. Getting from Manchester to Conwy: trains from Manchester Piccadilly to Conwy start from £30, taking 2 hours and changing in Chester. Another option is travelling to Llandudno Junction then catching a 15-minute bus to Conwy. Book your train from Manchester to Conwy .

If you want to see rural Wales as a Manchester day trip by public transport, consider a day tour. GetYourGuide offer a North Wales adventure for £49 .

6. Sheffield (journey time: 2 hours)

Another easy Manchester day trip destination is Sheffield, the UK’s fourth-largest city, famous for its once-booming steel industry. When it comes to Yorkshire charm, Sheffield’s city centre doesn’t disappoint. Tour the many free Sheffield tourist attractions such as the Winter Gardens, one of the largest temperate glasshouses in the UK, home to over 2,000 plants collected from various countries around the world. Y ou also have the infamous Kelham Island and its majestic museum telling the story of Sheffield’s contribution to the world’s steel market. At the museum, you can see cutlery items made in Sheffield which hold international importance. Sheffield is also praised for its many independent shops and restaurants. With places like the Lucky Fox and Tamper Coffee House, you’re in for a well-deserved meal before heading home. Getting to Sheffield from Manchester: It’s a short 50-minute journey through the Peak District by train direct from Manchester Piccadilly station. Book your tickets from Manchester to Sheffield . Entry submitted by Daniel from Urban Abroad .

7. Chester (journey time: 1.5 hours)

If you’re looking for memorable day trips from Manchester, head west to the beautiful city of Chester. It started life as a Roman fortress and is now a wonderful mix of Roman, Tudor and modern design. One of the first things you’ll see is the fortress walls surrounding the inner city. Chester is the only UK city with a full circuit of walls; you can walk along them for the full 1.8 miles, soaking up spectacular views. Admire the Eastgate clock, built for Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee, and King Charles’ tower where he stood and watched his troops being slaughtered during the English Civil War.  Other places to visit include Chester Cathedral which took 500 years to build (and is impressive enough to warrant it!) and the Roman Gardens with the ruins of a bathhouse and the biggest stone amphitheatre in Britain. There are also countless Tudor houses and streets to admire, plus wonderful shops, cafes and restaurants. 

For lunch, don’t miss the Jaunty Goat. There are two of these cafes in Chester, one vegan and one not. The Flower Cup also does a delicious brunch.  Getting to Chester from Manchester: The train from Piccadilly takes about 1.5 hours; tickets start from £8.80 each way. Book your train tickets to Chester . Entry submitted by Kat from  Biker Girl Life .

Combine North Wales and Chester into the same day with a Conwy, Snowdonia & Chester day tour from Manchester .

8. Harrogate – (journey time: 2 hours) a relaxing day trip from Manchester

Just shy of a two-hour train ride from Manchester is Harrogate, a Victorian spa town in North Yorkshire. If you have relaxation and a little indulgence in mind, Harrogate makes the perfect Manchester day trip.

Since the discovery of mineral-rich spring water in the 16 th  century, Harrogate has attracted visitors seeking restoration in the supposedly-therapeutic waters. Today, spas in the town offer treatments including baths, massages and manicures thanks, in part, to a recent reinvestment in its spa culture. Book your treatments at Turkish Baths Harrogate located in the Harrogate Royal Baths building before your day trip. This building is known for its lavish Turkish-style interior and a history of royal clientele. To learn more about Harrogate’s spa history, visit the Royal Pump Room Museum.

If soaking in iron and sulphur-infused mineral water isn’t for you, check out Harrogate’s gardens and parks. These include the Royal Horticultural Society’s Harlow Carr Gardens about a half-hour walk west of the city centre. You can also indulge in some shopping at Victoria Shopping Centre. 

For a bite to eat, enjoy an afternoon tea in the famed Bettys Café Tea Room . Don’t forget to grab some treats for the train ride home at Farrah’s Olde Sweet Shop.  How to get to Harrogate from Manchester: The fastest way is to catch the train at Manchester Victoria and change in Leeds. Book your Manchester to Harrogate tickets . Entry submitted by Ada from Beyond Yellow Brick blog .

9. Knaresborough (journey time: 2 hours)

Knaresborough is a pretty market town in North Yorkshire   that makes for a wonderful day trip from Manchester. The bustling town is full of lovely black and white chequerboard buildings and picturesque views, the best from Knaresborough Castle out over the town and Knaresborough Viaduct. Another great way to take in the views is from a boat on the River Nidd. Hiring a rowing boat is a popular pastime and a great way to take in Knaresborough at a leisurely pace.

Knaresborough’s most notable attraction is Mother Shipton’s Cave. Opened in 1630, it’s England’s oldest tourist attraction and tells the story of Ursula Sontheil, better known as Mother Shipton. She was a prophetess supposedly born in the cave around 1488. People travelled from far and wide to hear her predictions of the future.

For a bite to eat, Two Brothers Grill and Pizzeria serve excellent pizzas, pastas and burgers. For fine dining, award-winning Storm Restaurant offers an indulgent 3-course a la carte menu, a lighter lounge menu and traditional afternoon tea. How to get to Knaresborough from Manchester: By train public transport, the journey is around two hours. Catch a train from Manchester Victoria to Leeds, then take the Northern service directly to Knaresborough. An adult ticket costs around £28 each way. Book your Manchester to Knaresborough tickets . Entry submitted by Hannah from Get Lost Blog .

10. Nottingham (journey time: 2 hours)

Nottingham is the largest city in the East Midlands and makes for an easy day trip from Manchester. Things to do in Nottingham include visiting Nottingham Castle to learn about the history of the city and descend into the caves underneath it. During the City of Caves tour, you’ll learn how the caves were carved by the residents of Nottingham, and the purposes they’ve had over the years, from wine and beer cellars to Victorian slums and air-raid shelters. Families will love visiting the Robin Hood attractions, while photographers will feel inspired at Wollaton Hall. Just minutes from the vibrant city centre, this Elizabethan Grade I listed mansion is set in over 500 acres of parkland full of free-roaming red and fallow deer.  Finally, visit Hockley for an eclectic mix of bars and restaurants including Mandarin restaurant serving authentic Chinese food at reasonable prices. For dessert, don’t miss Doughnotts on King Street for Instagrammable treats. Getting to Nottingham from Manchester : there are multiple daily trains from Manchester Piccadilly station to Nottingham, taking 2-3 hours and costing £30 return. Book your Manchester to Nottingham trains .

11. Shrewsbury (journey time: 1.5 hours)

Shrewsbury is a historic town in England with a history dating back to Roman times. The half-timbered buildings date from the 12th and 13th centuries, Shrewsbury Castle was built as early as 1074, and Shrewsbury Cathedral is one of the finest examples of Norman architecture in Shropshire. The old town is locked in the loop of the River Severn, the longest river in the UK. The riverbanks and Quarry Park are lovely places to relax after getting lost in the tiny streets that resemble scenes from Harry Potter.

Read next: things to in Shrewsbury

Shrewsbury also hosts Shrewsbury Folk Festival (July), Shrewsbury International Food Festival (September) and a Gin Festival (April). If I can think of one ways to make your Manchester day trip even better, it’s gin! How to get to Shrewsbury from Manchester : Trains take between 1 hour and 90 minutes and cost as little as £15. Book your Manchester to Shrewsbury tickets here . Entry submitted by Travelling Twins .

12. Alton Towers (3 hours)

If you’re looking for adventurous day trips from Manchester, consider Alton Towers in Staffordshire. Not only is it one of the best theme parks in the UK, but it has some of the world’s best thrill rides, as well as vast grounds, gardens, forests and lakes. Board the cable car to enjoy panoramic views as you travel between the themed districts.  

Alton Towers is particularly popular during the autumn months as it hosts events such as Oktoberfest, Scarefest and a firework extravaganza for bonfire night. How to get to Alton Towers as a day trip from Manchester: Take a train to Uttoxeter (changing in Stoke-on-Trent) taking around 1.5 hours total, then transfer to a 1-hour bus to Alton Towers .

Entry submitted by Kerry from Adrenaline Junkiez .

13. York (journey time: 1.5 hours)

York is a charming town in the north of Yorkshire and one of the best day trips from Manchester for history lovers. The most popular attraction is York Minster, one of the most beautiful cathedrals in England. This 7th-century cathedral boasts outstanding Gothic architecture and impressive stained glass. Next, explore York’s museums including JORVIK Viking Centre and the York Dungeon. Foodies, don’t miss the Chocolate Story Museum! There are also plenty of free activities in York such as walking the York City Walls for incredible views of the city, relaxing at York Museum Gardens home to friendly squirrels, and strolling The Shambles, the oldest street in the city with plenty of quirky shops. Finally, head to Betty’s Tea Room for a delicious afternoon tea or SPARK for international street food. How to get to York from Manchester : Trains take 1 hour 40 minutes and cost as little as £9.70 each way when you book in advance. Book your Manchester to York trains . Entry submitted by Cristina from My Little World of Travelling .

Nearby day trips from Manchester (max 30 minutes away)

If you’re short of time and budget, consider the following. These can be taken as half-day trips but most offer enough entertainment (and more importantly, food options) that you could stay all day. These are the best Manchester day trips within a 30-minute radius…

14. Hebden Bridge (journey time: 30 minutes)

This market town in West Yorkshire is easy to reach during a day trip from Manchester. Thanks to the creative types who moved to Hebden Bridge in the 1970s, there’s a real independent feel with lots of quirky shops and cafes. However, the real charm isn’t the high street but the countryside. Take a leisurely walk along the Rochdale Canal soaking up views of the Calder Valley and Pennine hills. Finish with pub grub at Stubbing Wharf , a towpath pub serving hearty pies and locally-produced sausages. Hebble End Coffee Lounge is another cool spot with funky decor and espresso martinis. Getting to Hebden Bridge from Manchester: Hop on a 30-minute train from Manchester Victoria bound for Leeds. Book your tickets . Another place to consider when visiting Hebden Bridge is…

15. Hardcastle Crags (journey time: 30 minutes)

Hardcastle Crags in West Yorkshire comprises 400 acres of woodland approximately 30 miles northeast of Manchester near Hebden Bridge. Explore unspoilt countryside by completing the Gibson Mill Walk or the slightly longer Railway Trail starting from Heptonstall. These allow you to learn about the 19th-century mill, enjoy the views from the top of Hardcastle Crags and see the remains of an old railway bridge. However, the ultimate way to discover everything this area has to offer is a  10 mile long circular walk past lush valleys, epic landscapes, waterfalls and Hardcastle Crags’ stunning rock formations and historical sites. Pack your own picnic or stop for coffee and a bite to eat at Gibson Mill. Although Hardcastle Crags is owned by the National Trust, it’s free to visit even for non-members. Getting to Hardcastle Crags as a Manchester day trip: Trains depart every 20 minutes from Manchester Victoria to Hebden Bridge station. The journey takes 30 minutes and costs £13 return. Book your ticket . Either start your circular walk from Hebden Bridge or take bus 596 to Heptonstall. Entry submitted by Kitti from Kitti Around the World .

16. Trafford Centre (journey time: 30 minutes) – best Manchester day trip for shopping

Unlike the rolling hills and valleys of the Lakes and Peaks, the only thing you’ll discover at the Trafford Centre is decadent consumerism. Although a trip to a shopping centre might not sound like a travel adventure, the Trafford Centre is somewhere that needs to be seen to be believed. In the Urmston district of Greater Manchester, just five miles from the city centre, this ginormous shopping centre and leisure complex could keep you busy for multiple days, not just one. Every major high street retailer has a slot here, plus there’s a cinema, SEA LIFE centre, Laserquest and LEGOLAND® Discovery Centre. For 2021, there’s even a replica of the Squid Game doll supplied by Netflix. Rather you than me! When you get hungry, there are some ridiculously OTT food courts including a replica of New Orleans and a bustling Chinatown. It’s not a location for supporting independent businesses (see my Manchester food guides for that) but there’s a range of popular restaurants like Bill’s, Five Guys, Wagamamas, Nando’s and Yo Sushi. Getting to the Trafford Centre: There’s loads of free parking or you can arrive by tram. Catch any line to Cornbrook followed by the Red Line to the Trafford Centre. Buses X50 and 250 will also take you there.

16. Saddleworth (journey time: 30 minutes)

Saddleworth is a naturally beautiful area in Greater Manchester on the west side of the Pennine hills. It’s easy to explore the entire area during a Manchester day trip if you have a car, and slightly more limiting (but still doable) if you’re coming by train. Arrive into Greenfields station and walk or take a bus to the Uppermill area which has all the charm of a countryside village, just 25 minutes from Piccadilly. Take a walk in Brownhill Countryside Centre and get cosy in a cafe afterwards. Saints Cafe does excellent chocolate-dusted cappuccinos and coffee cake. However, the highlight of Saddleworth is walking in Dovestones Reservoir, just a five-minute drive from Greenfields station. You may be able to hail a taxi if you’ve arrived by public transport. Getting there: Catch a train from Manchester Piccadilly to Greenfield (25 minutes) from £5.50, then hop on a 6-minute bus to the Uppermill area.

18. Salford (journey times: 30 minutes)

Stay occupied during a day trip around Manchester by heading to Salford Quays. This hub of culture and entertainment just east of the city centre is home to the BBC headquarters and a bunch of museums and dining options. Although Salford stretches far beyond the Quays incorporating green spaces like Peel Park and Salford Museum and Art Gallery, the most impressive part – and the easiest to explore by public transport – is Salford Quays. On one side of the water is MediaCityUK, home to the BBC as well as a selection of eateries (check out Vertigo for plant-based brunches) and outdoor pop-up bars in the summer. Cross the water to visit the Lowry, a theatre, art gallery and charity using proceeds to improve local lives. See upcoming shows, exhibitions and workshops on the website. Getting to Salford Quays from Manchester: From St Peter’s Square, take the Blue Line (tram) to Harbour City and walk five minutes to the Quays. The journey should take 30 minutes.

19. Altrincham (journey time: 30 minutes)

This market town in Trafford is one of the trendiest suburbs in Greater Manchester, not to mention the most expensive. Apparently, it’s the quality of the schools in Altrincham that have attracted fancy types and pushed up the house prices. Although living here may be out of the question, it makes for a cool day trip from Manchester city centre. The best thing to do in Altrincham for foodies is visit Alty Market , run by the same people as the Northern Quarter’s Mackie Mayor, one of the coolest places to eat in Manchester . From fancy, veggie Asian cuisine to hearty pies with mash, there’s something for all taste buds. Find a shared table in this covered market and order via mobile app. Altrincham also has some cool coffee shops like Stubborn Mule Brewery and Two Brothers . Eat brunch at Common Ground and dinner at Sugo Pasta Kitchen . If you have time, explore the 300-acre deer park at Dunham Massey . Getting to Altrincham as a day trip from Manchester: Take the Green or Purple Line (tram) to Altrincham Interchange. Northern Rail trains also make the journey. Either method will take 30 minutes.

20. Chorlton (journey time: 20 minutes)

Chorlton is another cool and upmarket neighbourhood worth exploring during a Manchester day out. Just three miles from Manchester city centre, it’s a good place to explore for half a day with excellent food and drink options. It’s also a chance to spot grand houses and see how the other half live! Beech Road is the place to be seen with lots of boutiques and cafes. Notable places to eat and drink in Cholton include Into The Woods cafe , Double Zero Neapolitan Pizza and Little Yeti serving delicious momos (Nepalese dumplings). To escape the city, head for a walk in Chorlton Water Park. Getting to Chorlton from Manchester: The Pink Line and Blue Line trams (destined for Didsbury) call at Chorlton.

Enjoy these Manchester day trips!

I hope you have a better idea of the various days out from Manchester and how to get there and back.

Check out my other Northern England blogs:

• Cool places to eat and drink in Manchester
• The top cafes and coffee shops in Manchester
• 11 cheap eats in Manchester
• How to spend a day in Liverpool
• What to do in Liverpool in winter
• A perfect weekend in the Lake District

For more travel content, follow me on Instagram , Facebook , Twitter and YouTube .

TRUSTED RESOURCES FOR VISITING THE UK Flights (international and domestic): I use Skyscanner to find the best-value flights, using the ‘search by month’ tool to find the cheapest dates. You can also use the ‘to anywhere’ feature if you’re flexible on where you’re going. Car hire – use Rentalcars.com to compare car rentals and campers in the UK (and all around the world). For UK trains , I use Trainline . The search feature allows you to compare prices with other modes of transport. For buses , I use busbud . It’s the only site that compares UK coaches and buses. Find London to Manchester journeys for £1!  For hotels and self-catering apartments, I use Booking.com . You can filter by review score and price to find the best-rated budget places. For hostels, I use Hostelworld.com . Browse UK tours and activities on GetYourGuide . To save money on accommodation, I use Trusted Housesitters , a website that connects homeowners going away and travellers who can sit their homes & pets. Pack the latest copy of Lonely Planet UK . Need travel insurance ? I use True Traveller (for Europe residents) since it’s affordable but covers everything you’d need including various activities, valuables and pre-existing conditions. Unlike some companies, they insure you if you’re already travelling / don’t yet have your flight home booked. Get a quote . For travel insurance for other nationalities, I recommend Hey Mundo and for long-term digital nomad travellers, I suggest Safety Wing .

Rose is a solo traveller from the UK who has been on the road since 2015. She wants to show other women that solo travel isn't scary and doesn't have to be expensive! Rose has lived in Mexico, Canada and all over Asia, seeking out food, bubble tea and street art wherever she goes!

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THE 10 BEST Day Trips from Manchester

Day trips from manchester.

• Manchester to Ellesmere Port
• Manchester to Ambleside
• Manchester to Hawkshead
• Manchester to Bakewell
• Manchester to Keswick
• Manchester to Conwy
• Manchester to Llanberis
• Manchester to Bowness-on-Windermere
• Manchester to Bethesda
• Manchester to Baslow
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Likely to Sell Out
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Windermere & Lake District Tour from Manchester Including Cruise

2. Full-Day North Wales Sightseeing Adventure from Manchester

3. Snowdonia & Chester Day Tour from Manchester Including Admission

4. Chatsworth and Peak District Small-Group Tour from Manchester

5. The Lake District from Manchester

6. MANCHESTER: Lake District Adventure - Sightseeing Day Trip Tour

7. Derbyshire & the Peak District from Manchester

8. Private Manchester Tour with a Local, Highlights & Hidden Gems, Personalised

9. 3-Day Lake District Explorer Small-Group Tour from Manchester

10. North Wales from Manchester

11. Infinity Adventure

12. Manchester One Day Tour with a Local: 100% Personalized & Private

13. Private Shopping Tour from Manchester to Outlet Cheshire Oaks

14. Private Shopping Tour from Manchester City to Outlet CheshireOaks

15. Private Hire: Lake District from Manchester

Keep the fun going with other experiences in the area.

North Wales Adventure Sightseeing Day Trip from Liverpool

North York Moors and Whitby Day Tour from York

Lake District Adventure Sightseeing Day Trip from Liverpool

CHESTER: North Wales Adventure - Sightseeing Day Trip Tour

Herriot and Yorkshire Dales Day Trip from York

Moors, Whitby & The Yorkshire Steam Railway Day Trip from York

Full-Day Yorkshire Dales Tour from York

Yorkshire Dales Day Trip from York

The Lake District Tour from Liverpool

Ultimate Full-Day Lake District Tour: 10 Lakes, Amazing Scenery & Lake Cruise

"All Creatures Great and Small" Tour from the Lake District

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The Brontes, Wuthering Heights and Jane Eyre

What travelers are saying.

• Windermere & Lake District Tour from Manchester Including Cruise
• Full-Day North Wales Sightseeing Adventure from Manchester
• Snowdonia & Chester Day Tour from Manchester Including Admission
• MANCHESTER: Lake District Adventure - Sightseeing Day Trip Tour
• Derbyshire & the Peak District from Manchester
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16 Best Day trips from Manchester, England (2024 Edition)

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no extra cost for you!

Manchester is ideally located in the North West of England and there are so many places you can discover nearby.

Within a couple of hours, you can get to the seaside, the peaks and more!

As a Manchester local, going on day trips is something I do every weekend and today, I’ll share all my best tips with you.

📌 BEST DAY TRIPS FROM MANCHESTER

🌳 For nature lovers: Peak District , Snowdonia and Lake District

🏰 For history lovers: Chester and York

🎵 For music lovers: Liverpool

Whether you are spending a few days in Manchester or are living there and looking for a day out, this article is for you!

Let’s discover the best day trips from Manchester!

🔎 Table of Contents

Best Places to visit within 1 hour of Manchester

Distance : 40 miles / 1h

Located between Manchester and Liverpool, Chester is perfect for two kinds of people: History lovers and animal lovers!

Chester was founded as a Roman fortress but through centuries, became that very typical English town, covered with Tudor-Style half-timber houses.

Chester is the perfect example of what a melting pot of civilizations can result in! A beautiful and extremely interesting city.

I’d highly recommend going on a walking tour in Chester as you will discover so much about the history of the place! See prices here.

But besides that, you can go for a walk on the Roman walls, visit the cathedral and walk in town. You will discover beautiful medieval streets with timber facades on the building.

A mix of culture that is beautifully put together!

Although Chester is a must-do, it can get pretty busy in summer. It doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be going, but just be aware of that.

Now let’s switch to the other thing: Chester Zoo !

Chester Zoo is one of the best zoos in the world! And if you have a day to spare, you should definitely check it out!

Chester Zoo was open by George Mottershead and his family. He started collecting loads of animals, especially after WWI despite having been wounded. He had a passion for all animals and slowly slowly started being the zoo.

The thing that makes Chester Zoo so special is the fact that it was built purely out the kindness and passion of this family. Moreover, it’s operated by a registered charity (since 1934) and is involved in many projects about animal projection across the world.

2. Little Moreton Hall

Distance : 35 miles / 50 minutes

Located about 35 miles away from Manchester, in Congleton, Little Moreton Hall is a beautiful half-timbered mansion.

The property itself is fairly small compared to other National Trust so it might not take you the entire day, but it’s still a very nice place to go for the afternoon if you can.

You can visit the Mansion and the gardens.

This beautiful mansion paints an excellent portrait of what a typical English house used to be! So pretty and cute!

If you go around Christmas time, you might also get a glass of mulled cider!

You can book your ticket in advance on the official website . There is a fee but it will be free if you are a National Trust member.

3. Tatton Park

Distance : 17 miles / 30 minutes

Tatton Park is a National Trust property located 30 minutes away from Manchester city centre. It’s the perfect place to visit if you are looking for a day out around Manchester.

Tatton Park is loved by families as it is big and offers many different activities.

As you get there, you will drive through the deer park. Open your eyes, there are deers everywhere and it’s good fun to try to spot them. There are a lot of walking path in the park so you can explore it for hours!

The second main attraction at Tatton Park is the mansion and gardens. If you have a National Trust Membership , it will be included and you can visit both for free.

Finally, on the other side of the park is located a farm. That’s the perfect thing to do in Tatton Park with kids. The farm includes a mill and plenty of animals. The staff will show you how they milk cows and take care of the other animals. In the mill, you will find a presentation of how it used to be used. Very interesting!

To visit Tatton Park Mansion and Gardens, make sure to book your ticket in advance on the official website.

4. Peak District

Distance : 18 miles / 40 minutes

Established in 1951, Peak District is officially the first National Park in the UK! And what a well-deserved title. The peaks, as the locals say, are gorgeous and breath-taking!

There are so many things to do in the Peaks!

If you are going on a day trip from Manchester, I’d recommend taking the train to Edale (or drive if you have a car) and start from there.

Edale is home to some of the best hikes in Peak District such as Jacob’s Ladder and Mam Tor.

Castleton is also a cute village that you can visit on the same day.

Alternatively, you can also opt for the northern part of the Peak District. Dovestone Reservoir is an excellent day out from Oldham.

There are many walks around the reservoir including some you can do with children and some more challenging hikes.

If you don’t have a car, you may also want to opt for a day tour from Manchester. See prices here.

5. Lyme Park

Distance : 20 miles / 40 minutes

Lyme Park is quite similar to Tatton Park but a bit smaller and on the other side of Manchester, in Stockport.

It’s a National Trust Property as well. It will be included in your membership if you have the card otherwise, you can buy your tickets online.

The deer park is very big. It’s the perfect place to go for a walk and enjoy a picnic. The mansion and gardens are well worth a visit as well. It’s very different to the other properties around Manchester and it’s very interesting. There is even a inside garden.

6. Liverpool

Distance : 35 miles / 1h

Liverpool is one of the most underrated cities in the UK and yet has so much to offer! Whether you are a music fan or culture nerd, you will find many things to do in Liverpool.

Liverpool used to be the port of entry of most goods during the triangle trade. The revolutionary technology behind the wet dock was invented in Liverpool.

This was a game-changer during the industrial revolution. Today the maritime mercantile city of Liverpool is classed as UNESCO world heritage.

If you are interested in learning more about Liverpool, opt for a walking tour. See prices here.

Liverpool is also a great destination for museum lovers. There are so many of them! World museum, slavery museum, Tate… art and culture fans will love it!

If you like shopping, Liverpool will be your paradise. The city centre is home to Liverpool One, the biggest open-air commercial centre in Europe.

Liverpool was also used many times as a filming location for Peaky Blinders. If you are a Shelby’s fan, you may want to consider going on a Peaky Blinders tour. See prices here.

Finally, last but not the least, Liverpool is the birthplace of the Beatles ! If you love music, Liverpool is a must-go!

Head to Matthew Street and go to the Cavern, the club where the Beatles started! You can also book a ticket to visit the Beatles Story, the world’s largest permanent exhibition purely devoted to The Beatles. Click here to see the prices.

The music culture is extremely present in Liverpool. You will find many pubs and bars with live music. Loads of famous artists also come to Liverpool and perform in random places just to try out their new material so if you are lucky, who knows you might end up seeing an amazing show!

HOW TO GET THERE: You can easily drive there if you have a car. It will take you about 1 hour.

That said, I would highly recommend taking the train. There are several trains per hour going from Manchester to Liverpool. They take between 50 minutes and 1h10. The return journey costs between £7 and £15.

You can book your ticket on Trainline and keep it on your phone.

Fun fact : the train line between Manchester and Liverpool was the world’s first passenger railway.

7. Trafford

Distance : 10 miles / 20 minutes

Looking for a family day out in Manchester? Trafford will be the perfect place for you!

Located on the edge of the city, Trafford is home to many entertainment places as well as the famous Trafford Centre.

If you are a first-time visitor, make sure to go to the Trafford Centre. Not only will you find hundreds of shops but it’s also such a unique place.

It was beautifully decorated. It almost looks like a theme park. Make sure to head to the food hall so you can see the mini China town, Little Italy and the replica of the boat deck.

If you’re not into shopping but want to have a fun day out in Manchester, you should opt for one of the following activities:

• Visiting Sealife. See prices.
• Trying indoor skydiving at iFly. See prices.
• Hitting the slopes at Chill Factore.

Best Places to visit within 2 hours of Manchester

Distance : 70 miles / 1h30

York is, without the shadow of a doubt, one of the most beautiful cities in the UK. If you love history and medieval towns, York will be your paradise!

You can jump on a train from Manchester Piccadilly station and in less than 1 hour you will be in York. The city centre is quite small, making it super easy to walk around!

The best way to make the best of your day in York is to go on a walking tour. The guide will bring you to the main attractions in York and tell you everything about the history of the place. York offers a very interesting mix between roman, normans and anglo-Saxons influences.

The most popular place is the Shambles. This narrow street is very characteristic of York. It’s also a great place for Harry Potter fans. Even though Harry Potter wasn’t filmed in York, the Shambles were turned into a Harry Potter street in recent years.

If you want to discover the actual Harry Potter filming locations in the UK though, you can head here.

9. Lake District

Distance: 75 miles / 1h10

It would be impossible to talk about day trips from Manchester without mentioning Lake District! This beautiful National Park is one of the most popular places to visit in Northern England.

It’s about 2 hours from Manchester. You can get there by train or car but if you want to make the best of your day, a day tour to Lake District from Manchester would be the best.

You can see more details and latest prices here. You can also check this article to see all tours to Lake District.

The lakes, as they are nicknamed, offer amazing walking and cruising opportunities. You will also find a lot of picturesque villages such as Kendal and Windermere.

Finally, you can also visit the world of Beatrix Potter.

Click here to see the prices for a day tour.

10. Birmingham

Distance : 86 miles / 1h40

Birmingham is the second biggest city in the UK. It’s located about 2 hours away from Manchester by train, it’s the ideal day trip if you want to discover a bigger city.

Birmingham is perfect for shoppers! You will find the biggest Primark in Europe and plenty of other shops in the massive shopping centre in town.

If you are going in November or December, you will also be able to enjoy the Christmas markets!

If you love music, Birmingham will be a good place to visit too. There are a lot of music venues, perfect to go see a gig!

11. Yorkshire Dales National Park

Distance : 52 miles / 1h15

Located about 1 hour and a half from Manchester city centre, the Yorkshire Dales National Park features some of the most beautiful landscapes in England!

Beautiful small villages, limestone walls, sheep and hiking trails… that’s what the Yorkshire Dales are all about!

If you like hiking, make sure to go to Malham. The village itself is very cute but the best thing about it is the walking trails. You can head up to Malham Tarn or choose to go up to Malham Cove.

Not only the view is absolutely stunning from there but it was also a Harry Potter filming location ! If you are a Potterhead, you will recognise this unique cliff where Hermione and Harry camp in the 7th movie!

The best way to get there is by car. Although you can reach some towns by train, it will be a long trip and you won’t be able to get around. You can truly understand the true beauty of the Yorkshire Dales when you’re driving on these narrow roads.

If you don’t have a car, you can opt for a day tour from Manchester. Click here to see the prices.

13. Snowdonia National Park

Distance : 95 miles / 1h50

Snowdonia National Park is particularly known for being home to Wales’ highest mountain, Mount Snowdon.

It was Wales’ first national park and is an absolute beauty! One of my favourite places in the UK! There are so many things to do in Snowdonia.

If you are going to Snowdonia on a day trip from Manchester, you may want to leave early and be ready for a full day. It will take you about 2 hours by car to get there. You can also opt for a day tour by bus. Click here to see the prices.

From there, one of the best things to do is obviously to hike Mount Snowdon. There are six different routes you can take: Llanberis path, Pyg Track, Miners’ Track, Watkin Path, Rhyd-Ddu Path or the Snowdon Ranger Path.

But Snowdonia has so much more to offer! It boasts way more hiking trails than Snowdon and you can find some for all difficulty levels.

If you are a thrill-seeker, Snowdonia will be your paradise too! Because it’s home to the world’s fastest zip line! Zip World Velocity.

I got the chance to experience it back in 2015 and I can tell you it was one of the best things I did. I put it right up there alongside skydiving above the Great Barrier Reef! That’s to say how much you love you.

Tickets start at £65 and get two rides. One on a smaller zip line, then one on the big zip line. Besides the speed, the thing that I loved the most about it was the place itself. You are on a mountain, the seaside in the background, literally flying above a lake! It’s absolutely amazing!

14. Pleasure island

Distance : 55 miles / 1h05

Pleasure Island is a family theme park in Cleethorpes, near Blackpool. It’s a great destination for a day out near Manchester with kids.

It has been running since 1993 and is a local institution.

The park is split in 6 areas: Africa, Kiddies Kingdom, Morocco, Old England, Spain and White Knuckle Valley.

You’ll find an interesting selection of rides including some for young children and adults.

15. Alton Towers

Distance : 44 miles / 1h20

Alton Towers is an amusement park located in Stoke-on-Trent, about 1h20 away by car from Manchester.

You can also take the train from Piccadilly Station.

It’s the perfect activity if you like roller coasters!

Like any theme park, I would recommend going early to avoid having to queue too much. That said though, it has nothing to do with theme parks in Florida for example, compared to that it’s still a fairly small park. But really good fun and that’s what matters!

16. Llandudno

Distance : 81 miles / 1h40

Llandudno is a small seaside town located in North Wales . It’s a popular destination amongst locals, especially in summer.

You can easily get there by car. It takes a bit less than 2 hours. Alternatively, you can opt for a day tour of North Wales from Manchester. Click here to see the prices.

Once you reach Llandudno, you can park in town but be careful with the parking restrictions as some places are limited to 2 hours.

You can then walk to town, grab a delicious fish and chips before heading to the beach.

The beach is pretty large and you’ll have plenty of room for a walk. You can also walk along the promenade up to Llandudno Pier.

If you are travelling with a dog, head to West Shore Beach instead.

You may also be interested in:

• 21 Best Day trips from Bristol (for both locals and visitors)
• National Trust Manchester: 7 Best National Trust sites to visit around Manchester
• Manchester Food Guide: 9 Delicious and Typical Mancunian Foods and drinks!

Founder of Beeloved City, I am originally from France and have been living in the UK since 2016. I've travelled to 25 countries as a backpacker, travel coordinator and for holidays. I spent a year in Australia before eventually settling down in Manchester, England

22+ GREAT Day Trips From Manchester 2024 & Day Tours from Manchester!

Categories England , Manchester , U.K

Looking for day trips from Manchester to the Countryside, Coast or other Cities nearby? Plus train or coach trips from Manchester if you don’t have transport??

There are so many things to do in Manchester , but sometimes you just want to get out of the area and see somewhere new, and one of the reasons I love living in Manchester so much is the abundance of places to visit near Manchester .

From nearby cities like Liverpool & Chester to countryside locations like the Peak District, Lake District & the Yorkshire Dales , plus the coast of North Wales and Merseyside , we have a lot of day trips from Manchester to suit everyone!

In this Manchester travel blog, I’ve teamed up with my travel blogger friends to give you a fantastic list of the best day trips from Manchester based on our own experiences of going on them.

Find What You're Looking For Easily Here!

Day Trips from Manchester

For most of these day trips around Manchester, having a car will be the ideal option .

🇬🇧MANCHESTER TRAVEL RESOURCES🇬🇧

🏘️Book your accommodation in MCR

Booking.com and Hostelworld will help you to check availability in advance and book!

🚘Get your car rental from MCR Airport

in advance to make your trip more convenient. I always use you can use Rentalcars !

🚆Book your train tickets

to & from Manchester using The Trainline including to and from the airport!

⚽️Get your tickets and guided tours

to Manchesters top attractions with Viator and GetYourGuide !

✈️Flying into Manchester

and haven’t booked flights yet? Book them on Skyscanner now!

Manchester Car Hire

If you are visiting Manchester from overseas, look into car hire from Manchester Airport here .

Day Trips from Manchester by Train

Travelling by train to one of these day trips from Manchester is a great idea if you do not have your own car or you don’t want the stress of driving, especially if you are based in Manchester City Centre .

There won’t be a train option for all of the below day trips from Manchester ideas but you can search The Train Line to see where you can go by train.

For the cheapest train tickets from Manchester , I recommend booking a few weeks in advance rather than last minute!

Check out train routes from Manchester on The Train Line here!

Coach Trips from Manchester

Manchester is a great city to do coach trips from thanks to the many bus terminals and companies that serve the city and surrounding area.

If you wish to do an independent coach trip from Manchester , The Train Line searches coach & train options so you can easily buy a return ticket from Manchester and explore the destination yourself for the day once you arrive.

Check coach and bus availability on The Train Line here!

Day Tours from Manchester

Below in this list of the best day trips from Manchester, I have highlighted in green the highly rated day tours from Manchester !

If you are travelling alone without transport , or, you just want a guided tour so you can sit back relax, learn and see more , there are many day tours from Manchester, particularly to the Peak District, Lake District and North Wales .

I love a good day tour because the pressure is off you, just turn up at the meeting point and then you’ll be chauffeured from place to place with a knowledgeable guide all day with the chance to meet some new friends.

Day Trips Manchester

So let’s get into it. Here is a list of the top day trips from Manchester and places to visit near Manchester in one day!

1. Castleton, Peak District

The Peak District is a perfect day trip from Manchester  with its pretty villages, fantastic hikes and interesting caves to explore. One of the best places to get a mix of all three is in the small village of Castleton .

With its stone houses Castleton is often described as a quintessential English hamlet and when walking around the pretty streets it is difficult to disagree. It is also one of the main walking centres in the Peak District being surrounded by hills on three side. One of these hills is Mam Tor which is nearly 1700 feet high and this is where the path for the 3km ridge walk from Edale to Castleton passes.

For a shorter walk climb the steep hill up to Peveril Castle. The views from the top are worth the climb. The castle dates from 1086 and belonged to William Peveril who is said to have been one of William the Conqueror’s illegitimate children.

In the more recent past the region was big on mining which can be seen from the number of caves in the area. Close to Castleton there are four caves: Peak Cavern, Speedwell Cavern, Blue John Cavern and Treak Cliff Cavern . Both Peak Cavern and Speedwell Cavern are a short walk from Castleton but if you have a car make the short drive to the Blue John Cavern which is the most spectacular.

Due to the number of hikers and visitors there are a number of restaurants and coffee shops in the village. Some of the best are Tilly’s tearoom, 1530 and Rose Cottage.

If driving from Manchester, the Visitor Centre and a large car park are on the left shortly after you enter the village. 

Suggested by: Kristin from scotlandlessexplored

2. Buxton, Peak District

Buxton is one of the fairly easy day trips from Manchester if you are looking for a day trip to the Peak District from Manchester .

From South Manchester it takes 1 hour to drive there , from the city it’s 1 hour 30 minutes, however, you can also get a 1-hour direct train from Manchester Piccadilly to Buxton making it one of the good day trips from Manchester by train.

Buxton is a town in the Peak District and if you think you want to visit the Peak District but aren’t keen on big hikes or you have children that need facilities nearby , Buxton is a great option because there are many things to do in Buxton town without going too far.

Buxton Park offers a lovely green space to walk around and relax in. During the summer and school holidays, there are many events and markets for children and adults to enjoy. Buxton Pavillion offers a botanical garden with an arts centre and cafe attached to it.

There are lots of cafes and restaurants in Buxton suiting all budgets. You can go for afternoon tea at a quaint cafe, have a pub lunch or grab a cake from a bakery.

To make more of your day trip from Manchester to Buxton, you can visit Poole’s Cavern .

Poole’s Cavern is on the outskirts of the town and offers a 45-minute journey through magnificent underground passage s rich in stalactite and stalagmite formations, legend and history! Because the Cavern is underground, it’s a great day out near Manchester if the weather isn’t looking great.

Suggested by: Ellie from The Wandering Quinn

PEAK DISTRICT DAY TOUR FROM MANCHESTER

For a highly rated Peak District Day Trip from Manchester to see the rolling hills of the Peak District , taste the traditional treats of Bakewell , and journey into the natural wonder that is Poole’s Cavern , check out this Peak District day tour from Manchester .

Chester, a historic fairy-tale town , makes for a charming and one of the best day trips from Manchester . Founded in 79 AD by the Romans, Chester has a multi-chapter history that includes the Romans, Vikings, Middle Ages and the Renaissance.  Today, Chester is known for its medieval-style cathedrals , black-and-white buildings, walkable main strip, well kept green spaces and a beautiful river that flows through the old town .

Check out the impressive Chester City Walls that the Romans built when trying to protect their fortress, the Deva Victrix .  While the Deva Victrix is no longer standing, you can still see parts of the foundation around town.

Be sure to take photos in front of the elegant clock that hangs over the Eastgate archway in the main strip. This archway was once the entrance to the ancient Deva Vetrix . The clock above it is the most photographed clock in England after the Big Ben. 

Visit the Chester Cathedral, with its spectacular high arches. With its construction of it beginning nearly 1,000 years ago, Chester Cathedral has been defaced and vandalized many times throughout history, but has stood the test of time. Venture to the top of the cathedral’s 125 ft tower for a beautiful, panoramic view of Chester and the surrounding land.

Take an afternoon walk along the Groves, a promenade along the River Dee that winds its way through old town. Along the promenade, there are cafes, shops, restaurants, benches and gazebos. Afterwards, take a boat ride through the river and relax in the Roman Gardens.  You can get to Chester from Manchester in just an hour via the M56 . If you’re visiting North West England with kids, be sure to check out Liverpool , a family-friendly city and home of the Beatles.

Suggested by: Kristin from tinyfootstepstravel

4. Knaresborough, Yorkshire

Knaresborough should be on your radar for a great day trip from Manchester as it is one of the nice places around Manchester . The historic town is around 55 miles from Manchester and is easily reachable by public transport. Steeped in hundreds of years of fascinating history, Knaresborough is a charming market town and one of the hidden gems of Yorkshire. Although this is a small town, there are plenty of fun and enjoyable  things to do in Knaresborough . 

The town is known for its imposing Railway Viaduct , breathtaking vistas, Mother Shipton’s Cave and the petrifying Well. For the iconic view of the viaduct over River Nidd, visit Knaresborough Castle. The ruined medieval fortress sits atop a high cliff. Also, the adjacent Courthouse Museum is well worth a visit. Here you will learn about the town’s past and the intriguing tales of its colourful inhabitants.

But the most enjoyable activity here is rowing on the peaceful water of River Nidd . You can hire a boat from the nearby waterside pier. Also, this will give you the perfect vantage point to admire an epic view of the layered houses and the viaduct more closely. 

Afterwards, you can take a pleasant stroll along the waterfront to visit the Chapel of Our Lady of the Crag , a pretty 15th-century chapel cut out of sandstone.

Another unmissable visitor attraction in Knaresborough is the Shipton’s Cave and the petrifying Well. Opened in 1630, this is one of the oldest visitor attractions in England . Here you can discover the history of mystic fortuneteller Mother Shipton who was born in this area.

Suggested by: Moumita & Sankha from  Chasing the Long Road

5. Lake Windermere, Lake District

All of the Lake District is fantastic but Lake Windermere is an ideal day trip from Manchester . To get to the southern end of the lake is only a 2 hour drive away and pretty much a straight line up the M61, then the M6.

For a memorable day out, I would suggest to drive t o Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway and jump on the beautiful old steam train that takes you along the river to the bottom of the lake (about a 45 minute ride). Then you can take a passenger cruise boat all the way up lake Windermere to the popular towns of Bowness or Ambleside to explore.

There are spectacular views from the train , boat and town, you can hire a rowing boat to enjoy the lake some more, wander in the local craft shops and of course grab some fish and chips to eat by the lakeside . 

You can buy the return tickets for the train and boat as a package , from the railway station so its really convenient. And Dogs get to travel for free so its pet friendly too! It is £24.50 for a return ticket to Bowness and £34.50 to Ambleside.

Suggested by: Callie from Countingourfootsteps

6. Tarn Howes, Lake District

The Lake District is a famous destination for day trips from Manchester due to its stunning scenery and range of outdoor activities. To make the most of your trip, consider visiting a popular spot which is Tarn Hows .

This picturesque body of water located in the  Lake District  of England is accessible to all types of visitors. Walking paths around the lake are easy to follow and provide excellent views of mountains and woodlands.

Tarn Hows was created in the mid-19th century by James Garth Marshall, who joined three smaller tarns to make a larger one. This way, Tarn Hows became more accessible and enjoyable for visitors.

The best way to get to Tarn Hows in the Lake District from Manchester is to drive . There is a National Trust car park only a few minutes walk from the lake. People with limited mobility can also rent tramper mobility scooters to enjoy a lovely day in Tarn Hows.

Tarn Hows walk around the lake should not take more than 2 hours . If you like longer hikes, you can also visit the nearby Tom Gill waterfall . However, to make the most of your Lake District visit, consider an all-day picnic in a scenic location with ample space and access to the calm water that Tarn Hows provide. 

Suggested by: Paulina from the UK Every Day

LAKE DISTRICT DAY TOUR FROM MANCHESTER

The Lake District is full of places to visit but can seem far to drive for some and it has small country lanes not everyone is comfortable with.

So why not join a day tour from Manchester to the Lake District and spend the day with a knowledgeable guide to see the best places to visit in the Lake District? Here are some of the best tours you can book:

7. Lyme Park

Lyme House is a National Trust property that’s just a short drive south of Manchester so it makes a wonderful day in the country if you don’t want to travel too far.  

The very grand stately home is one of the main reasons that it is one of the best places to visit near Manchester and people are tempted to visit here, since it’s been used as a   filming location for Pemberley , the opulent home of Mr Darcy in the BBC’s 1995 adaptation of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice.  The classic scenes that saw him emerge from a lake and meet Elizabeth Bennet were filmed all around the house’s exterior.

The tv series didn’t use the interior of Lyme House but it’s still a beautiful place to explore and step back in time.  There are many rooms to wander around including the library and a regency dressing room .

If the weather is good then you can spend a lot of time outdoors.  There are a lot of different areas to explore from the expansive grounds where you might find deer and 500 year old oak trees to the more formal gardens by the house.  Perhaps take a walk around the Italian garden which is expertly manicured or the rhododendron walk for amazing colours.  

Of course, you cannot miss the gorgeous lake outside the house which provides a beautiful reflection on still days – it’s a great place to practice photography or even painting as it has done for many years.

Suggested by: Kirsty from lostinlandmarks

8. Macclesfield

Macclesfield is an ideal destination for a day trip from Manchester . Nestled in picturesque Cheshire, this charming town boasts a rich history and a plethora of interesting attractions for outdoor lovers .

It’s very easy to get there since it’s only 30 minutes drive from the city centre or 20 minutes on the train from Piccadilly (and there are trains every 20 minutes!).

If you’re a history buff, you’ll want to visit the Macclesfield Silk Museum , which tells you everything you need to know about the town’s silk industry and its influence on the local economy. 

For nature lovers, Macclesfield Forest should be the preferred option. It’s located right outside of the town and offers breathtaking landscapes and opportunities for hiking and cycling.

If you are into hiking, you should also consider going to Tegg’s Nose. There are some wonderful  walks  here with views over the reservoir and the forest.

If you love food and shopping, be sure to visit on a Saturday because there is the weekly Treacle Market in town. You’ll find all sorts of local produce from Cheshire cheese to vegetables.

And if this is not enough, you can also explore some of the attractions in the villages nearby such as Jodrell Bank (a famous observatory), Alderley Edge, a cute village with National Trust walking paths or Bollington .

All in all, Macclesfield is an excellent choice for a day trip from Manchester , offering a perfect blend of history, culture, nature, and culinary delights which makes it one of the top places to go to trips from Manchester .

Suggested by: Pauline from Manchester Pocket Guide

For more ideas for family day trips in and around Manchester have a read of my posts:

23+ Fun Family Days Out NEAR Manchester!

25+ FUN Family Days Out IN Manchester!

9. Snowdonia, Chester, Lake District Day Tour

A chance to see Conwy Castle , the world’s smallest house, Snowdonia NP, Betws-Y-Coed and the historic town of Chester all in one trip, starting from £65.13pp. Available on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, Rabbie’s provide this fully guided small group tour departing from Manchester .

This is an 11-hour day tour , departing at 8.30am and arriving back at approximately 7.30pm. The meeting point for the tour is next to the NCP car park on Store Street (M1 2WD). Roundtrip transport is included, as well as the admission fee for Conwy Castle. The Motel One (London Road) is an ideal accommodation base for this trip , which is also nearby the Manchester Piccadilly train station .

Although this trip takes a half-day, it is packed with sightseeing of both architectural and natural variety. It also allows you to tick off places of interest across two countries whilst taking care of the transport logistics – so you just get to sit back and enjoy the scenery on the drive! Your driver is also a professional tour guide , and is there to share all their knowledge as you experience the wonderful sights.

Please note that tickets exclude any other admission fees and gratuities (optional) so it would be advisable to bring a small amount of cash. Food and drink are also excluded so packing a few snacks and some water would be a good idea too.

Suggested by: travelsofasolopassport

Embark on an unforgettable adventure through North Wales, including the breathtaking beauty of Snowdonia and the historic charm of Chester, by booking this guided tour!

10. Pontcysyllte Aqueduct & Llangollen, North Wales

The Llangollen Canal and  Pontcysyllte Aqueduct  are two of the most iconic landmarks in Wales . A visit to this breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage region is a must-see for any traveller who wants to experience the beauty of North Wales.

The 41-mile Llangollen Canal runs from the pretty town of Llangollen, Denbighshire, through rural countryside to Hurleston Junction near Nantwich, Cheshire. The canal was completed in 1805 and was an important transportation route in Victorian times. Today, it’s used primarily for leisure, with narrowboats available for hire allowing visitors to explore the picturesque surroundings .

The highlight of the canal journey is undoubtedly the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct which spans over 1000 feet across the Dee Valley . Known as “ The Stream in the Sky “, it stands over 120ft high and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape – making it one of Britain’s most popular tourist destinations and best day trips from Manchester .

The aqueduct was built between 1795 and 1805 by Thomas Telford and William Jessop as part of their ambitious plan to connect London with Holyhead. Visitors can walk or cycle along the towpath alongside the canal or take narrowboat tours.

The experience provides an excellent opportunity to enjoy some quiet time surrounded by nature while marvelling at one of Britain’s most remarkable feats of engineering. 

Several other attractions worth exploring around Llangollen town include Plas Newydd House Museum & Gardens, Valle Crucis Abbey ruins (a Cistercian monastery), Horseshoe Pass scenic waterfalls and Chirk Castle .

Suggested by: Coralie from greyglobetrotters

11. Eryri National Park (Snowdonia National Park), North Wales

I love Eryri National Park (Snowdonia National Park) in Wales and it really is possible to visit on a day trip from Manchester thanks to the main part of the journey being along the North Wales Express !

Can you climb Snowdon on a day trip from Manchester ?? Definitely! I’ve done it many times! You can even climb Snowdon, the highest mountain in Wales and visit a few of the most beautiful places to visit in Wales in the same day!

If hiking is not for you, Eryri National Park (Snowdonia National Park) still has a lot to offer, you can go surfing at Surf Snowdonia , adrenaline seeking in one of the Zip World locations , horse riding at Snowdonia Riding Stables which I did recently, and enjoy the small villages and towns like Llanberis and it’s slate museum .

For one of the full-day day trips from Manchester which will leave you tired but full at the end of the day, plan a day in Eryri National Park (Snowdonia National Park)!

12. Llandudno, North Wales

For some seaside fun and one of the great beaches to visit from Manchester , head to Llandudno on the North coast of North Wales.

You might be surprised to know from South Manchester, Llandudno is just 1 hour 30 minutes by car ! This is also one of the places to visit in Wales by train and could also be one of the possible day trips from Manchester by train and as there is a direct train from Manchester Picadilly to Llandudno taking 2 hours 15 minutes.

Llandudno offers a Victorian seaside experience with a huge pier, long beach , actually multiple big beaches, and all of the seaside treats and fun you could want. Of course, in the summer and on a nice summer’s day, it is much nicer but you can also visit all year round as there’s nothing like a winter walk on the beach.

For additional things to do in Llandudno , you can visit the Great Orme which is an easily accessible mountain peak via tram or car. You can also do activities like visiting Llandudno Ski and Snowboard centre and nearby Conwy Castle which is one of the top North Wales attractions to make the most out of your day out of Manchester.

NORTH WALES DAY TOUR FROM MANCHESTER

If you don’t have your own car but want to see the countryside of North Wales, book this day tour from Manchester to Wales!

It will take you to the Victorian seaside town of Llandudno , to the historic and popular Conwy Castle and end in the stunning Eryri National Park (Snowdonia National Park)!

Book North Wales Sightseeing Adventure Day Trip now !

13. Blackpool, Lancashire

Blackpool is the perfect day trip from Manchester when you’re in the mood for a fun day by the coast, as it’s just a short train ride away . If you’ve been to Brighton before, you’ll already have an idea of what to expect in Blackpool. It’s an old beach town with its own charm, and there are plenty of amazing things you can do there. 

Some of the best   things to do in Blackpool  on a day trip include strolling down the promenade and going to one of the arcades on the pier to play some games . Walking on the pier almost feels like being transported back in time to the late 19th century, when it was built. 

The main attraction in Blackpool is the Blackpool Tower , which was inspired by the Eiffel Tower . From the top of the tower, you get the best view of the whole city and the seaside from above. Afterwards, you can relax on a sandy beach or head to the “ Pleasure Beach ” amusement park. There you can find “ The Big One ”, a rollercoaster which was once the tallest and steepest in the world when it opened in 1994.

So, if you’re in Manchester and want a stroll along the beach or a fun day at an amusement park, Blackpool makes for a great day trip.

Suggested by: Tina from Veganderlust

14. Southport, Merseyside

For some seaside fun north of Liverpool and Manchester, Southport offers a pretty good day trip from Manchester option because of Southport Pleasureland , a fantastic day out, especially for families with young children.

Southport also had a huge beach , in depth when the tide is out, and in length. It has a coastline stretching 22 miles across Sefton !

We visited on a hot summer afternoon and had a great time at Pleasureland with my stepsons and then we hit the beach. The tide was out so after 15 minutes of walking we still hadn’t even reached the water which was crazy but a new experience and a good way to tire the kids out before the drive back to Manchester. You can also walk along the pier which at 1,000 metres long, is the second longest in the country !

Because of the long coastline, bike riding is a popular thing to do in Southport and this is a pretty good-sized town so it has all the amenities you need for food and activities to give you a great day trip from Manchester !

15. Liverpool

Liverpool is a fantastic day trip from Manchester and one of the best places to visit near Manchester , with its rich history, vibrant culture, and beautiful architecture. It’s conveniently located just a short distance down the M62 motorway or an easy train ride away from Manchester, making it an ideal destination for a day trip .

One of the main  attractions in Liverpool  is its impressive waterfront, Royal Albert Docks, where you can take a stroll and take in the iconic landmarks and museums , including Tate Liverpool , The Museum of Liverpool and the Beatles Story .

You can also take a Magical Mystery Tour and explore the places in Liverpool associated with the Beatles, such as Penny Lane and Strawberry Field. Or you can visit the Cavern Quarter and listen to live music.

One of the must-do activities during your visit is to hop aboard the iconic Mersey Ferry and listen to “Ferry Cross the Mersey” while enjoying the stunning views of the city’s waterfront. The 50-minute ferry ride has become a popular and memorable experience for tourists and locals. It offers a unique perspective of the city’s skyline and allows you to immerse yourself in the area’s history while cruising along the water .

Liverpool is also renowned for its shopping and dining scene, with a wide range of options to suit all tastes and budgets. The Liverpool ONE shopping center offers a fantastic mix of high-street brands and designer stores, while the Bold Street area is known for its independent shops and cafes. 

It is easy to see why Liverpool is an excellent option for a day trip from Manchester because of its vibrant culture, rich history, and iconic attractions!

Suggested by: Rachel from Average Lives

At only 1 hour and 30 minute drive and train ride, York is an easy day trip from Manchester . There are many reasons to visit York – from its beautiful historical buildings and quaint streets to green parks.

York Minster is the main attraction in York. It is the second largest Gothic cathedral in the north of Europe, and every traveller will be amazed by its size and interior with detailed architecture and colourful stained glass.

Another unmissable place in York is The Shambles , home to half-timbered buildings , quirky shops , and ghost stories . It is here where you can also find The Shop That Must Not Be Named , a must-visit for Harry Potter fans.

York also has many incredible museums, perfect for all travellers, including families with children. Some of the most famous museums include JORVIK Viking Centre , National Railway Museum and York’s Chocolate Story for those with a sweet tooth.

When it comes to  free things to do in York , there are fantastic activities to do for travellers on a budget. One of the best things is walking on the City Walls to enjoy a different view of the city.

Last but not least, Museum Gardens is a lovely place to relax, picnic, and contemplate St Mary’s Abbey and its ruins.

Suggested by:  Cristina of My Little World of Travelling

YORKSHIRE DAY TOUR FROM MANCHESTER

There are so many places to visit in Yorkshire and the Yorkshire Dales, an easy way to see a lot in one day is via a group day tour from Manchester to Yorkshire .

This day tour takes you to picturesque towns like Hawes and Haworth , an impressive waterfall , Malham Cove and the Ribblehead Viaduct and to try local cheeses !

Book this Yorkshire Sightseeing Day Trip and find more about Yorkshire culture!

17. Anglesey, North Wales

If you’re happy to be in the car just a bit longer, you can’t beat a day trip to Anglesey from Manchester to give you a dose of relaxed island life .

Anglesey is one of the most beautiful parts of North Wales ! It’s an island connected by 1 bridge close to Bangor and it is rich in nature and history .

One of our favourite places to visit in Anglesey is South Stack Lighthouse because this is the most westerly point of Wales .. pretty cool hey! There are also many walking paths around here and nothing but amazing coastal views.

Another one of our favourite places is Traeth Llanddwyn Beach , it offers a huge sand beach with small sand dunes and views of Eryri National Park (Snowdonia National Park).

In fact, if you are looking for the best beach to visit on a day trip from Manchester , I’d say this is it, it’s spectacular!

As well as beaches and walking routes, Angseley offers lovely small villages and towns like Beaumari s so you can really spend a day road-tripping around Angseley going wherever you fancy with plenty of facilities to keep you full and entertained whilst also enjoying nature and being in the middle of no-where!

Ludlow, England is a great day trip from Manchester for those looking for places near Manchester to visit and explore the history of the English monarchy and enjoy some classic British sights. Located in Shropshire, Ludlow is easily accessible by a 2.5-hour train ride and offers plenty of activities to keep visitors entertained all day.

One of the main attractions in Ludlow is its castle . Built in 1085 during William I’s reign, it was once known as an important fortress on England’s Welsh border. It’s famous for its royal ties, but maybe most famously for being the site of Prince Arthur Tudor’s death , leading to his brother Henry ascending to the throne. Later infamously known as Henry VIII.

Today, the ruins remain well-preserved with many original features still intact such as towers, battlements , and even a chapel which can be explored by visitors. The castle also hosts various events throughout the year such as jousting tournaments and music festivals so there are always new experiences to discover here!

The town itself has plenty to offer too! Market Square is home to a weekly farmers market where you can find local produce from nearby farms – perfect for picking up souvenirs or stocking up your picnic basket before heading out sightseeing around the town’s historic streets and buildings.

The town is quite small, and you can explore most of it on foot, taking in the beautiful Tudor houses and even finding a playground for the kiddos.

Several pubs also offer traditional ales alongside delicious food menus – ideal for relaxing after a long day. Just be aware that many, if not most, restaurants and pubs do not serve food on Sunday. If you find yourself there for Sunday dinner, check out The Feathers Hotel .

Book your Sunday dinner table well ahead to ensure you don’t end up eating mini-market sandwiches on the train back to Manchester.

Suggested by Allison from Renovating Life

19. Jodrell Bank Telescope

Jodrell Bank is a world-famous radio telescope in the Cheshire countryside near Macclesfield. It’s just 20 miles south of Manchester and an easy day trip from Manchester by car. You can’t miss it as you get closer to the site – one minute you’ll be driving down a leafy lane and the next there’s a huge white dish looming above the trees.

Jodrell Bank is part of the University of Manchester , and astronomers have been searching the skies from here since 1945. The huge Lovell radio telescope was built in 1957 using parts from old Royal Navy battleships to let it spin and tilt.

During the Cold War space race it was the only telescope able to track the Soviet Union’s Sputnik satellite, and it’s still in active use today. It was added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites in 2019.

Visiting Jodrell Bank  has been a popular day out for decades , but in 2022, a new visitor centre opened at the site. The new First Light Pavilion includes a cinema where you can watch films about space and the telescope on a huge, domed screen. There’s also a superb interactive exhibition on the history of Jodrell Bank.

Once you’ve seen the exhibition, don’t miss the other attractions and exhibits at the site, including the Whispering Dishes , where two mini versions of the Lovell telescope are set up 40 metres apart . Whisper into one, and you’ll be heard as clear as day by the person at the other end.

Suggested by: Helen from helenonherholidays

20. Coventry

At just a couple of hours away, Coventry is a fantastic day trip from Manchester and offers many activities and attractions to enjoy. There are various transportation options available between the two cities, from train, bus or coach – whatever is most convenient for you. There are many things to experience in Coventry such as seeing one of England’s most famous Cathedrals and visiting the famous Lady Godiva Statue , as well as the Transport Museum – a significant museum seeing as Coventry was once one of the car manufacturing capitals of the world.

Coventry is full of history and unique hidden gems: around 900 years ago Lady Godiva rode through the streets of Coventry naked on a horse in protest to a tax her husband had imposed. You’ll find the statue of her riding the horse in the centre of town, as well as the bust of ‘Peeping Tom’ who was caught looking at her!

During the Second World War Blitz Coventry was one of the most bombed places in the UK (even more so than  London !) and the medieval Coventry Cathedral was completely destroyed. You can visit this Old Cathedral: the ruins still remain so you can walk around them, as well as visit the New Cathedral next to it. Both look fantastic in the day as well as lit up after dark and are free to visit.

There are several other attractions in Coventry that are worth visiting, including the popular Coventry Transport Museum which showcases the city’s rich motoring heritage.

Coventry also has a range of shops and a popular indoor market, and there are plenty of restaurants, cafes, and bars to visit.

Suggested by: Catrina from 24 Hours Layover

21. Birmingham

Birmingham is considered to be the UK’s second capital and makes a great day trip from Manchester , being just 1 hour and 40 minutes away by car or train, visitors can have a full day to explore all the city has to offer.

There are so many awesome things to do in Birmingham for any age group. Families will enjoy visiting the sea life centre or one of the wonderful zoos . If you are a solo traveller you will love seeing the origins of chocolate and how it’s made at Cadbury World or catching a show at Symphony Hall.

For couples there are plenty of  date ideas in Birmingham  from visiting the oldest working cinema in the UK, to Brewery tours and couples baking classes .

Whoever you are visiting with, Birmingham has something for everyone. As a university city, it is a cultural melting pot and is home to some of the best restaurants in the country , make sure to stop by The Wilderness for a unique experience of rock and roll meets fine dining in the Jewellery Quarter.

Or if street food is more your scene, head to Digbeth dining club for a variety of pop up food stalls. If you are not sure where to start head to Brindley Place and explore some of the bars, restaurants and entertainment options by the canal side.

Suggested by: Steph from Book It Lets’ Go!

Taking a two-hour train ride from Manchester to London is the perfect way for travelers to experience all that England’s bustling capital has to offer.

After arriving, numerous iconic landmarks and attractions are awaiting exploration such as Picadilly Circus , Leicester Square , Trafalgar Square , Buckingham Palace , Tower Bridge , and Covent Garden – allowing everyone an opportunity of discovering unique sights without having to commit overnight in the city!

These places offer a perfect starting point for those looking to make the most of a day in London .

Picadilly Circus is renowned for its theatres, bars and attractions while Leicester Square showcases some of the country’s finest cinemas and theatrical shows.

Trafalgar Square – home to the National Portrait Gallery – is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, boasting a beautiful fountain as well as the famous Nelson’s Column .

For those looking to explore London’s Royal culture , Buckingham Palace and the Tower of London are some of England’s most impressive monuments.

Finally, Covent Garden offers visitors an insight into the city’s vibrant cultural side – with plenty of cafés, restaurants and designer stores to choose from.

A day trip from Manchester to London can be the perfect way to experience all the city offers – with numerous iconic landmarks and attractions awaiting exploration.

So why not take the two-hour train journey and explore England’s bustling capital today?

Suggested by: Fiona from travellingthirties

Day Trips from Manchester FAQ

Here are FAQ’s for day trips from Manchester:

Where can I go 2 hours from Manchester?

There are many places 2 hours from Manchester. You can go to the Peak District in 1 hour, Lake District in 2 hours, Birmingham in 2 hours, North Wales in 1-2 hours from Manchester.

What is close to Manchester?

The Peak District and Ribble Valley are 2 areas close to Manchester that are well worth visiting as well as Chester and North Wales.

What other cities are close to Manchester?

Chester, Liverpool, Warrington, Leeds, Bradford are all cities close to Manchester

How many days is enough to visit Manchester?

There is a lot you can see with 1 day in Manchester but to fit in places near Manchester too, I’d recommend 3 days.

Thank you for reading, I hope this post has helped with ideas for day trips in Manchester and day tours from Manchester!

For more of my related posts see:

• 25+ FUN Family Days Out IN Manchester | Manchester With Kids!
• Perfect One Day in Manchester Itinerary | A Day in Manchester with Lots of Options!
• London With Kids Itinerary 2-3 Days & Tips For Planning a Trip to London With Kids!
• BEST Halal Restaurants in Manchester!
• Review | Manchester United Museum & Stadium Tour! How Good is it?
• 48 Places To Visit in Wales To See Beautiful Places in Wales!
• How To Do Dovestone Reservoir Walk, Easy Circular Walk in Peak District

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Best Day Trips from Manchester

Situated in England's northwest, Manchester is known for its rich industrial heritage, its lively music scene, and its sporting culture. The city is also home to several world-famous museums and galleries, making it the perfect destination for a cultural break.

With all that there is to do in Manchester, you might be tempted to keep your trip within the city limits, but that would be a waste. Once you've explored all the best museums in Manchester , done the walking tours, and experienced the nightlife, you should look to escape.

When it comes to the best day trips from Manchester, this area of England offers the option to explore national parks, major cities, quaint villages, and interesting historical sites, many of which are less than two hours from the city.

With all the traveling you will be doing on these day trips, don't drag unnecessary items with you. Leave what you don't need in a Bounce luggage locker in Manchester , and you'll be ready to hit the ground running (not literally).

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How to get out of Manchester

It's easy to get around Manchester and almost as easy to go on day trips from here. The city has over 600 bus routes, 8 tram lines, and 16 rail lines. To escape the Greater Manchester area, you'll typically rely on either a rental car or the train.

Rental cars can be picked up throughout the city and at the airport, and the two main train stations you're likely to use are Manchester Piccadilly and Manchester Victoria.

If you have an aversion to the train or renting a car, many companies run bus day trips from Manchester that are completely organized for you as an added bonus.

From Manchester to Liverpool

It makes sense that we would start our list of the best day trips from Manchester with Liverpool. It only takes about an hour to get from the Manchester City Centre to the other big city in the area. This Merseyside city offers lots of things to do for history buffs, music fans, and art lovers.

Liverpool is synonymous with The Beatles, and when in town, you can visit the iconic Cavern Club and the Beatles Story Museum . The museum tells the band's story, from their humble beginnings in Liverpool all the way through to their global superstardom. You'll get to see lots of memorabilia, including instruments, clothing, and personal items belonging to the band members. You can also tour Paul McCartney's childhood home, Penny Lane , and Strawberry Fields if you're a super-fan

Another interesting stop on your day in Liverpool is the nearby village of Wirral, where a highlight is the Port Sunlight Village. It's a purpose-built village with charming cottages that feels miles away from the city, even though it's basically still Liverpool. Don't forget to check out the Port Sunlight Museum for all the information on this unique area.

Another idea for your sightseeing in Liverpool is a visit to the Merseyside Maritime Museum . This museum tells the story of Liverpool's maritime history, from its days as a major port city to its present-day role as a gateway to Britain. There are lots of interactive exhibits to enjoy, as well as plenty of historic artifacts on display.

How to get to Liverpool

The easiest way to get to Liverpool is undoubtedly using the train. It's under an hour if you time it right, and you don't have to worry about parking or traffic. If you prefer to drive yourself, the journey takes roughly an hour without traffic.

From Manchester to the Peak District

When you want to leave city life behind, the Peak District is one of the most popular tourist destinations in England. Located in the heart of the country, this national park is home to some of the most stunning scenery in the UK. And, with Manchester being just a short drive away, it makes for the perfect day trip from the city, especially if you bring your walking boots.

There are plenty of things to see and do in the Peak District, whether you’re looking for a challenging hike or a leisurely stroll. For those who want to explore more of the great outdoors, there are numerous walking and cycling trails to follow. Or, if you’d prefer to take it easy, there are also plenty of quaint villages and towns to visit, each with its own unique character. Check out Congleton to start - it has beautiful countryside and the well-preserved Little Moreton Hall. This half-timbered mansion is definitely worth visiting as it dates all the way back to 1508.

How to get to the Peak District

The easiest way to get to the Peak District from Manchester is by car. The journey will take around an hour, depending on where in the park you’re headed.

From Manchester to the Lake District

The Lake District is a mountainous region in northwest England. A popular holiday destination, it is famous for its lakes, mountains, and forests and has inspired artists, writers, and musicians for centuries.

For day trip purposes, the easiest part of the park to get to is Lake Windermere . But, just because it's the closest doesn't mean you sacrifice anything. Lake Windermere is one of the largest in the Lake District, with 18 different islands to explore.

The area was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2017, and it's the second-most visited national park in the country, after the Peak District. The reason it's such a big draw is for its many activities, including walking, climbing, fishing, and boating.

Once you've had enough of the great outdoors, check out the charming villages that you'll find scattered throughout the national park. Our favorites include Hawkshead , with its traffic-free zone, and Grasmere, once the home of William Wordsworth.

How to get to the Lake District

There are many entrances to Lake District National Park, but generally, an hour's drive from central Manchester will get you there. Once you arrive at the park, you'll want to explore around, and a car is definitely the best way to go. Alternatively, the train takes about an hour and a half from Manchester Piccadilly to the Oxenholme train station, and then it's about a 20-minute walk from there. But, getting from place to place within the park will be a challenge.

From Manchester to Buxton

The Georgian town of Buxton is located in Derbyshire, close to the Peak District. It's well known for its natural springs, which have made it a popular destination for centuries.

Buxton is also home to Poole's Cavern, a limestone cave that's open to the public. The cave has been used as a shelter since the Bronze Age and is full of stalactites and stalagmites.

Today, Buxton is a lively town with plenty of things to see and do. In addition to its natural attractions, there are also several museums, art galleries, and shops to explore. Plus, if you're looking for some relaxation, the town's Thermae Spa offers a range of treatments using the local thermal springs.

How to get to Buxton

The easiest way to get from Manchester to Buxton is by car. The journey takes around an hour without traffic. Alternatively, there are regular buses that run from Manchester to Buxton, which take a bit longer but are cheaper and less stressful than driving in Manchester traffic.

From Manchester to York

Another great option for a day trip from Manchester is the historic city of York. Just a two-hour train ride away, this medieval city is full of things to see and do.

The main attraction in York is undoubtedly York Minster, one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in Northern Europe. But, there are also plenty of other historic buildings to explore, including the 13th-century Clifford's Tower and the Jorvik Viking Centre.

For those who prefer a more leisurely pace, strolling around The Shambles - York's medieval shopping street - is a must. This picturesque street is lined with timber-framed houses and independent shops selling everything from souvenirs to food.

Wander the ancient city walls, visit The National Railway Museum, or explore one of the many historical churches - York Minster is the most famous. And, if you're a Harry Potter fan, you can even take a tour of the real-life locations that inspired J.K. Rowling's magical world.

How to get to York

The easiest way to get to York from Manchester is by train. The train journey takes about an hour and a half, and there are direct trains available. The fastest route leaves from Manchester's Victoria station. If you prefer to drive, the journey will take a little less than two hours, depending on traffic.

From Manchester to Quarry Bank Mill

For a day trip with a difference, head to Quarry Bank Mill in Cheshire. This working cotton mill from the Industrial Revolution is now a museum, and it's a great way to learn about this important period in British history. The building itself is a sight to see, and once you visit, you'll understand why this is now a National Trust Grade II listed building.

The mill is set in 48 hectares of gardens and woodland, so there's plenty of opportunity to explore the surrounding area. And, if you're feeling energetic, you can even take a hike up to Tegg's Nose Country Park.

How to get to Quarry Bank Mill

The mill is one of the closest day trips from Manchester on this list. It's only about half an hour's drive south of Manchester, and this one is easy to get to using public transportation. Trains leave from Manchester Picadilly, and then it's just a 10 to 15-minute walk to the Apprentice House.

From Manchester to Chester

Chester is a beautiful historic city that's easy to reach from Manchester by public transport, making it the perfect day trip destination. There are plenty of things to do in Chester, but you should start with a trip to the Gothic Chester Cathedral, which dates back to the end of the 11th century. Visitors can explore the nave and crypt and climb the tower for stunning views over Chester.

Chester Castle is another must-visit spot here for history buffs. This medieval castle was built in the 11th century and has been used as a prison, military garrison, and stately home over the centuries. Today, visitors can explore the ruins of the castle, including the grandiose Great Hall, and learn about its fascinating history.

If you're traveling with kids (or not), a trip to the Chester Zoo is in order. It's home to over 15,000 animals. Highlights include the elephants, lions, and tigers, but there's also plenty to keep kids and adults busy, with a petting zoo, playground, and educational talks and shows.

Once you've seen the medieval walls, you should also take a tour of Chester's unique Rows. These covered walkways date back to the 13th century and link the main streets of Chester. Today, they're home to a variety of shops, cafes, and restaurants, making them the perfect place to take a break from sightseeing and grab a bite to eat.

How to get to Chester

It's really about the same in terms of time whether you drive to Chester or take the train. Either way, it's going to take about an hour.

From Manchester to Snowdonia National Park

To round out our list of the best day trips from Manchester, we're heading outside of England. Snowdonia National Park is in Wales and is only about a two-hour drive from the city. It's easily one of the most beautiful places in the UK, and the park is home to mountains, lakes, forests, and waterfalls, so it's the perfect place for a day of hiking and exploring.

In terms of what to do here, a hike up Mount Snowdon is sure to get your blood pumping. It's the highest mountain in Wales, and with six different routes to the summit, so you can choose one to suit your fitness level. Once at the top, you'll be rewarded with stunning views over Snowdonia National Park.

As you explore the park, you'll see waterfalls, lakes (Llyn Llydaw at the base of Snowdon is especially nice), and even some animals, like the local sheep and goats.

How to get to Snowdonia National Park

Your best bet to get here is by car. Everything is spread out, and the public transport links are patchy at best.

There are plenty of great places to visit on a day trip from Manchester. Whether you're interested in seeing other major cities, UNESCO World Heritage sites, the area's natural beauty, or quaint villages, you'll find it close to Manchester. Drop your bags and hit the road!

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The 8 Best Things to Do in Manchester, England

Posted: December 12, 2023 | Last updated: December 12, 2023

Photo by Billie Cohen

Manchester, England, is gorgeous. It’s a fairy-tale city of spires, red-brick Victorian buildings, squares lined with restaurants and pubs, and old universities accented with pops of modern architecture . A canal runs through most of it, with restored tow-paths alongside. Despite this, the northern England city is mostly associated with a limited range of things: rain, its Manchester United and Manchester City football teams, its industrial economy, Oasis, and rain. And if that’s all you know, you’re missing out. For decades, the university city (it has five!) has been deliberately, intentionally, slowly expanding and elevating its cultural cred—and making a huge effort to support arts and culture. Now, that work is coming to fruition, and there’s never been a better time to visit. That’s one of the main reasons we chose it as one of AFAR’s picks for Where to Go in 2024 . Here are eight more reasons to venture north on the train from London.

Manchester has long been a rich, edgy, history-making music city. In the 1960s, Bob Dylan busted out his electric guitar here; in the 1970s, the Sex Pistols played their first gig outside of London; in the 1980s, the city’s Factory Records label and Haçienda nightclub sparked a massive musical vibe shift as hometown bands New Order, the Stone Roses, Happy Mondays, and the Smiths played all-night dance parties and created the “Madchester” era. And in the ’90s, Oasis and the Britpop wave pulled the music world’s attention back to Manchester once again.

Today, the city’s music scene is still rich and thriving. (Even though the Haçienda is now an apartment building, if you walk around the back of the building, you’ll see an art installation: a metalwork timeline of its biggest moments.) Small bands still rock small venues all over the place, and there’s a bigger, more expansive music push, too. The United Kingdom’s largest indoor concert venue, Co-op Live , is set to open in Manchester in 2024. Backed in part by Harry Styles, the arena will fit more than 23,000 people and is being acoustically constructed for music performances specifically (though it’ll also host other types of events). Highlights of the 2024 lineup already include Eric Clapton, Olivia Rodrigo, Britpop darlings James, Jonas Brothers, and Styles’s old bandmate Niall Horan.

“From the minute you walk through the door it will feel different than other spaces,” says Ben Tipple, the head of digital and communications for Co-Op Live. “We have deliberately counteracted the long corridors, the empty spaces, the bad seats. What makes it special is that it’s purpose built for music . . . to provide the backdrop and opportunity for the artist to sound their best.”

Performing arts and theater

Since 2007, the arts organization Factory International (named in honor of the record label of decades past) has been hosting the Manchester International Festival , a biennial, 18-day festival of new works known for pulling artists and ideas from seemingly different worlds into unexpected collaborations, as well as for performances and events that defy easy genre labels. (e.g., Massive Attack once teamed up with documentary filmmaker Adam Curtis). The next festival will be in 2025 and is definitely worth planning a trip around; the big news is that you don’t have to wait that long anymore. At the end of 2023, the organization unveiled a permanent home, not only for the biannual event but also for year-round programming: Aviva Studios at Factory International . In 2024, its usual mix of unusual commissions continues with City of Floating Sounds , composer Huang Ruo’s interactive symphony project (June) and a new multimedia work by Laurie Anderson called ARK .

To find out more about Manchester’s cultural calendar, follow Secret Manchester and Visit Manchester.

From indie boutiques to great record stores to vintage to high-street staples, Manchester has it all. Some of my favorites: Vintage clothes, posters, and even old-style ice cream fill the floors of the former department store Afflecks ; and modern makers line the late-1800s fishmonger stalls of the Manchester Craft and Design Center . Keep room in your luggage for a visit to Piccadilly Records, which has been independent since it opened in 1978 (and continues to earn a spot on “best” lists). And between shopping trips, sample the indie food scene via a few food halls, such as Mackie Mayor , a collection of nine varied cuisines in the grand—and fully intact—1858 Smithfield market building.

Museums and galleries

In 2023, the 135-year-old Manchester Museum , part of Manchester University, reopened following a $18.4 million “hello future” renovation project with a mission to reevaluate Britain’s colonial past and its own role in displaying historical objects and artworks. The new permanent South Asia Gallery is a colorful, invigorating, and at times heart-wrenching example: Cocurated with a group of South Asian community leaders, artists, historians, musicians, scientists, and students, it talks as openly and honestly about partition and South Asian residents’ experiences in Manchester as it does about the joy of Bollywood soundtracks. An exhibit of Egyptian mummies (through April 2024) overtly discusses eugenics and grave robbing, along with the usual, fascinating dose of ancient history. Oh, and the whole museum is free.

The edgy People’s History Museum uses art to talk about democracy, rebellion, and inclusion—a good fit for Manchester. After all, the city has a history of radicalism: this is where Emmeline Pankhurst launched the British Suffragette movement, where mill workers voted to stop using cotton picked by U.S. slaves (prompting a thank-you letter from Abraham Lincoln). The Manchester Jewish Museum just got an expansion, including a renovation of the adjacent Spanish and Portuguese synagogue; browse the exhibits, listen to oral histories of Jewish Mancunians past and present, and talk to the Jewish residents who are docents here—they were wonderful and happy to share. In terms of art, you’ve got the gorgeous Whitworth Art Gallery (on the Manchester University campus) and the Manchester Art Gallery (in a beautiful 200-year-old building). If you’re not into art, there’s always the National Football Museum (pubs on a game day are also something of a cultural experience, especially when Manchester United or Manchester City is playing).

I look for libraries whenever I travel. In my humble opinion, a public library says a lot about a city, its people, its past, and its present. (Plus, they usually have cool architecture and free Wi-Fi.) Now I recognize that not everyone is as into libraries as I am, but, trust me, Manchester has several that even non-nerds will find intriguing. For starters, the oldest surviving public library in the English-speaking world is here: It’s called Chetham’s , it was founded in 1653, it’s located in a former monastery that dates back to 1421, and it’s open for tours.

The neo-Gothic John Rylands Library looks like something out of Harry Potter (and it was founded by a woman in 1900—how boss is that?); stop by for rotating exhibits and to wander through its cathedral-like rooms. The main Manchester Central Library —the city’s plain old regular circulating library—is a site to see, too. It opened in 1930 and was modeled after the Pantheon. It’s not stuck in the past though: Music, art, and literature events are scheduled regularly (the 2024 calendar is not online yet); I passed a foosball table on one floor and a sign for a vinyl listening club on another.

LGBTQ+ pride

Manchester’s LGBTQ neighborhood along Canal Street, affectionately dubbed Gay Village, is home to one of the oldest openly gay venues in the city: New Union dates to the 1860s and is now a bar and hotel. Canal Street is also lined with festive-feeling restaurants and bars and wallpapered with posters for drag brunches and shows. In June, the neighborhood is the epicenter for Manchester Pride , and in July it hosts Sparkle, the national transgender celebration.

Check out the Visit Manchester website for a downloadable LGBTQ self-guided tour , which includes a stop at the Alan Turing memorial. The genius who invented the computer moved here after his code-breaking success in World War II to work at the University of Manchester (the alma mater of Benedict Cumberbatch, who played Turing in the 2014 movie The Imitation Game ). Sadly, Manchester is also where Turing was arrested for being gay and sentenced to chemical castration. He was found dead of cyanide poisoning in his home in 1954, at the age of 41. The Queen pardoned him posthumously in 2013. If you’re in the city on any June 23, stop by his statue in Sackville Gardens; people place flowers there every year for his birthday.

This is England, and this is an old university town, so of course there are many, many pubs. The total number varies depending on the source, but it seems to be somewhere around 650 , which is way more than plenty. They range from cozy neighborhood establishments to modern see-and-be-seen perches, and include a bunch of quirky spots like one that’s more than 500 years old (the Old Wellington ), one in a converted public bathroom ( the Temple ), and my favorite: the tiny, green-and-yellow-tiled Peveril of the Peak , a 19th-century relic with a curved wooden bar, stained-glass detailing, and chatty customers.

Historical surprises

In a city as old as Manchester, there’s technically “history” everywhere you look, but it’s the stories that make it all come alive. If you want a guided time-travel experience, I recommend Free Manchester Walking Tours . Our tour leader Megan rocked us through centuries of pop culture, history, and entertaining anecdotes, and even managed to get us all dancing and singing a few times. By the end of the afternoon, you’ll have the lay of the land and you’ll better understand the city and its significance. If you want to wander on your own, don’t miss these three spots that span the breadth of Manchester’s existence:

• Mamucium fort: Romans basically founded Manchester in 79 C.E. when they built this fort. Today you can visit a re-creation of the fort on its original site, in a small park in the Castlefield neighborhood near the city center.
• Abraham Lincoln statue : Manchester calls itself the first industrial city, because back in the 1800s, it manufactured 80 percent of all the world’s cotton goods and textiles. I’ll say that again: 80 percent. In fact, Manchester was so successful and influential that it was nicknamed Cottonopolis. When the U.S. Civil War broke out, Manchester and other manufacturing cities in Northern England had a choice to make: continue to use cotton grown on plantations that supported slavery, or cut off those ties and risk imploding their economy. Manchester chose the right side of history, standing by the Union army in the North, when a lot of other industrial U.K. cities sided with the South for economic purposes. In answer, then-president Abraham Lincoln wrote the city a letter of thanks—and that’s why there’s a statue of Abraham Lincoln in Manchester , England, today.
• Red mailbox: In 1996, an IRA bombing destroyed a large swath of downtown. Amazingly, the authorities found the bomb early enough to evacuate the area, and no one died. But the explosion caused a lot of damage—so much that the destruction is actually credited with influencing the revival and renovation of the city center. A red post office box still stands on the spot of the explosion—the only thing unharmed. Look for it by the Marks & Spencer department store on Corporation Street .

Read more about Manchester, one of AFAR’s picks for Where to Go in 2024: This Northern English City Has Been Nurturing Its Arts Scene for Years—and It’s Paying Off .

Read the full list of Where to Go in 2024.

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London & Manchester in 3 Days: A Tale of Two Cities

April 17, 2024 · 2 min read

Embark on a thrilling 3-day journey through the historic streets of London and the dynamic avenues of Manchester. Day 1 immerses you in the cultural heart of London, starting with the world-renowned British Museum, where a full day is barely enough to scratch the surface of its vast collections. As the evening approaches, take a stroll to the iconic Buckingham Palace and witness the grandeur of the royal residence. Day 2 is an adventure on the Thames, beginning with a picturesque river sightseeing tour that offers a unique perspective of the city. Following the aquatic excursion, marvel at the panoramic views from the London Eye before delving into the sacred ambiance of St. Paul's Cathedral. The day culminates with a visit to the historic Tower of London and a walk across the majestic Tower Bridge. On Day 3, the itinerary shifts to Manchester, starting with a tour of The University of Manchester, known for its prestigious academic heritage. The exploration continues in the colorful streets of Chinatown, brimming with cultural delights. Conclude your trip with the excitement of Etihad Stadium, the heart of Manchester's football passion. This 3-day itinerary promises a blend of culture, history, and modern vibrancy, tailored for travelers who seek to experience the essence of these two cities.

• Day 1: Dive into History and Royalty in London

The British Museum

Kicking off our London adventure, The British Museum awaits as our first cultural treasure trove. Nestled in the heart of the city on Great Russell Street, this iconic institution is a sanctuary of human history and culture. Spend your day wandering through time, exploring a vast collection that spans over two million years of history. Marvel at the Rosetta Stone, the Elgin Marbles, and the mummies of Ancient Egypt, all housed under one magnificent roof. The British Museum is not just a museum; it's a journey through the ages that promises to captivate your imagination for the entire day.

Attraction Info

• Great Russell St, London WC1B 3DG, United Kingdom
• Suggested tour duration: 0.5-1 day
• Open from 01/01-12/23,Mon-Thu, Sat-Sun,10:00am-5:00pm;Open from 01/01-12/23,Fri,10:00am-8:30pm;Closed from 12/24-12/26;Open 10:00am-8:30pm on 12/27,Fri;Open from 12/28-12/31,10:00am-5:00pm;Closed during Christmas Eve,Christmas

Recommended Nearby Restaurants

Buckingham Palace

After immersing yourself in the ancient world, a short stroll leads us to the grandeur of Buckingham Palace. As the official London residence of the UK's sovereigns since 1837, the palace stands as a symbol of the British monarchy. Although the visit is brief, lasting only an hour, it's a chance to witness the iconic Changing of the Guard or to admire the majestic architecture and the splendor of the royal grounds. Buckingham Palace is more than just a home for royalty; it's a pivotal piece of the nation's history and a must-see highlight of any London itinerary.

• London SW1A 1AA, United Kingdom
• Suggested tour duration: 1-2 hour
• Open from 07/11-08/31,9:30am-7:30pm;Open from 09/01-09/29,9:30am-6:30pm;Closed from 09/30-07/10，Opening hours may be subject to change, please refer to the official website: https://www.rct.uk/visit/buckingham-palace#book_tickets

Where to Stay Tonight

Altido elegant 2-bed mews flat near buckingham palace, the resident victoria.

• Day 2: Navigating the Heart of London's Majesty

Thames River Sightseeing

Embark on your second day with a serene Thames River Sightseeing boat trip, setting sail from the iconic Westminster Pier. Glide along the historic waters, where London's story unfolds with every ripple, and witness the city's grandeur from a unique vantage point. This 1.5-hour journey offers a tranquil escape from the bustling streets and a picturesque introduction to the capital's riverside landmarks.

• Westminster Pier, Victoria Embankment, London SW1A 2JH, United Kingdom
• Suggested tour duration: 1.5-3 hour
• Open from 10:00am-6:00pm

After the calming waves of the Thames, elevate your London experience with a visit to the London Eye. This giant Ferris wheel on the South Bank of the River Thames invites you to soar above the cityscape. In just 30 minutes, you'll capture panoramic views that stretch up to 40 kilometers on a clear day, making it an unforgettable half-hour of breathtaking sights and sky-high reflections.

• Riverside Building, County Hall, London SE1 7PB
• Suggested tour duration: 0.5-1 hour
• Closed all day on 12/25;Open from 12/26-12/30,10:00am-8:30pm;Open 10:00am-3:00pm on 12/31;Open from 01/01-01/07,Mon-Tue, Sat-Sun,10:00am-8:30pm;Open from 01/01-01/07,Wed-Fri,11:00am-6:00pm;Closed from 01/08-02/04;Open from 02/05-02/09,Mon-Fri,11:00am-6:00pm;Open from 02/10-02/18,10:00am-8:30pm;Open from 02/19-02/28,Mon-Fri,11:00am-6:00pm;Open from 02/24-02/25,Sat-Sun,10:00am-8:30pm;Open from 03/01-03/22,Mon-Fri,11:00am-6:00pm;Open from 03/01-03/24,Sat-Sun,10:00am-8:30pm;Open from 03/25-03/28,Mon-Thu,11:00am-6:00pm;Open from 03/29-04/14,10:00am-8:30pm;Open from 04/15-04/28,Mon-Fri,11:00am-6:00pm;Open from 04/15-04/28,Sat-Sun,10:00am-8:30pm;Open from 04/29-05/26,Mon-Fri,11:00am-6:00pm;Open from 05/01-05/26,Sat-Sun,10:00am-8:30pm;Open from 05/27-09/01,10:00am-8:30pm;Open from 09/02-10/27,Mon-Fri,11:00am-6:00pm;Open from 09/02-10/27,Sat-Sun,10:00am-8:30pm;Open from 10/28-11/03,10:00am-8:45pm;Open from 11/04-12/19,Mon-Fri,11:00am-6:00pm;Open from 11/04-12/19,Sat-Sun,10:00am-8:30pm;Open from 12/20-12/23,Mon, Fri-Sun,10:00am-8:30pm;Open 10:00am-5:30pm on 12/24

St. Paul's Cathedral

Continue your cultural pilgrimage at St. Paul's Cathedral, an architectural masterpiece and spiritual haven. Spend an hour marveling at its awe-inspiring dome, intricate mosaics, and the whispering gallery's acoustic wonders. This iconic church not only dominates the skyline but also encapsulates centuries of London's history and resilience within its hallowed walls.

• St. Paul's Churchyard, London EC4M 8AD, United Kingdom
• Suggested tour duration: 1-3 hour
• Open on Mon-Tue, Thu-Sat,8:30am-4:30pm;Open on Wed,10:00am-4:30pm;Closed on Sun，Opening and closing times are subject to change, so it is recommended to visit the official website to check the dates you will be attending.

Tower of London

Step back in time with a three-hour exploration of the Tower of London, a historic castle that has stood as a symbol of power and intrigue. From royal palace to prison, it now houses the Crown Jewels and guards countless stories of the city's past. Unravel the tales of monarchs, armor, and ravens as you wander through the stone corridors of this World Heritage Site.

• St Katharine's & Wapping, London EC3N 4AB
• Suggested tour duration: 3-5 hour
• Open from 01/06-02/09,Mon, Sun,10:00am-4:30pm;Open from 01/06-02/09,Tue-Sat,9:00am-4:30pm;Open from 02/10-02/18,9:00am-4:30pm;Open from 02/19-02/29,Mon, Sun,10:00am-4:30pm;Open from 02/19-02/29,Tue-Sat,9:00am-4:30pm;Open from 03/01-03/28,Mon, Sun,10:00am-5:30pm;Open from 03/01-03/28,Tue-Sat,9:00am-5:30pm;Open from 03/29-04/14,9:00am-5:30pm;Open from 04/15-05/05,Mon, Sun,10:00am-5:30pm;Open from 04/15-05/05,Tue-Sat,9:00am-5:30pm;Open 9:00am-5:30pm on 05/06;Open from 05/07-05/24,Mon, Sun,10:00am-5:30pm;Open from 05/07-05/24,Tue-Sat,9:00am-5:30pm;Open from 05/25-06/02,9:00am-5:30pm;Open from 06/03-07/19,Mon, Sun,10:00am-5:30pm;Open from 06/03-07/19,Tue-Sat,9:00am-5:30pm;Open from 07/20-09/01,9:00am-5:30pm;Open from 09/02-09/30,Mon, Sun,10:00am-5:30pm;Open from 09/02-09/30,Tue-Sat,9:00am-5:30pm

Tower Bridge

Conclude your day with a stroll across the majestic Tower Bridge, an engineering marvel and one of London's most recognizable structures. As you traverse this iconic bridge during your one-hour visit, take in the panoramic views of the Thames and the city skyline, and reflect on the day's journey through London's living history.

• Tower Bridge Rd, London SE1 2UP, United Kingdom
• Open from 9:30am-6:00pm，The scenic area is closed during Christmas from December 24 to 26 each year.

The Tower Hotel

The lalit london.

• Day 3: Academic Splendor, Cultural Delights, and Sporting Triumphs

The University of Manchester

Begin your final day in Manchester with an intellectual flourish at The University of Manchester. Nestled on Oxford Road, this prestigious institution is not just a hub for students but a beacon of architectural beauty and history. Allocate a couple of hours to stroll through the campus, admire the grand buildings, and soak in the vibrant academic atmosphere that has nurtured some of the finest minds.

• Oxford Rd, Manchester M13 9PL, United Kingdom
• Suggested tour duration: 2 hour

Next, immerse yourself in the lively streets of Manchester's Chinatown, a bustling enclave brimming with cultural heritage. A mere stone's throw from the academic halls, spend your afternoon exploring this colorful neighborhood. Savor authentic Chinese cuisine, browse through shops selling exotic goods, and experience the East in the heart of Manchester.

• Manchester, UK
• Suggested tour duration: 2-4 hour
• Open 24 hours

Etihad Stadium

Conclude your Manchester adventure with a visit to the iconic Etihad Stadium, the pride of Manchester City fans. Just a short journey from Chinatown, this state-of-the-art sports venue offers a glimpse into the thrilling world of football. Whether you're a sports enthusiast or simply curious, the stadium tour will captivate you with behind-the-scenes insights and the roar of imagined crowds.

• Etihad Stadium, Ashton New Rd, Manchester M11 3FF, United Kingdom
• Open from 10:00am-3:30pm

Manchester City Football Stadium View

Spacious 5 bedroom home hosted by mcr dens.

* All user reviews in this article have been translated by machine.

* The information above is subject to change at any time. For the latest information, please check the websites of hotels and attractions.

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NEWS... BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT

‘I flew from Manchester to Milan for 14 hours because it’s cheaper than a trip to London’

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A thrifty woman paid £50 for return flights to Milan , spending 14 hours in Italy for less than a day out in London .

Dagmara Kedzierska made the savvy trip due to increasingly expensive rail tickets in the UK.

It would have cost the 30-year-old over £100 alone to get a return train from her home in Manchester to the capital. So instead, the business owner flew to Milan Bergamo for half the price.

Arriving at 10:50am in the Italian city, she started her day grabbing a coffee with a freshly baked croissant for breakfast.

Dagmara then caught a £6 train to Varenna to see the beautiful Lake Como and watch the world go by while eating pizza and drinking Aperol spritz , before taking the £6 train back to Milan and hopping on the £2 Metro to see the famous Duomo cathedral.

After exploring the area, she travelled back on the Metro to the station and spent £11 on a train to Malpensa airport for her flight home, arriving back in Manchester at 1am the next day.

Dagmara said: ‘The day trips abroad are way more appealing, as most of the time they work out cheaper than staying in the UK.

‘My Milan trip cost me less than £200 including the flights, transport, food and drinks.

‘The weather abroad is also more likely to be better than here, I live in Manchester and the weather lately hasn’t been the greatest!

‘Travelling abroad, even if it’s only for one day, gets me in a holiday mood.’

She’s not new to these whistlestop journeys overseas either, and likes to make the most of her annual leave while visiting as many countries as possible.

‘I have done a few day trips abroad for one day and it allows me to go back to work the next day without taking any time off,’ Dagmara adds.

‘I also love food and travelling abroad even for one day lets me try new foods. The restaurants in the UK are very basic and most of the time you will eat pre cooked pasta or prebaked pizza.’

Proper Italian food is just one benefit of a jet-setting day out to Milan. Despite its upmarket image, the city is affordable (as long as you plan ahead and stick to your itinerary).

Travel blogger Nele van Hout wrote : ‘It is totally doable to go to Milan on a budget and still have a fantastic time…

‘There are a lot of things to do in Milan for free. You can go window shopping in Galleria Vittorio Emanuele and Castello Sforzesco can be seen (partly) for free. Even simply wandering around to enjoy the architecture is a real treat.’

Plus, given trains in the UK are among the priciest in Europe , while delays or cancellations are now seemingly the norm , it’s understandable you’d opt for a foreign break over braving somewhere close to home.

The growing cost of staycations is causing many to look further afield when planning their holidays, as Metro.co.uk’s senior news editor Alice Murphy explains : ‘Holiday-let owners across the UK are reporting a notable fall in bookings this year after a boom during the pandemic, with many blaming poor weather and prices resulting from the cost of living crisis…

‘Travel experts say holidaymakers are becoming more careful, booking later and spending less, all with the intention of getting the best value for their money.’

There are downsides to consider if you’re weighing up a whistlestop visit abroad, though.

Firstly, planes produce far more emissions than trains, coaches and even cars, so flying a few hours’ away for less than a day isn’t exactly eco-friendly.

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It’s also important to factor in the cost (both money and time) of getting to and from the airport, potential tourist taxes , and whether you have the stamina to spend a day on your feet without a hotel room to rest in.

Breakdown of Dagmara's costs for Manchester to Milan

• Return flights to Milan: £50
• Travel while in Milan: £27
• Attractions: £10 (it costs €11.50 to access the Duomo cathedral and museum)
• Food and drink: roughly £100

Total: £187

Rough cost of day trip to London from Manchester

• Return train: £100 (although fares can be found for less depending on your time of travel)
• Travel while in London: £15.90 for a London Day Travelcard
• Attractions: £32 (taking into account one adult ticket to Buckingham Palace, but attractions like the British Museum and National Gallery are free to visit)
• Food and drink: £106.33 (factoring in average prices for two meals at inexpensive restaurants, one at a mid-range restaurant, a cup of coffee, three beers and two bottles of water via Numbeo )

Total: £254.23

Approx saving = £67.23

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The top 10 things to do in the Netherlands

May 1, 2024 • 6 min read

From Rotterdam's modern architecture to cycling past historic windmills, here are the best things to do in the Netherlands © Christian Beirle González / Getty Images

The Netherlands packs so much within its compact borders – from its grand cities to green spaces, picturesque waterways and miles of coastline – that it’s easy to take in numerous unique and memorable experiences throughout the country, even on a short trip.

Here are 10 of the very best things to do on your Dutch travels.

1. Captain an electric boat to explore Amsterdam’s canals

Renting a boat for a few hours lets you navigate Amsterdam ’s watery landscape at your own pace. In the city’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed canal ring and surrounding waterways (such as the Amstel river, which gave Amsterdam its name), you can glide past landmarks like the Westerkerk’s belltower, near the Anne Frank Huis, pretty bridges, photogenic canal houses containing charming shops, cozy restaurants and museums, and regenerating docklands. Pick a fine day, pack a picnic from Amsterdam’s street markets and set sail.

Planning tip: Electric boats are free from emissions and noise, and don’t need a boat license or experience (instruction is given at pick up). Book with companies such as Boaty or Eco Boats Amsterdam .

Save these tips on the best free things to do in Amsterdam to take your euros further. 

2. View Van Gogh masterpieces in the Hoge Veluwe National Park

A wonderland of pine forests, heath, grassland and sand drifts, roamed by red and roe deer, mouflon and wild boar, the 135-acre (55 sq km) Hoge Veluwe National Park is laced with hiking and biking trails. Amid the trees at the park’s heart, the astonishing Kröller-Müller Museum holds the greatest collection of Van Gogh’s works outside Amsterdam’s Van Gogh Museum, including masterpieces like The Potato Eaters,  and more by Monet, Renoir, Seurat, Picasso and Mondriaan, among others. Outside, some 160 sculptures by such luminaries as Rodin, Henry Moore and Barbara Hepworth grace its gardens.

Near the lake at the park’s northern edge, the splendid 1920-completed residence of the founders, Helene Kröller-Müller and her husband Anton, Jachthuis Sint Hubertus , also welcomes visitors.

Planning tip: You’ll need to buy national park tickets in advance or at park entrances. Time-slot tickets for the Kröller-Müller Museum and guided tours of Jachthuis Sint Hubertus must be pre-booked online.

3. Mudwalk on the Wadden Sea

Slogging through gluggy mud might not immediately appeal but wadlopen (“mudwalking”) across vast mudflats, with crabs, clams and cockles underfoot and gulls cawing overhead, is an unforgettable, often mesmerizing, at-one-with-nature experience. At low tide, the Wadden Sea, the world’s largest unbroken intertidal zone, retreats to reveal the seafloor; it’s possible to reach the Frisian islands of Ameland and Schiermonnikoog (shorter, easier treks are available).

Planning tip: On the mainland, north of Groningen, Pieterburen is a prime wadlopen base. It’s vital to go with a trained guide and wear clothing appropriate for the season (many places rent footwear so you don’t damage your own).

4. Visit fairytale medieval castle Muiderslot

Looking like it’s been lifted from the pages of a storybook, with its turreted round towers and surrounding moat, Muiderslot was the 13th-century creation of Count Floris V. Its fortifications were added in the 17th century, ensconcing its flourishing gardens, with a beech alley, kitchen and herb gardens and plum orchard commissioned by its then owner, the historian, poet and playwright PC Hooft, who hosted leading writers, artists and scientists here. Following its renovation by architect Pierre Cuypers (of Amsterdam’s Rijksmuseum and Centraal Station fame), it’s been a national museum since 1878. Themed audio tours bring the castle’s centuries of history to life. Beyond the ramparts, boats fill the pretty pleasure port of Muiden, lined with waterside cafes.

Planning tip: From April to October, a fun way to travel here is by ferry from Amsterdam’s reclaimed island neighborhood of IJburg. During the same months, ferries also run to the late 19th-century UNESCO-listed fortress island of Pampus .

5. Taste Trappist beer and tour the abbey where it’s made near Tilburg

Trappist brewing secrets are normally closely guarded but   a visit to La Trappe gives you a rare chance to go behind the scenes. In a beautiful and serene pastoral setting on the outskirts of Tilburg in the Netherlands’ southeast, monks have been brewing since 1884 at Koningshoeven Abbey. On a guided tour, you’ll see the brewing process and abbey buildings, and taste its divine ales.

6. Cycle through tulip fields in the Bollenstreek

All your senses come alive as you pedal past fields of vibrantly colored flowers in the Bollenstreek (Bulb Region) along the 21-mile (35km) Bloemenroute. Cycling this fragrant "Flower Route" takes around two to three hours. In spring you’ll see the Netherlands’ famous tulips and other flowers like jonquils and daffodils, while dahlias and sunflowers are among the floral spectacle in summer.

Bollenstreek highlights include Lisse’s intriguing Museum De Zwarte Tulp (Museum of the Black Tulip) and magnificent Keukenhof Gardens , and nearby flower farm De Tulperij in Voorhout.

Planning tip: Leiden makes an ideal base for forays through the tulips, with plenty of places to rent wheels in the city (and region-wide). Downloadable route maps highlight which flowers are in bloom in season.

Lonely Planet's Brian Healy shares his top tulip-viewing tips from a recent trip.

7. Step inside a museum storage facility in Rotterdam

Rotterdam ’s foremost art institution the Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen might be closed for renovations until 2029 but it’s still possible to see its exceptional collections. The Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen , in a giant bowl-shaped building covered by 1,664 reflective glass panels, is the storage facility of the entire, 154,000-piece collection. And, in a world first, the public can view its cache of paintings, sculptures and photography in climate-controlled compartments. The building’s tree-topped roof terrace has panoramic views over the striking contemporary skyline of Netherlands’ second-largest city.

Detour: Other venues to see art in the city include the Kunsthal, with changing exhibitions, and TENT and Kunstinstituut Melly, showcasing contemporary works. Serious art lovers should also check out the royal collection at Den Haag’s Mauritshuis, an easy 15 miles north of Rotterdam.

8. Wander past windmills at Kinderdijk

Windmills are a classic fixture of the Dutch landscape, with some 1200 traditional spinners dotted across the countryside. At UNESCO World Heritage site Kinderdijk , 15 miles southeast of Rotterdam, 19 historic brick and timber mills still in operating condition rise above the peaceful waterways and polders (areas of drained land). You can meander (on foot or by bicycle) along the canals’ towpaths, visit museums and take a boat ride beneath the mills’ creaking sails.

Detour: Around 20 miles north of Amsterdam, windmill-filled Zaanse Schans is a working, inhabited village with quaint shops, traditional crafts and millers on hand to explain how windmills work.

Who needs to road trip when you can cycle? Here and the top 11 cycling routes in the Netherlands.  

9. Delve into underground caves and passages in Maastricht

To understand the multilayered backstory of spirited southeastern city Maastricht , start by surveying the landscape from lofty Fort Sint Pieter. This hulking 1701-built defensive fortress sits within a deep-cut dry moat. Stroll the surrounding paths, then take a subterranean tour of the city’s honeycomb of caves and passages with Maastricht Underground to uncover the city’s Roman, Napoleonic and WWII history.

10. Eat cheese in Edam

Edam is synonymous with its round, red-rind, mild cows-milk cheese and the town has plenty of opportunities to indulge at restaurants, aromatic shops (Henri Willig occupies a 16th-century building) and, most atmospherically, its cheese market – held on Wednesday mornings in summer – when costumed locals enthusiastically recreate the trading of a bygone era and you can buy cheeses produced on local farms.

Cheese aside, Edam is a charming place to stroll the narrow streets lined with historic recalling its prosperous ship-building heritage and cruise its picturesque waterways.

Planning tip: Edam makes an easy and enjoyable 14-mile (22km) bike ride north of Amsterdam.  

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Every product is independently selected by (obsessive) editors. Things you buy through our links may earn us a commission.

• 10 Things That Delighted Us Last Week: From LEGO Bouquets to Line-a-Day Diaries

We write about hundreds of products every week. Here, in our version of the Sunday circular, we’ve plucked some of our recent favorites: expert-recommended essentials, life-changing stuff you didn’t know you needed, newly launched gizmos, and very good deals we uncovered while trawling the vast online-shopping universe — including a LEGO bouquet, our brand-new favorite can opener, and a no-fuss line-a-day diary.

A not-too-little LBD

When packing for a recent trip to Colombia, Strategist contributor Mya Gelber realized that she needed a little black dress . So she placed eight online-shopping orders and eventually returned all except one: “An unassuming Free People number, which costs $50 and to an untrained eye looks like every other tank dress on the market.” Other than its perfect mid-thigh length on Gelber’s five-foot-four frame, the dress was made of a mix of viscose, polyester, and elastane, which allows it “to drape really elegantly without bunching up or laying weirdly on my frame,” she writes. And as a bonus, “It didn’t wrinkle despite being packed into my stuffed-to-the-brim suitcase.”

Our brand-new best-in-class can opener

Strategist contributor Julia Skinner cracked open dozens of cans and spoke to chefs, food writers, and other culinary experts to hear about their go-tos for our new guide to the best can openers . The top pick is from OXO: “It turns easily, stays sharp, and is easy to clean,” Skinner writes. Plus, “The hand crank is comfortable to use, the blades always give a clean and consistent cut, and the opener easily stands up to the task of opening anything from a can of beans to a big can of tomatoes.”

Chris Black’s go-to T-shirt for under $50

It seems like everybody is always on the hunt for the best basic T-shirts , and for his latest column, Chris Black weighed in with his pick for a blank T-shirt under $50 per a reader request. Though he often opts for vintage T-shirts, he says this twice garment-dyed number, which has a slightly lived-in look, is his go-to when shopping for a brand-new plain tee. “It comes in various flavors, but I stick with the white or navy,” he writes.

The key to Steve Madden’s actually delicious prison coffee

When Steve Madden went to prison (“I was involved with the Wolf of Wall Street guys, just in case you didn’t know,” he told us), he was worried about what he would do about milk for his coffee. He found a solution in Coffee Mate: “I would get freeze-dried coffee and put hot water on it and mix it with this creamer,” he says. “It was the greatest coffee I had in my life.”

A tomato-shaped cocotte just in time for summer-produce season …

Among the items that the Strategist team has been buying for themselves is this charming tomato-shaped cocotte, which Strategist junior writer Bella Druckman says “will look adorable as a serving vessel for dips and sides at future dinner parties” she hosts.

… and a picnic-themed linen apron to go with it

We clearly have summer veggies on the brain, because in her latest roundup of product launches , Strategist writer Arielle Avila writes that she’s eyeing this summery apron. Plus, she thinks the apron would “work well for a backyard dinner party.”

On-sale Mother’s Day flowers that’ll last forever

Mother’s Day is just one week away, which means you’re almost out of time to find the perfect gift that will arrive on time. If you haven’t checked out our Mother’s Day gift coverage , you may have missed these crafty flowers, which our deals editor Sam Daly included in our list of on-sale Mother’s Day gifts . “If she prefers faux flowers , here are some blooms that won’t wilt,” she writes.

The clear mascara Vivica A. Fox has been using for more than 20 years

In a recent installment of “ Famous People On ,” Druckman looked back in our archives to 2016, the year we started interviewing celebrities for our column “ What I Can’t Live Without .” Over the years, the celebrities we’ve interviewed have recommended a number of drugstore mascaras, including this clear mascara, which Vivica A. Fox calls “the perfect drugstore buy that never disappoints.” She finds it’s particularly useful for her eyebrows and says, “I’ll use it to keep them in place and have been since I first started acting — what, 20 or 25 years ago?”

The line-a-day diary Rachel Khong uses to document her life

Author Rachel Khong is nine years and two five-year diaries into her line-a-day diary habit, a practice that she describes as “just a really beautiful way to mark time.” Though she only jots down a few sentences before bed, she says, “I’d be so sad if I lost it because it contains so many memories and facts about my life, sometimes little jokes, sometimes things that I ate.”

A pair of babyproof hoops

For her roundup of the best hoop earrings , Strategist writer Ambar Pardilla asked fashion-world insiders, brand consultants, an antiques dealer, and some fellow Strategist staffers for their favorites. When Strategist senior writer Liza Corsillo’s 1-year-old son realized he could grab onto her ears, she had to make some jewelry adjustments. These topaz-adorned hoops have a strong clicker closure that withstands her son’s grip and give her the look she wants to have as a mom: “very understated and grown-up.”

The Strategist is designed to surface the most useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Some of our latest conquests include the best acne treatments , rolling luggage , pillows for side sleepers , natural anxiety remedies , and bath towels . We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.

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Every product is independently selected by (obsessive) editors. Things you buy through our links may earn us a commission.

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