CONTACT USAs one of the North’s most magnificent cities, Manchester certainly has a lot to offer its visitors. Museums, art galleries and world-class sporting venues grace its streets, plus the city offers easy access to the great outdoors.
If you’ve planned a visit to Manchester, but are keen to spend some time away from the bustling city centre, why not head off on a day trip to somewhere awesome nearby? There’s plenty of places within an hour’s drive of the city where you can steer clear of the crowds and have a brilliant time in the fresh, open air! Here’s a few of our favourites
The Peak District
Suitable for: outdoor explorers of all ages
How to get there: Take the M67 out of the city and turn off at Hadfield, or catch a train to Edale from Manchester Piccadilly.
It would be hard to enjoy a getaway in Manchester without taking a day trip to the picturesque Peak District. One of the UK’s 14 National Parks, it’s right on the doorstep of the city and a go-to for a countryside walk.
Some of the park’s best walking trails are on the Manchester side, including the bracing yet rewarding Kinder Scout. You can begin your hike in the idyllic village of Edale and complete a loop along the Pennine Way and up the craggy peak, all in under 5 hours.
For something a little shorter, but with equally impressive views, head up to the top of Mam Tor to enjoy 360-degree vistas of the entire region. Walking shoes are essential as it can get pretty muddy on the pathways! Edale also has a handful of pubs and cafés where you can tuck into a hearty homemade meal before you head back to Manchester.
Tatton Park
Suitable for: the whole family
How to get there: Drive south along Princess Road, join the M56 and then turn off at Junction 7 towards Knutsford. Alternatively, take the train to Knutsford.
Price: The parkland is free to enter, while the farm and gardens are £8.00 for adults or £6.00 for kids. National Trust members go free.
You’ll have to head south of the city and over the county border into Knutsford, Cheshire to see this gorgeous stately home. The National Trust building is one of the most stunning country estates in the UK and features an elegant neo-classical mansion as well as an Old Hall which dates back to Tudor times!
While Tatton Hall and the Old Hall are currently closed to visitors, it’s still possible to visit the Park’s magnificent gardens (including the tranquil Japanese Garden), vast stretches of pretty parkland and a charming working farm. There’s plenty of space to spread out and breathe in fresh, country air. What’s more, Tatton Park has a whole calendar of exciting events – from pumpkin picking and outdoor cinema nights to festive Christmas fairs!
Formby Beach
Suitable for: beach bums and wildlife wanders
How to get there: Take the M62 to Liverpool and turn off at Junction 6 towards Southport. After 20 minutes, turn right onto the B5424 to Formby.
Price: The beach is free to visit, however, you’ll have to pay £7.50 to use the car parks unless you’re a National Trust member.
Craving a day by the sea? Manchester isn’t as far from the coast as you might think. Simply drive west for about an hour and you’ll hit the fabulous Formby Beach.
This beautiful beach is absolutely huge and famed for its undulating sand dunes which are fringed by fragrant pine forest. Formby is protected by the National Trust and has some pretty unique inhabitants. Just back from the beach in the wild woodland areas are where you’ll discover a rare red squirrel scurry. They’re best seen in the autumn months when they’re typically out scavenging for their winter food supplies!
Note that Formby Beach isn’t blessed with loads of amenities, so you might want to pack a picnic or head back into Formby town for fish and chips after your beach walk.
Chester Zoo
Suitable for: animal fanatics
How to get there: Drive south along the M56 and turn off at Junction 15 towards Chester. Take the next turning onto the A56 and then turn left onto the A41.
Price: £23.63 for adults and £19.09 for children
Manchester is lucky enough to be within driving distance of some of the best wildlife spots in the North of England! While you’ll find Knowsley Safari Park just off the M62, there’s another great outdoor attraction nearby that’s a must for animal lovers – we’re talking about Chester Zoo, of course!
Located 50 minutes by road from the heart of Manchester, the zoo is one of the most amazing places in the UK to get up close to over 35,000 creatures from around the globe. The venue is split up into various habitats, with popular picks including Lemur Island, Tropical Realm and Elephants of the Asian Forest.
You could also check out the reptile house, view otters swimming underwater or enter the monkey house! Chester Zoo has various play areas for children to let off some steam in, plus a whole host of themed food venues for when you start to feel peckish.
Lancaster Park & Animal Farm
Suitable for: families with little ones
How to get there: Head north out of the city on Rochdale Road to Middleton and then turn right onto Oldham Road. You can also catch the train to Mills Hill station (opposite the farm) in less than 10 minutes.
Price: £4.oo
If you’ve got the kids with you, why not keep them entertained for a few hours with a trip to Lancaster Park & Animal Farm? Only a 25-minute drive from the city, it’s a fantastic place for little ones to have close – and safe – encounters with all their favourite farmyard animals.
The family-run farm is home to all sorts of incredible creatures – from chickens and ducks to horses and cows – which visitors can meet first hand. You might even get to feed and cuddle some baby animals! Lancaster Park & Animal Farm also has a great play area and organises various exciting activities, including Digger Island which allows kids to sit behind the wheel of a JCB Digger and hunt for buried treasure.
Pendle Hill
Suitable for: folklore fans and hill walkers
How to get there: Drive north along the M66 and A56 until you reach Fence. Turn left onto Noggarth Road and follow signs for Barley.
Offering stunning views of both the Yorkshire Dales and Lancashire’s moors, Pendle Hill is a must visit for keen hikers! The hill is steeped in mystery and was once the home of the infamous Pendle Witches – the subjects of one of England’s biggest witch trials in 1612. It still retains a spooky aura today, especially when it’s shrouded in mist.
The main walking route up the hill is about 8km long, however, there are variations if you fancy a longer hike. Park up in the village of Barley and follow the signs past the Black Moss Reservoirs to Pendle Hill. The ascent is pretty steep, but well-worth it for the spectacular panoramic views of the countryside from its summit.
Make the most of these wonderful day trip destinations within an hour of Manchester by booking a stay at The Midland Hotel. Located within walking distance of all three of the city’s main stations, the historic hotel offers a range of plush rooms and amazing amenities. Enjoy a delicious meal at the award-winning French restaurant in the lobby or pamper yourself with a session at the relaxing Rena Spa at the Midland.