Last updated: 27 August 2023
Energetic, diverse, and bursting with character; Manchester is an exciting city to explore. When you’re tired of the amazing cafes and restaurants, and thoroughfares lined with imaginative street art, there are HEAPS of places you can head to for a day trip from Manchester.
Whether you’re looking for a day out with the family or looking for some solitude, we’ve got you covered in this post full of days out from Manchester.
Don’t drive? No problem. In this post we’ve included options for a day trip from Manchester by train and also included options for a day trip from Manchester by coach too!
Culturally curious travellers will love historical cities like Chester, Saltaire, and York, while hikers will head out to discover the English countryside in the stunning Peak District, or the UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the Lake District. No matter your preference, there is surely something on this list of Manchester day trips that you’ll love.
How to use this Guide
Driving
If you’re new to driving in the UK, you should know that conditions for driving in England can vary widely. Toll-free motorways (prefix of A or M i.e. A1 or M1) will help you get from A to B with ease, by way of a quality multi-lane roads.
Away from arterial roads, country roads (B roads) carry less traffic and usually run between smaller towns. These can be single lane and walled with high hedges. We recommend driving slowly and with your lights switched on to assist with visibility and safety. Distance alone cannot always indicate how long a journey will take so we’ve also included a conservative estimate of duration (each way) from central Manchester along with distance in miles and kilometres.
Should you need to cross London or Manchester to undertake these day trips, you’ll need to factor in additional time to do so.
Taking the Train from Manchester
The hard and fast rule for train travel in the UK is book your tickets in advance.
The UK uses a customer-based pricing strategy, pricing train tickets by time-of-day and day-of-week to manage demand.
Such a strategy makes pricing highly variable.
Booking train tickets on the day of travel can be quite expensive, so we recommend using Trainline to book tickets ahead of time so you can get the best price.
Book tickets or check train times on Trainline.
Travelling by Coach from Manchester
Coach travel is certainly a valid and popular method of transport in the UK.
Coaches are almost always cheaper, most have WiFi, aircon, and loos on board. However they are typically the slowest method of travel.
For a day trip from Manchester you can reach most places by coach. Use Trainline to reserve your seat with all the top UK bus and coach providers like Flixbus, and National Express.
Where taking a coach is significantly longer than driving or taking the train for these day trips from Manchester we’ve omitted the detail. Let’s face it, no one is going to sit on a bus for 4 hours each way for a day trip!
You can always check times and prices yourself with Trainline.
23 Day Trips from Manchester
1. Chester
Suggested by: Roaming Required
The charming and quaint city of Chester makes a great day out from Manchester. Dating back to the 1st century, Chester was built as a Roman fortress on the River Dee. Today, it is the best preserved walled city in England with extensive Roman walls made of local red sandstone.
No visit to Chester is complete without discovering The Rows, a street of Tudor-style half-timber buildings with a two-level covered arcade at the top. Also worthy of your time are the ruins of a Roman Amphitheatre. Impressively grand, it’s the largest uncovered in Britain to date and is still undergoing excavations. It can be a nice spot to stop and imagine the area being used for gladiator battles in the 1st century.
If you’re up for an adventure around Chester you could check out Beeston Castle. Perched high up overlooking the Cheshire plain, it’s one of the most dramatic ruins in the English landscape, dating back to the 1220s. Entry is free if you have an English Heritage membership.
From Manchester
- Distance from Manchester: 41mi (66km)
- Drive time from Manchester: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Train: Manchester Victoria to Chester: < an hour!
2. Snowdonia
If you’re looking for a day trip from Manchester and you want to get out of the city, consider heading to one of the prettiest National Parks in the UK, Snowdonia in Wales.
The drive from Manchester is 80 miles (129km) and takes about 2 hours. You can get there by public transport but it will take a lot longer.
Pretty much everything in Snowdonia involves being outdoors, so make sure you bring appropriate clothing for the time of year. You should always expect rain in Wales, even in mid-summer, but it can also be surprisingly warm.
If you like hiking, Mount Snowdon is the place for you. On a clear day, it’s possible to see Ireland from the peak! Those looking for a more relaxed schedule can head to Snowdon Mountain railway which is well worth a visit.
One for the must-see list is Swallow Falls. Located in an area of outstanding natural beauty and designated a site of special scientific interest, it’s one of the prettiest waterfalls in the UK and well worth the easy hike. Admission is by turnstile entry with a small fee of £2.
If you’re looking to extend your day trip, you could undertake a Wales road trip and grab a hotel in the National Park, the Aberdunant Hotel is a great choice, right in the heart of the beautiful countryside.
Wales is known for its lamb, so when visiting Wales, you must try a traditional lamb dish. We highly recommend the Rhug Estate. An organic farm known for its incredible deli counter and delicious meals, available at both lunchtime and in the evening.
From Manchester
- Distance from Manchester: 80mi (130km)
- Drive time from Manchester: 2 hours
3. Sheffield
Suggested by: Curious Claire
If you’re looking for a good day trip from Manchester, look no further than the metropolitan city of Sheffield.
The city has so much to offer and there’s something for everyone. For cultural seekers there is the 1 Millennium Museum and Sheffield Cathedral. For nature lovers there’s the Botanical Gardens. For beer lovers, Sheffield has a great selection of tap rooms such as Lost Industry, plus Beer Central which has a wide selection of British beers you can take home with you. And don’t worry foodies, Sheffield also has plenty for you too including a chocolate afternoon tea.
Not many people realise that Sheffield is also a great place for adventure seekers. Sheffield Canal Basin, more commonly known as Victoria Quays, is at the head of the Sheffield and Tinsley Canal and is just a short 15 minute walk from Sheffield train station. The Quays are the perfect place for adventure in Sheffield where you can go canoeing, kayaking and stand up paddle boarding.
Sheffield is easy to get to from Manchester by car however I recommend going by train. Not only is it quicker, Sheffield is the other side of the Peak District which means you have to go through it. With such incredible views it’s much better to be travelling by train where you can sit back and truly appreciate the scenery.
From Manchester
- Distance from Manchester: 38mi (61km)
- Drive time from Manchester: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Train: Manchester to Sheffield: 50 minutes
4. Leeds
Suggested by: Teacake Travels
Why not take yourself to the other side of the Pennines and pay a visit to Leeds?
As well as enjoying the stunning and traditional shopping arcades and architecture, you’ll find the food and pubs here are top notch. The best restaurants in Leeds are wonderfully varied offering traditional Yorkshire puddings and hearty fish finger sandwiches to vegan hipster delights – there’s something for everyone.
If you are visiting Leeds for more than just food, you will not be disappointed. Leeds is proudly multi-ethnic and has a spectacular LGBT+ scene. Make sure you catch a cabaret drag show at The Viaduct Show Bar in the evening!
For all of you book lovers, do not underestimate stepping into Leeds Library. It is the oldest surviving subscription library of its type in the UK. – Before public libraries, subscription libraries were funded by private funds either from membership fees or endowments.
Instagram lovers will not want to miss all of the traditional shopping arcades. And if you are feeling funky and vibrant, there’s a brilliant spot on Kirkgate Road which has been graffitied simply with the word Leeds in big yellow letters. Get that shot!
With such an awesome party scene, I do recommend staying the night. Ibis Styles Leeds City Centre is an exceedingly popular mid range option and has glowing reviews for all the right reasons.
From Manchester
- Distance from Manchester: 45mi (72km)
- Drive time from Manchester: 65 minutes
- Train: Manchester to Leeds: 75 minutes
- Coach: Manchester to Leeds: 90 minutes
5. Stoke-on-Trent
Suggested by: Roaming Required
Stoke-on-Trent rarely makes it onto a list such as this.
The history of the area is enveloped around industry. Stoke, as the locals call it, is home to the last few remaining Bottle Ovens; a ‘bottle’ shaped kiln that once dominated the skyline in their thousands.
This region, known as The Potteries, is synonymous with pottery and ceramics and is home to the world’s largest collection of Staffordshire ceramics. So much so, it’s known as the world Capital of Ceramics. It’s home to world renown names like Wedgwood, Burleigh, Emma Bridgewater, Moorcroft, and more. Many of these have functioning factories that still make British-made ceramics and have fabulous factory outlets where you can snap up a bargain!
If ceramics aren’t your thing, there are still loads of things to do in Stoke-on-Trent. Culturally curious travellers can see the largest collection of Anglo-Saxon treasure ever found, and something for aviation geeks and historians, is the opportunity to take a tour around a WWII Mk XVI Spitfire.
From Manchester
- Distance from Manchester: 45mi (72km)
- Drive time from Manchester: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Train: Manchester to Stoke-on-Trent: 36 minutes
- Coach: Manchester to Stoke-on-Trent: 1 hour 10 minutes
6. Llandudno, Wales
Suggested by: Between England and Iowa
A great day trip from Manchester is to the town of Llandudno in North Wales.
Llandudno is a typical Victorian seaside town, with Victorian-style buildings and a pleasure pier.
There are lots of things to do in Llandudno. A unique place to visit is the Great Orme Country Park, a limestone landmass that was once a copper mine. A fun way to explore it is via the Great Orme Tramway, a funicular railway that has been in operation since 1902. An alternative to reaching the summit is via the Llandudno Cable Car which is similar to a chair lift.
At the top, there are places to hike, tours of the old mine, a mini-golf course, a cafe (that has an amazing selection of cakes!!) and a large playground.
If you are visiting Llandudno by car, the Great Orme Toll Road is a 5-mile scenic coastal drive around the base! Cars cost £3.50 and includes ‘free’ parking at the top of the Great Orme if you choose this option.
Other attractions include the Happy Valley Botanical Gardens and the Llandudno Snowsports Centre which has a toboggan run, dry slope skiing and snowboarding and mini-golf. Of course, there’s also the beach!
From Manchester
- Distance from Manchester: 84mi (135km)
- Drive time from Manchester: 1 hour 47 minutes
- Train: Manchester to Llandudno: ~3 hours
7. Ludlow
Suggested by: Blue Bag Nomads
Ludlow is a lovely medieval town to explore on a day trip from Manchester.
The list is long of things to do in this walled medieval town including a leisurely stroll beside the river, a historic castle, and cute local markets.
Stroll through the city centre to discover over 500 listed buildings including several Tudor-style half-timbered buildings. Walking along King St, you will find Vaughans, a local haunt for sandwiches.
The castle square market is open daily, except Tuesday. They do vary the stalls with specialty markets on Thursdays and Sundays. The stalls are full of local produce and handmade items. You will find many tempting treasures that may be difficult to resist.
Ludlow Castle is a great way to spend a few hours for people of all ages. If you take the stairs to the top there are magnificent views of Ludlow, the river, and the countryside.
The walk along the River Teme is beautiful, with great views of the castle from Dinham Bridge. There is a circular walk called the two bridges, if you like to wander it is highly recommended.
Come enjoy small-town love, great food, and beautiful surroundings for a great day out.
From Manchester
- Distance from Manchester: 118mi (189km)
- Drive time from Manchester: 2 hours
- Train: Manchester to Ludlow: 90 minutes
Stay The Night?
If you’re near Ludlow and considering spending the night, then look at Fishmore Hall, a 19th century former school house on the outskirts of town that’s been transformed into a luxury hotel and spa.
Read Our Review: Fishmore Hall
8. Hebden Bridge
Suggested by: My Travel Scrapbook
Located just a 30-minute train journey from Manchester is the beautiful village of Hebden Bridge. Hebden Bridge is a wonderful place full of independent shops, pretty canalside walks, industrial heritage, live music, great views, and friendly locals.
Once you arrive in Hebden Bridge check out a quirky café like Mooch. While you are on your Manchester day trip to Hebden Bridge you will want to check out the idyllic hamlet of Hemptonstall. To get to Hemptonstall you need to walk up the steep cobbled path known as the Buttress. Once you reach the top there are lovely views of Hebden Bridge.
In Hemptonstall, wander around the quaint houses and explore the romantic ruined church. Your tummy will then start to grumble on your wander back down into Hebden Bridge for some lunch. As Hebden Bridge was popular in the 70’s, as a result it has retained much of its hippy culture meaning there are plenty of vegetarian options such Humblest of Pleasures and Leila’s Kitchen.
After lunch, wander around the town and listen to the various buskers before strolling along the canal. There are lots of lovely photo spots along the canal such as from the bridge by the Black pit lock.
If you do decide to drive to Hebden Bridge, make sure you check out one of the best waterfalls in Yorkshire in Hardcastle Crags. Hardcastle Crags, just outside of Hebden Bridge, is a beautiful woodland, with an old mill and a lovely waterfall.
The lovely atmosphere of Hebden Bridge makes this a fantastic day trip from Manchester.
Getting to Hebden Bridge from Manchester is easy. If you are coming to Hebden Bridge by train you can get off at the train station with the same name. Alternatively, if you are driving it will take you just under an hour as it is a 28.6 mile (45 km) drive and you can park at the train station for free!
From Manchester
- Distance from Manchester: 29mi (45km)
- Drive time from Manchester: 56 minutes
Train: Manchester Victoria to Hebden Bridge: 29 minutes
9. Peak District
Suggested by: The Wanderlust Within
One of the most popular day trips from Manchester is to England’s first national park, the Peak District.
Situated just a stone’s throw away from Manchester city centre, the Peak District can be reached directly by train in only 45 minutes. Driving to the Peak District is also an option but it will take around 1 hr 15 minutes to do the 27 mile (43.5 kilometer) journey.
There are plenty of walks in the Peak District that can be done on a day trip to get away from the hustle and bustle of Manchester, including one of my favourites, Mam Tor.
If walking isn’t for you, you can also visit some of the beautiful and historic villages found throughout the National Park such as Castleton village in Hope Valley or Bakewell which is best known for its yummy dessert.
The Peak District is also well known for its show caves and climbing routes, that can easily be visited on a day trip from Manchester.
If you want to spend the night in the Peak District, my top choice would be YHA Castleton Losehill Hall, a newly renovated gothic mansion which is one of the most affordable accommodation options in the National Park.
From Manchester
- Distance from Manchester: 27mi (43km)
- Drive time from Manchester: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Train: Manchester to Peak District: 45 minutes
10. York
Suggested by: Away With Maja
York makes a fantastic day trip from Manchester.
Whereas Manchester is much more modern with its industrial heritage, York is the perfect contrast. York has thousands of years of history. Founded by the Romans, invaded by the Vikings, and much of the city that you see today, dates back to medieval times.
One of the best things to do in York is to wander the charming streets, explore the narrow, pedestrianised alleyways (called snickelways), and walk around the City Walls. Visit York Minster, the magnificent Gothic cathedral, and Jorvik Viking Centre to learn more about the city’s history. Make sure to stop by Museum Gardens, which is one of the stunning hidden gems in the city.
York has some fantastic places to eat. The Brew and Brownie or Pig and Pastry are your best options for brunch. Blue Barbakan or Yak and Yeti are two phenomenal international restaurants, and the Rose and Crown does the best pies in town. There is a lot to do in York, but you can certainly see the highlights as a daytrip from Manchester!
The best way to travel between Manchester and York is by train or by car. There are frequent, direct, trains that run from all the central Manchester stations to York. If you’re driving, be sure to take the M62 and pass the highest motorway in England near Saddleworth Moor!
From Manchester
- Distance from Manchester: 72mi (116km)
- Drive time from Manchester: 1 hour 30 mins
- Train: Manchester to York: 1 hour 20 mins
11. Saltaire
Suggested by: UK Travel Planning
Located near the city of Bradford in Yorkshire, Saltaire is the perfect destination for a day trip from Manchester.
Saltaire is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and recognised as one of the earliest, largest and best preserved model villages anywhere in the world. What does ‘model village’ mean? Basically the village was created by politician Titus Salt to provide housing and amenities to his factory workers. This was revolutionary for the 19th century and Titus Salt is recognised as one of the greatest Victorian philanthropists.
Built between 1851 and 1872, follow the Heritage Trail around the village to discover all of the points of interest. Pick up the official guide from the Visitor information Centre which is located in the Mill.
I recommend following the trail around the village and then exploring the Salt Mills afterwards. There are cafes, restaurants, shops and an art gallery with works from local artists on display. This includes one of the largest collections of David Hockney paintings. He is originally from Bradford. Salts Diner in the Mill is a great place to have lunch and don’t miss the logo on the paper napkins – it was designed by David Hockney, one of the most influential British artists of the 20th century.
Taking the train from Manchester Piccadilly to Saltaire via Leeds, takes approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes, it is quicker to drive. The benefit of train travel is Saltaire has its own train station located in the heart of the village opposite the Mill which makes it an easy option.
From Manchester
- Distance from Manchester: 43mi (69km)
- Drive time from Manchester: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Train: Manchester to Saltaire: 1 hour 45 minutes
12. Knutsford
Suggested by: Illness to Ultra
If you need a little breather from the Manchester bustle, you don’t have to go far to experience the Cheshire countryside surrounding the picturesque little market town of Knutsford.
While Knutsford itself is quaint and a great place to browse designer shops on the high street, it’s actually a very affluent area and was voted one of the best places to live in the UK in 2019.
While in town, head to the Penny Farthing Museum which actually serves as both a restaurant and coffee house with a large collection of original Penny Farthings on display around the building. Feel free to have a delicious cake or lunch if you’re hungry.
To make sure you see the best of Knutsford, head towards the historic estate of Tatton Park, one of the most complete medieval manor houses in the UK. Here you can enjoy 50 acres worth of garden walks, a visit to a working farm, and a tour of the hall.
Another stop on your day out is Tabley House. Built in the 18th century, this house has one of the finest collections of English paintings, including works by Turner, Reynolds, Lawrence, and Dobson. This house is extremely picturesque if you want a great photo op!
Once you’ve browsed shops in town, had a historic lunch, walked the grounds and toured the houses, you’ve probably had a full day out.
From Manchester
- Distance from Manchester: 20mi (32km)
- Drive time from Manchester: 40 minutes
- Train: Manchester Piccadilly to Knutsford: 45 minutes
13. Stratford Upon Avon
Suggested by: A Princess Travelling With Twins
Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace in the 16th century of the great poet and writer William Shakespeare, still seems to bring the visitors back in time.
A beautiful day trip from Manchester where you can walk along streets of decadent half-timbered buildings with pitched roofs, perfectly preserved.
It is a small town but thanks to its fame it is full of attractions, however be careful not to fall into the tourist traps which have taken hold over the years.
Definitely worth visiting is Shakespeare’s birth house, which retains an ancient charm and will make you feel like you are in one of his comedies. The garden of the house is also very pleasant to stop in for a coffee and a dessert.
In the public park along the river (Avon bank gardens) during the summer weekends it is possible to attend free theatrical performances. The quality is not guaranteed, but they are without obligation and excellent entertainment during a picnic. For a more traditional experience, if time permits, you can attend a performance in one of the three theatres present in the town.
To end the day, do not miss a boat tour, which, even if a little touristy, maintains a pleasant charm of times gone by.
From Manchester
- Distance from Manchester: 130mi (209km)
- Drive time from Manchester: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Train: Manchester Piccadilly to Stratford-Upon-Avon: 3 hours
14. Lake District
Suggested by: Adventures with Ensuite
The UK’s newest addition to receive UNESCO status, the Lake District was acknowledged as a World Heritage site in 2017.
If you like hiking the area is home to England’s highest peak, Scafell Pike. For less active trips, the area also has plenty to offer with beautiful views over Ullswater, Derwentwater and England’s largest lake, Windermere.
There are plenty of cute cobblestone villages to visit. Windermere is the largest town in the area and has the most services but the smaller villages of Ambleside, Grasmere, Pooley Bridge, Hawkshead and Keswick should not be missed.
A day trip will give you a taste of what the area has to offer but in order to see more consider staying overnight. As you would imagine there are numerous holiday cottages and hotels throughout the Lake District. For a night in a quiet part of the National Park with fantastic views over Ullswater consider staying at the hotel Another Place.
The Lake District is accessible by public transport, but having your own transport is the best option since it allows further exploration of the picturesque villages, lakes and scenic hikes the area has to offer.
Driving from Manchester to Windermere takes 1 and a half hours for the 80 miles (130 kilometre) drive. Trains are also frequent to Windermere, which is within the boundaries of the national park, as well as to Oxenholme and Penrith, which are located just outside. The journey time is 1 hour 35 minutes to 2 hours depending on the route and destination.
From Manchester
- Distance from Manchester: 80mi (129km)
- Drive time from Manchester: 2 hours
- Train: Manchester Piccadilly to Windermere: 1 hour 45 minutes
15. Malham Cove
Suggested by: Map Made Memories
Discover tranquil, green landscapes of the Yorkshire Dales with a trip to Malham Cove.
Situated in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales, Malham Cove is a huge natural amphitheatre 230 ft high which once had a waterfall plunging over it that was higher than Niagara Falls.
Visitors today can walk to the base of the Cove to climb the rough stone steps to the top of the Cove. The pitted, uneven stone ‘pavement’ at the top of the Cove featured in ‘Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows’ and provides a fantastic view of the Yorkshire Dales.
Keen hikers can attempt a circular walk from Malham Cove which passes Malham Tarn (one of only two natural lakes in the Yorkshire Dales), Gordale Scar (a dramatic gorge with towering rocks) and pretty Janet’s Foss waterfall. This unforgettable 13 km route will take around 4-5 hours to complete.
Malham Cove lies a short 30-minute walk from the charming village of Malham which has a tea room and a couple of excellent pubs. Delicious home cooked food can be found at the friendly The Lister Arms which also offers high quality accommodation.
From Manchester
- Distance from Manchester: 53mi (85km)
- Drive time from Manchester: 1 hour 40 minutes
16. Liverpool
Suggested by: BRB Gone Somewhere Epic
Liverpool is world famous for its historic trading ports, numerous museums, and as the home of The Beatles.
Start your day at the Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral and make your way down to Liverpool Cathedral, which consists of the world’s highest Gothic arches and an observation tower if you wish to view the city from above. From here, walk through the innovative Baltic Triangle, one of the most exciting areas of the city, for impressive graffiti art and some of the best cafes.
Discover the historic, red brick dock buildings of the Royal Albert Dock for a range of museums and restaurants. This thriving riverside entertainment hub includes The Beatles Story museum which features for interactive exhibits and memorabilia covering the life and times of the world’s most famous band.
Don’t miss: The Cavern Club is a must for music fans. The birthplace of The Beatles, and almost every legendary musician has performed at this nightclub.
For a hidden gem head to the Georgian Quarter is packed with historical monuments and relics from the 1950s and earlier.
If you find yourself getting hungry, try Siren, in the heart of the Baltic Triangle.
Tempted to make it a weekend? Try the Heeton Concept Hotel in the heart of Liverpool, or the Pullman located on the Docks.
From Manchester
- Distance from Manchester: 35mi (56km)
- Drive time from Manchester: 1 hour 10 minutes
Stay The Night?
Liverpool is really worth more than just a day if you have time to spare, consider spending the night.
Two great hotel options are the Heeton Concept Hotel in the heart of Liverpool, and the Pullman which is situated on the Docks.
Read Our Review: Pullman in Liverpool
17. London
Suggested by: Roaming Required
The nation’s capital deserves more than one day, but if that’s all you can spare there are a lot of things you can see and do to keep yourself entertained for the day.
For the culturally curious, there are Royal Palaces, historically significant places, and world class museums to explore. Like free stuff? Me too. You’ll be delighted to know that most museums in London are free – Here are 9 of our favourites.
The options really are endless in London. Depending on your interests, you could spend the day on the Thames with a cruise or a tour along the river, or hire a boat to punt along the canals, or shop up a storm at flagship stores and markets, or take a food tour to discover the hip East London food scene and discover something new about the city.
One tip from a local: Be sure to book a table at your favourite restaurant well in advance for dinner or afternoon tea. London is pop-up central so if you hear of something launching, grab yourself a spot straight away. If you can’t get in, you can explore street food markets like Leather Lane, Borough or Maltby Street Market where you can also undertake London’s Craft Beer Crawl on the Bermondsey Beer Mile which is great on a weekend.
The train between London and Manchester is the quickest and easiest option for a day out. You can definitely drive but it does take longer, and parking in central London can be tricky and expensive. Book train tickets well in advance for the best rate.
From Manchester
- Distance from Manchester: 200mi (321km)
- Drive time from Manchester: ~4 hours
Train: Manchester Piccadilly to London Euston: 2 hours (fastest, slow trains may be cheaper)
18. Saddleworth
Suggested by: Helen on her Holidays
Saddleworth is a collection of 13 villages in the hills to the east of Manchester. The villages which are of most interest to visitors are Greenfield, Uppermill, Dobcross and Delph. There’s a railway station at Greenfield, and Uppermill is just a short walk from the station. Greenfield is 12 miles (19km) from central Manchester. The train from Manchester Piccadilly takes just 27 minutes.
There’s so much to do in Saddleworth. The walking is amazing and there’s something to suit everyone. The Huddersfield Narrow Canal runs through Greenfield and Uppermill with a lovely and level towpath walk. Walkers looking for more of a challenge can clamber up to the Pots and Pans monument for a stunning view.
Uppermill is home to the Saddleworth Museum which tells the story of the area and its traditions – there are a lot of them! Each village has its own annual brass band contest which is attended by bands from all over the world. There’s also Rushcart weekend, which ends in a gurning and wrestling competition at one of the local pubs, Yorkshire Day on August 1 and Yanks weekend, which celebrates the Richard Gere film Yanks and has everyone dressing up in 1940s clothes.
In Uppermill, don’t miss the canalside walk through the village – go at least as far as the Saddleworth railway viaduct which towers over one of the canal locks. Stop for a coffee or lunch at the Limekiln cafe which has a lovely terrace where you can watch the canal boats gliding by.
From Manchester
- Distance from Manchester: 13mi (21km)
- Drive time from Manchester: 39 minutes
- Train: Manchester to Saddleworth: 27 minutes
19. Ingleton Waterfalls Trail
Suggested by: Kitti Around The World
If you enjoy being outdoors and love waterfalls, then Ingleton Waterfalls Trail in the Yorkshire Dales is the perfect choice for a day trip from Manchester.
Depending on your pace, the 4.5 mile (8 km) long circular trail takes between 2 to 4 hours to complete. You’ll walk along two rivers (River Twiss and River Doe) and pass seven waterfalls which are considered some of the prettiest in England. Pack a picnic and take a break at Thornton Force which is the most picturesque waterfall of the whole trail.
There is an elevation of 169 m (554 feet) and quite a few steps along the way. However, it is considered an easy trail to do regardless of the level of your fitness.
It is recommended to wear comfortable and protective shoes as the trail can become slippery when it rains. Toilet facilities are available both at the car park and along the trail. The trail eventually leads you back through Ingleton where you can explore the town before returning to the car park.
As of Summer 2020, a one-way system is in place to ensure that social distancing can be maintained on the narrow sections around the trail. This does mean that once you begin the walk you will not be able to turn back the way you came.
An entry fee applies £7/£3 adults/children, however this does include free parking. Dogs are also welcomed on the trail though there are certain sections of the trail and when crossing farmland where dogs must be kept on a lead.
From Manchester
- Distance from Manchester: 70mi (112km)
- Drive time from Manchester: 1 hour 30 minutes
20. Fountains Abbey
Suggested by: Two Traveling Texans
Did you know that Fountains Abbey is the only abbey ruins in the UK that is a UNESCO site? The fact that the Abbey ruins have been incorporated into the Studley Royal Gardens makes it unique. You can easily spend the whole day exploring the grounds.
The Abbey was founded back in 1132. It was one of the wealthiest monasteries in England until Henry VIII ordered its dissolution in 1539 after it had been in operation for 407 years. More than 200 years later, the owners of Studley Gardens next door purchased Fountains Abbey making the two sites one.
While the main draw is the Fountains Abbey ruins, there is much more to see during your visit. Don’t miss the Fountains Mill, Studley Royal Gardens, Studley Deer Park, and St. Mary’s Church. Wear comfortable shoes as the site is much bigger than you expect it to be.
You will also want to bring along your camera because, with all the history and natural beauty, it’s a photographer’s dream. My favorite spot was the Moon Pond inside Studley Royal. The lush grass around the pond is perfectly manicured. The sculptures around the pond add a distinct Italian flair and the columns on the Temple of Piety are reminiscent of ancient Greece.
Fountains Abbey is free for National Trust and English Heritage members.
The Studley Deer Park and St. Mary’s Church are free for all to visit.
The Abbey is located in the English countryside, near the city of Ripon. Public transportation options are limited, so you will want to drive and allow about 2 hours to make the journey from Manchester.
From Manchester
- Distance from Manchester: 84mi (135km)
- Drive time from Manchester: 2 hours
21. Wollaton Hall
Suggested by: Steph & Lewis Book
Wollaton Hall is a grade 1 listed Elizabethan Mansion built between 1580-1588 and set in over 500 acres of parkland.
The grounds provide fantastic photo opportunities for nature and wildlife enthusiasts because within the grounds there are free-roaming deer and in the heart of the gardens is a beautiful lake with ducks and swans.
In the summer, Wollaton Hall hosts many family friendly events and activities from park runs to outdoor concerts, and movie nights. Wollaton Hall was chosen as the set for Wayne Manor in the 2012 Batman film, The Dark Knight Rises.
Wollaton Hall is also home to the Nottingham Natural History Museum, which is free to enter and between many extraordinary fossils, stuffed animals, and display cases is a fascinating history of the hall. For £10 per person you can take the daily tour of the hall and see the reconstructed grand upper rooms with panoramic views over the city and descend into the Tudor kitchens, wine cellars, and caves beneath the hall. Located in the former stables is the Nottingham industrial museum which showcases the five key industries that made Nottingham famous around the world.
Coming from Manchester, Wollaton Hall is best accessed by car. However if you’re in the nearby Nottingham, Wollaton Hall is accessible on public transport via bus #30, or #2 from Nottingham City Centre.
From Manchester
- Distance from Manchester: 97mi (156km)
- Drive time from Manchester: 2 hours
22. Milton Keynes
Suggested by: Roaming Required
Milton Keynes isn’t your average day trip but it packs quite a punch of things to do and places to eat.
Created as over-spill for London’s relentless expansion, this commuter town has been referred to as bland and full of concrete cow pats (roundabouts) by neighbouring cities. Only after I spent some time in Milton Keynes did I realise just how much it has to offer on a day trip from Manchester, or a day trip from London.
Milton Keynes is very well connected. If you are considering it for a day trip from Manchester, I’d suggest taking the train. The train from Manchester to Milton Keynes takes just 90 minutes. To do the same journey by car you can easily add-on another hour.
If you do go by car, Milton Keynes was built to be modern and efficient. A nice change from other parts of the UK. The grid layout of distributor roads, roundabouts and plenty of parking.
For a day trip to Milton Keynes, divide your time based on your interests. Thrill seekers will love Milton Keynes for indoor skydiving, indoor skiing and snowboarding; while history buffs should make a day of it and visit Bletchley Park. The top-secret home of Britain’s war-time codebreakers who cracked cyphers and codes of the Nazi enigma machines contributing to the Allied victory of WWII.
Whether you go for learning or adrenaline-pumping activities, make time to eat. Foodies will love dining at some fabulous independent restaurants in Milton Keynes, these are a great option and a way to support small business.
From Manchester
- Distance from Manchester: 152mi (245km)
- Drive time from Manchester: Just under <3 hours
- Train: Manchester to Milton Keynes: 90 minutes
23. National Space Centre
Suggested by: Wyld Family Travel
The Midlands city of Leicester is better known for its football team than its attractions. The National Space Centre is slowly changing that.
The National Space Centre is an outstanding attraction easily accessible from Manchester via the A50 in around 2 hours.
As you walk up to the entry there are Space pieces on display to get ready for the rockets, spaceships, and the fun tactile displays.
With 6 interactive galleries that explore and learn about Space, plus the Sir Patrick Moore Planetarium which delivers a fully immersive 360-degree movie adventure which is included in the ticket price, it makes a great day out for the whole family.
Expect oo’s and ahh’s as stars and planets shoot past above you, and rockets are fired to the moon.
From Manchester
- Distance from Manchester: 105mi (169km)
- Drive time from Manchester: 2 hours
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