Manchester has it all: culture, entertainment, food, and history. But you already know that. What you probably don’t know is that Manchester makes the ideal base from which to see the fantastic countryside and quirky towns on a weekend getaway or an adventurous day trip. So, if you are itching for that perfect escapade, here are four fabulous places that are an easy drive away from Manchester, plus one that’s in the city. Enjoy!
1. Manchester City Centre
We know you can’t wait to go hillock hiking in the Peak District, but make space for some city exploration in your itinerary. Trust us on this, Manchester City wouldn’t be repeatedly voted one of the UK’s most fun cities if it weren’t so.
After flying into the Manchester Airport, making sure you’ve pre-sorted your UK flight delay compensation so you don’t waste any time, you can take a 20-minute train ride to the vibrant Manchester City Centre. If you’re looking for the right combination of contemporary and history, stay at the Malmaison Manchester, a 19th-century factory converted into an elegant, albeit quirky, boutique hotel in the middle of the city. Here, some of the best spots in Manchester are right on your doorstep. Literally. Outside is a host of swanky shops, chic boutiques, and remarkable restaurants worth trying.
Manchester isn’t Manchester without its ardent love for anything football. So, if you love football, or even if you don’t (you’re in Manchester, after all!), visit the Old Trafford Stadium, the Manchester City Stadium, and the National Football Museum. For art and history, check out the artifacts at the Manchester Museum, the remnants of the Industrial Revolution at the Science and Industry Museum, and the brilliant collection of British masterpieces at the Manchester Art Gallery.
If it’s an adventure you want, head to the iFly Indoor Skydiving and defy gravity in a wind tunnel, or go on an underwater journey (without getting wet) at the Sea Life Manchester.
Head to the Quays, home to the Imperial War Museums, The Lowry, Ordsall Hall, and MediaCityUK. Be sure to watch a performance at The Lowry’s Lyric Theatre. Before heading back to your hotel, have a cocktail at one of the lively bars. So, anyone wants a glass of Waste Not, Want Not? How about a sip of Cure for All?
2. Chester
Where else in Britain can you find the most complete Roman city walls that date from 2,000 years ago, but in Chester? Despite its distinct historical charm, Chester has so much more to offer than a 2-mile walk of the walls.
Not to say the historical sites of the city are not worth seeing. You would not want to miss the Roman Amphitheatre, where 7,000 spectators once enjoyed festivals and gladiator fights, or the 1,000-year-old Chester Cathedral. Then, there’s the Rows, the two-tiered, half-timbered Tudor style buildings, stretching across four main streets, Bridge, Eastgate, Northgate, and Watergate. Although the Rows’ origin is unknown, its reputation for being a shopper’s haven isn’t. Aside from its shops, it also has a multitude of cafes, restaurants, and bars.
When in Chester, you can’t miss an afternoon stroll at the 20-acre Victorian-style Grosvenor Park, or a saunter at the Groves, with its riverside promenade lined with lime trees, Gregorian houses, and bubbly pubs. Try a cruise on the River Dee and drift by the Eaton Estate, the Iron Bridge, and some wildlife, such as herons, swans, and kingfishers. Also, check out the 125-acre Chester Zoo, which houses over 20,000 animals.
3. Blackpool
Blackpool might be many things, but dull is not one of them. Even before corona virus, from looking at Google you can see the travel trends over the last decade was towards a staycation. The seaside town continues to attract thousands of holidaymakers who seek old-school entertainment, whether through heart-pumping rides, chilled-out nightlife, or a heritage tour of historical sites.
Enjoy a stunning view of the Lancashire coastline from the top of the iconic Blackpool Tower Eye. Take a walk along the promenade at Central Beach, stopping only for ice cream at one of the stalls. For a dose of adrenaline, go to Pleasure Beach for its white-knuckle rides, including the famous Big One, Infusion, Avalanche, Revolution, and ICON. Or, head straight to the South Pier for its aptly-named Adrenaline Zone.
Want something laid back? Visit Stanley Park for its striking landscape designs, nature trails, water fountains, ornamental bridges, and outstanding wildlife. Then, marvel at fascinating collections at the Grundy Art Gallery, take a tour of the Blackpool Model Village, pose with the stars at Madame Tussauds, or check out the famous Winter Gardens.
4. The Peak District
Once you’re in the Peak District, you will never run out of spectacular things to do. Have a pick: quiet countryside rambles, daring rock climbing feats, or exhilarating bike rides along scenic trails. And that is not even half of it.
Start your excursion at the breathtaking Dovedale, with its limestone outcrops and colorful wildflowers on the banks of the meandering River Dove. Follow the iconic route from Mam Tor to Lose Hill for a panoramic view of the nearby moors and countryside, or go on a challenging rock-climbing adventure at Stanage Edge.
If you prefer a relaxed way of getting to a mountain top, ride a cable car to the Heights of Abraham. There, you can stroll around a 60-acre hilltop, dine at a restaurant overlooking a lush valley, or explore a network of caverns formed millions of years ago. Visit the area’s other noteworthy landmarks such as the majestic yellow-stone Chatsworth House, the exquisite Pavilion Gardens, the UNESCO Heritage Site awardee Cromford Mills, the medieval manor Haddon Hall, and the 16th century Peveril Castle. And never leave the Peak District without trying the famed Bakewell tart.
One way to make sure you don’t miss any of the astounding sights on your way is to rent a campervan from Manchester to the Peak District for the full experience. We guarantee, not only will you have a perfect escapade, but you will also experience the road trip of a lifetime.
5. The Lake District
Head a little farther, and you will have reached one of the most beautiful places in the UK, the Lake District. Spend a week, a month, or a year here, still you will not run out of things to do.
Get on a kayak on Lake Windemere, cruise the Ullswater on a streamer, or wild swim in Black Moss Pot. Then venture into the wooded trails of Whinlatter Forest Park, brave the summit of Scafell Pike, study the constellations at Low Gillerthwaite, or explore the valleys and dales while on an electric bike. For something mystical, visit the Castlerigg Stone Circle or spend a night at Muncaster Castle, known as Britain’s most haunted.
If you love literature, then you should not miss a visit to Dove Cottage, William Wordsworth’s home, where he wrote many of his most famous poetry. Or, go to Hill Top, the charming house of children’s author Beatrix Potter. Definitely, an entire day of exploration will make you hungry, so make a beeline to one of the District’s Michelin-starred restaurants. If that sounds a little too fancy, head to the Drunken Duck for some British fusion cuisine and a pint of cold beer. Talking about gastronomic delights, indulge in the legendary Grasmere gingerbread, and discover why people around the UK travel just to taste it.
