The best day trips from Manchester

Situated just a short drive from Manchester, the Peak District National Park boasts a wealth of renowned trails for both walking and cycling. Explore the terrain at your leisure or opt for a guided walk with a ranger to fully appreciate its beauty. The park's peaks, moorlands, and pathways are emblematic of the English countryside, presenting numerous thrilling areas to discover in its valleys and summits.

Tatton Park, situated just a short distance from Manchester, offers a wealth of attractions to explore. The site features a Tudor hall, a neo-classical mansion, and extensive outdoor spaces, including 50 acres of landscaped gardens, a deer park, and a children's play area. On-site eateries and shops provide opportunities to find the perfect souvenir for your visit. Additionally, exhibitions and events are held year-round.

Alton Towers, one of the UK's most beloved theme parks, spans over 500 acres in Staffordshire. Thrill-seekers will find plenty to enjoy, with options to purchase day tickets or book a weekend break for extended fun. The theme park boasts over 40 exhilarating rides and rollercoasters, alongside shows, a waterpark, attractions for young children, and even a spa for relaxation. You can get to Alton Towers in about 90 min by car.

Liverpool is forever enshrined in history as the birthplace of The Beatles, but this seaside city has plenty to offer even if you aren't a fan. The historic waterfront has been redeveloped into a beautiful cultural hub, with former warehouses now housing fascinating museums and buzzing restaurants. Football fans can visit the legendary Anfield stadium, and there are fun events taking place across the city all through the year.

Blackpool, a bustling seaside resort in northwest England, is famous for its iconic Blackpool Tower and thrilling Pleasure Beach amusement park, among other things. Head here for a day of strolling along historic piers and frolicking on sandy beaches. With family-friendly attractions, a range of dining options, and a lively promenade, Blackpool offers a classic British seaside experience.

The Lake District, a magnificent national park about 90 minutes north of Manchester, is famed for its awe-inspiring scenery of sparkling lakes, craggy mountains, and quaint villages. You can get some exercise in with activities like hiking, boating, and cycling, or opt for a more relaxing visit to enchanting towns such as Windermere and Keswick. Guided tours to the region depart regularly from Manchester as well.

A mere hour's drive from Manchester City Centre, you'll find Chester, a quaint city suffused in history. You can visit well-preserved Roman walls and amphitheatre, explore the magnificent Chester Cathedral, stroll along the picturesque River Dee, or do some shopping in the Rows, unique two-tiered arcades in Tudor-style buildings. There's lots going on here when it comes to culture as well, and the day is sure to fly by before you know it.

Southport is another of England's charming seaside towns. Spending a day here might include strolling through botanic gardens, fun thrills at the Southport Pleasureland theme park, shopping on stylish Lord Street, chowing down on street food at Southport Market, marvelling at one of the longest piers in Britain, or just throwing down a towel on a sandy beach and letting time pass you by. This coastal getaway is about an hour's drive from Manchester.

Located in Prescot, Knowsley Safari provides an exciting wildlife adventure with over 700 animals, including lions, tigers, rhinos, and baboons. Visitors can enjoy a 5-mile safari drive, the longest in the UK, or explore diverse animal habitats on foot. The park also offers amusement rides and a daily programme of animal talks and displays.

This hillside Yorkshire village is where the Brontë sisters wrote most of their works, so it comes as no surprise there are plenty of literature-themed things to see and do here. Learn more about the famous writers' lives at the Brontë Parsonage Museum, visit locations depicted in "Wuthering Heights" and other timeless classics, or simply soak up the village life. You can also visit the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway, an authentic preserved steam railway nearby.

Marsden is a charming village at the foot of the Pennine hills of West Yorkshire, known for its natural beauty and industrial heritage. Visitors can explore the scenic Marsden Moor, enjoy picturesque walks, and discover the impressive Standedge Tunnel, the longest and highest canal tunnel in the UK. The village also offers a range of cosy pubs, cafes, and shops, making it a perfect destination for a relaxing getaway.

Hebden Bridge is a bohemian market town in West Yorkshire, renowned for its artistic community and picturesque setting in the Calder Valley. There's no shortage of scenic walks to enjoy here, with a particularly popular hike being the 6-mile trek to Gaddings Dam, one of the highest beaches in the country and a prime wild swimming spot. The town also hosts various festivals and events throughout the year.

Hollingworth Country Park in Manchester is a beautiful park surrounding the tranquil Hollingworth Lake. It's perfect for scenic walks, exploring woodlands, or relaxing in picnic areas. The park offers various amenities, including a children's play area, boat rentals, fishing spots, a visitor centre with information, and a café serving drinks and snacks. Fans of water sports can enjoy kayaking, powerboating, windsurfing, and other exciting activities.