With some of the best road and rail links in the country, Manchester is one of the most accessible places in the UK. This means it's also easy to reach many interesting places to visit, so here are nine day trips that are all within an hour or so of the city.
Southport
Ross Cummins
A popular seaside destination since the Victorian era, Southport is just over an hour away from Manchester on the train and has more than enough to occupy you for a few hours. Take a stroll down the Pier and visit the vintage penny machine arcade, hire a boat on the Marine Lake or just enjoy an ice cream from Rossi’s in the sun. One little known fact about the resort - according to locals anyway - is that the tree-lined boulevards of Paris were inspired by the town’s main shopping street Lord Street. How? Louis Napoleon, the nephew of Napoleon Bonaparte and later Napoleon III of France, stayed in Southport in the 1840s and is said to have used the town as inspiration for his reconstruction of the French capital. Is it true? Who knows, but Southport natives (including your author) love to trot this ‘fact’ out.
Buxton
Since the days of the Romans, Buxton has attracted visitors coming to ‘take the waters’, with the town growing in popularity during the Victorian period. About an hour away from Manchester, the spa town has attractions including Poole's Cavern and Buxton Opera House, which was designed by Frank Matcham - best known as the architect of the London Palladium. It’s internationally known for the spring water that flows from St Ann’s Well in the town or if you fancy something stronger, the council has produced a handy real ale trail to explore some of the town’s historic pubs and the town's brewery also has a tap house.
Edale
Ross Cummins
Within the heart of the Peak District, Edale is just 45 minutes by train from Manchester and has a long association with ramblers. In the 1930s, more than 400 people took part in a mass trespass in the area to protest against the lack of access to the countryside. This led to the creation of national parks and the development of the Pennine Way - which starts in Edale. As a result of their action, we’re now free to roam the countryside so make the most of it by climbing Kinder Scout or Mam Tor, or walking to the village of Castleton; home to the ruined Norman fort Peveril Castle - the name might sound familiar to pubgoers.
Lyme Park
A short walk from Disley rail station (a 30 minute journey from Piccadilly), you’ll find the glorious National Trust property Lyme Park. Dating back to the 14th century, the estate was once home to the Legh family and covers 1,300 acres. The exterior of the grade-I listed house starred in the 1995 adaptation of ‘Pride and Prejudice’ – you might recognise the lake from the memorable scene with Colin Firth. But if you’re not a Jane Austen fan, the estate is also home to a herd of red and fallow deer who wander across the grounds, a children’s play area and plenty of outdoor space and paths to explore.
Hebden Bridge
Ross Cummins
Half an hour away from Manchester, this adorable market town has long been known for its links with the artistic community and has culture aplenty to experience. You’ll often see buskers on the streets, renowned musicians including Patti Smith have performed at its venues, and a certain Ed Sheeran was also born in the town. Climb up to the charming village of Heptonstall, where American poet Sylvia Plath is buried, explore the independent shops, cafes and restaurants, or just take a stroll along the canal and river.
Tatton Park
Another of Cheshire’s historic estates, Tatton Park was owned by the Egerton family for almost 400 years until it was bequeathed to the National Trust in the 1950s. It’s well-known for its programme of events, including the RHS Flower Show, but there’s plenty to see and do throughout the year. The 19th century mansion on sits within a 1000 acre deer park and is also home to 50 acres of landscaped gardens. For younger visitors, there is the 1930s Home Farm, an adventure play area and woodland play trail.
Todmorden
If you love the great outdoors, Todmorden could be your ideal spot for a day trip. It’s another location about half an hour away from Manchester, but it feels like a different world. Located alongside both the Pennine Way and Calderdale Way, it’s well-visited by walkers and is surrounded by valleys and moorland for exploring. But its most unusual attraction is its beach. Yes, despite being landlocked, the town has the accolade of being home to the UK’s highest beach. It’s a bit of a hidden gem and quite a trek up a steep hill, but it’s more than worth it when you reach the former reservoir at Gaddings Dam. And if you need some refreshment on your way back, there's a pub at the bottom.
Hollingworth Lake
A short walk from Smithy Bridge rail station (25 minutes from Victoria) and close to the M62, you’ll find Hollingworth Lake. A site with a varied history; it was originally built as a reservoir for the Rochdale Canal before it becoming a tourist resort in the 1860s and then turned into a country park in the 1970s. These days it’s popular as a watersports spot but has a path around the edge and a nature reserve – along with cafés, restaurants and pubs – if you’d prefer to stay on dry land.
Liverpool
Ross Cummins
Thanks to recent rail updates, there are now some trains getting you from Victoria to Liverpool in just half an hour so there’s no better time to plan a day trip to the city at the mouth of the Mersey. Explore some of the city’s many museums, visit the Albert Dock - the heritage attraction which is home to Tate Liverpool, and see what’s on at contemporary arts centre The Bluecoat. If you want to eat, drink and be merry you’re also well-catered for with plenty of restaurants, historic pubs and trendy bars.
Prefer to stay here instead? See more things to do in Manchester from Time Out.