There are so many fantastic spots to visit just a short distance from Manchester, which make for perfect, easy day trips from the city. Manchester has great public transport, so it’s easy to plan a day trip without the use of a car. From the beautiful forests to city breaks, there is no shortage of places to go. Start scheduling our list of easy day trips from Manchester in your calendar now
City day trips from Manchester
Chester
In Chester, you can explore the Roman city walls, and then visit the Tudor centre, where plenty of shopping destinations exist. One of the highlights of the city is Chester Cathedral, where there are many different guided tours, which you can book online here. If you’re looking for something historic but a bit on the gory side, Sick to Death is a new and upcoming attraction, dedicated to the history of medicine. With jumpscares, gore and unpleasant smells, plus a discount for students, who wouldn’t want to visit?
Of course, when visiting Chester, there is always Chester Zoo, which offers a full day’s worth of sights to see. There are 82 animals in the zoo, and if you time it right, you might get to see a newly-born animal! For a full list, check out their website here, and book online to get the best price. Student tickets are only £23.63 each, which makes it an affordable day trip from Manchester.
Chester is easily reached by train, lasting approximately just over an hour with many scheduled throughout the day.
Trafford City
If you’re looking for a day trip close to Manchester, then Trafford City is perfect. Just a couple of trams away from the centre, Trafford city is the perfect easy day trip from Manchester. The Trafford centre is home to 155 shops, including Selfridges and Co, John Lewis, Next and so many others. It also has the biggest food court in Europe, with 40 different food and drink places to choose from. Above the food court, there is also an Odeon cinema, so you can watch the latest films. For adrenaline junkies, there is iFly, which simulates skydiving, or try go karting not too far away! Not to mention, the Trafford Palazzo is home to Legoland and Sea Life Centre, which is fun for adults and children.
Make sure you check out their website, as in the past, they have hosted student discount nights, and it’s always worth a day trip from Manchester if you’re also getting a discount.
Liverpool
Liverpool is one of the closest cities to Manchester. , and with train tickets from only £3.60, it’s no wonder it’s one of the best day trips from Manchester! Home of the Beatles, there are plenty of tours to go see where the Beatles came from as well as The Beatles Story Exhibition. If you’re interested in seeing a show, then the Shakespeare North Playhouse is for you, showcasing everything from plays to educational talks. The Walker Art Gallery is home to many artworks from Monet to Freud, and always has an exhibition or two. It’s always look on their website to find out whats on. Or why not enjoy Liverpool on the cheap? You can find a whole range of cheap things to do in our list here.
Nature Day Trips from Manchester
Delamere Forest
Need to visit somewhere green? With 700 acres of land, Delamere Forest has all the green space you could want. There are five trails to discover, some through forested land, and others around the lake. If you like biking, there is a hire service and two different trails you can use. If you’re not too scared of heights, try out GoApe for a treetop adventure that will really give you a different view of Delamere Forest. Or if that sounds too scary, you can go on a Segway tour and take it in from a more relaxing level. There’s also plenty of options to have lunch, whether you want to pack a picnic or grab something from the cafe near the information centre.
For more information, check out the Forestry England website, for trails and booking bikes.
Quarry Bank Mill – National Trust
For a mix of history and nature, Quarry Bank Mill is perfect. Meander alongside the river Bolin and see the beautiful views and wildlife. As one of the biggest cotton manufactures, there is a wealth of industrial history, as well as a huge collection of historic artefacts to explore and learn from. The gift shop stocks fabrics and textiles made using historic looms. There is a huge garden with several walk trails you can follow and see the wonderful views, including Kingfisher Trail, which takes you amongst all the giant redwoods and rare rhododendrons.
For more information on trails and events, check out the National Trust website.
Lyme – National Trust
Lyme, nestling on the edge of the Peak District, had 1400 acres of land with fantastic views and a regency-era historic house which you can’t miss. The location for the BBCs Pride and Prejudice, the lake is just the most beautiful spot, for a romantic date or just to have a picnic. The house, with 600 years of history, has guided tours so you can make the most out of your visit, or if you’re just interested in a relaxed time, then the house is open for you to explore most of the day. Take a walk in the formal gardens, then have a sit down with a cup of tea in their tearooms. On your way out, you can check out the garden shop or the second-hand book shop!
For more information on the gardens and tours, check out the National Trust website.
Macclesfield
Macclesfield is home to a market known as treacle markets, with vendors selling unique artworks, vintage finds, books and delicious food and drink, what more could you ask for? Furthermore, at the foothill of the Pennines, Macclesfield has stunning views. There are historic sites like Gawsworth Hall which have trails leading you across the Macclesfield canals and through Danes Moss Reserve.
For more information on places to eat and things to see, check out the Visit Macclesfield website.
Easy beach day trips from Manchester
Southport
Want to escape to the beach? Southport is stunning! You can relax on the beach and then go for a dip in the cool ocean. Grab an ice cream to enjoy and walk down Southport Pier, the oldest iron pier in the UK. Don’t fancy the beach? Then the Atkinson has got you covered, with free access to all their exhibitions, there’s no reason not to visit. Not to mention, they have an array of events from music to comedy. Feel like being out on the water? Lake Marine has swan pedal boats, if you’re looking for something more relaxed, or take a ride in a high-speed ride on a power boat.
For more details on the best places to visit in Southport, check out the Visit Southport Website
Blackpool
Blackpool has so many things to do, from spas to the ballroom, there is a range of activities for everyone. Visit Sandcastle Waterpark, the UK’s largest indoor waterpark, and then relax in the Sea Breeze Spa, located inside, after. The Blackpool Tower Dungeons is perfect if you’re wanting a laugh or a scare. Blackpool Tower is iconic and offers the best view of the seaside. Blackpool beach is perfect for relaxing or a picnic, you could even build a sandcastle! With some many things to do, there is no wonder this is one of the best day trips from Manchester.
To see all of the attractions Blackpool has to offer, check out the Visit Blackpool Website.
Now you go on so many excellent day trips, from cities to beaches. Want to see more beaches? Then check out our article on the best beaches near Manchester.
