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In my opinion, Manchester is the best city in the world!
However, even I recognise the need to experience something different now and then.
Thankfully within an hour’s drive, there are several towns and villages around Manchester that make for excellent day trip destinations. All of which provide a wonderful change of scene from the hustle and bustle of the United Kingdom’s second-biggest city.
If you are looking to broaden your horizons and check out some new places, here are the 22 best villages near Manchester you must visit.
Head to any of these places and you won’t be disappointed with what you find there.
Ramsbottom
- Time / Distance: 25 mins, 15 miles
Ramsbottom is a charming market town near Bury that is about as far north in Greater Manchester as you can go.
Perched on the fringes of the West Pennine Moors it is renowned for its beautiful scenery, which is just one of the reasons why The Sunday Times named it one of the best places to live in the UK.
Home to around 18,000 people, it is known for its proximity to the River Irwell, as well as its quaint village area that is home to several award-winning cafes and restaurants.
Try Owens Restaurant & Bar or The Fisherman’s Retreat, both of which dish up incredible food.
As well as hosting two markets, Ramsbottom houses the Bleakholt Animal Sanctuary which is a popular attraction.
Many people also choose to walk up Holcombe Hill, while the Ramsbottom Cricket Club boasts Michael Clarke, Ian Chappell, Seymour Nurse and Chris Harris as former players.
HOW TO GET THERE: Drive along the M66. Free parking is available at Prince Street, Market East and Market North.
Ramsbottom can also be reached by bus from Bury.
Haworth
- Time / Distance: 1 hr 5 mins, 36 miles
A trip to Haworth takes you out of Greater Manchester / Lancashire and into Yorkshire. But it is well worth the hour-long journey to get there.
Situated in the Pennines, just 10 miles from Bradford, it offers plenty for the visitor to see and do.
Famously home to the Brontë sisters, it is a place rich in literary and history, as well as the windy and mysterious moors they often referred to in their work.
Boasting cobbled streets, antique stores and an old-world charm, it is a destination where you can see vintage steam trains, walk in its beautiful 9-acre park or browse through its eclectic range of independent boutique shops.
When you are hungry, be sure to visit Fleece Inn for its wonderful homemade pies or delicious crab and lobster burger.
Of course, no trip to Haworth is complete without a hike on the surrounding moorlands. No doubt you’ll hear the Kate Bush song Wuthering Heights rattling around your head if you do so!
HOW TO GET THERE: Drive along the A6033. Parking is available on the church side behind the main street.
Bollington
- Time / Distance: 40 minutes, 20 miles
Located in Cheshire, Bollington lies on the southwestern edge of the Peak District.
Many people come here for the chance to walk up to the White Nancy. A stone folly that resides at the top of Kerridge Hill and commemorates victory at the Battle of Waterloo.
However, there is a lot more to attract people to the village than that. The big mills of Adelphi, Clarence and Lowerhouse provide an insight into what life was like in the 19th century, While the Macclesfield Canal towpath and the Peak District Boundary Walk also connect with town.
The Bollington Brewing Company is a must-stop for anyone who loves beer, while the impressive St Oswald’s Church and St Gregory’s Church provide further insight into the history of the village.
For lunch or dinner, The Lime Tree Restaurant and Wine Bar dish up exceptional cocktails and British cuisine.
HOW TO GET THERE: Drive along the A5103. Free parking is available at the Pool Bank on Palmerston Street.
If you want to go by public transport, you can take the train to Macclesfield. From there, you can take bus 10 to Bollington.
Rivington
- Time / Distance: 35 minutes, 21 miles
Rivington is undoubtedly one of the best villages near Manchester to visit.
Situated just 8 miles from Bolton, this is an excellent place to come if you love hiking, as Winter Hill and Rivington Pike – both of which reside within the West Pennine Moors – are within easy reach of it.
The area is also home to the ‘Little Lake District’, which is a chain of scenic reservoirs which offer excellent outdoor recreational activities, particularly in the summer.
Other notable landmarks in the area are Rivington Castle, which is a scale replica of Liverpool Castle, The Terraced Gardens of Rivington, Pigeon Tower and Go Ape Rivington.
The latter of which is a thrilling adventure-activity destination where you can tour the canopy of the forest via a rope course in the treetops.
If all that walking or climbing has made you hungry, head on over to The Cardwell for great steaks and other hearty fares.
HOW TO GET THERE: Drive along the M61. You should find plenty of free parking in the area.
Worsley
- Time / Distance: 17 minutes, 9 miles
If you love beautiful architecture and historic landmarks then you’ll want to make your way over to Worsley.
A gorgeous town in Salford, it is renowned for its fabulous mock Tudor buildings, iconic Worsley Delph and famed Bridgewater Canal. All of which are rich in history and character.
It also hosts a range of enchanting structures like the humpback bridge, the Alphabet bridge, the Bridgewater Estate Offices, the Packet House, the Rock House and the Court House that are well worth checking out whilst exploring the town.
As it is less than 20 minutes from Manchester, the town is a terrific place to pop to for a meal.
Try Tung Fong Restaurant, which is undoubtedly one of the North West’s best Chinese Restaurants. Alternatively, the Worsley Old Hall offers tasty pub food too.
HOW TO GET THERE: Drive along the M602. There is a park and ride at Wardley that will take you into town.
You can also get the train from Manchester to Worsley.
Castleton
- Time / Distance: 55 minutes, 28 miles
For those who like walking, one of the best villages outside Manchester to visit is Castleton.
Nestled within the rugged beauty of the Peak District National Park, this stunning village is located at the top end of Hope Valley. It is also presided over by the Mam Tor and imperious Peveril Castle.
Many people are drawn here by its incredible natural beauty and a rich sense of history.
It also has four show caves – Peak Cavern, Blue John Cavern, Speedwell Cavern and Treak Cliff Cavern – which are major drawcards. Even boasting underground boat rides for visitors to enjoy.
There are lots of shops to peruse in the village and if you come here during the festive season the lights will captivate you.
To support the many tourists that visit the town, there are several very good places to eat. One of them, the Three Roofs Cafe presents a fabulous family-friendly menu.
HOW TO GET THERE: Drive along the A624. Several carparks are available throughout the town but very few spots are free.
Marple Bridge
- Time / Distance: 30 minutes, 12 miles
Marple is a pleasant rural town in Stockport that is known for its network of 16 canal locks.
Collectively referred to as Marple Lock Flight, they link close to the village centre and are backed by a scenic pathway which makes for a lovely place to walk.
This journey will take you past the beautiful Marple Memorial Park and Brabyns Park until you get to the Marple Aqueduct and Bugsworth Basin.
If you come here with children, The Garden House Marple is a must-visit destination. It boasts children’s farms and petting zoos, as well as several indoor and outdoor parks and playgrounds too.
The Roman Lakes is also a popular spot for couples and those who want to picnic. While if you want to taste the delights of the local fare, the Maple Tree and Angkor Soul, are two of the best venues in town.
HOW TO GET THERE: Drive along the A57. Those looking for free parking should be able to find it on Hogarths Road, Brabyns Park and Brabyns Row.
You can also take a direct train from Manchester Piccadilly to Marple and walk from the station.
Alderley Edge
- Time / Distance: 30 minutes, 16 miles
If you like the finer things in life, then you’ll want to visit Alderley Edge.
Championed as the ‘Champagne capital of Britain’, this is one of the best villages to visit near Manchester if you are a fan of bubbly and caviar.
Blessed with a wonderful collection of top-notch restaurants and hip bars, The Alderley Edge Hotel, Wizard Restaurant and The Alderley Bar and Grill are among the most prestigious restaurants in the Northwest.
Situated in Cheshire, just 16 miles from Manchester, the village also has an excellent range of shops, as well as gourmet cheese shops, butchers and bakers and a delightful farmer’s market that takes place every month.
It’s also known for being the home of many footballers including Rio Ferdinand, Andy Cole, Dwight Yorke and Michael Carrick and enjoys breathtaking views of the Cheshire Plain, which makes the perfect destination in which to walk, when you are not shopping, drinking or eating.
HOW TO GET THERE: Drive along the A5103. Free parking for two hours can be found at Ryleys Lane and South Street.
Regular trains also run between Manchester Piccadilly and Alderley Edge.
Uppermill
- Time / Distance: 30 minutes, 13 miles
There are many cute villages near Manchester to visit and one of the best of them is Uppermill.
Situated on the northeast side of Greater Manchester, it enjoys a picturesque location on high moorland, within the Pennines close to the Huddersfield Narrow Canal.
A popular stop-off point for those heading to nearby Saddleworth, the charming town has a nice mix of restaurants and cafes, headlined arguably by The Waggon Inn, which does a terrific roast.
As you walk around the town, be sure to pop into its various crafts shops and quaint bookshop, while the Saddleworth museum features interesting displays of its Roman history.
During your time in Uppermill, don’t be surprised if you are invited to play ‘cobbling’. This is a unique local pastime that involves a bag of cement, a closed road and a barrel of cobblestones!
HOW TO GET THERE: Drive along the A62. You will find lots of free parking here. But try New Street and Smithy Lane.
In nearby Greenfield, which is less than a mile away, there is a train station which has a regular service to Manchester.
Knutsford
- Time / Distance: 35 minutes, 19 miles
Sitting on the fringes of the rolling countryside of Cheshire, Knutsford is a stunning market town which lays claim to being one of the best villages to live near Manchester.
Renowned for its gorgeous cobblestone side streets, stately architecture and fascinating history, its town centre is a lovely place to walk around.
Along its two major thoroughfares of Princess Street and Queen Street, you will find a host of landmarks of local and cultural importance.
This includes The Moor, a lush 5.5-acre parkland, as well as The Penny Farthing Museum and Knutsford Heritage centre.
Another popular place to visit in Knutsford is the 50-acre Tatton Park. This famous National Trust property is a lovely place for a picnic and a stroll. It includes a mansion, an estate and a farm.
It’s also one of the best places near Manchester to see deer.
Throughout the town, you will also find lots of points of interest relating to Elizabeth Gaskell, who was a former resident.
In between these landmarks are some lovely shops and eateries. Try the huge prawns at the Balchao Restaurant, when you fancy something to eat.
HOW TO GET THERE: Drive along the A5103 and M56. Free parking for 2 hours is available at the car parks on King Street and Silk Mill Street.
Trains regularly run between Manchester Piccadilly and Knutsford.
Marsden
- Time / Distance: 35 minutes, 18 miles
Lying just 8 miles from Huddersfield, the small village of Marsden is another interesting destination to head to on a day trip from Manchester.
Featuring rows of houses constructed around a central shopping precinct, the town has an old-world feel to it, with plenty of its buildings being made of sandstone or local grit.
This precinct has a nice selection of retail outlets and cafes including the popular Bistro 11.
Running through the village is the River Colne, which provides a nice waterside location to walk by. However, the main attraction here is the trails that meander through the Marsden and Colne Valley areas.
One of the most popular of these is the Wessenden Valley which passes waterfalls, reservoirs and streams.
While the iconic Tunnel End is a canal basin area that leads into Lancashire from underneath the Pennines.
HOW TO GET THERE: Drive along the A62. You will find parking available at Marsden Train Station.
Trains also regularly go between Manchester Piccadilly and Marsden.
Bamford
- Time / Distance: 25 minutes, 11 miles
Bamford is another of the nice villages near Manchester you should check out when you have some time spare.
Nestled within the Hope Valley, in the Peak District in Derbyshire, it enjoys a splendid location beneath the imperious Bamford Edge and on the banks of the River Derwent.
A lovely region to explore on foot or by bike, you’ll enjoy every minute of walking or cycling around the Ladybower or Howden Reservoirs.
Hikers will also relish the challenge of tackling the Derwent Edge, which showcases terrific views the more you get into it.
When not exploring its natural surroundings, the village has a lovely sculpture trail to follow. It also has a good selection of shops, cafes and restaurants including Cintra’s Tea Rooms and Maazi which serves up outstanding Indian food.
HOW TO GET THERE: Drive along the Rochdale Road. Free parking is available in the layby parking you will find on New Road.
There are also regular train services between Manchester Piccadilly and Bamford.
Clitheroe
- Time / Distance: 50 minutes, 34 miles
Situated near the Forest of Bowland, about 34 miles from Manchester, the town of Clitheroe has a lot going for it.
Often used as a base by tourists to visit the area, one of its main attractions is the 12th-century Clitheroe Castle which is believed to hold one of Britain’s smallest keeps.
Overlooking both the forest and the town, it features an excellent museum that documents its fascinating history. It also showcases marvellous views from the hills that surround it.
Other Scheduled Ancient Monuments include Edisford Bridge and the Bellmanpark Lime kiln. Both of which are worth a detour too.
When you are in the town itself, you will find Clitheroe boasts several, independent, locally-owned shops and businesses including the fabulous Exchange Coffee Company.
The Brizola Bar and Grill is also a good place to visit for some Greek-inspired food.
HOW TO GET THERE: Drive along the M66. Parking is available at the Clitheroe Market Car Park, North Street Car Park and Lowergate Car Park.
Clitheroe town centre is also easy to get to by train from Manchester as well.
Whalley
- Time / Distance: 45 minutes, 30 miles
Boasting a very dramatic setting, Whalley is a large size village in the Ribble Valley that is about a 45-minute drive from Manchester.
Nestled on the scenic banks of the River Calder, it is presided over by the bosky Whalley Nab, a dense woodland hill that lies over the other side of the river from the village.
As well as the stunning countryside setting which offers several opportunities for ambling around, many visitors come here to see the Whalley Abbey.
A former Cistercian abbey which is now a retreat and conference house.
Others choose to explore the Forest of Bowland, while at night The Grand, a popular music venue, presents some wonderful performances across all genres.
Before you head there, try a bite to eat at the King Street Kitchen and the Breda Murphy Restaurant, which are among the best local restaurants.
HOW TO GET THERE: Drive along the M66. Free parking for 2 hours is available at Hankinson Way.
Trains operate regularly between Manchester Piccadilly and Whalley.
Holcombe
- Time / Distance: 30 minutes, 16 miles
Of all the villages around Manchester, few can compare with Holcombe when it comes to character, quaintness and scenic beauty.
Situated on the slopes of Holcombe Moor, a lot of the moorland that surrounds the village is immaculately looked after by the National Trust.
As a result, it is a very popular destination for cyclists, walkers and birders.
Visitors of a certain vintage might recall some of the scenery as the site of the assault course that was used on the famous TV show The Krypton Factor back in the 1980s and 1990s.
However, arguably the most iconic landmark in the area is the Peel Tower. Standing 128 feet high, it conveys magnificent views over Manchester and parts of North Wales.
Most of the buildings here take the form of stone cottages and farms. But you will also find a popular public house in the village named the Shoulder of Mutton, as well as an excellent Indian restaurant called the Mala.
HOW TO GET THERE: Drive along the M66. There is plenty of parking available around town.
Buses also operate from Manchester to Holcombe too.
Bromley Cross
- Time / Distance: 30 minutes, 17 miles
Recently, the suburb of Bromley Cross was named in a survey that was commissioned by Family Investments as one of the best places to live in the United Kingdom.
So as it is only a 30-minute drive away from Manchester, you might want to pay a visit there to see what it is like.
Whilst in the town, there are plenty of things to keep you entertained. This includes sampling a few drops at Turton Wines, enjoying a walk through the leafy Jumbles Country Park and checking out the Bolton Steam Museum.
There are several interesting shops, galleries and other museums you can peruse whilst you are there.
While your food options should include The Pack Horse and Giuseppe’s Restaurant and Bar. Both of these are highly recommended for their terrific service and excellent meals.
HOW TO GET THERE: Drive along the A56. There is a Park & Ride on Chapeltown Road that will get you into the main town centre.
You can also get to Bromley Cross by bus and train from Manchester.
Mossley
- Time / Distance: 30 minutes, 11 miles
Tucked away at the foothills of the Pennines, within the Upper Tame Valley, Mossley is a charming town with a rich industrial heritage.
Surrounded by spectacular scenery, it is a wonderful place to come for a digital detox and to reconnect with nature.
One of the best places to do this is at Mossley Park which is a lovely green space. It also has occasional live music performances which is a pleasant way to spend an afternoon.
For those who want to find out more about the area’s cotton-spinning past, the Mossley Industrial Heritage Centre exhibits what life was like in the giant mills that dominated industry back in the day.
The town itself has several shops to hold your interest.
Whilst there, be sure to look out for The Royal George which is a pub full of character that offers tasty food.
HOW TO GET THERE: Drive along the A635. Free parking is available at Station Road, Mellor Lane and Old Mill Lane.
The town lies on the Leeds and Manchester lines of the Northwestern railway, so is easy to get to by train.
Malham
- Time / Distance: 1 hour and 20 minutes, 53 miles
One of the most popular villages near Manchester to visit is Malham.
Nestled at the southern end of the Yorkshire Dales, this small village in North Yorkshire is a gorgeous place that features a stream that runs through it.
Surrounded by limestone walls, one of the main attractions here is the breathtaking Malham Cove.
This is particularly popular with fans of Harry Potter as it appeared in the film Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows, as the site where he and Hermione Grainger established a camp at the top of it.
Other places worth visiting include Malham Tarn and Gordale Scar, which is a stunning gorge, replete with waterfalls, that swathe into the limestone hillside.
After a full day of exploring you are going to want a drink and a bite to eat. Thankfully The Lister Arms provides a fantastic venue to do this.
HOW TO GET THERE: Drive along the A59. Paid parking is available at the Yorkshire Dales National Centre car park.
Looking for more cute Yorkshire villages near Manchester? Check out this article!
Leek
- Time / Distance: 1 hour, 34 miles
Taking around an hour to drive there. Leek is one of the furthest market towns on this list from Manchester. But don’t let that stop you from going there.
Situated on the River Churnet, about 10 miles from Stoke-on-Trent, this historic town was awarded its royal charter as long ago as 1214!
If you love listed buildings there are several you can see in town. These include St Edward the Confessor’s, which was the original parish church, and All Saints, a stunning Victorian Church.
You’ll also enjoy walking around the Pickwood Recreation Ground, Woodcroft Recreation Ground and Westwood Recreation Ground if you enjoy beautiful, expansive green spaces.
Foodies will be in their element too, as the likes of Mehek, a top-notch Indian restaurant and The Lazy Trout are among the many fantastic eateries available to you.
HOW TO GET THERE: Drive along the A523. You will find several car parks including those on the High Street, Market Place, Stockwell Street and St Edwards Street.
Broadbottom
- Time / Distance: 25 minutes, 12 miles
Located at the outer reaches of Greater Manchester, Broadbottom has a charming, timeless quality to it that has to be seen to be believed.
Complete with a comely river, charming stone houses and the silhouettes of rolling hills hovering in the background, this idyllic Tameside village is also nestled right on the River Etherow.
Once home to a booming textile industry which was the catalyst for the area changing from rural farmland to an industrial village, the area oozes history.
Offering easy entry to Great Wood, the largest woodland in Tameside, it is another perfect destination for those looking to immerse themselves in nature for a while.
Other nearby highlights include the ruins of Melandra Castle, the Melandra Roman Fort, and the Torr Vale Mill.
If you get a chance, have a pint and some food at the Harewood Arms. Which will also serve up a healthy insight into semi-rural life.
HOW TO GET THERE: Drive along the A57 and M67. Free parking is available at Broadbottom Station.
As well as by car, you can get from Manchester to Broadbottom by train. It only takes 20 minutes.
Edale
- Time / Distance: 55 minutes, 29 miles
Signifying the start and the end of the Pennine Way, Edale is a small village that provides access to a big attraction.
It’s the ideal place to visit if you want to discover some of the best Peak District walks near Manchester.
From that starting point, you will be able to partake in a range of outdoor-related activities including ascending Grindsbrook, walking the Edale Skyline, visiting the Edale church and walking the Great Ridge.
If you are up early enough you can also climb Mam Tor at sunrise and visit the Kinder Downfall.
Situated just under an hour’s drive from Manchester, the village is one of the most picturesque on this list. One of the best things to do whilst you are there is to just sit and look out at the wonderful scenery.
If you can do this while enjoying a pint and a meal at The Old Nags Head, then all the better.
HOW TO GET THERE: Drive along the A624. Parking is available on Edale Road and at the train station.
The village has a terrific railway station which is a stop on the Manchester to Sheffield railway line.
Lymm
- Time / Distance: 30 minutes, 18 miles
Lymm is somewhere you will instantly fall in love with.
Recently listed in the top 20 ‘most Instagrammable villages’ in the United Kingdom, it boasts a serene landscape of streams, canals and verdant farmland.
Situated near Warrington, it is notable for having a dinosaur footprint that is over 240 million years old!
It also features the Lymm Dam which was built in 1824 and is arguably its main attraction, along with the 3.5-mile Lymm Heritage Walk that also showcases the Dingle, Slitten Gorge and Bridgewater Canal.
The beautiful town is also home to some historic structures like the Grade I Listed Lymm Cross and the reverential St Mary’s Church which was built in 1850.
Well known for the various events it holds throughout the year including a Beer Festival, Historic Transport Day, Duck Race and Dickensian Day, Lymm is also renowned for its excellent dining scene.
One of the best restaurants in town is La Boheme, which is an exceptional restaurant that stands up to anything you will find in Manchester.
HOW TO GET THERE: Drive along the M602. Parking can be found in Lymm Village at Pepper Street, Henry Street and Davies Way car parks.
Several buses run from Manchester Piccadilly Gardens to Lymm.
Prestbury
Looking for a cute Cheshire village near Manchester? Prestbury is the perfect destination for you!
Located near Macclesfield, Prestbury is the kind of place where time seems to slow down, with its cobbled streets, historic timber-framed houses, and the soothing sounds of the River Bollin flowing by.
The houses in Prestbury are absolutely stunning and you will love walking around the village. You will also find some historical sites such as the St. Peter’s Church.
You can also treat yourself to a tasty bite or a cuppa at Henry’s Cafe. It’s a cute cafe in the village and they sell delicious homemade cakes.
If you are up for a walk, the Prestbury and Mottram Saint Andrew Walk is a popular hike in the area. It’s a 5-mile long walk that will take you around the surrounding areas.
HOW TO GET THERE: If you are driving, it will take about 45 minutes to get to Prestbury (Wilmslow way). Alternatively, you can also take the train from Manchester Piccadilly to Prestbury. It takes 27 minutes.
Rainow
If you are looking for a bit of a hidden gem of a village near Manchester, Rainow might just be the place for you!
It’s located near Macclesfield and the Peak District, making it the perfect place to explore if you want to discover the countryside in Cheshire.
Although the village is small, it has a lively community and you will enjoy walking around it. Two of the most notable landmarks are the Jenkin Chapel, which was built in 1733 and the Anglican church (1846).
Rainow is also a great base for hikers since you will find some of the best Peak District walks starting here.
Finally, make sure to check out the Lamaload Reservoir, which is one of the best reservoirs near Manchester for a walk and views.
HOW TO GET THERE: The easiest way to get to Rainow from Manchester is to drive. It takes about 50 minutes.
If you want to take public transport, you can take the train to Macclesfield from Piccadilly station and then take a bus to Rainow.
Now that you know everything about the prettiest villages near Manchester, it’s time to go and explore the surrounding areas. You’ll have a lot of fun!
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