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Planning a day trip and want to know what the best cities near Manchester are? We are here to help!
Manchester is one of the biggest cities in England. It’s home to two Premier League football teams, an abundance of culture and some epic nightlife.
Whilst Manchester is a fantastic English city with plenty of things to do and see, sometimes it’s good to venture further afield.
There are a ton of brilliant cities near Manchester that are just waiting to be explored. With easy public transport options, you can dart off to just about anywhere for the day or a long weekend.
With multiple train lines running from Manchester Piccadilly, Manchester Victoria, and Manchester Oxford Road you can easily hop on a train and be in another city in no time.
Check out these awesome day trips from Manchester by train or car which will provide you with a ton of things to see and do.
1. Liverpool
🚗 Time / Distance: 49 min (35.4 miles) – 📍 See on Google Maps
Liverpool is one of the most iconic English cities. This maritime city is home to two Premier League football sides and was of course the birthplace of The Beatles!
This historic city is believed to date back to 1190 when it was known as “Liuerpul”. “Liuerpul” actually translates in Old English to “muddy water” (not particularly enticing).
But don’t let its historic name put you off, Liverpool is one of the best cities to visit in England. It’s steeped in history, culture and there is a myriad of things to see and do.
Be sure to check out Liverpool’s spectacular architecture. Collectively known as ‘The Three Graces’, the Port of Liverpool Building, the Liver Building, and the Cunard Building must be top of your list of things to do in the city.
If you want to learn more about the history of Liverpool, we highly recommend joining a walking tour. The local guide will take you all around the city centre and tell you everything you need to know!
If you are a Beatles fan (and don’t ever say you aren’t when you’re in Liverpool) then you must check out The Cavern Club, The Beatles Statue and Strawberry Field.
There’s so much to see in Liverpool it’s one of the best cities near Manchester to visit.
HOW TO GET THERE: To avoid traffic its best to take the train from Manchester to Liverpool. From Manchester Victoria to Liverpool Lime Street single tickets are between £3.60 and £17 depending on what time you go.
With the journey taking less than 40 minutes, Liverpool is both an affordable and easily accessible day trip destination.
2. Chester
🚗 Time / Distance: 54 min (44.8 miles) – 📍 See on Google Maps
Of the cities around Manchester, Chester is one of the most historic. Chester sits right on the border with Wales and was founded in AD 70.
The city is surrounded by ancient city walls which were fundamental in its protection during with English Civil War.
If you are a bit of history buff and would like to learn more about the history of Chester, make sure to join the free walking tour. It’s super interesting!
You can’t venture to Chester without heading to the zoo. Chester Zoo is one of the best zoos in the UK and is globally recognised. It was also the first zoo to use humane enclosures for its animals.
Wander along the city walls, visit Chester Cathedral and be sure to take a stroll along The Groves (a beautiful riverside promenade).
HOW TO GET THERE: By train it takes just over an hour to reach Chester and you can buy a return ticket for under £15.
3. Leeds
🚗 Time / Distance: 57 min (44 miles) – 📍 See on Google Maps
There are a multitude of things to do in this Yorkshire city. From Victorian era buildings to striking modern architecture, there is something for everyone.
If you fancy a spot of shopping with an elegant Victorian twist, check out Leeds Corn Exchange. This modern shopping complex is housed within an outstanding Victorian building.
Take a stroll around Roundhay Park and whilst you’re there check out Tropical World.
Tropical World has a butterfly house, a tropical rainforest and an Australian outback style climate.
There are several rare birds, bats and reptiles inside and some noisy meerkats too!
If you plan on having a weekend trip to Leeds, make sure you check out the nightlife. Head to The HiFi Club, it’s one of the most diverse and happening joints in the city.
HOW TO GET THERE: To get to Leeds its again best to take the train. Though you can drive, the traffic into Leeds can be tiresome. In just over an hour, and at £25 you can reach Leeds by train from Manchester Piccadilly.
4. York
🚗 Time / Distance: 1 hr 26 min (73.1 miles) – 📍 See on Google Maps
York is one of the most historic cities in England and one of the best day trips from Manchester. Set out early and enjoy an entire day wandering the cobbled streets of York.
Chances are you’ve heard of York Minster; this cathedral was completed in 1472 so is simply oozing with English history.
As well as the cathedral, York is known for its illustrious city walls and the Shambles.
The Shambles are a tiny collection of narrow, aesthetically pleasing streets where traditionally the butchers used to have their shops.
Today these shops sell olde-worlde sweets, cheeses, souvenirs and Harry Potter merchandise.
Yes, calling all Harry Potter fans!The York Shambles look so similar to Diagon Alley (even though they actually have nothing to do with it).
You will find loads of potion shops and can even do a Harry Potter walking tour here.
Before you head back to Manchester, make sure you check out the York city walls. These walls have protected York since the Roman times!
HOW TO GET THERE: If you are looking to drive from Manchester, you’ll want to head to one of York’s ‘park & rides’. There are three located around the city.
It’s not worth trying to park in the centre of York. When you see its tiny, cobbled streets and one way system you’ll understand why! It’s also very expensive (around £17 per day).
If you are visiting on a weekend though, it’s worth going to York Commuter carpark. It’s just behind the train station and it ‘only’ costs £7 per day on the weekend.
Alternatively, you can take the train. You can get an off-peak return ticket for under £20, and it takes around 1 hr 40 mins.
5. Preston
🚗 Time / Distance: 47 min (33.8 miles) – 📍 See on Google Maps
Preston is one of the quickest and easiest day trips from Manchester. Despite Preston being relatively small there are plenty of things to do.
It was founded on the 14th century Flemish weavers who came to settle in the then town.
They established a productive textile history which was instrumental to the UK’s economy until the mid-20th century.
For a deeper understanding of the history of the area check out the Harris Museum and Art Gallery which opened in 1893. Inside the museum you’ll find a Poulton Elk which dates back 13,500 years.
If you are a football fan why not head to one of the Preston North End F.C. games. Though Preston is only in the Championship it’s a lively atmosphere at every home game.
HOW TO GET THERE: Preston is less than an hour by train outside of Manchester. You can pick up an off-peak day return ticket for less than £15.
It is also very easy to drive to Preston, just take the M61 and then the A6. You can park on Driveway on Bow Lane all day and you can even book a space online in advance to save any stress.
6. Lancaster
🚗 Time / Distance: 1 hr 6 min (53.3 miles) – 📍 See on Google Maps
Lancaster is a diverse mix of history, culture and student life. Lancaster was once a busy port city located on the River Lune but today it has more of a sleep atmosphere.
A trip to Lancaster Castle must be top of your list when arriving in the city. What’s more, it’s less than five minutes’ walk from the train station.
Ashton Memorial, a 50-metre-high monument constructed in the 1900’s, is also well worth a visit. Wander around the park and don’t be surprised if you see a meerkat or two!
You must drop into J. Atkinson & Co as well. This 180-year-old coffee roaster serves up some of the best coffee in town.
HOW TO GET THERE: It’s quick and easy to get from Manchester to Lancaster, especially if you go by train. You can get an off-peak day return for just over £20 and the journey takes around 1 hr 20 mins.
7. Salford
🚗 Time / Distance: 12 min (3.3 miles) – 📍 See on Google Maps
If you are in Manchester but don’t want to travel far, then check out Salford. Salford is one of the cities in Greater Manchester that’s super fun, edgy and has lots of activities.
Head across the River Irwell and you will reach the City of Salford. With a booming textile industry during the 18th and 19th centuries Salford was more economically prosperous than its larger neighbour, Manchester.
Following the decline of the industry much of Salford fell into disrepair that was until recent rejuvenation projects have made this a sort after place to live and visit.
You’ve got to head to Salford Quays the former site of the Manchester Docks. This is now a beautiful riverside area with plenty of eateries and a good atmosphere.
HOW TO GET THERE: Getting to Salford is easy from Manchester. It takes between 20 and 30 minutes to get into Salford Central (at just £3.20 return).
Alternatively, you can take the Manchester Metrolink tram service to Salford Quays. The tram is super handy especially if you are also exploring Manchester.
8. Sheffield
🚗 Time / Distance: 1 hr 9 min (38 miles) – 📍 See on Google Maps
Another of the popular cities near Manchester is Sheffield. In just over an hour, you can be in heart of South Yorkshire.
Sheffield is surrounded by beautiful countryside, littered with historical sites and green urban spaces.
If you are into art, you should visit the Millennium Gallery, one of Sheffield’s finest galleries.
Although you’ll have just come from one of the best shopping cities in England, Sheffield has its own retail crowning glory.
Meadowhall Shopping Centre (or Meadowhell as it’s known to a select group of reluctant husbands) is an enormous retail therapy spot. They’ve got Armani, House of Fraser, Apple and all the popular clothes shops.
HOW TO GET THERE: This is one of the best days trips from Manchester by train as it’s super affordable. For as little as £12 you can get a return ticket to Sheffield from Manchester Piccadilly.
9. Stoke-on-Trent
🚗 Time / Distance: 1 hr 1 min (42.3. miles) – 📍 See on Google Maps
Stoke-on-Trent is known for its pottery industry. It’s a rather unique English city, from its industrial era architecture to its continued dedication to all thing’s pottery.
If you consider yourself a potter you should head to the Potteries Museum & Art Gallery. This gallery has innumerable locally made ceramic pieces on display as well as a WW2 Spitfire.
FUN FACT: If you’ve been watching The Great Pottery Throw Down on TV, you’ll be happy to know that it’s where they filmed it!
You can also head to Mow Cop Castle. This 18th century castle isn’t actually a castle! Believe it or not it’s a summer house built in 1754 to resemble a castle.
HOW TO GET THERE: To reach Stoke-on-Trent with a car you’ll need to head north along the M6. You can also easily take a train, with return tickets averaging at around £15.
10. Bradford
🚗 Time / Distance: 52 min (38.9 miles) – 📍 See on Google Maps
Nestled beside the Pennine mountains, Bradford is an industrial West Yorkshire city. Alongside Preston and Salford, Bradford was another important player in England’s textile industry.
Given its role in the industrial revolution, it seems only fitting to visit the Bradford Industrial Museum.
The museum highlights the role the city played in the revolution and its importance in the manufacturing process of wool. The museum sits inside an old textile factory so even its walls are oozing history.
Literature lovers will be interested in visiting the Bronte Parsonage Museum. This museum is run by the Bronte Society.
The famous Bronte sisters, Charlotte, Emily and Anne are known for their literary classics, Jane Eyre, Wuthering Heights, and Agnes Grey.
This museum is set in the Bronte’s former home and it’s a great place to learn more about the sisters.
If you are traveling to Bradford during summer a trip to the Bradford City Park should be on your list.
The park surrounds the Bradford City Hall and features manicured gardens, market stalls and a mirror pool with 30-metre-high water fountains.
In summer you’ll find a whole array of locals and visitors splashing around in the water.
HOW TO GET THERE: For as little as £8.20 you can get to Bradford and back for a day trip on the train.
11. Birmingham
🚗 Time / Distance: 1 hour 48 mins (87 miles) – 📍 See on Google Maps
If you fancy going a bit further and make a full day trip out of it, Birmingham will be the perfect destination for you.
Birmingham is located in the Midlands and is the second largest city in the UK after London.
There are many things you can do in the city centre but we recommend you start by walking around and have a feel for the city.
If you love museums, head to Thinktank Birmingham Science Museum or the Black Country Living Museum.
Another popular thing to do is to join a Peaky Blinders tour.
As you probably know, the Peaky Blinders are from Birmingham and a lot of scenes were filmed here (some were also filmed in Manchester though).
Another nice place to check out are the canals.
It’s such a nice place and there are loads of bars and restaurants in Canalside. It’s very enjoyable especially on a sunny day.
If you want to push the experience further, you can also consider hiring a boat.
Finally, if you are visiting with kids, make sure to head to Sea Life or to visit the Cadbury factory. It’s a lot of un.
12. Derby
🚗 Time / Distance: 1 hour 50 mins (80 miles) – 📍 See on Google Maps
Derby is a city located in Derbyshire, on the other side of the Peak District.
It used to be a market town but (a bit like Manchester) grew a lot during the Industrial Revolution.
Here you will find a very cute city centre, especially the cathedral quarter with its beautiful half-timbered houses, pubs and of course, stunning cathedral.
If you want to learn more about the history of the city, head to Derby Museum and Art Gallery. It’s very interesting.
For a leisurely walk, head to Markeaton Park. It’s a beautiful estate with a gorgeous 18th century Georgian hall. They also have loads of activities for kids such as a crazy golf and a bouncy castle.
Also make sure to go on a walk on the west bank of the Derwent River. It’s stunning here!
If you are looking for something a bit unique to do, you can also visit Derby Gaol, one of the old prisons in the city.
13. Wrexham
🚗 Time / Distance: 1 hour 10 mins (53 miles) – 📍 See on Google Maps
Wrexham has been in the news a lot recently, mainly because of the acquisition of the football club by Hollywood star Ryan Reynolds, but it’s also a very nice city in Wales near Manchester.
It’s only about 1 hour drive which means you can easily go there for the day.
Of course, if you are a football fan, make sure to plan your visit so you can go watch a game at the Racecourse Ground, the home of Wrexham A.F.C.
🎥 If you want to learn more about Wrexham before visiting, make sure to watch the docu series Welcome to Wrexham on Disney Plus.
But there are also many other things you can do such as going to the Church of St Giles which is the largest medieval church in Wales.
Just outside of Wrexham, you can find the stunning Pontcysyllte Aqueduct which is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
If you are a National Trust Member, make sure to also go to Erddig Hall. It’s home to a beautiful mansion and gardens, perfect for a nice walk on a sunny day.
14. Doncaster
🚗 Time / Distance: 1 hr 30 min (60 miles) – 📍 See on Google Maps
Doncaster is another city close to Manchester that is worth visiting on a day trip.
It’s the second largest city in South Yorkshire after Sheffield and has a population of about 100,000 people.
A bit like Manchester, Doncaster was established by the Romans. They built a fort there in AD 71.
So by visiting Doncaster, you will discover over 2,000 years of history!
In terms of things to do, you will have various options.
If you like everything about horses, heading to Doncaster Racecourse should be the first thing to do.
You can also go for a walk at Cusworth Hall and Park or visit the Yorkshire Wildlife Park.
This is one of the best wildlife parks near Manchester and an excellent destination for a day out with the kids.
On a rainy day, head to the South Yorkshire Aircraft Museum where you will learn plenty about airplanes and get to see former RAF aircrafts.
HOW TO GET THERE: If you’re driving, it takes about 1h30 to get to Doncaster but make sure to avoid rush hours since it can be much longer if you’re stuck in traffic.
In terms of public transport, you can take a train to Leeds and change there for a train to Doncaster. Altogether, it takes about 90 minutes as well.
15. Coventry
🚗 Time / Distance: 2h (100 miles) – 📍 See on Google Maps
Coventry is a bit further but it’s still a city near Manchester that you can visit on a day trip. It’s also the halfway point on the road to London and a great place to visit.
Coventry is a historical city famous for its cathedral but also for being the birthplace of St George, the patron saint of England.
One of the best way to discover Coventry and its history is to join the walking tour of the cathedral quarter.
You will learn about Lady Godiva, the blitz and Coventry Castle.
If you love cars or are visiting with kids, make sure to go to Coventry Transport Museum. Here you will learn plenty about the automotive industry in the area. There are many cool cars, bikes and motos. It’s a lot of fun.
Another museum that is worth visiting, if you like history and art, is the Herbert Art Gallery and Museum.
Finally, you can also go for a walk at Coombe Abbey Park. It’s a lovely park and if you are visiting in the spring, there are loads of bluebells.
Now that you know everything about the best cities close to Manchester, it’s time to go and explore!
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