16 Best Places to Visit within 2 hours of Manchester

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Are you looking for a great day trip from Manchester? With so many amazing places to explore within two hours of Manchester, it can be hard to narrow down your choices.

Manchester is ideally located near some of the most beautiful national parks in the UK, gorgeous northern cities and of course, the seaside.

From historic castles and gardens to world-class museums and outdoor activities, there’s something for everyone!

Here are some of the best places to visit within 2 hours of Manchester that will make your day trip memorable.

Table of Contents

1. Liverpool

Located just an hour away by train, Liverpool is one of the most beautiful cities in the UK and well worth a visit.

Filled with grand architecture and plenty of culture, it’s the ideal destination for people who love museums, history and of course, music.

FUN FACT: The Beatles were from Liverpool so if you love music, you will be in for a treat! There are many activities you can do that are related to the Beatles and music in general.

🎟️ Things to do in Liverpool:

Explore the historic Albert Dock
Visit the Beatles Story and discover the Cavern
Go to Tate Liverpool
Go on a River Cruise on the Mersey River
Visit the Anfield stadium and learn more about Liverpool FC
Do a walking tour of Liverpool

HOW TO GET THERE: You can easily drive to Liverpool. It takes about 50 minutes from Manchester. You can also take a train from Piccadilly, Oxford Road or Piccadilly. Train journeys last between 35 and 60 minutes.

2. Chester

History buffs will love a trip to Chester. The city offers plenty of things to do from walking along its medieval walls to visiting the cathedral, museums and galleries.

It’s also home to some of the best shopping in the North West so bring your wallet!

🎟️ Things to do in Chester:

Explore the spectacular Chester Cathedral
Walk around the city walls
Visit Grosvenor Park or The Groves for a lovely stroll by the river
Visit Chester Zoo for a fun day out
Do a cruise on the river Dee
Check out the historic Eastgate Clock and Rows
Take the hop-on hop-off bus

HOW TO GET THERE: It takes about 1 hour to get to Chester by car. Alternatively, you can take a train from Manchester Victoria and it will take around an hour.

You can also book a day tour from Manchester which includes both North Wales and Chester. Prices here.

3. Macclesfield

Macclesfield is a small market town located in Cheshire. It’s home to some beautiful landscapes, charming cobbled streets, quaint pubs and the beautiful Macclesfield Forest.

🎟️ Things to do in Macclesfield:

Visit the historic Silk Museum
Take a walk on the Macclesfield Canal Towpath
Explore Macclesfield Forest and visit Tegg’s Nose Country Park
Go shopping in the charming cobbled streets of Macclesfield town centre

HOW TO GET THERE: It takes roughly 30 minutes to drive to Macclesfield from Manchester. Alternatively, you can take a train from Piccadilly, it’s only 20 minutes!

4. Peak District National Park

The Peak District National Park is England’s first national park and one of the most beautiful. With its rolling hills, picturesque villages and vast moorland, it’s a great way to get outdoors and enjoy nature.

There are many hiking opportunities as well as caves to discover.

🎟️ Things to do in The Peak District:

Visit Chatsworth House and Gardens
Hike up Mam Tor and stroll around Castleton
Check out some of the caves like Poole’s Cavern or Speedwell Cavern
Hike up Kinder Scout
Discover the beautiful Ladybower reservoir and enjoy the views from Bamford Edge

HOW TO GET THERE: The Peak District is about 1 hour from Manchester by car. Alternatively, you can take the train to Edale and enjoy some of the beautiful walks there.

You can also book a day trip from Manchester to Derbyshire and Peak District. See prices here.

5. Forest of Bowland

The Forest of Bowland is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty located in Lancashire. With its stunning landscapes, rolling hills and vast moorlands, it’s a great escape from city life.

🎟️ Things to do in the Forest of Bowland:

Go hiking on one of the many trails such as the Jubilee Tower Trail or Pendle Hill
Visit one of the many charming villages such as Slaidburn or Chipping
Explore the ruins of Whalley Abbey
Take a drive on some of the scenic roads such as the Trough of Bowland road
Visit Browsholme Hall

HOW TO GET THERE: The Forest of Bowland is about 1 hour 30 minutes from Manchester by car.

6. Leeds

Leeds is a vibrant city located in West Yorkshire. It’s packed with things to do from shopping to dining and exploring the historic sites.

If you want to discover another Northern city less than 2 hours away from Manchester, Leeds will be an excellent option.

🎟️ Things to do in Leeds:

Visit the Royal Armouries Museum
Take a walking tour of Leeds
Explore the historic buildings such as Leeds Town Hall or Kirkstall Abbey
Take a walk along the canal or have a picnic Roundhay Park
Discover the beautiful Leeds Corn Exchange
Take a shopping trip to the Victoria Quarter, Trinity Shopping Centre or Leeds Kirkgate Market

HOW TO GET THERE: It takes approximately 1 hour 10 minutes to get to Leeds by car. Alternatively, you can take the train from Manchester Piccadilly which takes 55 minutes.

7. Lake District National Park

The Lake District National Park is located in Cumbria and it’s one of the most popular places to visit within 2 hours of Manchester.

It’s known for its beautiful lakes, watersport activities, hiking trails but also for the culture and food.

The Lake District is also famous for its connections with the author Beatrix Potter who spent a considerable amount of time in the Lakes.

🎟️ Things to do in the Lake District:

Go kayaking or windsurfing on one of the lakes
Explore the beautiful town of Windermere
Visit Beatrix Potter’s home
Take a boat cruise along Windermere lake
Hike up Scafell Pike, the highest peak in England
Go to the Castlerigg Stone Circle

HOW TO GET THERE: The Lake District is located a 1 hour 30 minutes drive from Manchester. This is the best way to get there since public transport is limited once you get there. Alternatively, you can take the train to Windermere (2 hours).

If you want to make the best of your day, you can also book a day trip from Manchester. See prices here.

8. Llandudno

Llandudno is one of the most popular seaside resort towns near Manchester. It’s located in Conwy, North Wales. It’s known for its beautiful beaches and stunning views of the Great Orme.

If you’re looking to escape from city life and relax on the beach, Llandudno is the perfect destination.

🎟️ Things to do in Llandudno:

Explore the Victorian promenade and Llandudno pier
Discover the Alice in Wonderland Trail
Enjoy a beach day on North Shore Beach
Take the Great Orme tramway and enjoy the views from the summit
Take a boat ride around Llandudno Bay
Go to Conwy Castle

HOW TO GET THERE: Llandudno is located 1 hour 50 minutes away from Manchester by car.

9. York

Calling all the history buffs and Harry Potter fans for this one! If you are looking for a beautiful city to explore, York will be the perfect destination.

York has a strong history. It was founded by the Romans and features one of the most beautiful cathedrals in the United Kingdom, the stunning Minster.

It’s also famous for its connections with York, even though this was actually not a main filming location.

The most famous street in York is the Shambles. It’s located in the historic centre and features beautiful medieval houses.

It’s very narrow and looks like Diagon Alley in Harry Potter, which is why you will find loads of Hogwarts-themed shops here.

🎟️ Things to do in York:

HOW TO GET THERE: York is located 1 hour 15 minutes away from Manchester by car. Alternatively, you can take the train from Manchester Piccadilly which takes only 1 hour and 15 minutes.

10. Yorkshire Dales

The Yorkshire Dales is another beautiful place to visit within 2 hours of Manchester. It’s a National Park located in the North of England and it’s famous for its stunning landscapes, villages and wildflower meadows.

It’s a paradise for hikers, outdoor swimmers but also Harry Potter fans since it’s home to one of the Harry Potter filming locations, Malham Cove.

🎟️ Things to do in the Yorkshire Dales:

Explore the Malham Cove limestone pavement
Discover the stunning cliff of Kilnsey Crag
Go to Bolton Abbey
Discover White Scar Cave

HOW TO GET THERE: The Yorkshire Dales is located 1 hour 30 minutes away from Manchester by car. The roads are tiny and it can get a bit busy so it’s better to head there early.

You can also opt for a day trip from Manchester. See prices here.

11. Sheffield

Sheffield is the perfect destination for a day trip from Manchester. Located in South Yorkshire, it’s known for its beautiful parks and gardens as well as its vibrant culture and music scene.

🎟️ Things to do in Sheffield:

Visit Sheffield Botanical Gardens
Take a walk around Graves Park
Explore the beautiful Sheffield Winter Garden
Take a tour of Meadowhall Shopping Centre

HOW TO GET THERE: It takes 1 hour 30 to get to Sheffield from Manchester. You can also get there by public transport. It takes 55 minutes on the train.

12. Alton Towers

Alton Towers is a theme park located just 1 hour 30 minutes away from Manchester.

It’s the perfect destination for those looking to have some fun with their family or friends. The theme park features exciting roller coasters, themed lands, gardens and restaurants.

It’s a popular attraction during the school holidays since it’s a great thing to do with kids, especially the CBeebies land!

But it’s also just as fun for adults. If you love roller coasters, make sure to try the Smiler, the Nemesis and the Rita.

There are also 3 water rides you can do (which is always nice in summer)

You can easily spend the entire day in Alton Towers. We recommend you go there as early as possible (for the opening if you can), that way you will avoid the crowds and will be able to go on a few rides without having to wait much.

🎟️ You can book your ticket online here. The park is open every day from 10AM to 6PM.

HOW TO GET THERE: The easiest way to get to Alton Towers is by car. It’s about 60 miles south on the M6 which will take you around 90 minutes from Manchester City Centre.

13. Llangollen

Llangollen is a small town located in Wales. It’s known for its beautiful river valley, canals and the stunning Pontcysyllte Aqueduct.

It’s an excellent destination for a day trip from Manchester on a nice and sunny day.

The town has some great shops and restaurants where you can enjoy lunch but if you are visiting on a sunny day, a take away or picnic will be a great option.

Things to do in Llangollen:

Go on a boat trip on the canal (you can hire a boat or opt for a horse-drawn boat ride along Llangollen Canal)
Walk along the canal
Take a ride on a steam train at the Llangollen Heritage Railway
Visit Pontcysyllte Aqueduct
Enjoy a scenic stroll around Horseshoe Falls (which is also a nice place for a picnic)
Rafting on the river Dee

HOW TO GET THERE: The easiest way to get to Llangollen from Manchester is by car since there are no direct trains. If you are driving, it will only take you an hour and a half to get there. You can park at the carpark near the waterfall and start your walk from there.

14. Shrewsbury

Shrewsbury is a beautiful city located 2 hours away from Manchester. It’s a small Shropshire town known for its Tudor architecture and riverside walks.

This could be the perfect destination for a day trip if you are looking for something different to do outside of Manchester and want to discover a traditional English town.

It was founded in the 8th century by Saxon rulers and there are a lot of historical landmarks in the town centre.

It’s also famous for being the birthplace of Charles Darwin, father of the theory of evolution.

Things to do in Shrewsbury:

Visit the Shrewsbury Castle
Take a walk along the River Severn
Explore St. Mary’s Church
Go to the Quarry Park for a walk
Visit the Shrewsbury Museum and Art Gallery
Roam around the town centre and discover all the half-timbered houses

HOW TO GET THERE: You can drive to Shrewsbury via the M56. It will take about 1 hour and 50 minutes. You can also take the train from Piccadilly station. It’s direct and only take 1 hour and 20 minutes.

15. Buxton

Buxton is a lovely market town located at the limit with the Peak District.

It’s England’s highest market town and it’s full of character, with its cobbled streets and Georgian architecture.

It’s an excellent place for a day trip or to visit on the way back from the Peak District.

The town centre is super cute with loads of local shops and cafes for lunch or afternoon tea.

Things to do in Buxton:

Going to see a gig at Buxton Opera House
Visiting the Botanical Garden at the Pavilion Gardens
Visiting Buxton Museum and Art Gallery
Going to Poole’s Cavern
Try GoApe in Buxton

HOW TO GET THERE: Buxton is 1 hour away from Manchester. You can easily reach it by car or you can take the direct train to Buxton station from Piccadilly station.

16. Chirk

Chirk is a cute town located between Wrexham and Oswestry, in North Wales. It’s small with only around 5,000 people but it’s famous for its castle, Chirk Castle.

It’s a national trust property, which means you can get in for free if you are a member of the National Trust.

The castle dates from the 13th century so you can get a glimpse of how people used to live back then.

There is also a big estate where you can go for a walk and discover the nature around Chirk Castle.

You can also take a stroll along the canal and enjoy breathtaking views of Chirk Aqueduct.

HOW TO GET THERE: The best way to get to Chirk from Manchester is by car. It’s only 1 hour and 20 minutes away via the M56. You can also take the train but you will have to change at Chester which could make it a bit longer.

These are some of the great places you can visit within 2 hours of Manchester.

From historic castles and gardens to world-class museums and outdoor activities, there’s something for everyone! Check out our other blog posts for more ideas on the best places to visit near Manchester.

Happy travelling!

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16 Best places to visit within 2 hours of Manchester