Want to get away for a bit and looking for the best weekend trips from Manchester? We are here to help!
Manchester is ideally located in North West England, near some of the best national parks in the country as well as the seaside.
Whether you’re looking for a city break or an outdoor adventure, there are a lot of places you can go for a weekend trip from Manchester.
It’s also important to note that Manchester is very well connected by train and plane which gives you access to a lot more destinations.
So, are you ready to discover the best weekend destinations from Manchester? Let’s get started!
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Lake District National Park
The Lake District National Park is located only a couple of hours drive from Manchester.
It’s one of the most beautiful places in England and the ideal place for people looking for a nature weekend or romantic escape.
You can easily get there by car from Manchester. Alternatively, you can take the train to Windermere but it’s quite fastidious and wouldn’t give you the freedom to experience the lakes as much as you could.
The best towns to stay in the Lake District for a weekend are Ambleside, Windermere and Keswick.
You will find a lot of activities here including hiking.
Scafell Pike, Fairfield Horseshoe and Helvellyn Ridge are fantastic hikes.
You can also go on a river cruise on Lake Windermere or choose to hire your own boat.
If you are travelling with kids, don’t miss The World of Beatrix Potter in Bowness-on-Windermere.
It’s a fun attraction and you will learn plenty about Peter the Rabbit.
Finally, the lakes are also a fantastic place to relax and enjoy some peace and quiet.
You can also opt for a spa hotel to make this weekend even more relaxing.
WHERE TO STAY IN THE LAKE DISTRICT FOR THE WEEKEND: Lakes Hotel & Spa or Woodlands in Windermere.
Liverpool
Liverpool is the perfect destination for people looking for a city break with a bit of history and culture.
It’s only 1 hour from Manchester (which is by it’s also a popular day trip) and has a lot to offer.
Liverpool has become one of the most popular weekend destinations in England thanks to its vibrant nightlife, close proximity to Manchester and many attractions.
You can get there by car from Manchester or take the train which takes about an hour.
While you can drive as well, in this case we recommend taking the train since it’s cheap, will save you car park fee and you won’t need your car once you’re there anyway.
The city centre is full of bars, restaurants and attractions.
Some of the must-see places include the Beatles Story Museum, Albert Dock and Merseyside Maritime Museum (which houses Titanic artefacts).
If you’d like to learn more about the history of Liverpool which includes connection to the triangle trade, the Industrial Revolution, the Titanic, the Beatles and more, we highly recommend doing the walking tour of Liverpool.
It’s very interesting!
In the evening, make sure to go to Matthew Street.
That’s where you will find the Cavern Club which is where the Beatles used to play.
There are also many other bars in this area so it’s always good fun.
If you are into shopping, head to Liverpool One.
It’s a huge open-air commercial centre.
You’ll find all the shops you may want here.
WHERE TO STAY IN LIVERPOOL FOR THE WEEKEND: Holiday Inn Liverpool City Centre or Radisson RED Hotel.
York
If you’re looking for a romantic weekend away from Manchester, York should be at the top of your list.
York is one of the most beautiful cities in England and it’s only 2 hours drive from Manchester.
You can also easily get there with the train from Piccadilly. It’s direct and only takes about 1 hour and a half.
The city is full of history and you will find plenty of historic buildings such as York Minster, Clifford’s Tower and the stunning Shambles.
Also, if you are a Harry Potter fan, this will be an excellent destination.
Though there aren’t that many Harry Potter connections compared to cities like Edinburgh or London, there are still a lot of wizardey activities you can do.
This includes taking a Harry Potter tour of York or going to the potion shops in the Shambles.
You can also discover the beautiful parks, go on a river cruise (on a sunny day that’s such a cool thing to do) and go to the Viking Centre.
WHERE TO STAY IN YORK FOR THE WEEKEND: Golden Fleece York or The Queens Hotel.
Chester
Chester is one of the oldest cities in England and it’s only 1.5 hours drive from Manchester, making it an excellent option for a day trip as well as a weekend trip from Manchester.
It’s a beautiful city with plenty of Roman walls, narrow streets and Tudor buildings.
You will love roaming around the city and discover the beautiful architecture.
Start by the Roman walls that will take you all around the city.
You will get to see beautiful places such as the Chester Cathedral and the Eastgate clock.
Bridge St, Watergate St, Eastgate Street are also worth checking out since you will find a lot of Tudor buildings and the famous Chester Rows.
The Chester Rows are two-tiered covered walkways that date back to the medieval age.
Nowadays, they are mainly tea rooms and cute cafes.
You just need to go up the stairs and can go up the entire street walking on the rows. It’s so unique!
Finally, don’t miss taking a boat ride on the River Dee.
If you are visiting on a sunny day, it will be the highlight of your weekend.
Also, if you are with kids, don’t miss Chester Zoo.
It is considered one of the best zoos in Europe and for good reason.
It’s such an amazing place, both adults and children love it just as much.
Also, Chester Zoo is invested in a lot of projects to protect the animals and the environment.
WHERE TO STAY IN CHESTER FOR THE WEEKEND: The Chester Grosvenor or Fifteens of Chester.
London
No matter what, London is always the perfect destination for a weekend getaway.
It’s only 2 to 3 hours from Manchester by train and there are many options to choose from.
You can take either the direct train from Piccadilly to Euston.
It’s very quick and you will arrive in central London, making it easy to go around.
Once you get there, there are plenty of things to do and see in London.
If you want to do the classics, head to Westminster to see Big Ben, Westminster Abbey and Buckingham Palace.
City of London is also a great option since it’s home to Tower Bridge, Tower of London and Borough Market.
If you are a Harry Potter fan, you should consider doing a Harry Potter tour in London or going to the studios in Watford.
Finally, if you are looking for hidden gems, check out Little Venice and Primrose Hill.
There are so many things you can do in London that of course, a weekend will never be enough but it’s always a fun place to discover again and again.
And it’s so easy to get there from Manchester that why miss out?
WHERE TO STAY IN LONDON FOR THE WEEKEND: The Z Hotel Trafalgar or The Z Hotel Covent Garden.
Peak District
If you are looking for a weekend getaway from Manchester but don’t want to go too far, the Peak District is an excellent destination.
It’s only 1 hour away and it’s one of the most beautiful natural areas in England.
You’ll find rolling hills, forests and plenty of outdoor activities.
And sure, you can explore on a day trip as well but the Peaks are such a beautiful place and it’s so quiet and peaceful.
That makes for an amazing place for a weekend getaway from Manchester.
If you love walking, there are plenty of trails to explore.
I particularly recommend Mam Tor, Bamford Edge and Kinder Scout.
They are amazing places with beautiful views.
Also, if you are into biking or horse riding, the Peak District is an excellent destination as well.
Finally, don’t miss visiting Edale, Castleton and Bakewell, three of the cutest villages in England.
They have plenty of tea rooms and markets that you can explore during your weekend getaway from Manchester.
WHERE TO STAY IN THE PEAK DISTRICT FOR THE WEEKEND: Peak Hotel Castleton or Old Hall Hotel Hope.
Leeds
Leeds is a great destination for a city getaway from Manchester.
It’s only 1 hour and a half drive away and it has plenty of things to offer.
Whether you are looking for fun activities, culture or outdoor activities, Leeds is the perfect place.
Start by exploring the city centre. There are many restaurants, bars and shops you can check out (in fact, Leeds is known for its great shopping).
You should also consider visiting the Royal Armouries Museum.
It’s one of the most interesting museums in England and it’s home to 6 floors full of armoury from all over the world.
Finally, if you are looking for outdoor activities, there are plenty of parks and gardens to explore.
Roundhay Park is one of the largest parks in Europe and it’s definitely worth visiting, especially if you are with kids.
WHERE TO STAY IN LEEDS FOR THE WEEKEND: ibis Styles Leeds City Centre Arena or The Chambers.
Whitby
Whitby is a beautiful coastal town located 3 hours from Manchester.
It’s famous for its cobbled streets, whale bones and Dracula connections (it was one of the places Bram Stoker visited for his book).
You can spend your weekend exploring Whitby Pier and go to the beach.
One of the best landmarks to visit is, without a shadow of a doubt, Whitby Abbey.
It’s an English Heritage site that was initially a Christian monastery before it was turned into a Benedicte Abbey.
Here you will learn plenty about the local poets, Dracula and of course, history.
Another place worth visiting is the Captain Cook Memorial Museum.
It will tell you all about James Cook, his life and his discoveries including his voyage to Australia.
Also, don’t miss taking a walk to St Mary’s Church.
It’s a beautiful site and it boasts amazing views of Whitby.
Finally, if you have a bit of time left, don’t hesitate to drive to Robin Hood’s Bay.
It’s one of the most beautiful villages in England!
WHERE TO STAY IN WHITBY FOR THE WEEKEND: The Resolution Hotel or Jet Black Jewel.
Anglesey
If you are looking for a peaceful weekend getaway from Manchester, Anglesey is the perfect choice.
It’s only 3 hours away and it has plenty of activities to offer.
For starters, there are many beaches you can explore such as Red Wharf Bay or Benllech Beach.
These are great places to discover (especially in summer) for walks and relaxing.
There are also many SUP spots in Anglesey so if you like water sports, you will be in for a good time.
If you are up for a walk, head to South Stack lighthouse.
It’s one of the most famous landmarks in Wales and such a great spot for a day out.
From the car park, the walk is only about 2 hours long.
You can stop before the stairs if you just want to enjoy the views or go visit the lighthouse.
If you are travelling with kids, you should also consider visiting the Anglesey Sea Zoo.
They are invested in many projects to protect marine life and they even host events like seal release days or otter talks (such a great way to help conserve nature!).
Finally, make sure to head to Beaumaris. It’s a beautiful small town to explore and you can go on a boat trip to Puffin Island.
If you are visiting during the right season, you will get to see puffin but also might spot dolphins and seals.
WHERE TO STAY IN ANGLESEY FOR THE WEEKEND: The Liverpool Arms Hotel or Brynteg Glamping.
Edinburgh
This one is a bit further away than the other destinations mentioned here but you can still do it on a weekend from Manchester and it’s such a nice city to explore.
Edinburgh is the capital of Scotland and the perfect place to visit if you love history and Harry Potter.
From Manchester, it takes about 4 hours to get there. You can either drive or take the train.
Once you get there, start your weekend by exploring Edinburgh Castle.
It’s one of the most visited landmarks in Edinburgh and a great place to learn about Scottish history.
Also, make sure to go to Arthur’s Seat. It’s an extinct volcano located in Holyrood Park and it offers stunning views over the city.
Of course, if you love Harry Potter, make sure to go on one of the HP walking tours of Edinburgh.
You will discover all the places that have inspired J.K. Rowling such as the Greyfriars Kirkyard, Victoria Street and more.
If you still have a bit of time, also make sure to check out Dean Village.
It’s stunning and so different from the old town.
WHERE TO STAY IN EDINBURGH FOR THE WEEKEND: YOTEL Edinburgh or The Haymarket Hotel.
Birmingham
If you are looking for a city break close to Manchester, Birmingham is the perfect destination.
It takes about 2 hours by car and 1.5 hours by train.
It’s actually easier to get there by train since there are direct trains from Piccadilly to Birmingham New Street several times per hour.
And once you get there, you won’t have to pay for the car park and can just enjoy your time.
There are many things you can do in Birmingham such as visiting the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, exploring Cadbury World or visiting Brindley Place.
Another thing worth doing is taking a walking tour of the Victorian canals in Birmingham.
They are very pretty and there are a lot of things to discover.
If you are a fan of theatre, check out what’s on at The Alexandra Theatre and go for a show!
It’s one of the best theatres in England.
WHERE TO STAY IN BIRMINGHAM FOR THE WEEKEND: The Old Crown or Aparthotel Adagio Birmingham City Centre.
Glasgow
Glasgow is another great option for a weekend break from Manchester.
It’s about 4 hours away by car and you can also take the train (3 hours).
Once you get there, start exploring the city centre and make sure to visit George Square, one of the most important landmarks in Glasgow.
That’s where you can find the famous statue of the Duke of Wellington with the cone on his head.
Then head to Glasgow Cathedral which is one of the oldest churches in Europe.
It’s a great place to learn about Scottish history and culture.
It was also used as an Outlander filming location.
Afterwards, you should go to Glasgow Green which is the oldest park in Glasgow.
There are plenty of activities to do such as going for walks or enjoying a picnic.
Also, don’t miss checking out the Kelvingrove Art Museum and Gallery.
It has a great collection of art from Scotland and around the world.
Finally, head to Glasgow Necropolis for a walk.
While going to a graveyard may seem a bit odd, it’s actually a very nice place and the views are fantastic.
Glasgow is also known for its street art so if that’s something you are into, you will be in for a treat!
WHERE TO STAY IN GLASGOW FOR THE WEEKEND: Clayton Hotel Glasgow City or YOTEL Glasgow.
North Wales Coast
If you are looking for a beach getaway from Manchester, the North Wales Coast is a great destination.
It’s only 2 hours away and it boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in Britain.
You could spend days exploring all these stunning places!
Start your weekend by visiting Conwy Castle.
It’s one of the most impressive castles in Wales and it has a great history.
You can then go to Llandudno to visit the promenade and also try some of the activities they have on offer like kayaking or paddleboarding.
If you like wildlife, head to Colwyn Bay and check out the Welsh Mountain Zoo.
It’s a great day out for all ages as it has plenty of animals to see such as elephants, giraffes or snow leopards.
And while you are in the area, make sure to visit Aber Falls.
It’s a stunning waterfall and one of Wales’ hidden gems!
WHERE TO STAY IN NORTH WALES FOR THE WEEKEND: Belmont Llandudno or Christleton House.
Snowdonia National Park
If you are looking for a nature getaway, Snowdonia National Park will be your paradise.
It’s a stunning place and one of the most popular places to visit in Wales.
It’s only 2 hours away from Manchester and you can easily do it on a weekend.
Once you get there, make sure to go for some hikes as there are plenty of trails for all levels.
Of course, the most famous one is Mount Snowdon.
It’s the highest peak in Wales as well as one of the 3 peaks challenge.
If you don’t feel like walking though, don’t worry, there is a mini train that you can take as well.
You can also try mountain biking or horse riding if you are looking for something else to do.
If you are more into culture, visit Portmeirion and learn about its fascinating history.
It’s the replica of an Italian village that will make you feel like you’ve been transported to the Cinque Terre for a bit!
WHERE TO STAY IN SNOWDONIA FOR THE WEEKEND: YHA Snowdon Pen-y-Pass or The Rocks at Plas Curig Hostel.
Stratford-upon-Avon
If you are looking for a literary getaway, Stratford-upon-Avon is definitely the place to go.
It’s 3 hours away from Manchester and it’s the birthplace of none other than William Shakespeare!
Once you get there, make sure to visit some of the most important landmarks such as his house or Anne Hathaway’s cottage.
You can also go on a boat ride along the Avon River or if you are feeling brave enough, try kayaking!
Another thing worth doing is checking out the Swan Theatre which puts on some of Shakespeare’s plays all year round.
It’s a great experience and will make you appreciate his work even more.
WHERE TO STAY IN STRATFORD-UPON-AVON FOR THE WEEKEND: Swan’s Nest Hotel or The Townhouse.
No matter what your destination is, planning a weekend away from Manchester can be a great way to relax and enjoy some quality time.
So why wait? Start planning your trip now! And make sure to book your accommodation in advance as it can get quite busy during summertime.
Happy travels! 🙂
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