43 best places to visit within 2 hours of Manchester that will inspire you

Manchester is an incredibly well connected city in the north west of England. If you are visiting, or even if you live there, you might be looking at doing some day trips or generally exploring the surrounding areas. The good news is there are so many amazing day trips from Manchester that you can do. In this post we go through the best places to visit within 2 hours of Manchester, including beaches, forests, historic villages, and more.

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About Manchester

Before we start looking at day trips from Manchester, here is a little bit of background on the city.

Manchester is one of the biggest cities in England, behind London obviously! It is located in the north west of the country and has a population of about 553, 230 people. Manchester is famous for being the birthplace of the industrial revolution. It has also played an important part in science, politics, music, art, and sport around the world.

For more information on Manchester plus a 24 hour itinerary, you can checkout this post.

And if you are wondering if Manchester is worth visiting here is a helpful guide.

Best places to visit within 2 hours of Manchester that are close to the city

Due to Manchester’s excellent location in the north west of England, it has some excellent day trip options. So to start with here are some of the best places to visit within 2 hours of Manchester that are pretty close to the city centre. These day trips from Manchester don’t involve a lot of driving or travelling, and make for a pretty chilled out day.

Altrincham

Altrincham is a market town located in Greater Manchester. With that in mind you know that it is well and truly within 2 hours of Manchester. In total it is 8 miles southwest of Manchester, with a population of about 52,419.

Distance from Manchester: 8 miles.

How to get here: Considering Altrincham is so close to Manchester you can either drive here, or hop on the tram.

What to see: Altrincham has a really great community feel to it. There is a fantastic market that you can explore, the aptly named Altrincham Market. On the weekend there are a number of stalls selling things like fresh produce, flowers, and vintage clothes. There is also a Planet Ice in the area, if you are keen on ice skating or looking for something to do with the kids.

Eating and drinking in Altrincham: There is certainly no shortage of food and drink choices in Altrincham. In fact it was voted top foodie destination at the Manchester Food & Drink Awards.

Next to the Altrincham Market there is a food hall with 10 independent vendors serving things like pizza, steak, craft beers, and wines. It’s worth visiting on a weekend for some food, drink, and shopping.

There are a number of fantastic indie cafes and restaurants in the town centre, and all of them are very welcoming. So for some good quality food, coffee, or even cake head make sure you visit.

Dunham Massey

Dunham Massey is a National Trust site, located between Manchester and Cheshire. It’s a beautiful place to visit and includes a 300 acre park, gardens, and historic buildings.

You can visit Dunham Massey at any time of the year, although as it is National Trust property you will need to pay for entry. Of course if you are a member this is free. Prices can be found on the National Trust website.

Distance from Manchester: 13.2 miles.

How to get here: The best way to get to Dunham Massey from Manchester is by car. It usually takes under an hour to get here, traffic depending.

What to see: Dunham Massey is one of those places that you could spend a whole day exploring. There is so much to see and do. For instance you can do a tour of Dunham Massey Hall, and walk through the stunning gardens. You can also just hike around the incredible grounds, and try to spot some of the resident deer.

Oh and a top tip, if you are visiting around Christmas you should try and book onto the Christmas light trail.

Eating and drinking at Dunham Massey: Dunham Massey has a cafe and restaurant where you can enjoy some foods like soup, sandwiches, coffee and a number of sweet treats.

Salford

Salford is a city located in the north west of England. It borders on parts of Manchester so is one of the best places to visit within 2 hours of Manchester. It’s an up and coming city. It was once known for being incredibly rough around the edges, and there are elements of that still in Salford, but many parts of the city are being modernised and attracting younger residents.

Distance from Manchester: 2.35 miles is the shortest distance between Salford and Manchester.

How to get here: Salford is very easy to get to from Manchester. You can walk to parts of Salford from the Manchester City Centre. You can also hop on a bus or tram.

What to see: The main highlight in Salford is Media City UK and Salford Quays. The two areas are adjacent to each other so you can easily walk between the two to explore.

Media City UK, is home to the BBC and ITV studios. There are several cafes, restaurants, and hotels in the area, making it an excellent choice for a day trip from Manchester.

Salford Quays is home to the Lowry Arts Centre, Imperial War Museum, and a water sports centre. There are markets on the last weekend of a month, selling local produce, and arts and crafts which are great to visit if you have time. You can also do a cruise from here into Manchester City Centre. Or a walking tour of the area.

A short walk from Salford Quays, is a former manor house, now called Ordsall Hall. It’s over 600 years old, and gives you some insight into Tudor life. It’s also said to be haunted!

Eating and drinking in Salford: There are a lot of great places to eat and drink in Salford. If you are spending time around Salford Quays, there are a number of restaurants and bars in the area. Seven Brothers Brewery is one of our favourite spots to grab a pint or a G&T.

There is also the newly opened Kargo MKT and Central Bay area. Located on the waterside, you will find a number of vendors, serving all kids of food, from Palestinian cuisine, to pizzas.

Rivington

Another one of our favourite places to visit within 2 hours of Manchester is Rivington which is a village in Chorley, Lancashire. It’s an area of outstanding natural beauty with a lot of nature walks in the area.

Distance from Manchester: 24 miles.

How to get here: The easiest way to get to Rivington is to drive. It takes around 45 minutes to drive from Manchester to Rivington and there is parking around the village.

What to see: Rivington itself is relatively small, and there are only really a handful of houses, a cafe, and a church. So the real highlight for us is the area around Rivington Reservoir and Rivington Pike.

The Rivington Reservoir is owned by United Utilities, and is a great place to walk around and enjoy the scenery. There is also a Go Ape in the area.

Rivington Pike is just across from the Reservior and is the perfect spot to go hiking. As you make your way to the tower on the top, you will see The Japanese Lake, and Terraced Gardens. The views from Rivington Pike are incredible, so take your time and enjoy it! It’s also one of our favourite day trips from Manchester in autumn because you can watch the leaves change colour.

Eating and drinking in Rivington: There are a few places to eat in Rivington. You can try the Great House Barn which is a 16th-century barn where they do some great breakfast and brunch options. There is also the village tea room for some sweet treats and a hot drink.

Rochdale

Rochdale is a town in Greater Manchester, with a population of around 111,261. It’s famous for being one of the world’s leading cotton processing spots, and played a big role in textile manufacturing during the industrial revolution.

Distance from Manchester: 11 miles.

How to get here: Getting from Manchester to Rochdale is relatively easy. It’s about a 40 minute drive from Manchester city centre. It’s also easily accessible by public transport. You can either get the train from Manchester Victoria, which will take 13 minutes, or you can hop on a tram, which is slightly longer as there are more stops in between but still doable.

What to see: Rochdale isn’t a huge tourist hotspot but there is a bit to see and do on a day trip from Manchester. For instance you can see the Grade I listed Town Hall or even visit the Pioneers Museum.

Our favourite bit of Rochdale though and the reason it has made our list of best places to visit within 2 hours of Manchester is Healy Dell. It’s essentially a beauty spot around 2 miles from Rochdale Town Centre. There are a number of beautiful waterfalls in the area, plus the remains of some cotton mills. You can visit any time of year but summer and autumn are especially beautiful.

Eating and drinking in Rochdale: There are some great spots to eat in Rochdale. Owd Betts is one of our favourites, because it’s a traditional country style pub that dates back to 1796. The pub also has some pretty incredible views.

If you are visiting Healy Dell there is a fantastic tea room that serves some impressive breakfasts but also cakes and teas. It’s a good place to visit after a stroll around Healy Dell.

Alderley Edge

For one of the best day trips from Manchester with great views, we recommend Alderley Edge. It’s a small village in Cheshire, with a population of under 5000. It’s got a reputation of being home to the rich and famous, and a lot of Manchester’s top footballers call the area home.

Distance from Manchester: 16 miles

How to get here: You can either drive which will take around 45 minutes, or you can catch a train. Trains usually depart from Manchester Piccadilly and take about 30 minutes to get here.

What to see: In the village itself there are lots of trendy cafes and bars that you can check out. It’s also kind of fun walking around. the neighbourhood and looking at the houses. Obviously keep to public areas and be respectful as these are peoples homes.

There is also a National Trust site, and many gorgeous hiking trails to explore in Alderley Edge. If you walk up to the ‘edge’ you get some stunning fantastic views over the Cheshire Plain.

Eating and drinking in Alderley Edge: Considering that the area is home to the super Rich it’s certainly got some quality restaurants and bars. The Alderley Bar & Grill is a popular spot and you also have The Bubble Room which is a great place for cocktails and food.

Quarry Bank Mill

Quarry Bank Mill is one of the best day trips from Manchester if you don’t want to go too far from home. It’s a National Trust site, and is home to one of the best preserved textile factories from the days of the Industrial Revolution.

It’s located in Cheshire near the beautiful village of Styal, and makes for a fun and incredibly wholesome family day out. As it is a National Trust site you do need to pay for entry, and prices can be found on their website.

Distance from Manchester: 11.8 miles

How to get here: The most hassle free way to get to Quarry Bank is to drive. It’s around 35 minutes from Manchester and there is parking on site.

What to see: You can honestly spend a full day exploring Quarry Bank Mill. If you aren’t a National Trust member, paying to go into the Mill is definitely worth it. It gives you a fantastic insight into Manchester’s cotton producing heyday.

There are also some beautiful gardens that you can explore, along with several walking trails around the property. And if you want to walk further afield you can also checkout the nearby Styal Woods, which are incredibly beautiful.

Eating and drinking in Quarry Bank: As Quarry Bank is a National Trust Property, there is a tea room that serves things like soup, sandwiches, cakes, and coffee. There is also The Ship Styal which is a quick walk from the property, and they serve your typical pub style meals.

Marple

Marple is a great place to visit especially if you want a mix of natural beauty and a quaint town. Located on the River Goyt, Marple is one of our favourite day trips from Manchester. It’s very scenic, and doesn’t tend to get overly crowded, making for a relaxing day. In terms of location is south east of Manchester with a population of around 23, 686 people.

Distance from Manchester: 11.7 miles.

How to get here: If you are driving to Marple from Manchester this will take approximately 40 minutes depending on traffic. You can also get a train from Piccadilly Station which is a lot quicker and will take around 25 minutes.

What to see: After you have explored the town, you can then walk around and discover some of the canals that Marple is famous for. There are several walks you can do either around the canals, or further into the woodlands.

One of the absolute highlights is walking to the Marple Aqueduct. It’s such an incredible bit of architecture where you have a canal that has been built over a bridge to enable these boats to cross the Rover Goyt. Unfortunately my pictures don’t do it justice, this really is something you need to see for yourself. And once you have you will know why this has made our list of best places to visit within 2 hours of Manchester.

Eating and drinking in Marple: There are a lot of great places to eat and drink in Marple. For a pub lunch we recommend The Crown for some delicious home made pies. You also have All Things Nice for a decent selection of sandwiches and cakes. And for those with a sweet tooth Coco Lato is the place to go for artisan chocolates and gelato.

Stockport

Located just south east of Manchester is the industrial town of Stockport. It was a key player in the industrial revolution, and is an important historical place in the north of England. In fact Stockport was once famous for being the home of England’s hatting industry.

These days Stockport is becoming a foodie favourite, as well as being home to a number of Stately Homes, and Country Parks.

Distance from Manchester: 6.8 miles.

How to get here: You can very easily get a train from Manchester Piccadilly to Stockport. The total journey time takes around 10 minutes.

Alternatively if you want to explore more than just the centre of Stockport you should drive. This usually takes around 35 minutes depending on which part of Stockport you are visiting.

What to see: There is quite a bit to see in Stockport. If you are focussing on the centre, then you can do a tour of the air raid shelters or even the hat museum to understand the towns past.

There are also a number of incredible parks to visit in the area like Etherow Country Park, and Reddish Vale. Reddish Vale is one of our favourites. It was once home to a calico printing works, but is now a stunning bit of nature with lots of trails to explore.

Another must is Bramall Hall and Park. The Hall itself is a stunning example of a Tudor Manor House. If you get the chance to visit the inside, make sure you do. You get to learn all about the lives of the families and servants who lived and worked in this grand bit of architecture. The grounds are also worth exploring and there are lots of trails and woodland walks to experience.

Eating and drinking in Stockport: As mentioned above Stockport is becoming a foodie favourite in the north of England. Where the Light Gets In is one of our favourite spots. They serve small plates and do wine pairings too. For cocktails you should try the Bohemian Arts Club. The drinks are incredible, and the venue itself is very intimate, and pretty much perfect for sipping an old fashioned or negroni.

Best places to visit within 2 hours of Manchester by train

Here we look at some of the best day trips from Manchester that you can do by train.

Liverpool

Located in the north west of England, and about an hours train ride from Manchester you will find the maritime city of Liverpool. The city is full of culture, history, and so much more, which is why it is one of our top day trips from Manchester.

In 2004 Liverpool gained UNESCO World Heritage Site status., due to its number of 19^th and 20^th Century buildings. So, architecture lovers will absolutely love Liverpool! As will museum lovers. Liverpool is only second to London in terms of the highest number of galleries and museums in the UK.

Distance from Manchester: 30.97 miles.

How to get here: The best way to get to Liverpool from Manchester is by train. In fact Liverpool is one of the best places the visit within 2 hours of Manchester by train. This is because the trains are very frequent. You can get a train from both Manchester Piccadilly and Manchester Victoria station to Liverpool Lime Street. It will take under an hour from either station.

You can also drive to Liverpool. Depending on your route and traffic conditions this will take you just over an hour.

What to see: There is so much to see in Liverpool, so it’s kind of lucky that it is one of the best places to visit within 2 hours of Manchester, because it means you can come back very easily.

Albert Dock is a great place to start when visiting. It’s a great place to learn about Liverpool’s industrial history ad there are several old docks and warehouses located along the waterfront. There are also many museums here like the Mersey Maritime Museum and Tate Liverpool.

Music is a big part of the culture and identity of Liverpool. The Beatles are of course one of the most famous musical acts to come out of the city. You can visit the Beatles Story which is a fantastic museum to learn all about their history. There are also a number of tours you can do to see some of the childhood homes and other prominent places that play a part in the bands history.

Eating and drinking in Liverpool: You will be spoilt for choice when it comes to food and drink in Liverpool. If you go anywhere in the city for a drink though, make it the Cavern Club. It originally started as a Jazz club and then evolved to become the centre of rock and roll in Liverpool in the 1960’s. The Beatles would often play here, sometimes at lunch time. And so, the workers used to come down and listen to them. These days its a lively bar where you will hear some Beatles cover songs, and trust me you will want to sing along and dance!

For a full weekend in Liverpool itinerary, here is a useful guide.

Chester

Chester is another popular city that you can visit within 2 hours of Manchester. It’s a favourite with tourists due to its strong Roman roots and unique architecture. It was founded as a Roman fortress in 1AD, so it is literally THAT old. It’s retained a good majority of its ancient Roman Walls, and has some very distinct Tudor Style Buildings you won’t find anywhere else in the UK.

Distance from Manchester: 34 miles but 42 miles if driving.

How to get here: You can either drive to Chester from Manchester or get a train. Driving will take around 1 hour and 10 mins, depending on the route and traffic. A train will take you just over 1 hour. The train is our preferred option. The station is very central, and you don’t have to worry about parking.

What to see: Chester has so many incredible historic sites that you have to experience. The Roman Gardens and Roman Amphitheatre are a must visit, as are the city walls.

In the town centre you have the Rows which are a set of half timber galleries unique to Chester. You should also try and see the Eastgate clock. It is a really beautiful decorative piece and is one of the most photographed clocks in the UK, after Big Ben of course.

Another must is Chester Cathedral, which is a gothic style cathedral that is incredibly picturesque. It’s a real community place with tranquil gardens, and a lot of local events that take place here too.

For a more detailed Chester itinerary you can checkout this post.

Eating and drinking in Chester: Chester has an excellent choice when it comes to food and drink. Hickory’s is one of our favourites, because of its riverside location. It’s brilliant on a sunny day and food and drink prices are reasonable.

For something a little fancier we love Porta, for all your Spanish tapas needs. It’s located in the city centre, and they have a lovely terrace that is perfect for the warmer months.

If you want a few cocktails we recommend Kuckoo. They do some very creative drinks, and the music here is awesome, especially if you are into indie. Or if beer is more your thing we highly recommend Beer Heroes, a bar that stocks over 350 craft beers.

Blackpool

Located on the Irish Sea Blackpool is a popular seaside resort town. It used to be a holiday spot for those working in the mills and these days it’s kind of got this nostalgic vibe to it. I feel like whenever we talk about Blackpool it’s one of those places you either love or hate. We are on the love side, which is why we have added this to our list of best day trips from Manchester.

Distance from Manchester: 52 miles.

How to get here: Like most of the choices on this list of best places to visit within 2 hours of Manchester driving to Blackpool is the easiest way to get there. The trip usually takes around 1.5 hours and you will spend a good portion of this drive in the M61. There are many parking options in Blackpool too.

If you don’t have access to a car the good news is that Blackpool is also easy to get to by train. It takes an hour and 15 minutes from Piccadilly Station with regular trains throughout the day.

What to see: Blackpool is one of those places that provides fun for the whole family. You can visit Madame Tussauds and the Blackpool Dungeon for starters. Plus you can also visit the Blackpool Tower and admire the views from the top.

There are also tours you can do on the heritage trams in operation around Blackpool as well as exploring the promenade.

One of the most popular things to do though has to be visiting Blackpool Pleasure Beach. It’s an amusement park with a number of old school rides, and vintage rollercoasters, as well as many modern ones too.

Eating and drinking in Blackpool: One of our favourite things to do in Blackpool is to get a fish and chips. I know it’s cliched but stopping at Harry Ramsden’s by the Blackpool Tower is a must for us.

Birmingham

Birmingham is one of the major cities in England, apart from Manchester and London of course. It’s located in the west midlands and is home to about 1.1 million people. It’s a university city and apparently one of the youngest cities in Europe with over 40% of the population under 25 years of age.

Distance from Manchester: Approximately 86 miles.

How to get here: In order to fit the criteria for places to visit within 2 hours of Manchester, you will need to get a train from Manchester to Birmingham. There are frequent trains that depart from Manchester Piccadilly, and they take around 1.5 hours to get there.

If you did decide to drive this would bring you above the 2 hour mark.

What to see: Birmingham is famous for it’s extensive canal network, so a walk around the Canal District is a must. The city also has a stunning Botanical Gardens that is perfect for exploring on a clear day.

If it happens to be raining on your visit to Birmingham though don’t despair, there are a number cool museums to visit such as the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery.

Eating and drinking in Birmingham: Birmingham is the place to be when it comes to food and drink. For starters it has more Michelin starred restaurants than any other UK city excluding London.

But it’s not all about the Michelin stars here, you also have some great food spots like Orelle, which is a French fusion restaurant that has some awesome views across the city. You can also pop in for a drink if you prefer.

For drinks a popular spot to go is Stirchley. There are a number of craft beer spots, dives bars and more.

London

Ok Technically London doesn’t qualify as one of the places to visit within 2 hours of Manchester, but it is pretty close so we are including it. Officially London is around a 2 hours and 10 minute train trip from Manchester. Despite those 10 minutes, it is still one of the best day trips from Manchester that you can do.

London is the capital of England and the United Kingdom. It’s also the political, economic, and cultural centre of the country. It’s also a bustling metropolitan city with so much to see and do.

Distance from Manchester: Approximately 200 miles.

How to get here: If you want to get close to qualifying as one of the places to visit within 2 hours of Manchester, then you will need to get a train to London. Otherwise you are looking at a 4-5 hour trip by car.

You can get a train from Manchester Piccadilly, and this will take you to London Euston. Trains are very frequent, especially during peak hours. The more direct trains usually take around 2 hours and 10 minutes to get to London.

Also it is worth noting that if you want to get a cheaper ticket avoid travelling to London early morning or after work. Additionally book your tickets well in advance to get the best deal.

What to see: There is so much to see and do in London, and fortunately we have written an in depth article covering this. In the meantime though here is a quick overview.

If you are visiting London for the first time you will want to visit places like the South Bank, where you will see the London Eye, and get some fabulous views of Westminster and Big Ben. You also have other tourist hotspots such as Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, the Tower of London, and London Bridge. And let’s not forget St Pauls Cathedral.

London also has some amazing museums a lot of which are free. This includes the National History Museum and The National Gallery to name but a few.

One of our favourite things about London though are the quirky neighbourhoods. For instance Camden is a favourite for alternative clothing, and grungy pubs. Covent Garden is a little more upmarket with its colourful shops, and fancy cocktail bars. Plus you also have incredibly instagram worthy streets like in Notting Hill and Chelsea.

Eating and drinking in London: Again there is so much choice when it comes to food and drink in London we couldn’t possibly mention them all. The cool thing though is that London is incredibly multicultural, and this is reflected in the food and drink on offer. From a simple Indian Curry, to dumplings in Chinatown, London has some excellent options.

Of course, one of the things London is famous for is the traditional pub style food. Pub meals are a big deal in London where you can eat things like fish and chips, sausage and mash, and other comforting delights. You also have places like Peggy Porschen Cakes, which is not only instagrammble but perfect for tea and cake.

London also has a plethora of fancy restaurants dotted around. You have a few Michelin Star spots as well like Sketch in Shoreditch which is not only visually appealing but is tasty as anything!

The city is also known for it’s amazing nightlife. And you will definitely find something here to suit all tastes. From swanky cocktail bars in Covent Garden, to dive bars in Camden.

Best places to visit within 2 hours of Manchester in the Peak District

One of the best day trips from Manchester has to involve visiting the Peak District. In fairness the area is huge, so you won’t be able to see it all, especially not in a day. The Peaks are also close to a number of UK counties like Yorkshire, Greater Manchester, Derbyshire, Cheshire and Staffordshire.

In this section we have listed some of the best places to visit within 2 hours of Manchester that are also in the Peak District.

And for more Peak District inspiration here is a handy guide.

Dovestones Reservoir

Dovestones Reservoir is located on the edge of Oldham and the Peak District National Park. It’s a really beautiful area that is popular with hikers, families, and outdoor lovers. There is paid parking right by the reservoir, although this does get incredibly busy on the weekend. You can also park on Holmfirth Road, but do keep in mind that people live here.

Distance from Manchester: Approximately 14 miles.

How to get here: Admittedly this is one of those day trips from Manchester that you will need a car to do. It takes around 45 minutes to drive from Manchester to Dovestones, but this will depend on the route you take and traffic conditions.

What to see: Dovestones Reservoir is the perfect place to go for those wanting to explore nature. For an easy walk you can stroll around the reservoir itself, or for something a little more advanced you can climb one of the hills for incredible views.

If you want to extend your walk, particularly if you are into hiking you should see the Trinnacles. The Trinnacles are a group of very unique stones along Dovestone Edge. There are a few different hiking paths that you can take to get here, and the walk itself is moderate in terms of intensity.

Eating and drinking in Dovestones: There isn’t a lot in terms of food next to the reservoir itself, but if you make your way to Saddleworth there are several excellent pubs. The Clarence and the Church Inn are good options especially for a hearty pub lunch

Castleton

Castleton is by far one of our favourite places to visit within 2 hours of Manchester. It’s an incredibly picturesque village located in the heart of the Peak District National Park and at the head of the Hope Valley.

Distance from Manchester: 28.5 miles.

How to get here: This is another one of the best places to visit within 2 hours of Manchester that you do need a car for. It takes around 1 hour 10 minutes to get here from Manchester.

What to see: Castleon is a lovely little village, so we recommend taking the time to explore it. There are lots of quirky shops where you can buy all kinds of trinkets, and cafes and pubs to get cosy in.

You can also explore Peveril Castle which is one of the top sights in the area, or visit one of the 4 caverns. The Speedwell Cavern is one of our favourites because you get to do an underground boat trip. Although it’s not ideal if you are even slightly claustrophobic. There is also the Peak Cavern which is close to the village.

If you are into hiking you can climb Mam Tor, or even Winnats Pass. In fact this is a really popular area for particularly around sunrise and sunset.

Eating and drinking in Castleton: There are a number of pubs and cafes selling everything from homemade cakes and hot chocolate to proper British pub food. If you go during peak times or at a weekend we recommend making a pub reservation in advance especially if there is somewhere you desperately want to eat at.

Buxton

Buxton is a spa town in High Peak in Derbyshire. It sits on the edge of the Peak District National Park and is England’s highest market town at 1000 feet above sea level. The town itself is full of history and has some incredible architecture. There are some great tea rooms, cafes, gardens, and local pubs that you can visit.

Distance from Manchester: Around 29 miles.

How to get here: You can get a train to Buxton from Manchester Piccadilly. This will take just over 1 hour to get to Buxton station. It’s a similar amount of travel time if you choose to drive. We do recommend driving if you can as it makes getting around Buxton and seeing the sights so much easier.

What to see: There are a few things to see and do in Buxton. For starters you can explore the town itself, with its quirky shops, and cafes. The Pavilion Gardens are another must and there are some excellent cafes here, as well as stunning landscaped gardens.

Other highlights include Poole’s Cavern and Buxton Country Park which sit at the edge of Buxton. Poole’s Cavern is an almost 2 million year old natural limestone cave. For around £15.00 you can book yourself a guided tour of the caves, which is well worth it. The tour lasts about 45 minutes and is really informative. It is recommended that you book tickets in advance to avoid missing out.

We also recommend making some time to do the wooded walk around the caves. About 20 minutes from the cavern you will Solomon’s Temple and some breathtaking views across the high peak.

Eating and drinking in Buxton: One of the great things about Buxton is that you can have some top quality food here. For a fantastic afternoon tea we recommend Hargreaves of Buxton or the Vintage Tea Rooms.

If you are after a pub lunch you should try The Vault. They also do an excellent Sunday Roast, which in itself is worth a day trip from Manchester.

Glossop

Glossop is a town in High Peak, Derbyshire. It’s east of Manchester and is known as one of the gateway towns to the Peak District.

Distance from Manchester: 15 miles

How to get here: You can either get a train to Glossop or drive. The train will take you around 30 minutes. Driving however will take about 45 minutes. We do recommend the driving option as Glossop itself is small and a lot of the attractions are around it and you will need a car to get to these.

What to see: You should take the time to explore the town, especially if you want a pub lunch or dinner. Snakes Pass is very close to Glossop and this is one of the best walking trails in the Peak District.

Another great walking option is Bleaklow. Here you will find the wreckage of the B-29 Superfortress “Overexposed”.  Located in the hills above Glossop this is where you will find the wreckage of a U.S. Air Force bomber that crashed here in 1948. A lot of the wreckage is still scattered here to this day, so it’s a very unique walk.

Eating and drinking in Glossop: There are lots of great places to eat and drink in Glossop. If you are after some brunch we recommend A’bout Thyme on the High Street. There are also some excellent pubs which are great for pints and dinner. The Bulls Head, The Queens Arms, and The Wheatsheaf are all incredibly popular and close together too. So if one is busy you can make your way over to the next.

Lyme Park

Lyme Park is technically nested on the edge of the Peak District. But despite this we are still including it in our list of best places to visit within 2 hours of Manchester in the Peak District. It’s a large estate that has a manor house and is surrounded by gardens and a deer park.

The Park is a National Trust site so if you are not a member you will need to pay for parking and to visit the house.

Distance from Manchester: 19 miles.

How to get here: Realistically you will need to drive from Manchester to get to Lyme Park. It should take just under an hour and there is parking on site, although this is paid.

What to see: Lyme Park is such a beautify estate. One of the highlights is exploring the house and garden on site. Inside the house you can learn all about its former inhabitants and take a trip back in time. After visiting the house, make sure you take some time to explore the gardens. One of the cool things about the gardens is that Pride and Prejudice (the Colin Firth edition) was actually filmed here. And yes that does include the pond scene!

If you venture past the house and gardens you can do one of the walks of the surrounding area, and get an incredible view of Manchester in the distance whilst you are at it. You might also get lucky and spot the deer who reside on the estate.

Eating and drinking at Lyme Park: There are a couple of cafes/ restaurants at Lyme Park. These sell items like tea and scones, soups, sandwiches, and sausage rolls. There is also a pizza cafe selling wood fired pizza if you are wanting a bit more of a substantial meal.

Chee Dale

Located near the town of Buxton you will find Chee Dale a dramatic gorge on the River Wye. It’s a protected nature reserve that is looked after by the Derbyshire Wildlife Trust. Chee Dale is not far from Miller’s Dale, a village and valley in the Peak District.

Distance from Manchester: 30 miles

How to get here: You will need to drive to get to Chee Dale, and this will take around 1 hour and 10 minutes. Parking is available at the Miller’s Dale Car Park but this is limited so you will want to try and get here early.

What to see: Chee Dale is all about nature and walking. There is a circular walk you can do from the Miller’s Dale car park. It takes you on part of the Monsal Trail, and past wooden bridges, stone walls, and the Chee Dale Valley. Our favourite thing about this walk are the Chee Dale Stepping Stones.

Eating and drinking in Chee Dale: If you are hungry there is a small cafe next to the toilets by the car park at Miller’s Dale. Here you can stock up on bottles of water, and other refreshments. They do tea, and coffee, sweet treats, ice cream, sandwiches, and limited hot food. Some of the hot food includes things like a baked potato which is always enjoyable after a long walk. There are also some great pubs nearby, particularly in places like Bakewell and Buxton.

Lud’s Church

Lud’s Church is an 18 metre deep chasm caused by a giant landslip. It’s only 100 metres long and is a popular place to visit, plus one of the best day trips from Manchester.

The site itself has been the source of many myths and legends, with some saying that the chasm was created by the devil’s fingernail as he scraped parts of the earth.

Distance from Manchester: 30 miles.

How to get here: Driving is the only way to get to Lud’s Church and its around an hour and a half from Manchester.

What to see: There is a walk that you can do around Lud’s Church which is stunning, but the real highlight here is the chasm itself. When you are in the chasm there are lots of narrow passages to explore. You don’t have to be an expert hiker, but just take care as it can be a little slippery.

Eating and drinking around Lud’s Church: Lud’s Church is pretty secluded but there are a few spots nearby you can eat. The Ship Inn is the closest though and is about a 10 or so minute drive from where you would park for Lud’s Church.

Best places to visit within 2 hours of Manchester in Wales

Because if Manchester’s location in the north west of England, you can actually add Wales to your list of places to visit within 2 hours of Manchester. Here are some of the best spots to go.

Llandudno

Llandudno is a popular beachside resort located in North Wales. It is also rumoured to be where Lewis Carroll was staying when he wrote part of Alice in Wonderland. It’s a gorgeous seaside place where you can just relax, and we highly recommend adding it to your North Wales itinerary.

Distance from Manchester: 81 miles.

How to get here: You can get a train to Llandudno, but if you want this to satisfy your criteria for places to visit within 2 hours of Manchester you will need to drive. Overall it takes just under 2 hours drive time to get here from Manchester.

What to see: There is a lot to see in Llandudno. It’s a seaside resort so you should try and spend a bit of time around the beach. There is also Llandudno Pier with its rides and games to enjoy. It’s also the longest Pier in Wales and stretches 700m over the sea.

On top of this you have the Great Orme Tramway. It is the only cable hauled tramway in the UK. It climbs 1 mile up through the Great Orme Country Park and Nature Reserve all the way to the summit of the Great Orme. The views are spectacular and tickets are only £8.50 during off season and £9.50 during the summer months. When you get to the summit there is an exhibition as well as a cafe.

Eating and drinking in Llandudno: Llandudno has some excellent food choices. And considering it’s seaside location, seafood is a must here. We recommend the Seahorse Restaurant for some top quality seafood and other dishes. Indulge is another good choice as they try to use local produce.

You also have a number of great pubs like the The Cottage Loaf which are great for a bit of comfort food. Bistro Bach is another great place to go for a hearty meal and this is located on Mostyn Avenue.

Snowdonia National Park

Snowdonia National Park is by far one of the best places to visit within 2 hours of Manchester. I think it still surprises me to this day that this is still a viable day trip option from Manchester. Snowdonia is the biggest National Park in Wales, and quite honestly is just beautiful.

Distance from Manchester: 86 miles.

How to get here: You do need a car to get to Snowdonia National Park. From Manchester you are looking at a 2 hour drive time. Of course this may increase depending on traffic conditions.

What to see: You cannot visit Snowdonia without seeing Mt Snowden. A lot of people tend to hike up it, but for those that can’t there is the Snowden Mountain Railway. The journey takes about 2 hours with 30 minutes at the summit. The views going up Snowden are honestly so incredible and it really is a memorable experience.

There are also so many beautiful walks, waterfalls, lakes, and much more that you can experience in Snowdonia National Park.

Eating and drinking in Snowdonia: One of the best places to go for locally produced food in Snowdonia is Y Bistro Yn Yr Hebog. It’s only a short drive from Snowdonia and somewhere we highly recommend. There are also a lot of food choices in Betws Y Coed a village that is often seen as the gateway to Snowdonia National Park.

Conwy

Located not far from Llandudno is the beautiful town of Conwy. It’s a listed world heritage site, and has an impressive castle and city walls.

Distance from Manchester: 81.7 miles.

How to get here: Conwy is somewhere that you will need a car if you are wanting to add it to your list of best day trips from Manchester. It will take you around 1 hour and 45 minutes to drive from Manchester to Conwy.

What to see: The real highlight at Conwy is the Conwy Castle. It’s very well preserved considering it was built by Edward I between 1283 – 1287. Entry to the castle costs just over £11 for an adult, which is definitely worth it just to see inside this amazing structure.

Other must see spots in Conwy are the Conwy Walls. They circle the town and you can essentially walk them in under an hour. You also have Conwy Quay which is great if you are looking to soak up the views and seaside atmosphere

Eating and drinking in Conwy: Conwy is small but there are a few great places to eat and drink. Signatures Restaurant is perfect if you are looking for something a little upmarket for dinner. The menu does change seasonally and it has won many awards.

For something less fancy we recommend the Castle View Bar & Restaurant. As you have probably gathered with the name you do get some great views from here, as well as traditional gastro pub food.

Best places to visit within 2 hours of Manchester for beaches

If you want to get outdoors and experience some sand between your toes, here are some of the best day trips from Manchester that involve the beach.

Southport

If you want to get out and explore some beaches Southport is one of the best day trips from Manchester. It’s a seaside town in Sefton, Merseyside, with a population of around 94,421 people. It very much has an old school resort vibe, and you won’t find anything like it nearby.

Distance from Manchester: 51.8 miles.

How to get here: Southport is quite easy to get to from Manchester. You can hop on a train from either Manchester Piccadilly or Manchester Victoria. You should get to Southport in about 1 hour and 20 minutes. Alternatively you can drive and this will take around the same length of time.

What to see: The area around Southport Pier is the best place to start when visiting. You can wander around the pier, and there is even a small train you can hop on that takes you from one end to the other.

There is also a theme park in the area which is perfect for kids, or you can hire a paddle boat and float around the Marine Lake.

Eating and drinking in Southport: There are a number of restaurants you can try in the area, but honestly we are all about the fish and chips. There are a couple places serving around the pier that you can try. They also do freshly made donuts along the pier which you have to try for a bit of a treat.

Formby

Not far from Southport is the town and civil parish of Formby. It’s known for it’s wildlife and nature reserve and leafy suburbs.

Distance from Manchester: 44.8 miles.

How to get here: You can get a train from Manchester, however you do need to change at Liverpool South Parkway. This takes around 1 hour and 45 minutes. Driving is a lot quicker and you should get. to Formby in around 1 hour and 10 minutes.

What to see: Formby Beach is the highlight here. It forms part of a National Trust site so you do need to pay to visit. Once you have paid you can explore the area, checkout the wildlife, and walk around the the National Trust-managed woodlands.

Eating and drinking in Formby: One of the best places to eat around Formby is Sparrowhawk. It’s got some excellent quality food making it one of our favourite places to go in the area. Another alternative is The Good Catch for fish and chips which are always a good idea when visiting the seaside.

Crosby Beach

Crosby Beach is a great option when looking for the best day trips from Manchester, especially if you love the beach and art.

The Beach is only about 20 minute’s drive from the centre of Liverpool, and here you will get to dip your toes into the start of the Irish Sea. It’s also a cool place to visit for art lovers as it is here that you will come across Anthony Gormley’s ‘Another Place’ installation.

Distance from Manchester: 42.3 miles.

How to get here: Driving is the easiest way to get to Crosby Beach from Manchester. The trip will take you just over an hour, although it can be substantially longer if you are driving during peak hour.

It is also possible to get a train and this will take about 1 hour and 30 minutes. You will need to get off the train at Liverpool Lime Street, and walk for about 15 minutes to Liverpool Central. From here you can take a train to Blundellsands and Crosby.

What to see: The real highlight at Crosby Beach is seeing Anthony Gormley’s ‘Another Place’ installation. You can get some fantastic shots with the statues, and just generally walk around witnessing these incredible sculptures as they stand against the backdrop of the sea.

You can also explore the promenade, walk around the sand dunes, and if you have time you can stay and watch the sunset. 

Eating and drinking at Crosby Beach: If you are looking for food and drink Bus Yard, is a great place to visit at Crosby Beach. It’s an outdoor bar located in a converted double decker bus.

Lytham St Annes

Moving away from Merseyside, Lytham St Annes is one of our other beach orientated best places to visit within 2 hours of Manchester. It’s located in Lancashire on the Fylde Coast and is just south of Blackpool.

Distance from Manchester: 54 miles

How to get here: You will need a car to get here and explore the area. The dive will take around 1 hour and 30 minutes depending on traffic.

What to see: One of the best things to do in Lytham St Annes is to hit the beach. There are parts where you can rent out these really cute cabins with everything you need to spend a day relaxing.

You can also explore the pier at St Annes. It’s just a number of restaurants, shops and amusements to keep you entertained.

Eating and drinking in Lytham St Annes: You have probably gathered by now that when it comes to beaches, fish and chips are my go to. The View Fish and Chips is a great choice for some delicious takeaway seafood. Just watch out for the seagulls.

Best places to visit within 2 hours of Manchester in Yorkshire

Yorkshire is one of the prettiest counties in the UK, and luckily one of the best places to visit within 2 hours of Manchester. Here are some of our top picks.

Hebden Bridge

Hebden Bridge is one of our favourite short day trips from Manchester. It’s a really beautiful market town, located in West Yorkshire. It has an incredibly relaxed vibe, and is probably one of the friendliest and most welcoming places we have visited.

Distance from Manchester: Around 28 miles.

How to get here: The train is your best best for visiting Hebden Bridge. For starters it’s only 30 minutes from Manchester Victoria Station. And it also means that you can have a drink or two in one of the super cool bars.

You can also drive, but this takes just under an hour. There is parking in Hebden Bridge but most of it is street parking, so make sure you get in early to nab a spot – particularly on a weekend.

What to see: Hebden Bridge is perfect for spending a lazy Saturday or Sunday. There are lots of quirky shops and markets in the town centre to keep you entertained.

There are also some great hiking trails around the canals, and leading you to some great views of the area. And if you are into nature you can visit Hardcastle Crags which is a stunning National Trust site around 2 miles from the town.

Eating and drinking in Hebden Bridge: Eating and drinking in Hebden Bridge is a real treat. The Remedy Wine Merchants is one of our favourite spots for wine tasting, and they do a cracking cheese board too. Drink? is another favourite especially for craft beers and IPAs.

When it comes to eating there is no shortage of pubs and restaurants. The Hinchcliffe is one of our absolute favourites though. The food is excellent, especially after a day spent hiking.

Leeds

Leeds is one of the best day trips from Manchester, particularly if you are after a city break. It is a city in Yorkshire and if often referred to as the unofficial capital of the county. Leeds has a big cultural scene with live music, theatre companies, and some great food and drink options.

Distance from Manchester: 44.6 miles.

How to get here: You have two options for getting from Manchester to Leeds within 2 hours. Firstly you can drive. This will take around 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes depending on traffic. Parking can be slightly stressful in Leeds so we would recommend the second option, the train. A train will get you to Leeds in under an hour. Trains mostly depart from Manchester Victoria, but you also get a few from Piccadilly Station.

What to see: Leeds is a haven for shoppers, so this is one of the best things to do in the city. Apart from your standard high street stores and shopping centres, there are also lots of little Victorian arcades that are great for exploring.

Leeds also has some great museums and galleries including the Leeds Art Gallery and Leeds City Museum. But one of our favourite things to do in Leeds is visit Kirkstall Abbey. Located in a stunning parkland by the River Aire this is one of the most complete examples of a medieval Cistercian Abbey in England.

Eating and drinking in Leeds: Leeds is often referred to as the foodie capital of the north. There are a lot of indie restaurants and bars in the city and you definitely won’t go hungry here. If you are after some of the best sandwiches we have tasted head to ‘Things in Bread’. It’s a gourmet sandwich shop perfect for lunches.

There are also a number of fantastic international cuisines available in Leeds. Bundobust is a real favourite. They do Indian street food and craft beers. And there is also Nam Song Cafe a sensational little Vietnamese place with some amazing food and cocktails.

Sheffield

Sheffield is another great option for places to visit within 2 hours of Manchester. It’s a beautiful city located in South Yorkshire. It used to be home to the UK’s steel industry back in the day of the industrial revolution. These days though it’s a very green city, with a lot of charm and character.

Distance from Manchester: 38 miles.

How to get here: You can get a train from Manchester to Sheffield that takes around 1 hour and 20 minutes. Otherwise you can drive. There are a couple of driving routes between the two cities but on average you are looking at a drive between 1 hour and 40 minutes.

What to see: Sheffield is a really green city so some of the best things to do happen to involve parks. The Sheffield Botanical Gardens are a great place to visit, as is Endcliffe Park. But if the weather isn’t great you don’t need to despair because Sheffield also has a Winter Garden.

The city also has some great museums including on Kelham Island where you can learn about its industrial past. Oh and it also has a pretty cool video games museum too!

Eating and drinking in Sheffield: Sheffield has some excellent food and drink options. For starters you have a number of quirky cafes you can visit including The Steel Cauldron which is a wizard themed tea room.

For fine dining you have a number of options like Assembly and Bench, which are both favourites with the locals.

There are also some fantastic bars in the city such as Kelu who try to incorporate the Italian way of living with aperitivos. For cocktails you have places like The Great Gatsby near Division Street, and Public. And don’t forget Sheffield was once voted the British capital of Ale!

Yorkshire Sculpture Park

For one of the best places to visit within 2 hours of Manchester for art lovers, we highly recommend the Yorkshire Sculpture Park. It’s essentially an outdoor art gallery with exhibition spaces all around. It occupies 500 acres of parkland, and you can combine your love of art and nature by walking around and enjoying the works.

Distance from Manchester: 43.1 miles.

How to get here: You definitely need a car for this one. The drive will take you around 1 hour and 12 minutes depending on traffic.

What to see: The Yorkshire Sculpture park is all about walking around enjoying nature and the various art instalments. You will need a good part of a day to properly explore and see it all.

Eating and drinking at the Yorkshire Sculpture Park: There is an onsite restaurant and cafe and the food quality is honestly quite good.

Holmfirth

Holmfirth is a quaint little town in West Yorkshire. It’s not far from Huddersfield, and is on the cusp of the Peak District.

Distance from Manchester: Approximately 23 miles.

How to get here: You will need a car to get to Holmfirth particularly if you are sticking to the criteria of places to visit within 2 hours of Manchester. Overall the drive should take you around an hour.

What to see: Holmfirth is famous for being the filming location of the BBC show, The Last of the Summer Wine and there is an exhibition all about it that you can visit.

The town centre is a great place to visit with some excellent shops. There is also a vineyard you can visit and learn all about English wine.

Holmfirth is incredibly close to the Peak District and there are some great walks you can do to appreciate these incredible views.

Eating and drinking in Holmfirth: There are plenty of food options in Holmfirth including the Holmfirth Vineyard and Restaurant which is a must for wine lovers.

Sid’s cafe is another favourite especially if you were a fan of The Last of the Summer Wine. For a more hearty meal head to The Whippet and Pickle, where the food is just incredible.

Holmfirth also has a number of tap rooms and pubs serving craft beers and IPAs. One of our favourites is the Magic Rock Tap where they have an excellent selection of beers. They also do food, in case you need to line your stomach.

York

York is located in the north of England, in Yorkshire. It’s a fascinating city that was founded by the Romans in 71AD. It attracts over 8 million tourists per year with its incredible attractions, ancient architecture, and quirky shops. It’s also supposed to be one of the most haunted places in Europe!

York is by far one of our favourite places to visit within 2 hours of Manchester because it’s beautiful, and steeped in so much history. It almost feels like you have been transported to another world when you visit York, which is cool to think about considering it is only a short day trip from Manchester.

Distance from Manchester: Approximately 60 miles, depending on how you get there.

How to get here: There are a number of ways you can get to York from Manchester. The train is by far the easiest, and it’s around 1.5 hours each way. Trains are very regular but just make sure you book in advance to get the cheapest fare.

You can also drive to York, and the trip usually takes about 1 hour and 50 minutes, but this is will be dependant on traffic. If you do drive, we recommend parking outside of York city centre. The York park and ride is the best choice to save you from having to navigate those narrow streets. There are a number of places to choose from but essentially you park your car, and then hop on a bus into York city centre.

For more information you can have a look at the following website.

What to see: York has so much to see and do, making it one of the best day trips from Manchester. You can explore the Shambles, one of the most popular streets in York, with its picturesque 15th century buildings that appear to lean over the cobbled streets.

You also have the York City Walls that you can walk, as well as the striking York Minster Cathedral, that add to the ancient charm of the city.

On top of this the city has several museums and gardens to explore, so you really won’t get bored when visiting York.

You can have a look at our post on how to plan the perfect day trip to York.

Eating and drinking in York: There are lots of different options for food and drink in York. For something a little different though we recommend visiting the Golden Fleece for a drink. It’s actually the most haunted pub in York, so who knows what you might see.

When it comes to food, there are so many places serving top quality comfort food particularly around The Shambles. From roast pork sandwiches to freshly baked Brownies, you will be spoilt for choice in York.

If you want to sit down though, we recommend Betty’s. It is somewhat an institution in Yorkshire with people lining up in the street to get a table. And it is worth it because the desserts in Betty’s are incredible.

Best places to visit within 2 hours of Manchester in The Lake District

Another of our favourite places to visit within 2 hours of Manchester has to be the Lake District. Located in Cumbria it is a very beautiful park of the country perfect for hiking, water activities and so much more.

For a full Lake District itinerary you can go here.

Bowness-on-Windermere

Bowness-on-Windermere is a scenic village located on Lake Windermere. It’s part of the Lake District National Park and is located north of Manchester.

Distance from Manchester: 86.1 miles.

How to get here: Driving in your best option particularly if we are sticking to the criteria of best places to visit within 2 hours of Manchester. It takes just under 2 hours to drive here, but this will depend on the route you take and traffic conditions.

What to see: There are lots of great things to do in the area. For starters you can shop in some of the quirky stores in the village. You can also purchase some bird seed and get up close and personal with the resident birds. Just keep in mind they are wild animals and can bite.

There are also Lake Cruises that you can do in the area, with options to go to Lakeside or Ambleside. Or if you are feeling adventurous you can even rent your own boat.

Eating and drinking in Bowness-on-Windermere: There are plenty of great spots to eat around Bowness-on-Windermere. For some fine dining we recommend Porto a family run restaurant offering some of the best food in the area.

If you want something more casual head to The Boathouse where you can eat and drink with some great views of the Windermere Marina.

There are also so many cosy pubs to settle into around the area. The Hole in t’Wall is one of our favourites though because it is the oldest pub in Bowness-on-Windermere.

Ambleside

Not far from Bowness-on-Windermere you will find Ambleside. This is a small town, that sits at the head of Lake Windermere. And a fun fact, Lake Windermere is actually England’s largest natural lake.

Distance from Manchester: 88.4 miles.

How to get here: This is another one of our best day trips from Manchester that you will need a car for. The drive will take you just under 2 hours in total.

What to see: Ambleside is a good choice if you are wanting to get away from the touristy Bowness-on-Windermere. You can do a boat cruise, walk around the town, explore the pier and much more.

There are also plenty of stunning nature walks you can embark on in the area. If you do a short walk from Ambleside you will get to the Stagshaw Gardens, which are a National Trust site. They are about 8 acres with some incredible plant life.

Eating and drinking in Ambleside: If you are after a light snack or home cooked lunch we recommend Chesters by the River in Ambleside or the Copper Pot. They both do excellent food at really good prices.

For something more substantial you have The Old Stamp House and Dodd’s for locally sourced top quality foods.

Rydal

Rydal is a village just between Ambleside and Grasmere in the Lake District. It’s a significant place in the history of English literature, and a beautiful spot to visit if you are looking to drive within 2 hours of Manchester.

Distance from Manchester: 90 miles.

How to get here: You will need to drive to Rydal from Manchester and this will take you exactly 2 hours. Of course that is dependent on traffic so it may just tick over the best places to visit within 2 hours of Manchester threshold.

What to see: One of the best things to do in Rydal is to visit Rydal Hall. It is a former 17th century mansion turned hotel with around 34 acres of grounds including manicured gardens, and waterfalls. Apparently William Wordsworth was also a fan which isn’t hard to believe as its such a beautiful spot.

Speaking of Wordsworth close to the hall you will find Rydal Mount and gardens, which is the childhood home of William Wordsworth. You do need to pay to explore the house and gardens (around £7.50 for both) but this is a must for all literary fans.

There are also several walks you can do such as the Rydal Water walk. This is a 2.8 mile walk with gorgeous lakeside scenery. There are also caves in the area which are fun to explore. They are pretty well signposted so you shouldn’t get lost on your walk.

Eating and drinking in Rydal: The Badger Bar is our main suggestion for food in Rydal. You should pass it if you are coming from Rydal Hall and walking to the caves. They do a decent pub lunch with things like fish and chips and pies on the menu.

Best places to visit within 2 hours of Manchester by plane

Here we look at the best places to visit within 2 hours of Manchester by plane. Admittedly many of these won’t be added to your best day trips from Manchester list, because you want more than a day in each spot. But they technically within a 2 hour flight of Manchester so we are adding them to our list.

Paris

Paris is the capital of France and one of the most popular places to visit within 2 hours of Manchester by plane. It’s famous for its culture, fashion, food, and so much more.

Distance from Manchester: 494.5 miles.

How to get here: If you are looking for places to visit within 2 hours of Manchester and Paris is one your list, then flying is going to be your best bet. The flight time is around 1 hour and 20 minutes according to google, although we have known it to be much shorter.

A number of airlines fly from Manchester to Paris including Easyjet, Ryanair and Air France.

What to see: There is so much to see in Paris, that you won’t be bored here. You have sights like the Eiffel Tower, The Louvre, the Arc de Triomphe, Moulin Rouge, Sacre Coeur and that doesn’t even begin to scratch the surface.

Eating and drinking in Paris: There is also no shortage of food and drink options in Paris. From swanky city cocktail bars to fine dining restaurants you will find it all here.

Paris deserves a whole article onto itself, so if you want more info on visiting, you can checkout this post.

Amsterdam

Amsterdam is the capital of the Netherlands, and is famous for its canals, narrow houses and museums. There are about 821,000 people living in the city, but 1.2 million bikes! In fact bikes definitely rule when it comes to transport in Amsterdam. They have right of way over both pedestrians and cars.

Wondering if Amsterdam is worth visiting? Here is a helpful guide.

Distance from Manchester: 306 miles.

How to get here: You will need to fly to get to Amsterdam from Manchester. Flight time is over an hour at around 1 hour and 20 minutes. We got the ferry to Amsterdam from Newcastle which was great but obviously not within the 2 hour threshold of this article.

What to see: Considering Amsterdam is famous for its canals, a great way to see the city is from the water. We really do recommend going on a cruise to orient yourself with the city. Tours take about an hour and you can book these online in advance.

The city also has some incredible museums to visit like the Rijksmuseum and the Anne Frank House. Both places are must visits in the city.

Eating and drinking in Amsterdam: Amsterdam is such a foodie city and there are just way too many places to mention in this post. Some must try foods though are dutch cheese, pancakes, and herring. Although the herring is definitely more of an acquired taste.

You can also do a street food tour that will take you to all the best places here.

Dublin

Dublin is one of the best international day trips from Manchester that you can do. Flights between Manchester and Dublin are really regular, with several Ryanair flights alone departing and arriving throughout the day. As a bare minimum you usually have a morning, lunch, and evening flight between the two cities. The other bit of good news is that the flights are often super cheap too. These days £16.99 one way seems to be the cheapest option, but still that’s often cheaper than a train to London.

Dublin is located in the Republic of Ireland on the east coast of the country. There is a lot to see and do in Dublin, and the city is incredibly walkable too.

Distance from Manchester: 166 miles.

How to get here: If you are reading this article it’s because you were looking for places to visit within 2 hours of Manchester. So for that reason flying is going to be your only option in terms of getting to Dublin. You can take a ferry, but you would need to get to Holyhead, and the whole trip will take way more than 2 hours.

As mentioned above there are a number of scheduled flights between Manchester and Dublin daily. The total flight time is around 40 minutes, so you will landing in Dublin before you know it. Once you have arrived at Dublin airport you can easily hop on a bus, like the Aircoach which will take you straight into the city centre.

What to see: Dublin is totally doable as a day trip from Manchester, especially because it isn’t a huge city. On top of that a lot of the main attractions are relatively close together,.

Some of the must dos in Dublin include, a visit to the Guinness Storehouse. If you have ever wondered if Guinness tastes better in Ireland, you can find the answer here. You can also learn about the history of the drink, and enjoy a pint as you look out at the views over Dublin.

Other tops sights include, Trinity College and the Book of Kells, which is essentially like something out of Harry Potter. You also have the historical Dublin Castle, which you can do a tour of.

Dublin also has a lot of parks, like St Stephen’s Green and Phoenix Park. Of course if the weather isn’t great you can just go to a pub instead. The Temple Bar is probably the most famous, but there are many others to choose from when visiting.

Eating and drinking in Dublin: Dublin has come a long way in recent years when it comes to food and drink. For food, we recommend Gallaghers Boxty House in Temple Bar. They do a modern take on the traditional Irish food.

Drinking in Dublin is a lot of fun. You have a lot of traditional Irish pubs to visit. The Brazen Head is on of our favourites as it is the oldest pub in Dublin. You also have some fun cocktail bars like The Blind Pig which is a speakeasy style bar, and Bar 1661 which serve Poitín cocktails.

For a more detailed Dublin itinerary you can checkout this post.

Brussels

Brussels is the capital of Belgium, but also the political capital of Europe. The city is home to the EU headquarters with over 40,000 employees living in the city. Unsurprisingly around 27% of people living in Brussels aren’t actually Belgian born.

Distance from Manchester: 334 miles.

How to get here: There are a few airlines flying directly from Manchester to Brussels. Brussels Airlines do around 12 flights per week. For a cheaper option Ryanair also do several flights to the city daily. But keep in mind they land at Charleroi Airport which is a little bit further away from the city.

What to see: One of the most beautiful spots in Brussels has to be the Grand Place. It is the central square of Brussels and is surrounded by some pretty incredible architecture. Some of the buildings include the former Guilds of Brussels, which were the centre of economic life in the late medieval and early modern periods, as well as the Flamboyant Town Hall. And before you ask, Flamboyant is actually a style of architecture.

Nearby is the Manneken Pis a statue of a naked boy peeing into a fountain. The statue attracts many visitors and even dresses up for different occasions. For instance on our visit the statue was decked out in full graduation gear.

Other must see sights include the Atomium which was was originally constructed in 1958 for the Brussels World Fair, and has become a tourist attraction ever since. You can also visit Mini Europe next door where you can walk around miniature sculptures of different European nations, and learn all about the EU.

For a full Brussels itinerary you can checkout this guide.

Eating and drinking in Brussels: Brussels is all about the food and drink in our opinion. From waffles to Belgian beers this is the city to indulge.

Street food, such as Pomme Frites, or Belgian Waffles are a must in the city, and you will find stores selling these mouthwatering delights all around the city. Or if you are feeling a bit more creative you can even do a waffle making workshop. Devouring as much chocolate as possible is of course another must in Brussels. But if you want to learn more about how it is made you can do your own chocolate making workshop.

Belgian beers are obviously a big deal in Brussels, some of our favourite bars to sample them are Le Cercveil, a coffin themed bar close to Grand Place, and A La Morte Subite a typical Belgian cafe.

You can also do a Beer tasting tour. That way you can drink some beer but also get to know what is in your glass too.

This tour is another option if you are wanting to visit some bars in Brussels and taste some beers.

Jersey

Jersey is the largest of the Channel Islands located in between France and England. It’s a dependency of the UK but is self governing and is a mix of both French and British culture.

Jersey is one of those places you can visit that has a little something for everyone. Nature lovers will enjoy the many coastal walks you can embark on, whilst history lovers will be fascinated exploring the many war tunnels built during the German occupation of the island during the second world war. Then of course there are the gorgeous beaches, the castles, the shopping, and the delicious food. And that is only scratching the surface. No matter what kind of break you are after, Jersey really has something for everyone

For more information on visiting Jersey here is a helpful guide.

Distance from Manchester: 287 miles.

How to get here: Easyjet do a direct flight from Manchester to Jersey. The total flight time is said to be 1 hour and 20 minutes but when we flew it was honestly more like an hour.

What to see: Jersey is perfect for nature lovers. You have a lot of beautiful spots like  St Ouen’s Bay, Plemont, and Greve de Lecq. You definitely need to rent a car here, and you can just drive around and enjoy the scenery.

One of the highlights in Jersey has to be Gorey Harbour and Mont Orgueil Castle. This is a perfect photo spot and tourist area.

There are also some great tours you can do in Jersey like the Jersey War Tours that allow you to explore some of the underground bunkers throughout the island.

Eating and drinking in Jersey: There are so many places to eat in Jersey but some of our favourites are Bass and Lobster located in Gorey and The Old Court House Inn at St Aubin.

Belfast

Belfast is the capital of Northern Ireland, and is the largest city in the country. But in terms of the island of Ireland Belfast is second in size and population to Dublin.

Belfast has an industrial history where it built ships, produced rope and tobacco and was a key player in the linen industry. It gained the nickname Linenopolis by the end of the 19th Century due to this.

As mentioned above Belfast is in Northern Ireland, which is part of the United Kingdom. That means that you will need to pay for things in British Pounds not Euros.

Are you wondering if Belfast is worth visiting? Here is a helpful guide.

Distance from Manchester: 184 miles.

How to get here: Both Easyjet and Ryanair have flights from Manchester to Belfast. There are usually a few flights per day. In terms of flight time you are looking at around 1 hour.

What to see: Belfast has some great places to visit which is why it is one of the best places to visit within 2 hours of Manchester. You can explore the Belfast Town Hall, stroll around the Botanical Gardens, or even visit the Crumlin Road Gaol.

The real highlight in Belfast though is the Titanic Museum. The museum is located by the old Harland and Wolff shipyard in Belfast’s docks, which is actually where the Titanic was built.The area was once derelict, but now is home to the museum, various ships, a distillery and much more. The museum is interactive, and takes you back to Belfast’s shipbuilding heyday.

Eating and drinking in Belfast: One of our favourite spots in Belfast for eating and drinking is the Cathedral Quarter. It’s full of cobbled streets, quirky graffiti and murals, plus tons of bars and restaurants. It does get lively particularly in the evening, and is a great place for an evening pub crawl.

For more information on the city you can look at this guide to spending a weekend in Belfast.

Day trips from Manchester – a recap

Hopefully this guide to the best places to visit within 2 hours of Manchester has been useful. As you can see there are so many amazing spots that are so close to Manchester city centre that will provide you with the perfect day trip. All you have to do now is decide which one of these day trips from Manchester you want to try.

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Happy Travels!