3 Day Trips from Manchester You Must Go On!

It is all too common for tourists to go on holiday to a particular country/city and make it their life’s mission to cross as many sights as they can from their to-do-list. My personal viewpoint on the matter is steadfast, I beg to differ with such action-packed holiday agendas. I mean aren’t holidays about leaving the hassles of life behind, unwinding to the fullest; stumbling upon something you hadn’t intended on and then spending as much time as you fancy at the place. 

While each to their own and no style of travel being correct or incorrect, it’s all about personal preference. Having said that, here’s a day trip guide from Manchester that will ensure you aren’t embarking on strenuous journeys or being burdened with too much to do in too short a time span.  

The Lake District   

Lake District is much more than splendid views and huge bodies of water as most publications would have you believe. But since the topic has been broached already, permit me elucidate briefly – Lake Windermere at The Lake District is the largest natural lake in England and a prime representation of the picturesque Lake District. Then there’s Scafell Pike, towering at 978m, it’s the highest point in England which deserves a journey to the summit. Once there, the peak will offer stunning views of National Park (disclaimer: make sure to prepare properly and check the weather forecast beforehand).          

Now, if you fancy a drink or two (or maybe four) then head over to The Lakes Distillery, a top-notch establishment serving gin, whiskey and vodka, all using local produce. If you work up an appetite with the heavy lifting of whiskey and gin glasses then a visit to Old Stamp House is recommended. All ingredients sourced at this restaurant are gathered from surrounding forests, woodlands, mountains and coastline. The eatery has a bit of history to go along with it, having been established in 1813 with Wordsworth having worked out of the very same building!

How to get there: At a distance of 114 km from Manchester, a road journey along the M61 can easily be covered in an hour and a half.  

Knowsley Safari Park

One of the wildest days out (pun intended), this is a firm family-favourite that presents the prospect for you to tour 550 acres of Safari Drive. You can acquaint yourself with over 700 wild animals here, ranging from camels to rhinos to wildebeest to lions, all within the comforts of your car. 

An all-day destination, the action doesn’t stop with the Safari Drive, on the Foot Safari you may explore the brand-new Amur Tiger Trail (make sure to keep your eyes peeled here), then there’s the Giraffe Tower, a family of meerkats and an array of native British wildlife! 

How to get there: A meagre 48 km from Manchester, a drive to Knowsley Safari Park is a very achievable 47 mins away on the M62. 

Chester

A stunner of a city, Chester is prominent for its enormous Tudor-style half-timber buildings that are visible wherever you roam. To put in a nutshell, what you have on your hands here is a gorgeous, ancient center that is encircled by historic city walls. 

Once there, you will be filled with an impulsive yearning to explore this medieval appearing city, you may begin with a stroll alongside River Dee, and then make your way to the Grade I listed building - the Roman Coliseum that was rediscovered in 1929. You could round it up with a visit to the Chester Racecourse, which, in accordance to records is the oldest racecourse still in use in England. If you find your throat parched after your explorations, Chester has some renowned boozers too, such as The Old Boot Inn on Eastgate or the White Horse near the racecourse.  

How to get there: An hour-long journey along the M56 should cover the 66 km journey.