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Want to do something on your day off and looking for amazing places to visit within 1 hour of Manchester? We are here to help! Manchester is a city with no shortage of attractions.
From its industrial heritage and stunning architecture to its vast array of museums, galleries and other cultural attractions, there’s something for everyone there.
But if you’re looking to get away for a bit without travelling too far, there are plenty of great spots nearby that can be reached quickly and easily.
From small towns to beautiful national parks, there are many places you can explore without having to spend the day in the car or train.
Here we’ve compiled a list of the 10 best places to visit within 1 hour of Manchester – so read on to discover some fantastic destinations for your next day out!
Table of Contents
1. Macclesfield
🚗 Driving: 40 min – 🚆 Train: 20 min
Looking for a fun day trip from Manchester? Try Macclesfield! This cute little town in Cheshire is just a short ride away.
The town centre is very cute and just roaming around while doing a bit of shopping is a nice experience.
If you are visiting on a Saturday, you will be in for a treat! That’s when the Treacle Market happens. This is your chance to try local treats like Cheshire cheese.
Nature lovers will enjoy Macclesfield Forest. It’s a perfect place for a walk or a hike. There’s so much to see and do there.
Teggs Nose is another great spot. It has amazing views and it’s a lovely place for a walk. While you’re there, grab lunch at Teggs Nose Cafe.
History buffs will like Macclesfield Silk Museum. This town was big in the silk industry. The museum now has the largest collection of Jacquard silk in Europe.
Another cool place is Jodrell Bank. This is an astronomical observatory that’s part of Manchester University. You can book a visit online and learn lots about space.
Macclesfield is a charming town with lots to offer. Whether you’re into nature, history, or space, you’re sure to have a great day out.
2. Ramsbottom
🚗 Driving: 30 min – 🚆 Public Transport: 45 min
Ramsbottom, one of the cutest villages near Manchester, is a must-visit! It’s just a 30-minute trip from the city centre.
Whether you choose to drive or take the tram to Bury and then a bus, you’ll find the journey is a breeze.
This super cute village is packed with things to do. Start by exploring the town centre.
It’s very cute with loads of local shops waiting to be discovered.
From a butcher to a cheese shop, and even a candy shop, Ramsbottom has something for everyone.
When hunger strikes, make your way to The Mouse Trap.
This restaurant is famous for its delicious cheese and wine.
It’s a local favourite and one of the best spots for lunch near Manchester.
Don’t forget to walk up to Holcombe Hill.
The hike is easy, making it a perfect activity for everyone.
Follow the path all the way to Peel Tower. Trust me, you won’t want to miss this.
Once you reach the top, you’ll be rewarded with one of the best views of Manchester.
Just imagine standing there, overlooking the city. It’s a truly memorable experience.
So, if you’re looking for a great day trip from Manchester, Ramsbottom is a fantastic choice.
3. Greenfield
🚗 Driving: 40 min – 🚆 Train: 25 min
Greenfield is a cute town on the edge of the Peak District National Park.
There’s lots to do in Greenfield, especially on a nice, sunny day.
The main attraction is Dovestone Reservoir. Here, you’ll find fantastic views of the hills and the reservoir itself. It’s an amazing place for a walk.
You can choose between a shorter or longer circular walk, depending on how much time you have. There are also picnic tables, which makes it great for families.
Just remember, parking is limited so try to get there early, especially on weekends.
For more hiking, check out Pots and Pans. There’s an obelisk at summit of the hill, known as the Pots and Pans Stone. You can reach it by following a hiking path.
The views from Pots and Pans are fantastic and on a nice day, you will barely believe how beautiful it actually is.
And when you get hungry, head to one of Greenfield’s local pubs. They’re the perfect spot for a nice lunch.
4. Liverpool
🚗 Driving: 55 min – 🚆 Train: 40 min
Liverpool is one of the best cities to visit near Manchester.
Getting there is very easy – just hop on a train from Victoria, Piccadilly, or Oxford Road and you’ll be there in less than an hour.
Once in Liverpool, there are many things you can do.
If it’s your first time, a free walking tour of the city is a great idea.
On the tour, you’ll learn lots about Liverpool’s history.
You’ll hear about the triangle trade, its connection with Manchester, especially during the Industrial Revolution, and its rich music culture.
Liverpool is famous as the home of the Beatles.
If you love music, you should definitely head to Matthew Street and visit the Cavern Club.
Liverpool is also known for its museums.
In fact, it’s the city with the most museums in the UK after London.
Most of these museums are located on Albert Docks.
There are many great ones to choose from, but we particularly recommend the Tate and the World Museum, which is near the station.
5. Chester
🚗 Driving: 1 hour – 🚆 Train: 1 hour
Chester is just an hour’s drive from Manchester.
This cathedral city is one of the most beautiful in the North West and is the county town of Cheshire.
The city is particularly famous for its walls.
You’ll also find the oldest racecourse and the largest Roman amphitheatre in Britain here, making Chester a perfect spot for history lovers.
If you’re keen to delve into the city’s past, opt for the free walking tour of Chester.
On this tour, you’ll learn lots about the city’s history and hear fascinating legends about the area.
Make sure to visit popular landmarks such as the Eastgate Clock and Chester Rows.
These iconic spots are not to be missed during your trip.
If you’re looking for something different to do, why not head to Chester Zoo?
It’s one of the best zoos near Manchester, and you’ll get the chance to see a wide variety of unique animals including bears, elephants, painted dogs, giraffes and more.
The Chester Zoo team is also deeply committed to the environmental cause and has led numerous actions to protect animals.
Visiting the zoo is not only a fun day out but also a great way to support their work and learn about the importance of animal conservation.
6. Hebden Bridge
🚗 Driving: 55 min – 🚆 Train: 30 min
Hebden Bridge is a beautiful market town nestled in West Yorkshire.
Just an hour’s drive from Manchester, it’s a charming destination for those looking to spend the day in a cute, small town.
On a sunny day, why not take a leisurely walk along the Rochdale Canal?
The picturesque views along the path make for a lovely stroll.
If you’re a National Trust member, Hardcastle Crags is a must-visit spot.
Nearby, Gibson Mill is also worth seeing and it’s just a stone’s throw away from Hardcastle Crags.
The town centre of Hebden Bridge is brimming with charm.
Full of independent shops and cute houses, it’s a delight to explore.
Pop into the visitor centre when you arrive.
There, you can pick up a booklet with the town centre trail.
This handy guide is a nice way to make sure you don’t miss any of the town’s highlights.
With it in hand, you can enjoy a leisurely exploration of this charming market town. So, pack your walking shoes and get ready for a day of fun and discovery in Hebden Bridge!
7. Knutsford
🚗 Driving: 40 min – 🚆 Train: 40 min
Knutsford is a charming town and one of the most popular day trips from Manchester.
There are two main things to do in Knutsford that you definitely won’t want to miss.
First off, the town itself is a delight to explore.
It’s very cute, filled with independent shops and amazing restaurants.
The second must-visit spot is the famous Tatton Park.
It’s one of the best National Trust sites near Manchester and offers a wealth of experiences to enjoy.
Tatton Park includes a deer park, which is perfect for walks or bike rides.
Then there’s the mansion, a beautiful historic home that’s sure to impress.
Don’t forget to explore the gorgeous Italian gardens too.
They’re a real highlight and offer plenty of beautiful photo opportunities.
For those visiting with kids, the farm at Tatton Park is a must-see.
You can check out the mill and even watch the staff milking the cows. It’s a fun, educational experience that the whole family can enjoy.
8. Delamere Forest
🚗 Driving: 55 min – 🚆 Public Transport: 2 hours
Delamere Forest, the largest woodland in Cheshire, is a must-visit for anyone looking for forest walks near Manchester.
Just an hour’s drive from town, it’s an easily accessible slice of nature.
Hiking is the best activity in Delamere Forest.
You’ll be able to enjoy the beautiful woodland and watch the wildlife by the lake.
The top pick for walks is the Blakemere Trail.
It’s a 3.6-mile walk where you can really appreciate the charm of the lake.
Besides hiking, you can hire a bike and explore the forest on two wheels.
Horse riding is also available for those looking for a unique way to see the sights.
For families visiting with children, ‘Go Ape’ offers a thrilling tree-top adventure.
This is a fun-filled activity that the kids will definitely enjoy.
They also offer Segway tours of the forest.
This is a cool and unique way to explore and learn about the forest.
Last but not least, make sure to check out the Gruffalo sculptures on the trails of the Delamere Forest.
These charming statues are especially popular with children and bring a delightful twist to your woodland exploration.
9. Knowsley Safari Park
🚗 Driving: 40 min – 🚆 Public Transport: 1 hour 25 minutes
Knowsley Safari Park is a perfect day out with kids, located just 45 minutes from Manchester.
It offers a true safari experience without the need to travel overseas.
Here’s how it works: you drive through the park to see the animals.
It’s a 5-mile safari drive, making it the longest in the UK.
You get to see all sorts of African animals including giraffes, baboons and a lion pride.
It’s an exciting opportunity to see these animals up close.
But that’s not all. You can also do the foot safari.
There, you’ll get to see the animals in their enclosures, offering another perspective on these magnificent creatures.
In addition to seeing the animals, you can attend animal talks and learn plenty about them.
These talks are very interesting, informative and help increase awareness about the animals and their natural habitats.
Knowsley Safari Park isn’t just about entertainment.
They also do conservation work, playing a role in preserving and protecting these species for future generations to enjoy. This adds a rewarding layer to your visit.
10. Leeds
🚗 Driving: 1 hour – 🚆 Train: 1 hour
Leeds is another beautiful city near Manchester, located in Yorkshire.
It’s less than an hour by train, making it perfect for a city day trip.
Here are some things you can do:
If you’re a shopping enthusiast, Leeds Victoria quarter is your place.
It’s full of beautiful arcades and is a wonderful spot for photos.
You can find all sorts of shops including luxury brands to cater to your shopping cravings.
For history buffs, the Royal Armouries Museum is a must-see with loads of military hardware on display.
Fans of Emmerdale can immerse themselves in a guided tour of the Emmerdale village set.
It’s an exciting opportunity to see the set of the popular TV show.
To learn more about the city, join the local walking tour or the food tour.
You’ll discover loads of local spots where you can get delicious dishes and learn about Leeds’ history.
If you love architecture, don’t miss Leeds Corn Exchange.
It’s a beautiful building dating from Victorian times.
For an evening out, Call Lane is the perfect spot.
It’s bustling with bars and nightlife, adding a lively vibe to your day trip.
We hope this article has helped you finding the best places to visit within 1 hour from Manchester. Have fun!
You may also be interested in:
- 11 Best places to visit within 2 hours of Manchester
- 15 Best Waterfalls Near Manchester
- 22 Best Villages Near Manchester You Must Visit
