We love Manchester but sometimes it’s good to escape the city just for the weekend and discover somewhere new or get a bit of fresh country air. When a day trip is just not enough time to explore or totally switch off, cue the weekend getaway. From gorgeously green areas great for walks to cities full of culture and history, we’ve rounded up some of the best weekend getaways that are less than two hours away from Manchester by car or train.
1. Windermere
From mountains and valleys to glistening lakes and rolling hills, the Lake District has it all and one of the most jaw-droppingly beautiful locations has to be Windermere. For ramblers, Windermere is a great spot to set up a base as you pick a different walking route in the surrounding mountains for each day. There also some incredible viewing points to visit nearby like Queen Adelaide’s Hill and Orrest Head.
However, what makes Windermere great for weekend getaways not far from Manchester is that is boasts a vast 10-mile long boating lake, quaint cafes as well as Gilpin Hotel & Lake House, home to a Michelin star restaurant, just a stone’s throw way. The area has plenty of cultural sites and attractions including The World of Beatrix Potter, Windermere Jetty Museum and Beatrix Potter’s home, Hill Top, now a National Trust property just across the water.
đźš— Drive from Manchester: 1 hour 55 minutes
🚆Train from Manchester Piccadilly: 1 hour 40 minutes
2. Haworth
Best known as BrontĂ« country due to it being where the famous Bronte sisters lived, Haworth in West Yorkshire has a whole lot of history to explore. In the village you’ll not only find the historic cobbled streets still in tact but also Wuthering Heights itself (known as Top Withens), the BrontĂ« moors and picturesque BrontĂ« waterfall.
There’s plenty of small art galleries in Haworth, so if you want to take in a little culture during your trip then why not swing by Hawksbys or Wuthering Arts to check out some work by local artists. You’ll also find plenty of quirky, little independent shops to explore down the cobbled streets, a steam railway and Peninstone Hill Country Park if you fancy stretching your legs further.
đźš— Drive from Manchester: 1 hour 35 minutesÂ
🚆Train from Manchester Victoria to Hebden Bridge, then bus to Haworth: 1 hour 19 minutes
3. Llandudno
Quite possibly one of the best Welsh weekend getaways that is not an absolute schlep from Manchester is the coastal town of Llandudno. Offering a gentle sea breeze, Welsh charm and plenty of activities to keep you entertained all weekend long, the town boasts not but two coastlines and beaches to explore with the West Shore Beach looking over Conwy Sands and North Shore Beach.
Stroll down Llandudno’s classic Victorian pier complete with Punch and Judy stalls, penny arcades and retro stores, do a spot of kite surfing or explore the likes of Conwy Castle as well as over 40 caves in and around the town with Elephant Cave being the most well known. The Welsh seaside town has plenty of breathtaking views including ones on board the Great Orme Tramway and also Camera Obscura at the top of Happy Valley on the Great Orme where you can experience views including ones of Liverpool Bay and Anglesey on a clear day.
đźš— Drive from Manchester: 2 hours
🚆Train from Manchester Piccadilly: 2 hours 14 minutes
4. Forest of Bowland
Located north of Manchester you’ll find the picturesque Forest of Bowland Natural Landscape, a sprawling, scenic wilderness area featuring forests, hills and moorland, and even a sculpture trail. The area covers 803 square kilometres (312 square miles) of overwhelmingly rural landscapes in Lancashire and Yorkshire, with towns such as Clitheroe, Garstang, Lancaster, Preston and Settle surrounding it.
The Natural Landscape boasts numerous walking and cycling routes making it one of the perfect weekend getaways for those who love the great outdoors but don’t want to travel too far from Manchester. With little residents within Bowland, it also makes for a great spot for stargazing too. For those looking for a luxurious and relaxing spot to stay at nearby, be sure to check out Gisburne Park Estate, which offers glamping and hot tub holidays. Plus, located in the picturesque Ribble Valley, surrounded by miles of unspoiled and glorious countryside you’ll find Northcote, boutique hotel featuring a Michelin-starred restaurant led by renowned chef Lisa Goodwin-Allen.
đźš— Drive from Manchester: 1 hour 28 minutesÂ
🚆Train from Manchester Victoria to Clitheroe: 1 hour 17 minutes / Train from Manchester Piccadilly to Lancaster: 53 minutes
5. Chester
If you don’t fancy travelling too far then a weekend getaway to Chester is a quick and easy option from Manchester. Known for its beautiful, Tudor-style architecture, the historic city of Chester is great for a visit and its enough to rival York over the Pennines for its city walls. Stroll or cruise down the pretty River Dee passing the city’s unique iron bridge, head up high to the tower at Chester Cathedral or explore the historic Rows.
Whether you fancy being besotted by all the animals at Chester Zoo, going back in time to Roman era at DEVA Roman Experience or immersing yourself in the history of medicine through time at Sick To Death, you can easily fill your weekend with plenty to do. There are number of tours to suit all from medieval to foodie ones and if you fancy hitting the shops instead Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet is not too far. Or why not watch a show at Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre or Storyhouse for an added dose of culture?
đźš— Drive from Manchester: 1 hour
🚆Train from Manchester Victoria: 54 minutes
6. Castleton
Manchester is pretty blessed to almost have the Peak District on its doorstep, meaning we’re not too far from getting that dose of nature and fresh country air. Nestled within the heart of the national park is Castleton and although it’s not the biggest of places, it makes up for it with its abundant scenery.
During a weekend away, you can tick off the likes of Peak Cavern, admire the gorgeous views of Mam Tor and Winnats Pass as well as make a stop at historical spots like Peveril Castle or Blue John Cavern. Castleton remains to this day the only place you can find the semi-precious Blue John stone – so you can guarantee lots to do during your visit. You’ll also find a campsite nearby and a fair few pubs in the vicinity for that much-deserved post-walk pint.
đźš— Drive from Manchester: 1 hour 14 minutes
🚆Train from Manchester Piccadilly to Hope, then bus to Castleton: 1 hour 13 minutes
7. Liverpool
If you still want the hustle and bustle of the city but also a change of scenery, Liverpool is a great shout when it comes to weekend getaways near Manchester, and you certainly won’t be bored. Plus, it is by far one of the quickest to get to. From mooching around Royal Albert Dock and the plethora of museums to finding out more about the city’s most famous band, The Beatles, (a trip to Cavern Club, anyone?) Liverpool offers plenty of cultural experiences.
Head up to the top of the iconic Liver Building for panoramic views, catch a football match at Anfield or Goodison Park or admire the historic houses in the Georgian Quarter – you may just struggle to fit all in in a weekend. Take a stroll next to the River Mersey but also do not underestimate the green spaces like Calderstones Park and Sefton Park and beaches nearby. You also definitely won’t go hungry in this city, with an abundance of different cuisines to choose from.
đźš— Drive from Manchester: 1 hour 6 minutes
🚆Train from Manchester Victoria: 36 minutes