United Kingdom
10 Great Day Trips to Take from Manchester
Manchester is one of the most liveable cities in the UK. Mancunians (people of Manchester) are proud of this, but sometimes, you need to take a day off. A day trip to new places in Manchester allows you to have new experiences and try new food.
The best thing is that Manchester is centrally situated, with extensive motorway connections east-west and north-south. For a day trip from Manchester, you only need a coach with a driver. There are so many great travel destinations within easy reach.
Below are some of the best places to visit on a day trip from Manchester by coach or minibus.
Sheffield
Distance from Manchester: About 41 miles
Travel Time: Between 1.5 to 2 Hours
Sheffield is arguably one of the greatest cities in Europe. Thanks to its 250 parks and green spaces, it is called the âGreen City.â Over two million trees make Sheffield one of the greenest cities in Europe.
The city has plenty of prime picnic spots and places to cycle, stroll, and relax. Some notable attractions to visit in Sheffield are:
- (1) Tropical Butterfly House
- (2) Wildlife & Falconry Centre
- (3) Sheffield Botanical Gardens
- (4) Rivelin Valley Nature Trail drop-offs
- (5) Graves Park
- (6) Sheffield Winter Garden
All these make Sheffield one of the best places for a day trip from Manchester. So, if you plan to explore the Peak District, Don't miss this tourist attraction.
Liverpool
Distance from Manchester: About 36 miles
Travel Time: Less than 1 Hour
Liverpool is a perfect travel destination for architecture lovers. There are so many things to do in Liverpool, and the area has attractions throughout its city. Each building's architecture is special in its own right, but there are some notable attractions that you should visit.
The city of the Beatles has also been named the World Capital City of Pop by Guinness World Records. The top attractions in Liverpool that you must visit include:
- (1) Royal Albert Dock Liverpool
- (2) Museum of Liverpool Centre
- (3) Anfield Stadium
- (4) Beatles Statue drop-offs
- (5) Liverpool Cathedral
This city is easily explored on a day out. You'll need a coach charter with a driver and some fun companions.
Birmingham
Distance from Manchester: About 96 miles
Travel Time: About 2 Hours
Birmingham has world-class galleries and museums you can explore on a day trip from Manchester. The city has plenty of galleries dedicated to the manufacturing, inventions, and people of Birmingham. And this is not all.
There are plenty of activities and things to explore in the city. You can visit the planetarium, see exhibitions on space exploration, and watch the world's oldest working steam engine.
Some top attractions that you should't miss in Birmingham are:
- (1) National Motorcycle Museum
- (2) Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery
- (3) Library of Birmingham
- (4) Birmingham Back to Backs drop-offs
- (5) Symphony Hall
York
Distance from Manchester: About 74 miles
Travel Time: Between 1.5 to 2 Hours
York is a city with a rich heritage and numerous museums. Its history dates to the beginning of the first millennium AD. But what makes York an interesting tourist point is its stunning architecture. Plus, it has the most attractions per square mile in the country.
Train lovers would cherish visiting the National Railway Museum. The museums include several impressive locomotives and vehicles, including:
- (1) World's fastest steam locomotive
- (2) Queen Victoria's favourite carriage (Mallard)
- (3) Palace on Wheels
Two notable tourist attractions of the city are the York Minster and the ruins of St Mary's Abbey. The York Art Gallery, Breezy Knees Garden, Clifford's Tower, and River Ouse are other magnificent places to visit in York.
Bristol
Distance from Manchester: About 168 miles
Travel Time: Between 3 to 3.5 Hours
Bristol is a city renowned for its prosperous maritime history. In addition to its swashbuckling pirates' history, the city has earned a good name for its old-world pubs.
But Bristol's most famous landmark is the Clifton Suspension Bridge. It's a symbolic milestone for the city that reminds people of a turning point in the history of engineering, not to mention the bridge's spectacular view to its visitors.
Some other notable attractions in Bristol are the Wookey Hole, Blaise Castle House Museum, Bristol Museum and Art Gallery, and Bristol Zoo. And while you are exploring the city, don't forget to visit Bristol's Great Western Dock. This is a key tourist place and the new home to SS Great Britain.
But if you truly want to feel the city, visit Bristol Harbour. Lastly, we recommend a short trip to the Cheddar Gorge if you visit with family on a minibus ride. It is about 8 miles from Bristol but worth visiting.
Wales
Distance from Manchester: About 160 miles
Travel Time: About 4 Hours
Wales is a destination for nature lovers who want to cherish atmospheric scenery and a green environment. Now considered a separate country, Wales has 600 castles and three national parks. Moreover, there are UNESCO World Heritage Sites including:
- (1) Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Canal
- (2) Blaenavon Industrial Landscape
- (3) Castles and Town Walls of King Edward in Gwynedd
- (3) North West Wales Slate Landscape
And that's not it, as there is so much more to explore in Wales. Some other notable attractions include Cardiff Castle, National Museum Cardiff, Caernarfon Castle, and Snowdonia National Park.
Cambridge City
Distance from Manchester: About 181 miles
Travel Time: About 2.5 Hours
Best known for its legendary university, Cambridge is a destination worth visiting. If you have a coachhire with a driver, it will take you about 2.5 hours to reach this fantastic touring spot. There are so many places to visit in Cambridge and many fun activities.
Of course, the University of Cambridge should be first on your list. The university consists of 31 autonomous Colleges, the most renowned of which are Robinson College, Queen's College, and Trinity College.
King's College and King's College Chapel are other notable sites you shouldn't miss on your tour. You will witness a magnificent view from the King's College. Visitors can explore different college grounds and amble along the banks of the river Cam. The Cambridge University Botanic Garden is another site for keen eyes and nature lovers.
The University of Cambridge alone may take your whole day. But you should visit other notable landmarks, including the Museum of Cambridge, the National Horse Racing Museum, St. Mary the Great Church, and the Fitzwilliam Museum.
Newcastle upon Tyne
Distance from Manchester: About 146 miles
Travel Time: About 3 Hours
Newcastle is another city you can visit from Manchester. Famed for its breweries, theatres, and museums, this tourist city has a fascinating history, spectacular bridges, and breathtaking scenery. Not to mention that the city adores football and delicious food.
Friendly locals (Geordies), amazing architecture, rich culture, and nightlife make Newcastle a great choice for visitors. But the first thing that will greet you is the iconic Angel of the North sculpture.
There are many sites to explore and things to do in Newcastle upon Tyne. If you have got a minibus hire with a driver, we recommend you visit:
- (1) Jesmond Dene
- (2) The Discovery Museum
- (3) St James' Park
- (4) Victoria Tunnel
- (5) Quayside
Norwich
Distance from Manchester: About 197 miles
Travel Time: About 4.5 Hours
Norwich is, without a doubt, the most complete mediaeval city in the country. It has a rich heritage, and lively restaurants and bars make for perfect nightlife. Its quaint covered market and high-street shopping centres are a delight to explore.
However, the best things to do in Norwich include visiting its stunning Norman Cathedral and Castle. Some of the top attractions to visit in Norwich are:
- (1) The Plantation Garden
- (2) East Ruston Old Vicarage Garden Museum
- (3) Norwich Cathedral
- (4) Felbrigg Hall
- (5) The Broads National Park
Lake District
Distance from Manchester: About 85 miles
Travel Time: Between 1.5 to 2 Hours
This is a place in northwest England that's worth visiting. This is an exceptional day-out destination for nature lovers.
You will find the UK's highest mountain, Scafell Pike, here. This destination has some of the finest trails and mountains you can easily hike. Whether you are a beginner or looking for a demanding track, you can easily find a suitable trail here.
About 15.8 million visitors from across the globe come to the Lake District each year. And you'll only know the reason why after exploring it yourself.
Although there are many things to do in the Lake District, some attractions are more enchanting than others. These include:
- (1) Lake Windermere
- (2) Catbells Lakeland Walk
- (3) Aira Force Waterfall
- (4) Helvellyn
- (5) Loughrigg Fell
Conclusion
We hope you have liked our list of great day trips from Manchester. You can visit these places on coach hire with your family, friends, or school buddies. If you need a minibus hire with a driver, contact us. We can provide you with coach options anytime and anywhere across the UK.
Minibus or coach hire is a great way to go on a day trip from Manchester comfortably and conveniently. By considering the size of the coach you need, the amenities and features you require, and the cost of minibus hire, you can find the right Manchester minibus hire company that will fit your budget. With these tips for a successful and affordable trip, you can ensure your journey is enjoyable and stress-free.
