Living in Manchester opens up a lot of opportunities to explore the North of England and beyond. Let’s be honest, life is challenging at the moment. I think it’s important, now more than ever, to highlight how we can explore our surroundings, enjoy ourselves and connect with nature. Spring is here and summer is just around the corner, which means more daylight and better weather.
There are lots of beautiful and exciting places to visit that are easily accessible from Manchester, and most importantly, affordable! I suggest travelling via train or coach over taking the car for the sake of the planet and to avoid any hidden costs such as parking. When travelling via public transport, I recommend booking at least two weeks in advance, so you aren’t getting ripped off with unaffordable train fares. I also really recommend purchasing a railcard if you haven’t got one already, they genuinely save you lots of money. Stay tuned for some great places to spend your weekends!
Liverpool ~ Only 40 minutes from Manchester by train, Liverpool is a great place for a short trip or a day/night out. A return trip to Liverpool Lime Street can cost as little as £5. From galleries and museums to plenty of pubs and bars to keep you occupied for the duration of your trip.
The Peak District ~ You can travel from Manchester via train to either Grindleford, Hope, Edale, Hathersage or Bamford and you will be in the soul of the countryside where scenic walks and breath-taking views are only a step away. When booked in advance, return train tickets are as cheap as £7 with a railcard.
Chester Zoo ~ A wonderful experience for animal lovers and a really great day away from Manchester’s busy city life. Don’t forget to check out Chester’s cosy city whilst you’re there! Train tickets to Chester can cost approximately £8 for a return when booked in advance.
Blackpool ~ No matter what you say, you’re never too big or too old for a day at the beach. Weather permitting, a trip to Blackpool is everyone’s cup of tea. Who wouldn’t want a pint on the pier and fresh fish and chips whilst dreamily gazing at the Bleiffel Tower? Travelling via train or coach equate to roughly the same price, so it’s just down to personal preference. Prices are from roughly £10 for a return.
The Lake District ~ Don’t underestimate how big the Lake District is. I recommend getting the train to either Oxenholme Lake District or Penrith (North Lakes) and then taking a bus journey into the surrounding towns to begin walking and taking in the views. A trip to the Lakes is an amazing experience to share with your friends but they also make for a spectacular solo trip as they provide a beautiful escape from city life. On the slightly more expensive side, a return trip to the Lake District should be booked in advance. It will usually cost you between £10 and £25.
Well, what are you waiting for? Enjoy!