Manchester is ideally situated for exploring the northwest of the UK, and it’s a great place to live or base yourself while travelling the country.
While there are plenty of amazing things to do in the city itself, there are some fantastic day trips that you can take too.
With other cities, national parks, and beaches all within easy reach, there’s something for everyone to explore.
So read on for some of the best places to visit within 2 hours of Manchester.
1. Liverpool
How to get there: Take the train from Manchester Piccadilly or Oxford Road, which takes between 35 minutes and an hour. You could also drive. It’s a relatively straightforward drive on the M62, which takes around 50 minutes, depending on traffic.
Let’s kick things off with Manchester’s biggest rival in terms of football, Liverpool.
Liverpool is a beautiful city with plenty to do, and it’s just an hour away from Manchester by train.
Here you’ll find stunning architecture, cultural museums, and, of course, The Beatles.
If you’re into music, art, football, and sightseeing, then Liverpool is the perfect place for you to visit.
Take a Magical Mystery Tour, discover art in the Tate, or do a football stadium tour at Anfield.
I’ve also rounded up all my favourite cocktail bars in Liverpool, rooftop bars in Liverpool, and bottomless brunches in Liverpool for those that fancy a party.
Alternatively, for a more relaxed trip, look no further than the many amazing beaches in Liverpool and walks in Liverpool.
For one of the best places to visit within 2 hours of Manchester, Liverpool never disappoints!
2. Peak District National Park
How to get there: Edale is easily accessible by train from Manchester, and the journey is less than 45 minutes. Alternatively, driving from the city centre takes around an hour and a half.
If you want to escape the city for some beautiful countryside, then you can’t go wrong with the Peak District National Park.
You’ll find some amazing walks in the Peak District and even spots to take a dip!
Edale is a great place to start, as it’s home to a pretty Derbyshire village and the Peak District’s highest peak, Kinder Scout, which stands at 636m above sea level.
Kinder even has its own waterfall, Kinder Downfall.
Alternatively, I’ve rounded up all the best views in the Peak District to save you the trouble of finding your favourite!
Once you’ve tired yourself out hiking, head to one of the village pubs to refuel with some good old pub grub and a pint.
3. Llandudno
How to get there: It takes just under two hours to drive to Llandudno from Manchester city centre.
Llandudno is a seaside resort in North Wales.
This is an excellent spot to visit if you’re after good old-fashioned seaside fun.
There’s the 19th-century pier with its fairground rides, food stalls, shops, arcades, and cafes.
As for beaches, there are two of them here – North Shore and West Shore.
On the North Shore, you can walk along the promenade for some fresh sea air or grab your bucket and spade for the sandy beach.
West Shore Beach is a little more wild and rugged but is a great place for a sea swim or a sunset walk, and it’s also quieter than North Shore.
It’s dog friendly, too, so a great place for walking your pooch.
Don’t forget to grab some fish and chips before you leave – it’s got to be done!
4. Chester
How to get there: Get the train from Manchester Victoria which takes around an hour. Driving from Manchester to Chester will take just over an hour.
Chester is a beautiful city and one which is slightly underrated compared to its larger neighbours, Manchester and Liverpool.
Chester was originally built as a Roman fortress on the river, and there are still Roman remains to be seen today.
In fact, it’s one of the best-preserved walled cities in the UK!
You can walk around the walls for fantastic views of the city and an insight into its history.
If it’s history you’re after, don’t forget to visit the ruined Roman Amphitheatre too, the largest which has been uncovered in Great Britain.
The Rows are also worth checking out.
They are the shops and cafes in the city centre, which are built in two rows, one on top of the other, and they are completely unique to Chester.
5. Forest of Bowland
How to get there: Driving is the best way to get to the Forest of Bowland from Manchester. It should take around an hour and a half by car.
If you want to get away from city life for the day, then the Forest of Bowland is one of the best places to visit within 2 hours of Manchester.
With its rolling hills and wild moorlands, the Forest of Bowland has been designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
There are plenty of hiking trails to choose from here, which take in some stunning landscapes.
Try the Jubilee Tower Trail or Pendle Hill!
Alternatively, if you prefer pottering to hiking, then a visit to villages Slaidburn or Chipping would be right up your street.
6. Snowdonia National Park (Eryri)
How to get there: The easiest way to get to Snowdonia is by car. The drive from Manchester should take just under two hours. You can also get there by train to Bangor. However, this will take a lot longer with a few changes.
Another national park on our list – this one in Wales.
Snowdonia National Park is home to some of the most breathtaking scenery in the UK, with its impressive mountains and beautiful lakes.
One of the main features of the national park is Mount Snowdon (Yr Wyddf), the highest mountain in Wales, standing at 1,085m above sea level.
It’s also the highest point in the UK outside Scotland!
If you don’t fancy the hike up Snowdon, take the Snowdon Mountain Railway instead, a unique vintage train which takes you from Llanberis to the summit.
You can also get out and about on the water here at one of Snowdonia’s many lakes.
Try paddleboarding on Llyn Gwynant or canoeing on Llyn Tegid.
7. Leeds
How to get there: It’s easy to get to Leeds on the train from Manchester city centre. The train from Manchester Piccadilly takes just under an hour. If you’d prefer to drive (and miss out on the cocktails!), then it should take around an hour and 10 minutes, depending on traffic.
One of West Yorkshire’s most vibrant cities, Leeds is packed full of things to do.
If you’re a shopaholic, then there’s plenty here to keep you occupied with everything from high-end designer department stores to second-hand vintage boutiques.
Head to Victoria Quarter, Trinity Shopping Centre, or Leeds Kirkgate Market.
If culture is more your thing, you can explore some of the city’s historic buildings like Leeds Town Hall and Kirkstall Abbey.
There’s also a whole host of other great indoor activities in Leeds, ranging from escape rooms to pottery painting to crazy golf!
Leeds has a thriving food and drink scene too, with street food from around the world, Michelin-starred restaurants, and cosy eateries.
After you’ve had your fill of exploring, relax in one of the many trendy cocktail bars in Leeds or rooftop bars in Leeds.
8. Lake District
How to get there: The best way to get to the Lake District from Manchester is to drive, as public transport options tend to be quite limited once you get there. The drive should take around an hour and a half, depending on your destination in the Lakes. Alternatively, if you’d rather travel by train, there’s a train station at Windermere.
The Lake District in Cumbria is one of the UK’s most-visited national parks, and it’s not difficult to see why.
With its dramatic scenery, gorgeous villages, and endless lakes, it’s the perfect place to get away from it all.
There are countless hiking trails here.
If you have a head for heights, why not try conquering England’s highest peak Scafell Pike or scrambling along Striding Edge to the summit of Helvellyn?
Alternatively, if you’d rather explore towns and villages, there are plenty of pretty ones here.
Try Grasmere for its famous gingerbread, visit Keswick for the quirky Pencil Museum, and take a boat trip from Ambleside.
Once you’re ready, head to a local tearoom for a warming brew (these are my favourite afternoon teas in the Lake District) or to a cosy country pub for a pint – bliss!
9. Alton Towers
How to get there: Alton Towers is around a one hour and 20-minute drive from Manchester’s city centre. You could also take the train from Manchester Piccadilly.
Are you a thrill seeker?
Then this is one of the best places to visit within 2 hours of Manchester for you!
Alton Towers is a theme park and resort in Staffordshire with over 40 rides and attractions.
Some of the biggest and best rollercoasters include Wicker Man, the world’s most immersive rollercoaster, and The Smiler, the world’s first 14-loop rollercoaster.
Try to avoid school holidays and weekends if you can, as you might find yourself in long queues for the best rides.
As well as the main theme park, there are also three themed hotels and glamping options, so you can stay over and make the most of your time there.
10. Ludlow
How to get there: Take the train from Manchester Piccadilly to Ludlow, which takes about an hour and a half. Alternatively, you can drive to Ludlow in around two hours.
If you’re looking for a historic day trip from Manchester, then Ludlow is a great option.
It’s a medieval town with over 500 listed buildings, including Tudor-style half-timbered buildings, historic castles, and the town walls.
Visit the Castle Square market, which is open every day except Tuesday, for local produce and handmade items.
Then, take a lovely stroll by the river, or visit Ludlow Castle for stunning views over the town and surrounding countryside.
11. York
How to get there: The train from Manchester Piccadilly is the easiest way to reach York city centre. The journey takes around one hour and 15 minutes. You could drive instead, and this would take a similar amount of time.
York is a beautiful walled city in the northeast of England.
Founded by the ancient Romans, York is full of interesting architecture.
It has a huge 13th-century Gothic cathedral, city walls, and medieval buildings.
If you’re a Harry Potter fan, then a visit to York isn’t complete without going to The Shambles, a medieval street which is said to be the inspiration for Diagon Alley in the famous JK Rowling books.
The street is packed full of original charm with timber-framed buildings and cobbles underfoot!
There are plenty of Harry Potter-themed shops here, including The Shop That Must Not Be Named and The Potions Cauldron, where you can even take part in a potion-making experience.
However, if you’re looking to save your pennies, there are plenty of free things to do in York too!
After exploring, settle down in one of the charming cocktail bars in York for a tipple or two.
12. Jodrell Bank
How to get there: Jodrell Bank is located just off the A535, and driving from Manchester takes around 50 minutes. The most convenient train station for Jodrell Bank is Macclesfield, but you will need to take a taxi from there.
Jodrell Bank is an observatory in Macclesfield, Cheshire.
Set on over 35 acres of beautiful grounds, the observatory comprises four pavilions and a range of outdoor exhibits and pathways.
It’s a World Heritage Site as well as a live scientific research facility at the cutting edge of astrophysics.
Enjoy a wander through the gardens and visit the exhibits to find out more about the space race and scientific discoveries over the years.
The most famous part of Jodrell Bank is the Lovell Telescope.
It’s the third-largest telescope in the world, measuring around 250 feet across.
13. Yorkshire Dales National Park
How to get there: The south of the Yorkshire Dales National Park is around a one-and-a-half-hour drive from Manchester.
The Yorkshire Dales National Park is one of the most impressive landscapes in the UK, covering thousands of square miles of moorlands, valleys, hills, and villages.
It covers Yorkshire, Cumbria, and Lancashire within its boundaries.
Malham Cove is a must-visit in the national park.
It’s a huge limestone cliff formation which is around 260 feet high.
From here, you can enjoy spectacular views of the village of Malham and beyond.
When there has been heavy rainfall, there’s also a mighty waterfall which you can see here.
Visit the quaint villages of Kettlewell and Kilnsey for a potter around and then warm up by the fire in one of their cosy pubs.
14. Sheffield
How to get there: There’s a direct train from Manchester to Sheffield, which takes around 55 minutes. This is the easiest way to get to the city. You can also drive, taking around an hour and a half. However, parking can be difficult to find and expensive.
Another of Yorkshire’s vibrant cities, Sheffield is easily accessible from Manchester for a day trip or night out.
Sheffield is one of the greenest cities in the UK, with 61% of it being green space.
Explore the Winter Gardens, Sheffield Botanical Gardens, and take a walk around Graves Park.
Or if you fancy a drink, why not go out for a bottomless brunch in Sheffield or head up to one of the many rooftop bars in Sheffield?
There’s also a thriving music scene, and you can catch local bands performing regularly at venues like The Leadmill, Bungalows & Bears, and the Yellow Arch Studios.
You never know, you might see the next Arctic Monkeys!
15. London
How to get there: The fastest direct train from Manchester to London takes just 2 hours and 3 minutes, with multiple trains a day to choose from.
Yes, that’s right – London is one of the best places to visit within 2 hours of Manchester!
London is a city that needs no introduction, with countless attractions, events, and exhibitions to entertain you for years.
Alongside this, it’s got a great food, drink, and nightlife scene, as well as plenty of lovely parks and outdoor spaces for the summer months.
From Instagrammable cafes and quirky brunches to activity bars and luxury cinemas, the capital has it all.
When a man is tired of London, he’s tired of life, so whether it’s your second visit or your 22nd, London never fails to impress.
So that concludes my round-up of all the best places to visit within 2 hours of Manchester!
Whether you’re looking for a coastal retreat, a walk in the countryside, or a big city day trip, Manchester is perfectly positioned for you to enjoy the very best of the UK.
Similarly, Manchester has options for you whether you want to drive or catch a train, so you can get to many of these destinations with or without a car.
Narrow down your favourite places to visit within 2 hours of Manchester and pencilsome plans in the diary today!