Day Trips from Liverpool by Train
Hop on a train from Liverpool to the surrounding areas, with stunning scenery and bustling towns to explore
There is plenty to do in Liverpool (see our Visit Liverpool by Train page). But if you fancy venturing a bit further afield, see our pick of destinations that you can get to by train from Liverpool for a short day trip.
From quiet coastal walks to scenic countryside, historic buildings, culture, restaurants and shopping, you’re bound to find something to enjoy.
You can plan your train journey here, and don’t forget if you have a Railcard you can get 1/3 off your rail fares. If you require additional support when travelling, the Passenger Assist service can help you.
Day trips from Liverpool in 1 hour or under
Crosby
A few miles north of Liverpool, Crosby is famous for its long stretch of sandy beach and its unusual art installation. Another Place(external link, opens in a new tab) is a series of 100 life-sized cast-iron figures by the British sculptor Antony Gormley.
Made from 17 different moulds of Gormley’s own body, they all gaze out to sea – though no one should attempt to walk out to the furthest figures as the beach is made up of soft sand and mud and can be dangerous.
Nearest station: Blundellsands & Crosby
Formby
For a real day out among nature, visit Formby beach(external link, opens in a new tab) and its golden sand dunes. There are nature trails through pine forests, a red squirrel reserve(external link, opens in a new tab) and glorious sunsets on the beach.
Nearest station: Formby
New Brighton
Cross the River Mersey to the bustling seaside town of New Brighton, which has a colourful Championship Adventure Golf(external link, opens in a new tab) course, with reconstructions of the world’s most famous holes, and the 95ft tall Perch Rock Lighthouse(external link, opens in a new tab).
There are plenty of cafes, restaurants and shops in the Victoria Quarter(external link, opens in a new tab) and you can catch a show at the Floral Pavilion Theatre(external link, opens in a new tab).
Nearest station: New Brighton
Chester
Chester is a heritage city home to the longest and most complete city walls(external link, opens in a new tab) in Britain, that date back to its Roman occupation.
Visit Chester Zoo(external link, opens in a new tab), which is big on conservation and the battle to stop wildlife extinction or climb 216 steps on an hour-long tour of the cathedral tower(external link, opens in a new tab) and enjoy a breathtaking view of the city.
Nearest station: Chester
Manchester
The city is jam packed with museums, art galleries, theatres and shops. Visit the impressive Manchester Art Gallery(external link, opens in a new tab), which has been standing in the centre of the city for nearly 200 years and has nearly 13,000 works of art, or drop into the vibrant HOME(external link, opens in a new tab) arts centre, cinema and theatre complex.
For something a bit different, there’s Ordsall Hall(external link, opens in a new tab), the oldest building in Salford, which is now a free-to-visit historic house with a Great Hall and 2 resident ghosts.
Read more about Manchester on our Visit Manchester by Train page
Nearest stations: Manchester Piccadilly, Manchester Victoria, Manchester Oxford Road, Manchester Deansgate
Wigan
Situated between Manchester and Liverpool, Wigan is famous as birthplace of ukulele player George Formby and as inspiration for George Orwell’s 1937 book The Road To Wigan Pier. Visit The Museum of Wigan Life(external link, opens in a new tab), where Orwell researched his book, or The Turnpike Gallery(external link, opens in a new tab), which has free cultural activities for all ages.
Get back into nature at Borsdane Wood(external link, opens in a new tab), Wigan’s local nature reserve and an area of semi-natural ancient woodland.
Nearest stations: Wigan North Western, Wigan Wallgate
Preston
Preston has loads of things to see and do, from the Ribble Steam Railway(external link, opens in a new tab) and Brockholes Nature Reserve(external link, opens in a new tab) to vibrant shops and cafes, plus great nightlife with live music, and a wide selection of bars and restaurants to enjoy during your visit.
The beautiful Avenham and Miller Parks(external link, opens in a new tab) are very close to the train station, and there is a handy bike hire hub at the train station if you fancy cycling the Guild Wheel(external link, opens in a new tab), a 21-mile circular route.
Nearest station: Preston (Lancs)
Day trips from Liverpool in 1 to 2 hours
Blackpool
The Lancashire seaside town of Blackpool is famous for many things, including its beautiful sandy beaches and 3 piers, the Pleasure Beach amusement park(external link, opens in a new tab), the seafront prom and the Blackpool Illuminations(external link, opens in a new tab), and of course the Blackpool Tower(external link, opens in a new tab), built back in 1894 and still going strong.
Read more about Blackpool on our Visit Blackpool by Train page
Nearest stations: Blackpool North, Blackpool South, Blackpool Pleasure Beach
Lytham St Annes
Just south of the bright lights of Blackpool, you will find the beautiful leafy seaside towns of Lytham and St Annes, both with stations of their own, but also with town centres just 3 miles apart and a beautiful coastal path connecting them.
Visit the piers, historic windmill(external link, opens in a new tab) and Fairhaven Lake(external link, opens in a new tab), home to over 250,000 birds. For culture, check out the Lowther Pavilion Theatre & Gardens(external link, opens in a new tab).
Nearest stations: Lytham, St Annes-on-the-Sea
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Crosby/Another Place image credit © Jill Jennings
Preston image credit: © Visit Lancashire
Blackpool image credit © Visit Blackpool
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