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Day Trips From Manchester by Train

Hop on a train from Manchester to the surrounding areas, with stunning scenery and bustling towns to explore

There’s tons to see and do in Manchester (see our Visit Manchester 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 Manchester 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 Manchester in 1 hour or under

Liverpool

Most famous for The Beatles, Liverpool is also a cultural destination with fantastic museums, art galleries and theatres as well as magnificent architecture like the Royal Liver Building(external link, opens in a new tab), Europe’s first skyscraper and the perfect place to get a citywide view of Liverpool.

Visit the stunning Museum of Liverpool(external link, opens in a new tab), on the banks of the Mersey, which has permanent Beatles, sporting and regional archaeology collections or catch a show at the historic Cavern Club(external link, opens in a new tab), which hosted the Beatles, as well as the likes of Bo Diddley, the Rolling Stones and Arctic Monkeys.

Nearest station: Liverpool Lime Street

Lancaster

In this stunning city you will find Lancaster Castle(external link, opens in a new tab) and multiple museums to explore, including the Maritime Museum(external link, opens in a new tab), which is dedicated to the history of the seas around the area. Stroll in Williamson Park and visit the newly renovated tropical butterfly house.

For refreshments, visit Atkinsons Coffee Roasters(external link, opens in a new tab), a B-corp certified coffee roastery with a shop dating from 1901.

Nearest station: Lancaster

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)

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

Hebden Bridge

A beautiful market town located between Halifax and Todmorden, Hebden Bridge sits at the confluence of the River Calder and Hebden Water.

An influx of artists, writers, musicians and activists in the 1970s and ‘80s helped shape Hebden Bridge as a cultural, arty destination with the famous Trades Club(external link, opens in a new tab) offering live music, myriad galleries showing the work of local artists and the Town Hall(external link, opens in a new tab), which has a community café, local artist exhibitions and trails for gorgeous local walks.

Nearest station: Hebden Bridge

Day trips from Manchester in 1 to 2 hours

Buxton

Just over an hour by train from Manchester, Buxton is one of the most popular destinations in the Peak District. The Buxton Heritage Trail(external link, opens in a new tab) offers a tour of the town’s heritage, from Stone Age settlers to the Edwardians, while The Buxton Crescent (external link, opens in a new tab)hotel offers the chance to bathe in the famous thermal waters of the town.

Don’t miss out on local walks(external link, opens in a new tab) in the glorious Peak District.

Nearest station: Buxton

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.

Nearest stations: Blackpool North, Blackpool South, Blackpool Pleasure Beach

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

Kendal

Nicknamed the ‘Auld Grey Town’ thanks to its limestone buildings, Kendal is famous for its fabric production and, of course, delicious Kendal mint cake. There’s plenty here for food and drink lovers, from coffee shops and delicatessens to locally made hand-brewed beers.

Visit Kendal Castle(external link, opens in a new tab), whose ruins stand on a mound or ‘drumlin’, and find out more about its history at Kendal Museum(external link, opens in a new tab).

Nearest stations: Kendal, Oxenholme Lake District

Find out more

Plan Your Journey

Get 1/3 off train fares with a Railcard

  • Save up to 1/3 off your trips when you travel by train with a Railcard

  • From children to seniors, over 20 million people in Great Britain can save with a Railcard. See which one is right for you

  • Buy yours today for just £30 and you’ll make the cost back in 1 or 2 trips! 

Lancaster image credit: © Daniel Tierney

Blackpool image credit © Visit Blackpool

Kendal image credit: © visitlakedistrict.com

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