day trip to manchester

PERFECT One Day in Manchester Itinerary | A Day in Manchester with Lots of Options!

Categories England , Itinerary , Manchester , U.K

Here is a perfect plan for one day in Manchester with lots of options depending on what YOU want from a day in Manchester!

One of the great things about Manchester is how compact the city is and therefore how easy it is to see a lot with just 1 day in Manchester !

There are so many different areas and things to do in Manchester city centre but much of the city is easy to explore on foot and great transport links make it easy to visit nearby places to the city centre such as The Trafford Centre and the 2 Manchester Football Stadiums !

After living in Manchester for a while, I wanted to give you my recommended perfect 1 day Manchester itinerary taking you from the morning all the way to night time, filled with the best places to visit in Manchester and the best things to do !

One Day in Manchester

Another one of the best things about Manchester is its diversity!

Diversity in people, activities and areas so in this Manchester travel blog and Manchester itinerary,

I’ve given you a few options of ways you can spend your day as you might want to spend the whole day in the city seeing museums, the shops and eating , or, you might want to visit one of the two world-famous football stadiums or the pretty famous Trafford Centre for shopping, and eating!

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🇬🇧MANCHESTER TRAVEL RESOURCES🇬🇧

🏘️Book your accommodation in MCR

Booking.com and Hostelworld will help you to check availability in advance and book!

🚘Get your car rental from MCR Airport

in advance to make your trip more convenient. I always use you can use Rentalcars !

🚆Book your train tickets

to & from Manchester using The Trainline including to and from the airport!

⚽️Get your tickets and guided tours

to Manchesters top attractions with Viator and GetYourGuide !

✈️Flying into Manchester

and haven’t booked flights yet? Book them on Skyscanner now!

My Perfect One Day in Manchester

I’ll give you more Manchester itinerary options below with lots more detail but incase you’re in a rush, here is what my perfect day in Manchester would look like:

• Breakfast / Brunch in a cool cafe in the city like Ezra & Gil
• Walk around the Science & Industry Museum & Manchester Art Gallery
• Visit in St Peter’s Square, Manchester Library, John Ryland’s Library
• Lunch at one of the Food Markets like Mackie Major
• Post-Lunch Coffee in a hipster Northern Quarter cafe like Fig & Sparrow
• Wander around the independent Northern Quarter Shops
• Shopping near the Arndale Shopping Centre – including Selfridges
• Take a look at Manchester Cathedral
• Dinner on Wilmslow Road aka Curry Mile
• Evening Event / See a Show in the City Centre

Getting To Manchester

Manchester is really well connected by air, train and bus.

Flying into Manchester

Manchester Airport is just south of the city and is connected by train and tram to the city centre by a 20-30 minute journey, making landing and getting into the city pretty quick and easy.

Plan your journey from Manchester Airport into the City with Transport for Greater Manchester .

Related post: 10 Things To Do Near Manchester Airport! 10 Minutes from the Airport!

Train into Manchester

Doing a day trip to Manchester from another city in the UK is a great idea. You can even do a day trip to Manchester from London if you book the 2-hour train. Manchester Picadilly is the main train station but there’s also Manchester Victoria.

Check The Train Line for trains to Manchester!

Want to spend a day in Manchester and another day near Manchester? Here are the best day trips from Manchester!

Bus to Manchester

Manchester is served by the National Express and Megabus which are affordable ways to travel to Manchester.

The journeys do take longer so if you are travelling from another city for just a day in Manchester, check how long the bus will be vs the train which will probably be quicker.

Getting Around Manchester

Once in Manchester City Centre, the city is very walkable however to help you get around the city quicker and save your feet, there is a tram and bus system.

The best way to look into the trams and buses around Manchester City Centre is on the Transport for Greater Manchester website.

The following tram stops are all in the city centre and great to start your exploring from:

• St Peters Square
• Piccadilly Gardens
• Piccadilly Station
• Market Street
• Exchange Square

A Day in Manchester

Ok now let’s get into ways to spend a day in Manchester and how to visit Manchester in one day:

One Day Manchester Itinerary

Morning – Breakfast at one of the many nice cafes in the city centre

Manchester is not short of breakfast and brunch options ! The Northern Quarte r is full of independent cafes as is the trendy area of Ancoats , and there are plenty of places near the Library and Town Hall .

On the weekends, you’ll see Mancunians queuing for brunch so if you’re spending your 1 day in Manchester on a weekday, take advantage of the lack of queues.

I personally really like Ezra & Gil , Another Heart to Feed, Foundation Coffee House and Evelyn’s Cafe .

Mid-Morning – A Museum or two

Manchester doesn’t have as many museums as London but there are a few to visit.

Manchester Museum is like a Natural History Museum which is the most popular I’d say followed by the Science Museum.

The Science & Industry Museum is one of the great things to do in Manchester with kids . It’s very interactive for children and educational for adults , especially regarding the cotton industry which is what Manchester grew on so if you are new to the UK or Manchester, this is a great place to learn about Manchester’s past.

If you’re into art, Manchester Art Gallery is a lovely building to visit and well located close to Manchester Library and St Peters Square.

For Harry Potter vibes in Manchester City Centre , pop into John Rylands Library , it’s a beautiful building inside and fee to enter! It’s one of the great Manchester Instagram spots !

In this area is also Chinatown so if you’re craving Bubble Tea in Manchester, you’ll find some here!

MY PERFECT PLAN: You could easily go for Breakfast at Ezra & Gil , head over to the Science Museum and walk back to Manchester Library. You’ll see St Peter’s Square and the beautiful hotel that is The Midland on route and go to Manchester Art Gallery afterwards.

Mid-Morning Alternative Option – Free Walking Tour

Last summer I did a free walking tour with Free Manchester Walking Tours and it was really great!

They meet at 11:00 in Sackville Gardens (rain or shine) so this will give you time to get into the city and over the next 3 hours you’ll walk around a lot of the city and learn too!

I really enjoyed learning about Manchesters History and visiting spots I’d never seen or heard of before and the guides are enthusiastic about Manchester.

You don’t need to book which is great as you can decide on the day and don’t have to commit and then cancel!

Mid-Morning Alternative Option – Manchester United or Manchester City Stadium Tour

If football is the only thing you can think about when you think of Manchester, you have to book onto a stadium tour at Old Trafford or a tour of the Etihad Stadium .

These tours do not run every day as they depend on the matches and other events but on days they do run, they offer time slots from 10:00 and they are a great way to spend one day in Manchester!

I recently did the Manchester United’s Stadium Tour with my stepsons and although we are not big football fans, we really enjoyed it. Here’s my full review!

Check availability and book the Old Trafford Stadium Tour here!

Check availability and book the Etihad Stadium Tour here!

Lunchtime – Find a market for lunch

There are endless places to eat in Manchester and again, one of the reasons I love Manchester so much is the diversity in food !

Be sure to read my post for the best halal food in Manchester if you are looking for a halal lunch!

Manchester City Centre has a few inside food markets which are a great way to see how cool and edgy the city is in places.

Plus, if you are spending a day in Manchester with friends, food markets are a great way for everyone eat different things but you can still sit together.

MY PERFECT PLAN: I recommend having lunch in Mackie Major or Society MCR .

Afternoon – Explore different areas of the city

If there are 2 area’s of Manchester City Centre I recommend you visit, they are the Northern Quarter and Ancoats and this is where I suggest going after lunch.

Both areas are very edgy and hip. The Northern Quarter (often shortened to NQ) is full of independent cafes and shops with a focus on vintage shops .

Afflecks in the Northern Quarter is a bit of an institution . It’s like an inside market over multiple levels with lots of independent stores. The clothing and items are not my type of thing but the place has a good buzz about it so it’s fun to pop inside, and it’s definitely a good place for teenagers to visit in Manchester!

See if you can spot the famous ‘And on the sixth day God made MANchester sign’!

Ancoats is an up and coming trendy neighbourhood . It’s known for it’s food and drink scene but I also love the old red brick buildings in the area which once would have been factory mills. Here are the best things to do in Ancoats .

A afternoon coffee or drink here is definitely a good idea!

Get a look at Manchester with a guide, or book the hop-on hop-off bus if you’d rather not walk around the city yourself!

Afternoon Alternative – Shop in The Trafford Centre

Old Trafford and The Trafford Centre are 2 places most people think about when they think of Manchester.

The Trafford Centre is a great place to go shopping in Manchester , it doesn’t have the BEST shops imo, but it does have some good ones. It has a lot of nice places to eat in the food court , and the interior of The Trafford Centre is certainly something to be witnessed !

You can get to The Trafford Centre by bus or tram from the city centre if you do not have a car and if the weather is not good enough for wandering the city , or you want to see this famous Manchester institution, spending a few hours here is a great addition to your one day in Manchester.

There are lots of activities and attractions within The Trafford Centre and Trafford Park, I’ve detailed many of them here in this list of family attractions in Manchester , think Legoland, Sealife Centre, indoor Skiing & Snowboarding, indoor Skydiving, Rock Climbing and mini Dinosaur golf!

Legoland and Sea Life and located within The Trafford Centre and good activities to keep children happy during their one day in Manchester!

MY PERFECT PLAN : After exploring the city in the morning and having lunch, get the bus or tram to The Trafford Centre for a few hours of shopping. Go to Archies in the food court and get burgers for dinner (another Manchester institution), or head back into the city for dinner.

Evening – Go to the Curry Mile for Dinner

As I’ve mentioned a few times in this guide to a day in Manchester, Manchester is a diverse city which can be seen in it’s food, and one of the best places to eat in Manchester is along Wilmslow Road , also known as the ‘Curry Mile’ .

This is a stretch of road just outside the city centre full of Arab and Asian restaurants varying in budget and what they offer.

If you’re craving some Indian, Pakistani, Turkish food, or you want to try a new cuisine like Afghan, Iranian, Yemeni or Syrian, head here!

Evening Alternative – Have a fancy Dinner in the city

Manchester City Centre is full of really nice restaurants too if you want a fancy dinner during your one day in Manchester.

Some restaurants which offer high quality food , a nice atmosphere and where you can dress up a bit are:

• Australasia
• Rump N Ribs Steakhouse
• Don Giovanni

Late Evening – Check out a band or theatre performance

Manchester has a great evening entertainment scene. Whether you want to head to the bars , see a band or watch a show , there’s always a lot of things to do in Manchester in the evening.

Here’s What’s On in Manchester right now , and what’s on at the Palace Theatre which is the biggest Theatre in Manchester with many world class West End shows!

Best Hotels in Manchester

Ending your day in Manchester, based on my staycations in the city, here are the hotels I love the best in Manchester:

• Wilde Aparthotels – $$ ( Read my review here )
• The Midland – $$$
• Dakota – $$$
• Kimpton Clocktower – $$$
• Native Manchester – $$
• Leonardo Hotel – $$

I hope this has helped you plan your one day in Manchester with a variety of things to do in Manchester in one day and places to visit!

• For more of my Manchester posts see:
• 22 Day Trips from Manchester!
• 25+ FUN Family Days Out IN Manchester
• 23+ Fun Family Days Out NEAR Manchester
• BEST Halal Restaurants in Manchester | ULTIMATE Guide to Halal Food Manchester!
• Review | Manchester United Museum & Stadium Tour! How Good is it?
• Review | Wilde Aparthotels Manchester! Budget Friendly, Central, Stylish!

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One Day in Manchester, UK: Day Trip Itinerary, Map & Insider Tips

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: January 15, 2024

Going on a day trip to Manchester and wondering what to see and do and how to plan your time? In this guide, we share a suggested Manchester itinerary for one day . This guide includes recommendations on what to see, plus a detailed 1-day itinerary as well as suggestions on where to eat, tips for getting around, and more. Take a look!

As the unofficial capital of the north of England and one of the UK’s biggest cities, Manchester is packed with cool things to see and do . It is also one of the most friendly and welcoming places to visit in England!

Its people are rightly proud of their city’s industrial history, along with its influence on the music scene. Manchester was where world-famous bands like Oasis, The Chemical Brothers, The Smiths, and Stone Roses all started out.

And as any sporting enthusiast will know, Manchester is also renowned for its contributions to football. Home to two world-class stadiums and some of the best football teams in Europe, it is where the world’s first professional football league was established in 1888.

If you only have one day in Manchester , you may be wondering just how to spend it in order to make the most of your time and see the very best the city has to offer.

In this guide, you’ll discover Manchester’s most popular attractions and which ones you should visit if you only have a day in the city. We also include practical tips and some insider recommendations , as well as a detailed 1-day itinerary and a map indicating all the sights mentioned in this article. Take a look!

Top Picks in Manchester:

• FUN TO DO: River cruise + walking tour + football stadium tour .
• HOTELS: £££ The Edwardian ££ Hotel Brooklyn £ ibis Styles .
• IF YOU HAVE MORE TIME: Day trip to Lake District NP .

• What to see
• Detailed 1-day itinerary
• Getting around
• Where to eat
• Where to stay

What to see in Manchester in One Day

Further below, you can find a detailed 1-day Manchester itinerary with our recommendations on how to plan your time.

But first, a bit more on the main sights and attractions you could visit in Manchester in a day:

Football Stadiums & Museums

If you are a big football fan and only have one day to spend in Manchester, you will need to choose between its 3 main football-related attractions . At best, you could visit two places – one stadium plus the museum in the city center.

First, pick one of the stadiums of the city’s two premier league football clubs – Manchester United (at Old Trafford) and Manchester City (at the Etihad Stadium) . Both allow you to do fun things like walk through the player’s tunnel, walk next to the pitch, visit the changing rooms, and have virtual conversations with the clubs’ managers. They also give you plenty of opportunities to learn more about their history, with trophy and kit displays.

Unless you have an allegiance to one particular club, you might prefer to visit the Etihad Stadium on a short visit to Manchester as it is closer to the city center. On the other hand, Old Trafford is closer to the Quays where river cruises run. So – depending on your overall interests – pick one of them, but be sure to do at least one stadium tour !

Good to know: Stadium tours last around 1.5-2 hours and have to be booked in advance. Here you can book a tour of the Etihad Stadium (Manchester City), and here – a tour of Old Trafford (Manchester United) .

Alternatively – or in addition – pay a visit to The National Football Museum , located right in the city center. Not just devoted to Manchester’s football clubs, the museum has exhibits from lots of different men’s and women’s teams, plus lots of interactive games for children to enjoy.

Good to know: You can visit The National Football Museum in about an hour, but if you want to see (and do) everything, you’d probably need 1.5 – 2 hours as well. Also here, prebook your tickets in advance.

Manchester’s Best Libraries

There are two beautiful libraries to visit in Manchester – Manchester Central Library and John Rylands Library . But if you only have time for one, then it has to be The John Rylands Library at Deansgate.

John Ryland made his fortune through the textile industry and was Manchester’s first multi-millionaire. After he died in 1888, his widow opened the library in his honor. One of the city’s most beautiful buildings , this library has high windows and an exquisite vaulted roof that make it look more like a cathedral than a library.

Part of the University of Manchester, John Rylands Library contains historically important items such as the 1476 William Caxton edition of Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales and the oldest known piece of the New Testament. You are welcome to read here for a while, or take a self-guided tour of the building and the exhibits describing its interesting history.

TIP: Be sure to check out the toilets during your visit – they date back to Victorian times and have not been altered since 1900.

If you get time to see Manchester’s Central Library , it’s also worth a visit – even if only to admire the building from the outside. This Grade II Listed Building is located in St Peter’s Square and is instantly recognizable by its unique domed architecture, a little reminiscent of Rome’s Pantheon. It has lots of interesting exhibits inside detailing the city’s history, plus a ‘Secret Garden’ for kids.

Manchester Cathedral

Manchester Cathedral may be one of England’s smaller cathedrals, but it is exceptionally beautiful! With impressive stained glass windows, ornate medieval woodwork, and the widest nave of any cathedral in England, it’s one of the must-sees in Manchester!

The Cathedral also happens to provide a little haven of tranquility, right in one of the city’s busiest areas close to Victoria Station.

The cathedral often hosts orchestral performances, ballets, and craft markets, so you may find something fun going on here during your visit!

Historic City Center

In addition to all the museums , libraries , and the Cathedral , there’s more to see in the city center, of course. And even if you have just a day in Manchester, be sure to take a walk through the historic city center , to get a better idea of what the city is all about.

Don’t miss Albert Square with the impressive City Hall building, and Albert Memorial. Check out Piccadilly Gardens and its fountains. Walk through Chinatown or explore Castlefield Conservation Area , go shopping at Afflecks indoor market, or spend some time at Arndale shopping center…

TIP: One of the best ways to see the best of Manchester in a short time is by taking a walking tour with a local. This popular afternoon walking tour of the city highlights is one of the very best options. Further below – in our detailed 1 day Manchester itinerary – you can see our suggestions on how to plan your day so that you could include this tour as well.

River Cruises

If you’re visiting Manchester between April and September, a river cruise is a lovely way to see the city from a whole new perspective! Cruises operate from Salford Quays , which you can get to by tram from the city center in just 15 minutes. It’s also close to Imperial War Museum North.

River cruises range in length and there are different options depending on the time of the year. The most popular option is this highly-rated 1-hour sightseeing cruise .

It’s also the best option if you are short on time. It’s a quick and enjoyable way to take in famous landmarks like the Victoria & Albert Hotel, George Stephenson’s 1830 Railway bridge, and the studios of BBC TV, plus the commentary is very informative.

Good to know: The top deck of the river cruise is open to enjoy the views. But there is also a fully enclosed lower deck to which you can retreat if the heavens decide to open!

Manchester Museums

There are several excellent museums in Manchester that are well worth a visit. However, if you only have one day then the very best two to visit are the Science and Industry Museum or the Imperial War Museum .

Both museums are free of charge and open from 10 AM to 5 PM, Wednesday to Sunday, plus during school holidays.

The Science and Industry Museum celebrates Manchester’s leading role in the Industrial Revolutions through a variety of exhibits, galleries, and hands-on activities. There are also fully operational vintage steam-powered machines that are regularly fired up to allow you to appreciate their scale and power. You also get the opportunity to get a feel for how life was for the residents of the city at that time.

The historic railway and transport exhibits are fascinating, but the highlight for children has to be the ‘Experiment’ gallery. Here they can learn all about science through a series of fun and interactive games.

TIP: This museum can get very busy at weekends, particularly in the afternoons. It’s usually at its quietest from 10 to 11 in the morning, or late in the afternoon. Plan to spend around 1 to 2 hours here.

The Imperial War Museum is located outside the city center at The Quays and contains more than 2,000 exhibits connected to the worldwide conflict. Not only does the building have a very contemporary, eye-catching design, but the way in which information is presented to visitors is both unique and effective. Immersive, 360-degree cinematic Big Picture Shows bring to life the stories of people who have either fought in – or been victims of – war, from WWI until the present day.

This is a large museum, so you need a few hours to fully appreciate it.

Good to know: The displays and shows here are aimed at children from around 10 years plus. There are few interactive exhibits or activities for younger children.

As an alternative to either the Science and Industry or Imperial War Museums, you can also visit the People’s History Museum . It’s incredibly interesting for both adults and children. Concepts like racism and social justice are explored via engaging and thought-provoking exhibits that can lead to some very interesting family discussions. This museum is also free to visit and there is enough to see and do to keep you occupied for several hours.

Manchester is a mecca for shoppers and you’ll find everything here from independent stores to high street names.

One of the best shopping malls in Manchester is the Trafford Centre , outside the city center. However, with just a day in Manchester, it’s not the best option, especially if you are also interested in sightseeing.

If you don’t want to travel quite so far to shop, then check out the Arndale Centre right in the heart of the city center. The shops here are actually much bigger than those in the Trafford Centre – and it’s located right opposite Selfridge’s and Harvey Nichols. But it doesn’t have the restaurants and leisure facilities of the Trafford Centre, nor is it so beautifully designed.

For shopping of a completely different kind, try Afflecks indoor market in the Northern Quarter. Here, you’ll find an eclectic collection of everything from vintage clothing to pop art, plus quirky eateries and coffee shops. Even if you don’t want to buy anything, it’s a fascinating place to just wander around.

1-day Manchester Itinerary

Below are our suggestions for how you could spend a day in Manchester (with hours indicated just for your reference).

TIP: We recommend starting your day with a stadium tour since it’s easier to plan your itinerary that way. Also, the city center is livelier and more enjoyable in the afternoon.

Here’s how your 1-day Manchester itinerary could look like:

• 8.30 AM : Start the day with breakfast in the city center (see ‘Where to Eat’ section below).
• 9.15 AM: Make your way to one of the football stadiums . Old Trafford can be reached by the hop-on hop-off bus , which also allows you to see more of the city, but you can simply take a tram as well. Our itinerary below is planned around this stadium, but you can easily adapt it and visit Etihad Stadium instead. Etihad Stadium tours usually run daily, so it can also be a great alternative if the other stadium tour is not available on the day of your visit.
• 10 AM: Stadium tour of either Etihad Stadium (Manchester City F.C.) or Old Trafford (Manchester United F.C.). No matter which one you choose, be sure to book your tour in advance! Here you can book a tour of the Manchester City Etihad Stadium , and here – tickets for the Manchester United Museum & Stadium tour .
• Time permitting (and if interested), visit the Imperial War Museum (IWM) North which is located on the same side of the river as the Old Trafford Stadium. Keep in mind that it’s a very big museum so you need a few hours.
• Afterwards, take the pedestrian Millennium Bridge to the Quays, on the other side of the river. Here, you’ll find lots of nice restaurants for lunch. This is also where you’ll find river cruises (they usually have multiple departures every day, so it’s rather easy to add a cruise to any Manchester itinerary).

• Next, make your way back to the city center . If you take a tram, count about 20-30 minutes.
• 2 PM – walking tour (optional): If you don’t visit the IWM or take a river cruise, you could easily be back in the city center by this time. In that case, check out this highly-rated afternoon walking tour of the main attractions of Manchester city center . This tour starts at Manchester Central Library and covers all the best places in about 2.5 hours. If you don’t go with a tour, you can also get back to the city center a bit later. See our recommendations on what to see below.
• Visit St Peter’s Square and check out Central Library . From here, it’s an easy 10-minute walk on to the John Ryland’s Library . On the way, check out Albert Square and the City Hall .
• 3.30 PM: Visit either Science and Industry Museum OR National Football Museum . It can be busy here and these museums usually close at 5 PM. So if you want to visit, be sure to come here at least 1.5 hours before the closing time. For the Football Museum, you can book your tickets online ; Science & Industry Museum is free to enter. ALTERNATIVELY, you can also opt to visit the People’s History Museum . But – with just a day in Manchester – you’ll have time for just one of them at best (depends on your other choices, of course).
• Afterwards, pop in to see the Manchester Cathedral , which is practically next door to the National Football Museum. Just behind the cathedral, check out the picturesque Shambles Square . There are lots of restaurants and pubs in this area as well.
• 5.15 PM: Pop over to Afflecks indoor market and have a look around its independent stalls and boutiques.
• 5.45 PM: Take a walk to check out the fountains at Piccadilly Gardens . There’s a lively atmosphere here – locals come to hang out and there are often public speakers or street entertainers. It’s a great place to get a real feel for the city.
• 6 PM: Chinatown, shopping , etc.
• Evening: Dinner and drinks. See suggestions below.

Here you can see the map indicating all the places mentioned in this article . From the must-sees and alternative suggestions to recommended restaurants – this will give you a better idea of where everything is and help you plan your day trip to Manchester.

How to use this map:  Use your computer mouse (or fingers) to zoom in or out. Click on the icons to get more information about each place. Click the arrow on the top left corner for the index. Click the star next to the map’s title to add it to your Google Maps account. To view the saved map on your smartphone or PC, open Google Maps, click the menu and go to ‘Your Places’/’Maps’. If you want to print the map or see it in a bigger window, click on ‘View larger map’ in the top right corner.

Getting Around

Getting around Manchester is very easy and very inexpensive. Bright yellow trams of the Metrolink service connect the entire city, and there are also frequent, cheap buses. If you plan to use them throughout the day, then you can usually get a 24-hour pass to cut costs. You’ll find more details here .

Even better is the ‘ free bus ‘ – a service with 3 lines that links the main rail stations with the car parks, shopping areas and businesses. You can learn more about the routes and timetables here .

Manchester city is very bike-friendly too, with plenty of dedicated cycle routes and bike rental shops if you feel like going that route.

In addition, there’s also a very affordable hop-on hop-off bus too, but it’s probably a better option if you have at least 2 days in Manchester. On the other hand, it can be an excellent option for those who want to get a taste of what Manchester is like without having to walk much.

But the easiest option to see the main sights is to go on foot . Many of Manchester’s main attractions are clustered in its city center so you can walk from one to the other. This is something I recommend doing if you have the time – there always seems to be something going on in the city and lots of interesting sights to catch your eye during your journey!

Where to Eat

Manchester has to be one of the best cities in the UK for good food! No matter which type of international cuisine is your favorite, you’ll find it all here. Also, from street food to fine dining, the options for where to eat in Manchester are endless.

Below are just a few recommendations – more than you’ll be able to try in a day! We also indicated all these places on our map, so you can see what fits your itinerary best.

Good to know: In Manchester, lunch is commonly referred to as ‘dinner’. And dinner is known as ‘tea’. This can certainly be confusing for visitors, although many restaurants tend to stick with the more traditional usage of the words!

BREAKFAST or LUNCH in the city center:

• The Koffee Pot . This simple cafe has the tastiest – and best value – ‘fry ups’ in the city, plus American pancakes, the ‘Manc Muffin brekkie burger’, and veggie/vegan options.
• Bill’s at Spinningfields – a slightly more sophisticated vibe. Here you can enjoy a healthy breakfast served alongside nutritious smoothies and cold-pressed juices.
• Wilson’s Social is a great spot for lunch. Its menu is quite small but the food is absolutely delicious and very reasonably priced.
• Mr. Thomas’s Chop House . Set in a historic building that first opened as a pub in 1870, this is a gorgeous venue serving hearty and traditional British food , ranging from pub snacks to full meals. Don’t miss the rustic bread served with beef dripping – it might not be the healthiest option but it tastes incredible!

LUNCH at The Quays:

• The Alchemist MediaCity . If the weather is nice, don’t look any further. The views here are amazing, and they serve simple meals and great cocktails.
• Pier Eight Restaurant . Modern British cuisine with nice views.

There are so many options for a great dinner, from the excellent oriental restaurants scattered throughout Chinatown (just behind the town hall) to The Curry Mile on Wilmslow Road (South Manchester, quite far from the city center). Here, you’ll find the biggest concentration of south-Asian restaurants outside of Asia!

The area around Shambles Square, just next to the Cathedral, is another nice area with restaurants and pubs. Here, you’ll also find the Corn Exchange Manchester food court with lots of nice restaurants.

Alternatively, enjoy dinner (and potentially catch a movie) at the Printworks , just across the street from the National Football Museum. This old refurbished warehouse is home to numerous restaurants including the Hard Rock Cafe, Wagamama, and the sushi bar Wasabi, plus a cinema and mini-golf. For the Hard Rock Cafe , you can best reserve priority seating (+ a meal) in advance.

Don’t miss! Close to St Peter’s Square is The Temple , possibly Manchester’s quirkiest venue. This cool underground pub – which has its own jukebox and a great atmosphere – was actually built in an old Victorian toilet!

Where to Stay

For sightseeing, we recommend staying in the heart of the city center. That way – even with just 1 day in Manchester – you can make the most of your visit.

Ideally, you spend at least two nights in Manchester so that you can make the most of your day, and maybe also visit one or two places on the day of the arrival or before you leave.

Here are some of the best-rated hotels in this area for all budgets:

• £££££ The Edwardian – a very popular (and quite affordable) 5* hotel in the heart of the city center. Indoor pool.
• ££££ The Midland – the most popular 4* hotel in a great central location. Indoor pool.
• £££ Hotel Brooklyn – excellent-value 4* hotel. Top pick in the mid-range budget!
• ££ Holiday Inn Express Manchester City Centre Arena – a very nice 3* hotel, great value for your money.
• £ ibis Styles Manchester Portland – the best lower-budget choice in the city center.

TIP: If you like something a bit less traditional, check out the bright, colorful, and quirky YOTEL Manchester Deansgate . This highly-rated 4* hotel has an excellent location and that something bit extra to make your Manchester getaway a bit more special.

So, these are our suggestions for things to do on a day trip to Manchester.

I hope that this guide and the recommended Manchester 1-day itinerary helps you plan your time and decide on the things you want to see the most. And maybe it even inspires you to spend more time in the city!

READ ALSO: Best Things to Do in Manchester

Have a great trip!

More Travel Inspiration for the UK:

• Top Sights & Attractions in London
• Tips for Visiting London
• London Hidden Gems
• Where to Stay in London
• London with Kids
• Free Things to Do in London for Families
• 1 Day in London
• 2 Days Itinerary London
• Best Day Trips from London
• What to See in Greenwich
• Camden Town
• Yorkshire Day Trips
• Best Places to See in Cornwall
• Where to Stay in Cornwall
• Best Things to Do in Liverpool
• How to Visit Liverpool from London
• What to Do in Blackpool
• Blackpool Travel Tips
• Best Places to Visit near Blackpool
• Where to Stay in Blackpool
• Isle of Skye Itinerary
• Scotland Whisky Tour
• Top Sights & Attractions in Edinburgh
• Tips for Visiting Edinburgh
• One Day in Edinburgh
• One Day in Glasgow
• …For more travel inspiration for these and other destinations, take a look at our UK travel guide .

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One Day in Manchester Itinerary – How to spend an amazing day in Manchester, United Kingdom

Manchester is undoubtedly a powerhouse and the uncrowned capital of the North of England. While most travelers make a beeline for London to soak up the history and the hustle and bustle, the vast majority fail to even consider Manchester. And that’s a shame because this is the city that gave birth to the Industrial Revolution. The locals are regarded as the most friendly and relaxed people in the UK and are fiercely proud of their roots. And why wouldn’t they be? Manchester has a rich history, promotes one of the world’s leading medical and scientific research facilities and sports two of the world’s largest football (soccer) teams, an ice hockey team and has hosted the Commonwealth Games. One day here, therefore, means you will have plenty to see!

GUEST POST BY KEITH EVANS My Passport To Shangrila

What’s the best time to visit Manchester?

Because of its geographical location in England, it is known as ‘Rain-chester’ due to the fact that it rains a lot here. Even by English standards! The city is surrounded by hills and mountains, and the weather tends to get trapped rolling in off the Atlantic Ocean.

However, this is not to say the city is grey, far from it. It’s colorful and very vibrant. Like anywhere in Northern Europe, the summer months between June and September are your best chance to stay dry, plus summer days are very long. The sun rises around 4 am and does not set until almost 10 pm!

You can also enjoy many fascinating festivals here. King Street Festival , for example, brings an additional explosion of life to this famous street. On the other hand, Manchester International Festival covers all kinds of art, from music to contemporary art. Then there’s also the Manchester Festival of Nature , an ideal event for all nature lovers.

A few facts about Manchester

Store your luggage:  LuggageHero allows you to store your luggage for as long as you want to. If you are there only for a day, or waiting for a check-in, this sounds like a perfect option!

– The architecture around here is extremely impressive. Most people tend not to look up but focus on the streets below. You miss out on so much.

– It’s an incredibly easy city to get to. Manchester is fed by a direct train service from London Euston that takes about two hours, and outside of London Heathrow and London Gatwick, boasts the country’s third-largest airport with direct services from every continent in the world.

– Manchester airport is roughly 7 miles from the city center and trains leave every few minutes.

– Navigating the city is easy. The whole city is connected by the Metro service. Bright yellow trams meander the city and are relativity cheap. Do not bother with taxis. You will be faster on foot or using the Metro service.

– If you enjoy food, music, and culture, Manchester will not fail to please you. The city is divided into various districts. The CBD, The Green Quarter, The Northern Quarter, Spinningfields, Exchange Square, Albert Square are all worthy of your time and have something interesting to offer.

– Manchester also boasts one of the largest gay neighborhoods named the Gay Village.

One day in Manchester itinerary

Exploring this city for just one day would be a shame. However, if you don’t have more than 24 hours here, wake up early because you have a busy day ahead! Follow this itinerary and you can be sure you will have a fantastic time. You are about to enjoy a spectacular experience! These are the top sights and things to do during your one day in Manchester.

Start your day with a nice breakfast

There’s a lot of ground to cover during your one day in Manchester, so first, you will want to get a nice breakfast. And it’s also a good excuse to start exploring first thing in the morning.

Moose Coffee is the best choice for an early bite. Not only do they serve excellent food (they are known for American breakfast), but their location also fits perfectly into this itinerary. Evelyn’s Cafe and Bar is a good alternative as they offer several different options. Ezra & Gil are also a good choice if you don’t mind being slightly further away from your next stop in this itinerary.

In any case, there are many places to choose from. And once you have a nice breakfast, the whole day will be much better!

Find a very special library

The John Rylands Library  is breathtaking in a kind of ‘Hogwarts sort of way’. Named for John Rylands but actually founded by his wife, it is the kind of place where you never stop looking up, even when you manage to score an alcove in the soaring Reading Room for yourself. The place is just magical, there’s no other way to put it.

This neo-Gothic beauty belongs to the University of Manchester, and it opened its doors in 1900. The place holds some truly breathtaking collections, including a precious Gutenberg Bible, among other spectacular things. Definitely a must during your one day in Manchester.

Learn about the city’s legacy in the MOSI

MOSI,  or Manchester of Science and Industry , is a free museum that displays Manchester’s rich industrial legacy. No doubt, one of the best free things you can do in the city.

As an added bonus, this legacy is explored in an excellent museum set within the enormous grounds of the old Liverpool St Station, the oldest rail terminus in the world. The large collection of steam engines and original factory machinery tells the story of the city from the sewers up, while a host of new technology talks about its future.

You can access this museum by using the Metro and disembarking at the Castlefields-Deansgate stop.

Sit down and have a delicious lunch

Now would be the perfect time to stop for lunch. And Manchester abounds with some amazing options! Oh yes, the foodie in you will be very happy.

For example, Hawksmoor Manchester serves amazing steaks and other British food in a fascinating setting. Gusto Italian is very close by if you would like some good stone-baked pizza, and Dishoom Manchester will treat you to some excellent Indian food. Oh, and we can’t forget about Australasia – a very interesting place where Australian food is served with an Asian twist.

All of these places are close to each other, so they fit into this itinerary perfectly. However, if you would like to explore some more, you certainly won’t be disappointed. The food scene in Manchester is incredibly vibrant.

Visit the Central Library

The Manchester Central Library  is considered one of the grand old buildings in Europe. Circular in design, it stands resolutely between the Midland Hotel (where Mr’s Rolls and Royce developed the car) and Manchester Town Hall. The galleries and exhibit halls flank the outside of the structure.

Go ahead and enter it because there is much to see inside. There are some very impressive collections and more than 30 incunabula, and when you’re done exploring you can always sit in the library’s cafe and just take a moment to yourself. Enjoy the fact that you’re here and do some people-watching.

Marvel at the Town Hall

Manchester Town Hall  is one of the most iconic landmarks in the city providing a decadent, historical setting. And it’s practically right next to the Central Library, so you won’t have to go far.

Indeed, the Town Hall is regarded as one of the finest examples of neo-Gothic architecture in the United Kingdom and is one of the most important Grade 1 buildings in England. It also creates an incredible backdrop to one of Europe’s biggest Christmas Markets. So, should you come here during Christmas time, you know where to go.

​ Treat yourself to some shopping

If shopping is your thing, then you will be spoiled. There are three distinct areas all of which are accessible by foot or by jumping on the relevant Metro services.

If you are after Premium department stores offering lavish items, then head to King Street where you will discover Chanel, Dior, Vivienne Westwood, and Louis Vuitton, along with the designer restaurants of Rosso or Gotham. Most bars and restaurants in this area are owned by celebrities, so this is where you’ll be most likely to spot them.

If you are after High Street stores, then head to Market Street and Exchange Square which is home to the usual Diesel, H&M, Lacoste, and two huge department stores Selfridges and Harvey Nichols.

The third shopping area is found in the Northern Quarter . This is probably the most relaxed area of the city and offers very independent, trendy, and bohemian items. One of the best places to just lose yourself is Aflecks Palace. Floors of independent stalls selling everything from food, jewelry, and clothing.

End the day with a nice dinner and some drinks

Food and drink are extremely important in Manchester. The locals are hard drinkers and are ever so surprised foreigners choose this city over London . They have a genuine interest in knowing your business over a few beers, so you feel welcome here in a matter of seconds!

Some of the best places to sample the local brews are in the Northern Quarter, fondly known as The NQ, where most bars serve local independent beers. Tib Street Tavern, Lammars, Dry Bar, and The Terrace are among my favorite bars here.

If you head towards the Town Hall and Albert Square, you will find numerous bars and restaurants that all offer great food and reasonably priced cocktails.

Where to stay in Manchester?

Citysuites Aparthotel

16 Chapel Street, Salford, Manchester, M3 7NH, UK

When it comes to five-star accommodation in Manchester, Citysuites Aparthotel is really hard to beat. Apart from the swimming pool, the hot tub and the fitness center, you can also enjoy a great breakfast here. Then there’s also the view of the city, which is just amazing, and there’s also a secure car park in the vicinity. With all that, you will definitely feel like you got your money’s worth and be eager to come back again.

BOOK A ROOM HERE

King Street Townhouse

10 Booth Street Manchester, Upper King Street Conservation Area

King Street Townhouse offers  contemporary accommodation as a great combination of historical features and modern standards. It is located in the center of Manchester, only 5 minutes’ walk from Manchester Town Hall. The hotel is set in an impressive Italian renaissance building, originally built in 1872. The hotel features an infinity spa pool on the rooftop, a relaxation room, and a steam room as well as a conference and event space. The rooms provide comfort and contemporary design.

Motel One Manchester – Royal Exchange

15 Cross Street, Manchester M2 1WD, United Kingdom

With a great location right in the city centre, Motel One Manchester – Royal Exchange is very convenient. But it’s so much more than that! The staff does an amazing job maintaining the hotel, and the interior design is lovely. The rooms are spacious and comfortable, with toiletries and other nice details. There is also a hotel bar where you can enjoy a nice drink, plus the continental breakfast is great. Excellent value for your money!

YHA Manchester

Potato Wharf, Manchester City Centre, Manchester

YHA Manchester is a modern and comfortable hostel stay not too far from the city center. The hostel features café bar, cinema room, communal kitchen and canal side restaurant. Bright rooms provide a comfortable stay in bunk beds and are en-suite.

Day trips from Manchester

Yes, Manchester does have a lot to offer. However, a day trip from this beautiful city is also an excellent idea. There is much to see and explore in this part of the world, so if you have the time, it would be a shame to miss the opportunity. Here are some day trip destinations you won’t want to miss!

Now, this is a really obvious choice. Liverpool is only about 45 minutes away from Manchester and offers plenty to see. Obviously, it’s the city that gave us the Beatles, but there are so many interesting sights to see, too. Anglican Cathedral is the largest cathedral in England, but its Catholic Metropolitan counterpart is just as impressive. Apart from that, museums, galleries, and stunning parks guarantee a fantastic experience.

Because it’s less than 100 kilometers away, York is an excellent destination for a day trip from Manchester. The city was founded way back in Roman times, so it has a rich history and loads of things to see. The view from its impressive city walls  will leave you speechless, and you certainly must see York Minster . Apart from those, there are plenty of medieval monuments left from the age when the Normans ruled here.

Chester is another historical English city worthy of your time. Basically, on the outskirts of Liverpool, you will be absolutely stunned by the architecture characterized by white and black timber and the history this place brings. The immense Chester Cathedral and the city walls are a must, but the whole city is a time machine because it too dates back to Roman times. If you can, visit it!

This is a real foodies paradise, so if you want some fine dining just head to Knutsford. You will find all kinds of fantastic restaurants there, but you would do well to try some authentic British cuisine or simply hit one of the pubs. You know what they say, when in Rome… It is also possible to visit the beautiful Tatton Park with its magnificent mansion. A stroll through this place will surely build up an appetite.

If you’re a fan of architecture, you’ll love what Stockport has to offer. Loads of beautiful mansions , some of them going back centuries, are a sight to behold. Of course, their surroundings with impeccable greenery are just as impressive. Be sure to visit Lyme Park in the nearby village of Dysley, which is a huge Tudor building. Authentic England at its best.

Extra tips for visiting Manchester

– Manchester allows London to have the attention it so desires because Manchester already knows what it has. The city is just waiting for everyone else to figure this out.

– If you want the traditional English experience of castles, red tourist buses, and people too socially stunted to look or speak to a stranger, stay in London. Despite the business, it really is beautiful, and everyone should go at least once.

– However, if you want the kind of city that makes you feel at home, if you want to make friends, if you want to stroll amidst gorgeous architecture and good books and better music — visit Manchester. You will be the only person you know who did.

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Keith Evans

British Born and raised in "Alice in Wonderland" country. From a small village known as Daresbury, Cheshire where the infamous story was fabricated. Traveling around the globe is not only a hobby but a true life experience. The World and Geography have always been of interest since a child and it was not uncommon for me to be seen reading atlases and maps rather than storybooks. South-East Asia is my happy place. Its where most of my memories are made. Life is a rich tapestry.

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A perfect day in Manchester

Nov 15, 2022 • 6 min read

A family in the experiment gallery at Manchester’s Science and Industry Museum © Chris Foster / Courtesy Image

Along with being an accessibility-friendly destination that’s also doing a lot for sustainability, Manchester has some exciting things happening in 2023. The Manchester Museum is getting a major renovation, the Manchester Jewish Museum is expanding and historic Castlefield Viaduct is being transformed into a green walking trail. 

We asked Jemima Forbes to craft a one-day itinerary to learn more about Manchester.

I’m a full-time travel writer and part-time explorer. While I’ve lived and worked all over the world, the UK is where I was born and where I’ll always call home. Manchester holds special significance for me: it’s the place I’ve lived the longest – and it has never failed to satisfy my food-loving heart.  

Why you should visit Manchester

Delectable food, world-class sports, exquisite art, cool industrial-era architecture: Manchester really is a city that has something to appeal to everyone . It’s grown in both size and renown in recent years, metamorphosing into a brilliantly creative, proudly musical and gastronomically diverse hub. Quite simply, it’s one of the best – if not the best – cities in the UK .

Twenty-four hours is just enough time to scratch the surface of this great Northern city. Foodies will get a taste of Manchester’s constantly burgeoning culinary scene, while culture lovers will have ample opportunities to learn a thing or two at its many free museums and galleries. 

Take in Manchester’s monuments

8:30am – Start your day off with a leisurely stroll from your hotel toward Deansgate, one of the center’s main thoroughfares. Whitworth Locke hotel is a great pick thanks to its central location, stylish decor and affordable rates. If you’re staying there, head straight up Princess St until you hit St Peter’s Sq. Soak up the Central Library ’s elegant classical architecture and snap a photo with the statue of Emmeline Pankhurst – the city’s famed suffragette – before going west along Oxford St.

9am – When you reach Deansgate, cross the road and grab a table at Federal. This Antipodean-inspired brunch spot is a local favorite for its strong coffee, tasty halloumi and avocado on toast, and its homemade pasteis de nata (Portuguese custard tarts) are as flaky and creamy as any you’ll find in Lisbon. 

10am – Now that you’re sated and caffeinated, head a few doors down to the magnificent John Rylands Library . The neo-Gothic landmark is free to enter and houses over 20,000 rare books and manuscripts on both its shelves and in special display cabinets in the Rylands Gallery. With its cathedral-like windows and handsome wood paneling, the Historic Reading Room is particularly impressive – and wouldn’t look out of place at Hogwarts. Don’t skip popping to the downstairs restrooms, either, to admire their authentic Victorian tiling and fittings.

11am – Exit the library and cut through the swish Spinningfields neighborhood to the Science and Industry Museum . Set within one of the world’s oldest (and now disused) rail stations, this institution gives you a fascinating rundown of Manchester’s industrial heritage. Spend an hour or so exploring its detailed exhibits, including its mock Victorian cotton mill. 

12:30pm – Afterward, venture down Liverpool Rd back toward Deansgate, stopping en route to peer at the Castlefield Roman Ruins, which date to 79 CE, when the city was known as Mamucium. Once you’re back on Deansgate, hop on the free bus, which runs in a continuous loop around the city center. You’ll find the stop just outside the tram station, near the bottom of the steps. 

Consider exciting lunch options, and soul-nourishing art

1pm – Jump off the free bus at High St on the edge of the Northern Quarter – a hip neighborhood whose grid-like streets, tall brick buildings and plethora of fire escapes remind many of New York City. It’s additionally famed for its vibrant street art (a popular free attraction in town), edgy vintage stores and abundance of spots for drinking and dining. Wander to the top of High St to Mackie Mayor for lunch. Once a Victorian meat market, this stunning glass-roofed building now hosts several fantastic food stalls. Tuck into delectable bao buns, stone-baked pizzas and succulent steak sandwiches, among other delights.

2pm – After lunch, spend an hour or so exploring the Northern Quarter. Highlights include the Manchester Craft and Design Centre (a collection of artists’ studios selling splendid handmade gifts), Afflecks (a self-proclaimed emporium of hip independent stores) and Piccadilly Records (a must-visit for music aficionados).

3pm – When you’re done shopping, cross Great Ancoats St and head toward bustling, bar-lined Cutting Room Sq. From here, venture east and cross the Rochdale Canal Path to enter the up-and-coming New Islington neighborhood. On your way, get a takeaway coffee and a pastry (the cinnamon morning buns are divine) from Pollen. 

3:30pm – To save yourself a bit of time, catch the tram (a one-way ticket costs  £1.40) from the New Islington back stop to St Peter’s Sq (a 10-minute trip). From there, walk two minutes north to Manchester Art Gallery . 

4pm – Admire the gallery’s impressive collections of Pre-Raphaelite paintings and industrial-inspired landscapes by the Manchester-born L.S. Lowry. Have less than an hour to spare? Prioritize the European Old Masters gallery, or pop into the temporary exhibition space, where past visiting shows have included works by Leonardo and Van Dyck. 

True art fanatics might want to skip the stroll around Ancoats and New Islington and head straight for the gallery (just cut through Piccadilly Gardens from the Northern Quarter and go straight down Mosley St to reach it).

Sample Manchester’s dining and nightlife scene

6pm – After freshening up at your hotel, head back out for a pre-dinner cocktail at Refuge . Lodged inside the swank Kimpton Clocktower Hotel on Oxford St, it has grand interiors (including the enchanting, fairy-light-lit Winter Garden) that are matched by a tempting cocktail menu. Slake your thirst with a refreshing rhubarb-gin concoction, or a fiery pisco-and-chili tipple.

7pm – Next, it’s time for dinner. Options are aplenty in Manchester City Center, with Rudy’s on Peter St being the proud purveyors of arguably the best pizza in town (even the buffalo mozzarella–topped Margherita here is divine). Another good pick is Three Little Words, an elegant bistro run by the neighboring Spirit of Manchester Gin Distillery. As you’d expect, it serves fantastic gin-based cocktails: peruse the bible-like menu for options like the sour cherry–flavored Gold Digger or the marmalade-infused Paddington’s Breakfast. Prefer to dine with a view? Pre-book a table at the aptly named 20 Stories and request a spot on the terrace to make the most of the excellent cityscape vistas.

9pm – If you’re not ready for the day to end, you’re in luck. Manchester’s entertainment offering is extensive, with something on the agenda most nights of the week. Head back to the Northern Quarter to catch live jazz music at Matt & Phreds or to laugh your head off at a stellar stand-up set at the Frog and Bucket Comedy Club. Alternatively, there’s a slew of bars in the area – from the cozy Whiskey Jar to speakeasy-style Science and Industry – perfect for a quiet nightcap.

Late night: Keep the party going

11pm – Want to stay up even later? Manchester has no shortage of nightclubs and music venues that stay open into the small hours. Check out Band on the Wall on Great Ancoats St for live gigs, dance to techno tunes at a gritty Northern Quarter basement bar like SOUP or hit the dance floor at one of the vibrant clubs in the Gay Village. Located in and around Canal St, this zone really comes alive at night and features a venue for every kind of vibe.

Have a bit more time to spend in Manchester? Jemima Forbes has this extended four-day itinerary if you'd like to extend your visit.  

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• the ultimate guide to manchester, england

• Food & Drinks
• Places to Stay

The Ultimate Manchester 1-day itinerary: How to spend One day in Manchester

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Visiting Northern England and want to make the most of your day in Manchester?

There are so many things to do in Manchester but today I’ll tell you everything about what to do if you have one day in Manchester!

Manchester is one of the most underrated cities in Europe, and yet it has so much to offer!

It’s been my home for over 2 years. I absolutely loved this city and can not wait to share all my little secrets with you.

Firstly, let’s have a bit of an introduction.  Manchester  is the third biggest city in the UK. Located in the North West, it’s known for its friendly people and bad weather. But there is so much more to know about  Manchester .

The city had a huge development during the industrial revolution. Little fun fact there, 80% of the world production of cotton was manufactured in  Manchester .

This industrial background has left its marks all over the city. There are many old warehouses in the centre, especially in the  Northern Quarter and Ancoats .

After the industrial revolution, the economy went down in  North West England  and clearly, these were not happy days. In the past 10 years though, after the IRA bombings that destroyed most of the city centre, everything was restructured. Manchester has been completely revitalised to become this amazing tech hub it is now.

So that’s enough for the introduction. Let’s dive into your Manchester 1-day  itinerary!

Table of Contents

Manchester 1-day itinerary  Morning: Famous landmarks

Breakfast at moose cafe.

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, they say? Well, you are just about to get an amazing one.

There are many  breakfast places in Manchester  but my recommendations always go to  Moose Cafe.

This North American cafe serves the most amazing breakfast, brunches and pancakes you will ever get! All of that for a very affordable price.

Quantity and quality for a good price, what else can we ask for?

I know this isn’t typically  British  but don’t worry about that, I’ve got that in store for lunch.

Moose Cafe  is quite popular (as any good place). They don’t take bookings so the best way is to go there if they have a table. If they do, they will take you in straight away. If not, they will tell you when to come back. Meanwhile, you can have a walk around  Market Street  and  Piccadilly Gardens , the most central part of the city.

If you want to know more about  Moose Cafe ,  here is my full review.

Once your belly is full, head towards  Alan Turing Memorial  for the  free walking tour of Manchester.

Manchester walking tour

Wherever you go, I’d always advise you to go on a  walking tour  if you can. They are such good use of your time, especially when you don’t have much of it.

If you only have  one day in Manchester , you need to maximise your visit as much as you can and the walking tour is the best way to do so. By going on a walking tour, you will get to visit Manchester efficiently!

There are several sorts of  walking tours in Manchester.  You can opt for this guided city tour. It lasts 2.5 hours and starts in front of the central library. You can check here for more information and bookings.

Alternatively, you can choose to go on a  free walking tour.  Although they are called free tours, please note that tips are highly recommended.

The free walking tour in Manchester  runs every day at 11 am. It lasts between 3 and 3h30 and start in Sackville Park at the Alan Turing Memorial

You will get to explore the city with a local guide, completely passionate about  Manchester . It will be the perfect opportunity to get to discover the city and know more about its history and culture.

On the tour, you will discover the following  places and landmarks in Manchester city centre :

• Alan Turing Memorial
• Gay Village
• Vimto Monument
• Albert Square
• Manchester Town Hall
• St Peter’s Square
• Manchester Central Library
• Midland hotel
• John Rylands Library
• Royal Exchange Theatre
• Cathedral Gardens
• Manchester Cathedral

The guide will tell you many  fun facts about Manchester.  You will get to know more about the history of the city, how important music is to  Manchester ,  favourite foods  and much more!

The tour should finish at about 2 pm – 2:30 pm in Cathedral Gardens.

By then you might be a bit hungry so let’s head towards a good lunch spot. As you walk towards the  Northern Quarter, you will find the  Printworks  on the way. This is definitely somewhere you should stop!

The Printworks  is an entertainment centre. You will find there many bars, restaurants and entertainment venues such as a cinema or jungle mini golf.

Of course, if you’d like to check the Hard Rock cafe, that will be there, but even if you are not into these things it’s well worth a visit.

Just walk through the  Printworks  and you will see what I mean.

This refurbished old warehouse is absolutely amazing! It seems like you’ve been thrown onto some sort of movie set. It has some Harry Potter vibes while looking like a New York building… it’s a very interesting and unexpected place!

If you are a football fan, please note that the football museum is located right by the  Printworks  so that’s something you may want to add to your list.

That said though, it will take you a couple of hours so you might need to remove something else from this itinerary.

But I thought I would mention it as loads of people come to  Manchester  for the  National Football Museum  or to visit one of the stadiums:  Old Trafford  and  Etihad stadium . If you want to know more about these activities, you can check out my ultimate Manchester guide.

Anywho, let’s go back to business!

Once you had a look at the  Printworks , you can head to  TROF  to get lunch.

Manchester 1-day itinerary Afternoon: Northern Quarter and Ancoats

Lunch at trof northern quarter.

TROF  is a typical British pub/restaurant. They serve food all day. You will find all sorts of typical  British foods  such as:

• Full English breakfast
• Sunday Roast (on Sundays)
• And plenty of cakes as well!

It’s a  very good address in Manchester  as the food is very nice and it has this very unique charm while still being very typical.

If that’s not of your liking, I’d recommend just keep walking on  Thomas Street.  There are many  restaurants  and  bars  and you will definitely find something you will love there. As a matter of fact, while you are there if you want to grab Tapas, please note that  Evuna  is a very nice Tapas place.

Once you get your lunch, it’s time to crack on with the afternoon. Alright I know, it’s late already, but still, there are a few things to check out.

Northern Quarter

The  Northern Quarter is Manchester’s trendiest district.  If it used to be a a bit of a dodgy place back in the days, it’s now the best and the  Mancunian’s favourite quarter.

This hipster district is perfect for street art lovers and shoppers.

As you keep going north, you will leave the  Northern Quarter  to start wandering in  Ancoats .  Ancoats  used to be the warehouse district but now, most of them have been turned into flats, coworking spaces or cool bars and restaurants.

Further away from the centre’s buzz, it’s the perfect place to stroll, get to enjoy some very cute places and be in peace.

There are many hidden bars where you can grab a pint. It’s particularly nice in summer as they have a lot of outdoor spaces (which is quite rare in the centre).

It’s also a great place to see what the cotton warehouses used to look like as they are literally everywhere!

And that’s it! I hope this article will help you decide what to do in  Manchester in 24 hours!

If you follow this  1-day itinerary  you will get to discover most of  what Manchester has to offer . It will be a bit of a full day but so much fun!

And hopefully, it will make you want to come back to discover this beautiful city for 2 days, 3 days or more!

You may also be interested in:

• Things to do in Manchester
• Things to do in Manchester in Winter
• What to do in Manchester when it rains
• National Trust near Manchester
• Typical Manchester food
• The Ultimate 1 Day in London Itinerary: exactly how to spend one day in London

Founder of Manchester Pocket Guide. Pauline has been living in Manchester for 6 years and loves exploring the city. As a travel writer, she always had passion for discovering cities but Manchester is the place she truly fell in love with. From cute food spots to famous landmarks, she knows Manchester like the back of her hand.

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One Day in Manchester Itinerary

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Manchester, which ranks as the third largest city in the United Kingdom, is a bustling metropolis. The city is brimming with things to do – from discovering its industrial upbringing to exploring the vibrant culture to experiencing its legendary football clubs. We are highlighting the best of the city – from iconic landmarks to eclectic districts – in a jam-packed One Day in Manchester Itinerary.

Our 1-day trip plan squeezes in the top things to do in Manchester, UK and a few hidden gems, too. This 1-Day Manchester Itinerary moves at a fast pace and covers a lot of ground – and we share our top travel tips throughout.

One Day in Manchester: What To Do FAQs

Planning one day in Manchester, England is no easy feat. The thriving city offers a multitude of exciting attractions for visitors, but we outline the best in our 1-Day Itinerary for Manchester. Before we get started, however, we want to answer a few of the frequently asked questions about Manchester.

Is it Possible to Plan a Day Trip to Manchester from London?

Located nearly 200 miles from London in northwestern England, Manchester is not often thought of as a day trip destination. However, trains can transport passengers between the two cities in just about 2.5 hours – making it possible to plan a long day trip from London to Manchester, UK.

That said, we recommend spending at least 24 hours in Manchester. We share recommendations for the best places to stay below in the Manchester Travel Tips section.

Are There Things To Do in Manchester with Kids?

Absolutely! Manchester is a very family-friendly city with numerous kid-focused museums and outdoor spaces, as well.

While our list of what to see in Manchester in one day is not specifically designed for family travel, we feature several attractions that rank as Top Things To Do with Kids in Manchester.

Can I Plan a Manchester Itinerary on a Budget?

Of course! There are ample free things to do, so travelers on a budget can plan cheap days out in Manchester.

Our One Day Itinerary Manchester is filled with free attractions and district exploration, which is always free of charge.

Does this Manchester Itinerary feature Football?

Football – or soccer, as it’s called in the US – is legendary in Manchester. The area is home to two famous football clubs: Manchester United (one of the most successful and recognizable teams of all-time) and Manchester City (currently dominating the English Premier League).

Football fans visiting Manchester can opt to attend a match or take a stadium tour. However, we do not specifically highlight either in our Manchester 1-Day Itinerary. Instead, we focus on sightseeing – which does include a visit to the National Football Museum.

Travelers who would like to carve out time in their 1 Day in Manchester Trip Plan to visit a stadium will need to eliminate some of the attractions that we include in our list.

How is this 1 Day Manchester Itinerary Organized?

This Manchester In One Day Itinerary is organized as a self-guided walking tour of Manchester – we even include a Manchester map of attractions to make it easy to get around.

Do note that the route is inclusive of several museums – and you can determine which ones to visit based on time and personal preference.

This One Day Trip Plan for Manchester allows visitors to move at their own pace and see the sights that are of most interest to them.

That said, travelers who would rather have a Manchester tourist guide lead the way can join a Manchester walking tour – find info here !  Visitors can also join one of the free Manchester walking tours, but bear in mind that the guides do work for tips.

Is Manchester Worth Visiting?

Yes! The city boasts incredible sights and hip neighborhoods, making it well-worth planning a day out in Manchester, United Kingdom.

Whether visiting on a day trip or as part of a longer England or United Kingdom Itinerary, Manchester is most certainly worth a day!

Is One Day in Manchester Enough?

Many visitors wonder, How Many Days in Manchester is enough? Can I see everything on a Manchester day trip? Or should I spend a weekend in Manchester?

We understand the angst – and we, too, grappled with how long to spend in Manchester. Ultimately, we ended up with about 36 hours in Manchester, which allowed us to spend a bit more time exploring the city.

While our 1-Day Itinerary for Manchester highlights the top attractions, there are more things to see in Manchester, England that we simply could not squeeze into a one-day trip plan.

Therefore, we share alternate Manchester Itineraries for 2 and 3 days later in the article (which feature sights like The Quays, football stadium visits and day trip options).

Planning a Manchester Trip

By outlining how to spend a day in Manchester, UK, we have made it as easy as possible for you to plan your trip! However, it still takes a bit of effort to ensure your day goes according to plan. We share Manchester Travel details – like how to get there and what to eat – at the end of the article.

Additionally, international visitors traveling from abroad might find it helpful to read some of our tips on UK travel – as well as our Guide to Planning a European Vacation . 

• What To See in London in 3 Days
• The Most Famous London Food
• Things To Do in the Beautiful City of Bath
• Top Sights To See in Birmingham (and their incredible German Christmas Markets )
• What To Do in Bristol, UK
• Plan a Day Trip to Windsor and the Windsor Castle
• Plan a Trip to Belfast, Northern Ireland (including What To Eat )
• The Ultimate Scotland Itinerary

Travel Plan Organization

As you plan what to visit in Manchester in one day, organization is key! Your trip is much more likely to be enjoyable if you are organized. We recommend using a Printable Travel Planner – to stay on top of all the details of your vacation!

Manchester in One Day

Our Manchester 1 Day Itinerary showcases the absolute best of the city! The trip plan winds through the heart of town, featuring top points of interest and hidden gems.

Save, Pin or Bookmark our Manchester Travel Guide to plan your trip to the UK!

#1 National Football Museum

We are kicking off our One Day Trip Manchester plan with one of the city’s biggest attractions: the National Football Museum. The comprehensive museum covers the historic moments of the game, features interactive exhibits and displays epic memorabilia.

Tickets are required and it is best to purchase tickets in advance .

Top Travel Tip: Visitors should plan to spend a minimum of 1.5 hours at the Manchester National Football Museum (but fanatics could easily spend the entire day viewing the exhibits!).

#2 Manchester Cathedral

Everyone spending a day in Manchester should make a point of visiting the magnificent cathedral. The history of the Gothic church can be traced to the 7th century – and it is gorgeous both inside and out.

The interior of the cathedral is decorated with statues, stained-glass windows and a beautiful organ, which is mounted over the pulpitum at the entrance to the choir.

It is free to enter the Manchester Cathedral, but donations are appreciated.

Pro Tip: Check the website for opening hours and special events – like the free lunchtime organ concert!

#3 Shambles Square

A salvaged historic square tucked into the busy shopping district, Shambles Square is a quaint little corner of Manchester. The square is centered on The Old Wellington Inn, which was built in the year 1552 (and is the birthplace of English poet John Byrom).

The Old Wellington Inn, a half-timbered Tudor house, is flanked by two other historic buildings. The Mitre Hotel (dating to 1815) and Sinclair’s Oysters Bar (built in 1807 – and selling oysters since 1845).

Interesting Fact: The buildings on Shambles Square are not in their original location. They were dismantled, moved and rebuilt in 1999 to accommodate for the expansion of the mall.

#4 Shopping in Manchester, UK

Built in the 1970s (and renovated several times since), the Arndale Center is one of the best shopping areas in Manchester (and also one of the largest city-center shopping malls in all of Europe).

Bounded to the south by Market Street, to the west by Deansgate and New Exchange Square to the north, this district has served as a hub of commercial activity since the 1850s. Hosting recognizable brand retailers, departments stores (Selfridges is not to be missed), and a highly rated eateries, the area has something for everyone.

Controversy has surrounded the property’s size and style over the years, but today is seems most are happily moving on with plenty of retail therapy.

Good To Know: The Manchester Arndale Shopping Center is a good place to find free public restrooms in the city center.

#5 Royal Exchange Building and Theatre

Built in the 1860s, the Royal Exchange was the center of trade for Manchester’s cotton industry. Once ranked as the largest trading hall in England, the Manchester Royal Exchange Building currently operates as a shopping center and theater.

The Royal Exchange Theatre was opened in 1973 and features a circular style stage that is completely surrounded by seats. One of the interesting things to do Manchester, UK is to attend a performance.

Pro Tip: Can’t make it to a show? Visitors can still go inside to see the grandiose architecture of the building interior.

#6 Deansgate Shopping Street and Barton Arcade

Even if you are not interested in shopping in Manchester, it is worth spending a little bit of time strolling along Deansgate. A thoroughfare in the city since Roman times, Deansgate is a north-south route through downtown that extends more than a mile.

A worthwhile detour off Deansgate is the historic Barton Arcade. The Victorian arcade, which was built in 1871, features glass and iron construction.

Top Tip: A few other places to seek out in the vicinity are the 18th-century St. Ann’s Church, Parsonage Gardens and Castle Fine Art Gallery on King Street.

#7 John Rylands Library

The next stop on your Itinerary for One Day in Manchester is the John Rylands Research Institute and Library. Opened to the public in 1900, the library hosts an extensive collection of books, letters and manuscripts – and the design is utterly exquisite.

The library was established by Enriqueta Rylands in her husband’s memory – and since 1972, it has been part of the University of Manchester. The Historic Reading Room, which resembles a church, is a must-see Manchester attraction.

The library is free to enter.

Top Travel Tip: While at the John Rylands Library, pop into the ground floor toilets – which are original and unchanged since 1900.

#8 Abraham Lincoln Statue and Manchester Peace Garden

Not many Manchester visitors know that there is a connection between the City of Manchester and Abraham Lincoln. Yet, it’s a telling story of the history of the city and, today, a towering statue of Lincoln graces the Peace Garden in a hidden courtyard (aptly called Lincoln Square).

The link between the city and the US President can be traced to cotton. By the 1860s, Manchester was thriving on the cotton industry – turning the raw material from the USA into woven cloth. When cotton from the southern states faced an embargo due to their use of slave labor, workers in Manchester suffered.

However, rather than supporting the US Confederacy (in an effort to continue business), they turned their support to Lincoln and the abolishment of slavery.

In January of 1863 – two years before slavery was abolished in America – Lincoln wrote a letter to the working men of Manchester, thanking them for their support. Portions of the letter are inscribed at the base of the statue.

Pro Tip: Two nearby sights to seek out are the St. Mary’s RC Church (which was built in 1794 and stands today as Manchester’s oldest Catholic church) and the Frederic Chopin Piano statue on Deansgate.

#9 People’s History Museum

Housed in a former hydraulic pumping station, the People’s History Museum in Manchester shares the stories of working people in the United Kingdom.

Covering political topics that span 200 years, such as worker’s rights, trade unions and the suffrage movement, the exhibits are engaging and well-displayed.

The museum is free to enter.

Travel Tip: If you are planning to visit Manchester in one day, you will not likely have time to visit all of the museums listed in our itinerary. We recommend choosing which museums to enter based on your personal interests.

#10 Manchester Bridges and the River Irwell

The Irwell River is a tributary that defines the boundary between Manchester and Salford. The narrow river is lined with historic buildings and is crossed by numerous bridges, making it one of the picturesque places in Manchester.

Two of the bridges that cross the river are located just behind the People’s History Museum: Albert Bridge and Irwell Footpath.

Travel Tip: For the best views, cross over Albert first and then cross back at the Irwell Pedestrian Bridge.

#11 Iconic Manchester Architecture on Quay Street

During your one day in Manchester, England, it would be impossible not to notice the mishmash of architectural styles that decorate the landscape. Warehouses from the Industrial Revolution, Georgian gems and stylish Art Deco buildings all line the streets of Manchester.

Quay Street, in particular, hosts a fascinating array of design styles – from the Classical Opera House (built in 1912) to the Art Deco Sunlight House (dating to 1932).

The Great Northern Railway Company’s Goods Warehouse is a massive brick structure that was completed in 1899 and is now a popular entertainment and shopping complex.

Pro Travel Tip: At this point in your Manchester One Day Trip, you are probably getting hungry for lunch. There are numerous eateries within the vicinity of the Quay Street and Deansgate intersection. For a quick (and classic) British lunch, pop into Pieminister for a savory pie (Moo and Blue is our favorite!). Eat it there or – if the weather is nice – get it to-go and dine al fresco in St. John’s Gardens.

#12 Science and Industry Museum Manchester

The Science and Industry Museum is a 1-Day in Manchester must-see sight! An airy museum (located in a former train station), it features displays on innovation, as well as interactive science exhibits.

One of the best exhibits is the massive cotton display, which details the Manchester textile industry. The upper level is dedicated to science and features fun and challenging tasks that are backed by scientific information.

The museum is free to visit and guests could easily spend a few hours here!

Travel Tip: The museum also hosts special talks (which are free) and special exhibitions (which cost a nominal fee). Inquire at the main desk about what events are taking place during your visit.

#13 Castlefield District

The origins of Manchester can be traced to the Castlefield District, as it was the site of the Mancunium Roman Fort in the 1st century AD. Parts of the Roman granary and fort are preserved, but they aren’t the only reason to visit the conservation area.

In addition to the ancient ruins, Castlefield features other historic highlights. The Bridgewater Canal was built in 1764 and served as the first industrial canal in the world. The Castlefield Viaduct – a 1,000-foot-long elevated railway – dates to 1892 and has recently been converted into an urban outdoor space . 

The Rochdale Canal was linked to the Castlefield Basin in early 1800s – and historic brick warehouses still line the waterways.

Top Travel Tip: Hop on the Rochdale Canal Tow Path to the west of Deansgate Tunnel ( map ) and walk east along the canal to Oxford Road. If you are lucky you may catch the long, narrow boats navigating the locks.

#14 Oxford Road

From the city center, Oxford Road leads south, passing right through the humming University District. The area is home to Manchester University, Manchester Metropolitan University and the Royal Northern College of Music (or RNCM). Plus, the street is lined with heaps of music venues, eateries and the city’s top museum, The Manchester Museum (which we discuss next on our list of Things To Do Manchester).

The street features opulent architecture (like the red-brick Kimpton Clocktower that opened in 1890 as the Refuge Assurance Company) and historic gems (like the Grosvenor Picture Palace; now The Footage).

Top Tip: The Manchester Curry Mile – a stretch of street dedicated to Indian food and shops – sits on the south end of Oxford Road, where the name changes to Wilmslow Road.

#15 Manchester Museum

Hosting an incredible collection of exhibits from around the world, the Manchester Museum is a fascinating place to visit. Run by The University of Manchester, it has been in operation for more than 130 years.

The museum focuses on natural history, as well as cultural influences. From dinosaur fossils to Egyptian mummies to live amphibians, the displays are varied and well-presented. 

Entry to the Manchester Museum is free.

In Our Option: Of all the museums that we highlight in our Manchester in a Day Itinerary, the Manchester Museum ranks as our favorite!

#16 The University of Manchester

The history of The University of Manchester dates to the year 1824, when it was established as an Institute of Science and Technology. The institution moved to Oxford Road in the 1870s and the university’s most iconic buildings – now called the Old Quadrangle – were built in 1902.

Visitors are free to step into the Old Quad courtyard that is encircled by the Whitworth Building, John Owens Building and Beyer Building – all of which feature sumptuous Gothic architecture. At the foot of the ivy-covered Beyer Building, look for the giant boulder that dates from the Ice Age.

Travel Tip: The Whitworth Art Gallery, which is part of the University of Manchester, houses artworks by masters. The gallery sits on the south end of Oxford Road, right next to Whitworth Park (one of the city’s best green spaces!).

#17 Sackville Garden and Alan Turing Memorial

The next stop on your Manchester One Day Tour is Sackville Gardens, a city-center park in Manchester’s Gay Village. The park was designed in 1900 – and today it hosts several monuments: The Turing Memorial, the Beacon of Hope, The Tree of Life and the LGBT Queen Bee.

The Turing Memorial is a statue dedicated to Alan Turing, who is known as the ‘Father of Modern Computing’ for his work and discoveries as a mathematician and computer scientist. A brief story of his life is inscribed on an adjacent plaque.

On the north end of the park, The Beacon of Hope stands in remembrance of those who have died from AIDS and as a tribute to those who live with HIV.

Top Tip: After visiting Sackville Gardens, take a moment to walk along pedestrian Canal Street that runs alongside the Rochdale Canal just to the north of the park. The colorful street is lined with lively bars in the heart of the Manchester LGBTQ+ District.

#18 Manchester Chinatown and Archway

The Chinatown District in Manchester is vibrant and buzzing. The enclave of Chinese (and other Asian) restaurants, shops and bakeries ranks as one of the largest Chinatown districts in all of Europe.

A large, ornamental gate straddles Faulkner Street – and is a must-see Manchester attraction. The paifang, which was gifted to the Chinese community from the Manchester City Council, is painted red and gold with dragon decorations.

Top Tip: By this point in your Manchester One Day Itinerary, you have clocked some miles! If you need an afternoon pick-me-up or a moment to rest your weary feet, stop by one of the Chinatown tea shops – like Ohayo Tea, where they serve an array of freshly brewed fruit teas and bubble tea concoctions.

#19 Manchester Art Gallery

The Manchester Art Gallery houses an excellent collection of artworks – including paintings, sculptures and objects – that span six centuries. In addition to the permanent collection, the gallery hosts rotating exhibits, as well.

Entrance to the Manchester Art Gallery and exhibitions is free.

Travel Tip: The space is bright and airy – with plenty of comfortable chairs and benches for guests to sit while admiring and contemplating the art.

#20 St. Peter’s Square Manchester

Walking through St. Peter’s Square is a must during your one day in Manchester. The square marks the city’s Civic Quarter – and is home to the historic Town Hall (built in 1938), the grand Midland Hotel (dating to 1898), the Manchester Central Library (1934) and the Manchester Cenotaph (a WWI memorial). Since 1992, the square has also hosted a tram station.

If time allows, step inside the grand Central Library (the round building that resembles the Pantheon in Rome). Use the main Shakespeare Hall entrance, walk through the domed Great Hall Wolfson Reading Room and visit the current art exhibit.

Pro Tip: Also not to be missed is Albert Square, which sits on the western end of the Gothic Town Hall building. The dazzling square hosts the Manchester Christmas Market.

#21 Northern Quarter

The Manchester Northern Quarter – better known as NQ – boasts a bohemian and creative culture. The lively district is one of the Manchester must-see places (and the best place for dinner and drinks, in our opinion!).

NQ is known for its independent shops, intriguing street art, vinyl record stores, vintage retailers, hip eateries and cool bars.

Visitors looking for alternative things to do in Manchester should look no further than Afflecks – an eclectic retail destination of more than 60 independently owned shops. Seeking out street art and playing retro arcade games at NQ64 are two other unique Manchester NQ things to do.

Pro Tip: Some of our favorite Manchester restaurants and craft beer bars in located in NQ. Coming up, we share our list of the top establishments in the Manchester Food and Drink Section!

#22 Ancoats District

Established as an industrial district in the 1800s, Ancoats is flush with re-purposed brick warehouses and old factories that are separated by narrow cobblestone lanes.

At the center of Ancoats is Cutting Room Square, which features artwork dedicated to the textile history, which was the prominent industry in the area. The square is also home to Seven Brothers Beerhouse, which is a great place to end your One Day Tour of Manchester!

Pro Travel Tip: If you still have time and energy on your Manchester One Day Trip, set off to explore New Islington and Cotton Field Park. Use the New Islington Marina Promenade, a pedestrian-only walkway along the waterside, to get there from Ancoats.

More Itineraries for Manchester

We have shared our top tips for what to do in Manchester in one day, but what if you have plans to stay for the weekend? No worries – we’ve got it covered with a sample Manchester itinerary for 2 and 3 days in the city.

2 Days in Manchester, UK: Trip Planning Tips

Manchester is a thriving city – and there is so much more to see! Visitors with two days in Manchester can plan to visit Manchester sights beyond the city center.

Manchester Itinerary 2 Days

On the first day of your trip, use our above outline for how to spend One Day in Manchester, UK. Then, on the second day of your Manchester 2-Day Itinerary, spend the morning touring a famous football stadium and, in the afternoon, go to Salford Quays, another one of the top Manchester sights.

As we already mentioned, there are two football clubs in Manchester – and they play in different stadiums.

Manchester United plays at Old Trafford (which is southwest of the city center), while Manchester City holds matches at Etihad Stadium (to the east of downtown Manchester).

Tours at both stadiums welcome guests to walk through the tunnel to the pitch, tour the stadium (including the dressing rooms and dugouts) and view memorabilia. It is highly recommended to check availability and purchase tickets in advance. Find out if there is availability at Old Trafford or Etihad Stadium during your Manchester visit.

In the afternoon, head for Salford Quays – a modern hub for shopping and entertainment on the waterfront. In addition to the shops and water activities, top things to do in Manchester Quays District are visiting the Imperial War Museum, setting sail on a River Cruise and crossing the Millennium Bridge.

3 Days in Manchester

Travelers who plan to stay in Manchester for 3 days have ample options on how to spend their time. However, our best recommendation is to take a 1 Day Trip from Manchester to see more of the region.

Manchester Itinerary 3 Days

The best way to plan a 3-Day Manchester Itinerary is to use our tips directly above in our sample 2 Days in Manchester Itinerary – then on Day 3, embark on a Manchester day tour.

There are numerous Manchester day trips that you can add to your trip plan. Which tour you choose should be based on your personal interests – but we are highlighting 3 of the top picks.

One Day Trip to Lake District from Manchester

On a small-group tour, visit the famed Lake District – including the biggest lake in England, Windermere. Find out more!

Day Trip from Manchester to Derbyshire

Join a popular tour from Manchester to Derbyshire in the Peak District that includes hidden caves and local treats. Get the details!

Manchester Day Trip to North Wales

Travel with a tour group from Manchester to North Wales. Tour highlights include visiting an ancient castle, soaking up nature at Snowdonia National Park and seeing the seaside. Find out if seats are available!

What and Where to Eat in Manchester

One of the fun things about Manchester, England is the many hip eateries and fabulous bars. We are highlighting a few of the top places to eat in Manchester – and sharing a few of the best bars for craft beer, too.

Breakfast and Cafes

Start your day in Manchester off right with a delicious and filling breakfast.

Ezra and Gill for a Leisurely Manchester Breakfast

A lively Manchester restaurant for breakfast and brunch, Ezra and Gill serves up large portions of French toast and eggs benedict – and the menu features vegetarian and vegan options, too!

Fig and Sparrow for Coffee and Light Breakfast

A friendly and welcoming Manchester café offering specialty coffee drinks and simple breakfast options – including cakes, toasts and eggs.

Gregg’s for a Manchester Budget Breakfast

Budget travelers and visitors on the move can grab a quick breakfast to go from Gregg’s – a staple of Britain breakfast foods. The sausage rolls are cheap, tasty and filling.

Lunch Restaurants in Manchester

When touring Manchester in a day, you will surely need mid-day sustenance. We have a few top picks for where to eat lunch in the city.

20 Stories for Fine Dining in Manchester

A high-class affair, 20 Stories is a posh, elevated establishment offering superb views and excellent local fare. Voted Best Manchester Restaurant in 2023, it’s wise to make a reservation (and heed the dress code).

Pieminister for a Classic British Lunch

We already mentioned Pieminister as one of the best places for lunch during your One Day Manchester trip – and we’ll say it again (because it is really that good!). Plus, they offer a weekday Express Lunch deal.

Budget Lunch in Manchester

Travelers on a budget – and those who don’t want to spend time sitting in a restaurant – can eat a budget lunch from one of the local supermarkets. Tesco, Co-op and Sainsbury’s all offer ready-made meal deals that include a choice of sandwich (or other main meal options), chips and a drink for a low price.

Where To Eat Dinner in Manchester

We love the dining options in Manchester – especially the hip restaurants in NQ – but there are phenomenal options for dinner all around the city.

Classic British Fare

For a classic pub meal in Manchester, we recommend dining at The Old Wellington. Alternatively, for upscale British eats, make a reservation at The Ivy Spinningfields.

Hip Eateries in NQ

The number of places to dine in NQ seems endless! That said, our personal top picks are Almost Famous (for delicious burgers…and try the mac-and-cheese balls) and Liquor and Burn (for tacos and burritos).

Manchester Food Halls

Hosting multiple food vendors under one roof, the food halls in Manchester are a fantastic option for dining – and there are several to choose from.

Housed in the old Smithfield Market building, Mackie Mayor is one of the best food halls in Manchester with nine eateries, seating on two levels and small garden.

Corn Exchange and Society MCR are two other top food halls that excel in the Manchester street food scene.

Indian Food in Manchester

Indian fare is a popular throughout the United Kingdom – and Manchester is no exception.

The Wilmslow Road Curry Mile is a hub of Indian restaurants. Both Ziya and Mughli Charcoal Pit are top places to eat Indian food in Manchester.

For something closer to the city, however, try your luck getting a table at Dishoom – a wildly popular Indian street food restaurant with locations across the UK. The Manchester Dishoom is located just around the corner from the John Rylands Library.

Best Craft Beer Bars in Manchester

We love sampling beers from local UK breweries – and there are plenty of Manchester bars where you can get a taste!

Fierce, Northern Monk Refectory, Seven Brothers and BrewDog Doghouse (which has a rooftop bar) are all excellent taprooms pouring delectable craft brews.

Pelican Bar, Port Street Beer House and Cafe Beermoth are a few of the Manchester craft beer bars that have numerous taps dedicated to local brews.

Manchester Map

Use this link to Google Maps for an interactive version of our map of Manchester, UK.

Manchester: What To See in One Day Travel Tips

Now that we have shared what to see in Manchester – and where to eat and drink – we have a few more Manchester travel tips that will help you plan your best trip!

When To Go to Manchester U.K.

Figuring out the best time to go to Manchester will largely depend on your interests. That said, we think there are good reasons to visit Manchester in every season.

While the summer months provide the best opportunity for sunshine and warm days, the spring and autumn can also be quite nice. Many visitors avoid Manchester in the wintertime, but the Christmas Market is a festive event – and it can be a good time to score deals on hotel rooms.

If going on a Manchester trip for football, check the schedule (for matches and stadium tours) far in advance. If planning on taking a tour, buy your tickets in advance for either Trafford or Etihad.

For those interested in visiting museums should also check opening hours ahead of time. Some Manchester museums are closed on Mondays or Tuesdays.

Getting To Manchester

Travelers can get to Manchester, UK by plane, train, bus or car. For our short trip to Manchester, we arrived by bus from Glasgow and departed by plane to Madeira.

Manchester Airport

The airport in Manchester (MAN) is served by both major airlines and low-cost carriers. Use our tips for getting the Best Flights for Cheap and then hop over to Skyscanner to book that trip!

The Manchester Airport is about 9 miles south of the city center. It takes at least 30 minutes to get from the airport to the city center by rental car , taxi or pre-booked private transfer . 

Additionally, there are trains that run from Manchester Airport to Manchester Piccadilly, as well as trams and buses.

Manchester Train and Bus Stations

There are several train stations in Manchester city center. The main train station in Manchester is Piccadilly, but some lines terminate at Victoria, Oxford Road or Deansgate.

Likewise, buses may terminate at one of the several bus stations in the city. However, most routes end at the Manchester Coach Station or Shudehill Bus Station.

Getting Around Manchester

Getting around in Manchester is fairly simple – especially when spending a full day in the city center. The city is flat and easy to navigate on foot. That said, there are also buses and trams that can help visitors get to where they are going.

In addition to the paid public transport services, there are two free Manchester bus lines that loop around the city center. 

Where to Stay: Manchester Accommodations

As we mentioned, we think it is best to spend at least one night in Manchester in order to fully experience the city (but staying a few days longer would be even better!).

The best place to stay in Manchester is the city center – and there are ample choices from posh hotels to budget hostels. For our top tips on getting great rates, read Finding the Best Hotels at Cheap Prices .

The Abel Heywood Boutique Manchester Hotel

For our two-night stay in Manchester, UK, we opted to stay at The Abel Heywood. The mid-range hotel offers clean and stylish rooms with an optional breakfast at affordable prices. Plus, the location is right in the center of the buzzing NQ district (yet the rooms are quiet). Check if there is availability for your stay in Manchester!

What To Pack For Manchester, UK

Whether you are planning a day trip in Manchester or staying longer, there are a few things you will want to be sure you pack for your trip . Don’t forget your FREE Packing Checklist !

Fun Fact:  The worker bee is the symbol of Manchester for it’s unity and strong work ethic!

Comfortable Travel Shoes

Travelers following our Manchester 1-Day Itinerary will certainly clock some miles. We racked up more than 10 miles on our full day exploring the city! Be sure to wear comfortable shoes for your trip.

We share our top tips on the Best Travel Shoes to help you choose the right pair! 

UK Weather Gear

Manchester, England weather can be finicky. Rain can ruin a trip, but only if you are unprepared. It’s best to pack a light rain jacket and a travel umbrella to ensure you stay dry while sightseeing.

Additionally, in the warm summer months, it is wise to wear sunscreen  or a wide-brimmed travel hat to avoid getting sunburnt.

Travel Camera

Manchester is a historic and colorful city! We recommend using a real camera to capture the sights. We use a DSLR Canon Rebel with an 18-135mm lens on our travels.

The Rebel is easy to use and takes high–quality photos – plus it ranks as one of our top picks for Best Budget Travel Cameras .

UK Travel Insurance

Trips don’t always go as planned – and when things go awry, insurance may help recoup some of the costs incurred. If you haven’t already purchased travel insurance, check the affordable rates and coverage at World Nomads .

Manchester Trip Planner

Of course, don’t forget to pack your travel essentials – like your passport, hotel details and your trip planner ! We stow our most important documents in a zippered travel organizer so that we can easily locate the items we need.

Start planning your trip to the UK ! Search for the lowest airfares , the best accommodations and fun things to do …then start packing !   Want more travel advice? Head over to our Travel Planning Page for more tips – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page !

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Escape to Britain

England, Scotland, & Wales Travel and Culture Blog

North West · November 28, 2022

How to Spend One Day in Manchester Itinerary

Last Updated on November 28, 2022 by Sophie Nadeau

Often thought of as England’s second city (although it’s actually the third largest, after London and Birmingham), Manchester is a beacon in the north, with countless attractions for any type of traveller. And while you can’t see everything in 24 hours, you can certainly try! Here’s how to spend one day in Manchester , as well as some amazing travel tips.

One of the liveliest cities in Europe, Manchester is a welcoming place with a diverse food scene, incredible nightlife, fascinating history and incredibly friendly locals.

About Manchester

With a history spanning back to Roman times (when it was called Mancunium ), the city gradually grew over the centuries, but it boomed during the 19th century, when the cotton industry became one of the most significant in the country. Many buildings that you see in Manchester today, as well as its canals, date back to this time!

Thanks to its fascinating history and buzzing modern culture, there are so many things to do in Manchester, PLUS it’s in proximity to some of the north’s best nature! You could spend weeks in the city and not get bored. At Christmas, Manchester is home to some of the best Christmas Markets in the UK.

One day in Manchester itinerary

But what about if you only have one day in Manchester? 

Perhaps you’re flying into the airport (which is the biggest in the UK outside of London!) before heading somewhere else in the country, or maybe you’re on a larger UK road trip and only have time to spend one day in the city centre. 

Don’t worry – you can certainly fit in Manchester’s highlights in a day, and I’m here to show you how! Here’s a full, action-packed itinerary for one day in Manchester. 

Explore the Northern Quarter

Begin your day in Manchester by exploring the vibrant Northern Quarter. The heart of Mancunian life, this area is a buzzing part of the city with plenty of street art and independent shops. 

Here are some of the best things to do in Manchester’s Northern Quarter: 

Shop at the Manchester Craft and Design Centre , which sells items from more than 30 artists and craftspeople. If you want to purchase a unique souvenir while you’re in the city, this is the place!

Explore Afflecks , which is an arcade consisting of various market stalls, cafes and bars. This is another great place for souvenir shopping – if you want something that will remind you of Manchester, you can purchase a bee pin here. Bees are the symbol of Manchester, and locals sport them with pride! 

Visit the National Football Museum , which is where most of the UK’s best football collections are based and preserved. 

See what you can find at Piccadilly Records , one of the most famous record shops in the city. 

Learn about law enforcement at the Greater Manchester Police Museum , which details the city’s history of crime and punishment through an interesting exhibition. 

While there are plenty of attractions in the Northern Quarter, it’s also a very fun place to just hang out in. Grab a coffee from one of the many cafes (Oklahoma is a popular option, which is also a vintage gift store) and take in the laid-back, arty atmosphere.  

People’s History Museum

Close to the Northern Quarter, you’ll find the People’s History Museum. This is an especially loved museum for Mancunians, as they’re very proud of their people. 

And quite rightly so – the city wouldn’t be where it was today if it wasn’t for the incredible historical people who put Manchester on the map during the Industrial Revolution! You can learn all about this, and about modern Manchester, at the museum. 

Experience Castlefield

While Manchester flourished during the Industrial Revolution, its origins began long before – back in Roman times, to be exact! 

There’s a reconstructed Roman Fort in the heart of Castlefield, where you can learn all about the beginnings of the city. A gorgeous place for a walk, you can also enjoy Victorian houses and the Bridgewater Canal, which was built in the 18th century to transport coal from the mines to the city. 

While Castlefield is incredibly historic, a lot of the area has been refurbished, with cafes and art spaces situated in restored warehouses. 

Lunch option: Albert’s Shed, Castlefield

Albert’s Shed is a gorgeous canalside restaurant with incredible water views. This friendly restaurant had humble beginnings – it quite literally was the shed of someone called Albert – but is nowadays one of the best lunch restaurants in Manchester. You can’t beat these views on a sunny day! 

Visit the North Imperial War Museum

London’s Imperial War Museum is one of the best – and most moving – exhibitions about war in the country. While Manchester’s counterpart is smaller, it’s equally worth visiting. 

Most exhibitions focus on wars that Britain has been involved in, but others provide valuable information and photographs about other conflicts happening all over the world. While some exhibitions may be upsetting, there are plenty of kid-friendly displays too.

Tour the Manchester United stadium

If you’re a football fan, there’s probably one attraction that’s right at the top of your “to visit” list in Manchester – Old Trafford, the Manchester United football stadium! 

Stadium tours are available most days (apart from when there are matches on), and show Manchester fans the players’ tunnel, the trophy room and the pitch itself, with lots of information about the club, stadium and the beautiful game! Your ticket also includes entry to the museum, which you can explore at your own leisure. 

Not a Manchester United fan? It’s also possible to tour the Etihad Stadium, which is the stomping ground of Manchester City. The two teams are staunch rivals, but the grounds are equally impressive!

Walk down the Curry Mile 

One of Manchester’s many charms is its diversity, which is reflected in its incredible food. The Curry Mile is, as the name suggests, a mile-long road lined with curry houses serving mouthwatering South Asian cuisine. There are tonnes of authentic restaurants to eat at here – if you’re a curry fan, you’ll be absolutely spoilt for choice!

One of the best is Mughli. Based on a 1940s “tandoori joint”, this highly-reviewed restaurant is famous for tender tandoori meat that falls off the skewer and succulent authentic Indian bread. There are also plenty of vegetarian options! 

Cocktails at Menagerie 

After a busy day of exploring all of Manchester’s best attractions, head back into the city centre for some well-deserved cocktails! Menagerie has quickly become one of the most popular places for dining and drinking in Manchester – it’s particularly famous for its bottomless brunches. 

But you can (and should!) visit for casual drinks too. There’s a huge cocktail menu, with both classic staples and some bar specialities, such as “Pink Lady” which is made of Tanqueray gin, st germain, rose liqueur and a cucumber spiral. In the evening, there are often performances on Menagerie’s stage! 

Drinks in the Northern Quarter

Although you’ve already seen the Northern Quarter by day, it’s worth heading back in the evening to experience its fantastic bar scene! Here are some of the best bars, loved by locals and tourists alike: 

• The Whiskey Jar: Offering over 400 whiskeys, this is a must-visit for any fans of the spirit. Either try it on the rocks or in a fruity cocktail! It’s set in one of Manchester’s beautiful old textile mills, and often hosts live music or open mic nights. 
• The Castle Hotel: A local favourite, this pub dates back to 1776 and boasts gorgeous historical features throughout. There’s an extensive drinks menu, so you’ll find something for every palate here! 
• NQ64: Possibly the most nostalgic bar in Manchester, this bar, set in a basement and adorned with graffiti, is home to Pacman and Just Dance machines! 

Where to stay in Manchester

If you’re staying in Manchester for the night before heading off to another UK destination, here are some of the best accommodation options!

Selina NQ1 Manchester is situated in the buzzing Northern Quarter, and is a wonderful social hostel. Choose from dorm or private rooms, all decorated in a tasteful trendy style, and enjoy the on-site facilities like a communal area and bar.

Selina is a popular brand for remote workers, as they offer high-speed WiFi and coworking spaces, and the Manchester branch welcomes both backpackers travelling the country and people working on their laptops! Check prices and availability here.

Hotel Brooklyn Manchester is located in the heart of the city and is a fantastic value mid-range place to stay. Rooms are air-conditioned, with comfortable beds, flat screen TV and deluxe bathrooms. Breakfast is offered on-site, so you can fuel up here before heading out to explore the city each morning!  Check prices and availability here.

The Edwardian Manchester is part of the Radisson group of hotels. Set in a gorgeous historic building, the five-star hotel boasts immensely comfortable beds with down pillows, luxurious bathrooms made from marble and sweeping views across the city.

There is a spa and gym on-site, as well as Peter Street Kitchen Restaurant which serves Japanese and Mexican fusion food.  Check prices and availability here.

A final note on spending a day in Manchester

There’s so much to see and enjoy in beautiful Manchester, but you can certainly get a vibe of the city in just one day. Your day in Manchester will be action-packed, but you’ll see a bit of everything – from trendy street art in the Northern Quarter to history at Canalside to the incredible Old Trafford Stadium. It certainly will be a day you won’t forget in a hurry!

Enjoyed reading about how to spend one day in Manchester? Pin this article now, read it again later:

Claire Martin  is a travel blogger and freelance writer who specialises in overland adventures. She’s drove around Australia, travelled from Bali to London without flying, lived in Mexico and has spent many months exploring Europe. You can follow her adventures on her blog,  Claire’s Footsteps . 

About Sophie Nadeau

Sophie Nadeau is a travel, history, and culture writer based in the UK. With a love of all things photography-related, castles, and sweet food, she runs her popular blog, solosophie.com when she's not chasing after a sunset or hiking in the English countryside.

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Day trips to the North of England from Manchester

Manchester is an ideal base for day trips to explore the beautiful countryside, cities, culture and history of northern England.  Enjoy a lake steamer trip and discover Beatrix Potter’s home in the Lake District or head to the waterfront at Liverpool. It’s also just a quick trip to York Minster and the Railway Museum, to Wedgwood in The Potteries or to Chester Zoo.

Many of our day trips from Manchester include guided tours, boat trips and free entry to top attractions.

Have a look at our list of day trips from Manchester:

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How to spend a perfect day in manchester.

One of the great things about Manchester is that it’s so easy to get to from many parts of the UK.

Be it London, Leeds, Birmingham or Cardiff, Manchester is accessible from all these cities in just a few hours by train, which makes it ideal day trip material.

Whether it’s visiting one of the famous football clubs, checking out some theatre, enjoying the iconic music scene, hitting up a museum or heading there to do some serious shopping or bar hopping, a day trip to Manchester is always a good idea!

And here to bring all the deets about how best to spend a day in this city is my ultimate one day itinerary for Manchester.

Packed full of hot spots you can’t miss, including the best places to eat, drink, visit and snap, it’s your one-stop guide to a fantastic day out in this northern gem.

Oh and if you enjoy your time in this city so much that you want to stay, then I highly recommend the CitySuites II Aparthotel located at New Kings Head Yard.

Budget it is not, but fabulous it is – with big spacious studios, lots of natural light, comfortable beds, top-notch facilities and a great gym and swimming pool onsite! Winning!

Related Posts:

• Best 21 Things to Do in Liverpool
• Top 10 Manchester Day Trips
• 9 Best Places to Visit on the Yorkshire Coast

My stay in Manchester was kindly sponsored by CitySuites II Aparthotel but, as always, all views are my own.

This page contains affiliate links meaning Big World Small Pockets may receive a small commission on any purchases at no extra cost to you.

How to Travel to Manchester?

The first thing you need to know when it comes to planning your Manchester day trip is how to get there.

This is especially crucial if you want to travel to the city and back in a day, because ensuring you reserve the correct trains (that will give you enough of an opportunity to explore the city) is key.

As always, I recommend Trainline for the job – making it easy to compare the journey times and prices of all rail services, this is my one-stop shop for bagging the best deals.

Once booked, it’s likely your train will arrive into Manchester Piccadilly, so I’m going to start this one day itinerary from that station.

Don’t forget that if you’re travelling with luggage, you can use the great app LuggageHero to find a place to store your bags securely and cheaply nearby.

Morning in Manchester

After your arrival in Manchester Piccadilly, I suggest heading to the south of the city first to check out the famous university and perhaps enjoy a historic walking tour of it too.

If you’re looking for private and personalised tour in the city this is a great option, otherwise head down to the university yourself either by walking or catching a bus.

On the way, don’t miss the Alan Turing Memorial and the chance to learn about this man’s amazing story, as well as the highly-rated Manchester Museum, which has a huge collection of archaeology, anthropology and natural history items.

Also in the area of the university are the Whitworth Gallery (one of the city’s top art institutions) and the Pankhurst Centre, which are both worth checking out if you have time.

The Pankhurst Centre, at 62 Nelson Street, was actually the former home of Emmeline Pankhurst and her family until 1907, and the first meeting of the suffragette movement took place in the parlour here, so it’s quite the slice of history!

If you’re more into your football, than your history and sightseeing, then I suggest supplementing this morning suggestion with a trip to one of the city’s iconic stadiums instead.

This great small group tour to the Manchester City museum and stadium is extremely well-reviewed… if that’s your team of choice!

Otherwise, this Manchester United museum and stadium tour is your other top-rated option!

Lunch in Manchester

For a cheap lunch bite, you can hit up the famous “curry mile”, which runs along Oxford Road near the university, or else head back towards Manchester Piccadilly station on one of the many buses (you can just hop on and use your contactless card to pay) and then make the short walk to the Ducie Street Warehouse .

This fab lunch spot is housed in an old warehouse with a great bar and restaurant, as well as café and outdoor terrace. The food is great, but the atmosphere and service are even better.

Don’t miss the vegetarian gnocchi, which was delicious and, as it’s pretty reasonable, make sure you leave room for an espresso martini as a dessert!

Afternoon in Manchester

After lunch, it’s time to then hit up the city centre and explore the famous buildings and streets of this area including St Peter’s Square and Albert Square which sit in the Gothic heart of Manchester and play host to some of the city’s largest community events, including the Manchester Christmas Markets.

The Manchester Art Gallery is also here and worth a look in, otherwise the famous John Rylands Research Institute is a must-see.

The latter is based in one of the finest neo-Gothic buildings in Europe and works to promote research in the humanities and sciences using the special collections of the University of Manchester Library.

From here, continue to the Green Quarter, where you can check out the Royal Exchange Theatre on the way and see if there’s anything that takes your fancy for this evening or your next trip.

After this, it’s onto the Manchester Cathedral –  a site which has been home to a religious building as far back as the Domesday survey in 1086.

The cathedral is free to enter and open Monday to Saturday 9.30am – 4.00pm and Sunday 12pm – 4.00pm.

Next, the National Football Museum, in its iconic glass building, is just a stone’s throw from the Cathedral and makes a great complementary activity!

And just around the corner is also the place to do your shopping in Manchester, with some of the best malls and arcades found in this part of the city.

In between all this, don’t miss the historic Old Wellington pub and the amazing story that’s behind its current location!

Evening in Manchester

If the Old Wellington hasn’t wet your whistle, then it’s time to check out The Washhouse .

In fact, even if you have had a pint already, you definitely shouldn’t miss the Washhouse, because this place really is a unique experience.

Find the disguised launderette on Shudehill and then pick up the old-school phone and you’ll soon be directed to the secret entrance where you can then enjoy a range of amazing cocktails full of incredible flavours and served up with a good slice of drama!

I advise booking ahead if you can!

From here, head on round to the Northern Quarter, where there’s a huge plethora of great cafes and bars to choose from.

Before the sun sets, don’t miss the great street art of this area and snapping some of the beautiful buildings – this is definitely one of my favourite parts of the city.

Dinner in Manchester

Round off your day in Manchester at one of my fav places to eat in the city – The Refuge .

Set in a gorgeous restored building with ceramic pillars and an elegant atrium ceiling, the casual but high-quality nature of the food, drinks and service here really sets it apart.

Don’t miss their fabulous cocktails, gin menu or tapas treats either – this is a really unique and brilliant Manchester spot that shouldn’t be missed!

After dinner, it’s sadly the end of your great day trip in Manchester, so take one of the free city buses to head back to Manchester Piccadilly to catch your train home.

And just remember to allow more time for your Manchester trip next time!

Have Longer than a Day in Manchester?

With a second day in Manchester, I highly recommend heading to Salford Quays.

It’s easy to catch a tram or Uber there and to check out the cultural icons of the Lowry and the Imperial War Museum North.

You can also enjoy a lovely river cruise here.

Otherwise, why not consider heading out the city to take in some of the beautiful countryside around?

Here’s my list of the top days trips you can take from Manchester…

• Derbyshire and Peak District Day Trip
• Lake District Sightseeing Day Trip
• North Wales and Snowdonia Day Tour

Oh and if you’re heading to the Peak District and looking for a great hike, then check out this top Mam Tor and Kinder Scout walk .

And after all that, you can get a great night’s sleep at the CitySuites II Aparthotel .

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More Manchester Travel Tips

When to Visit?

Manchester is a great day trip at any time of year, but Christmas (when the city is beautifully lit up) is a special time to visit, as are the summer months of June through August, when the better weather makes wandering the city and enjoying some of the nearby day trips even more magical!

How to Get Around?

Public buses and trams all ply this city and you can pay onboard using your contactless card, which makes things really simple.

There’s also 3 great free bus lines that take you around most of the city centre too – just simply hop on and off them whenever you need. Learn more here .

Finally, you can also walk around Manchester. Although the city is pretty spread out, wandering the streets is a lovely way to stumble across hidden gems and really get a feel for the place and its people.

Manchester Packing Essentials

#1 A Good Camera – I love my Sony A6000 and GoPro , which are both light, compact and great for travel.

#2 Decent Walking Shoes – Be prepared and ensure you have a decent pair of walking shoes. These cross trainers from New Balance are ideal (and totally stylish) for the job.

#3 Light Waterproof Jacket – Whatever the time of year, don’t get caught out and make sure you have a good lightweight and waterproof jacket with you. This North Face one is perfect.

#4 Compact Hiking Day Pack – This super featherweight Kompressor Backpack from Marmot is my go-to, because it folds down to nothing and is water-resistant – ideal for those sudden showers!

#5 Portable Charger – I’d never head off anywhere without my trusty Anker Portable Charger , which keeps my phone and camera batteries full all day, every day.

Travel Insurance for the UK

Alternatively, if you’re a long-term traveller, digital nomad or frequent remote worker seeking travel health cover, check out Safetywing’s Nomad Insurance policies.

Travel Money for the UK

The easy way to spend abroad with real exchange rates, no markups and no sneaky transaction fees, you can use your Wise card just like a debit card here… and it links easily with Google and Apple pay – sold! Grab yours here .

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So there you have it, my guide on how to spend the best day in Manchester.

Irrefutably one of the top UK cities, I hope this post has inspired you to make the trip north and to perhaps allow for longer than a day trip to Manchester too!

Creator of Big World Small Pockets, Stephanie Parker is a travel addict! Originally from Jersey in the Channel Islands, Stephanie adventures the world collecting tips, advice and stories, to share with a smile

2 thoughts on “ How to Spend A Perfect Day in Manchester ”

I really loved your tips on visiting Manchester! I’ve been to the city before, but never knew about the John Rylands Library and the Manchester Museum. Definitely adding those to my itinerary next time I’m in the city. Thanks for the inspiration!

Great to hear!

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How to Spend One Day in Manchester

As the biggest city in the north of England, Manchester is a great destination for cultural sightseeing as well as unforgettable nightlife. Planning a day trip is easy – just jump on the tram and you can visit a host of galleries, bars, museums, restaurants and music venues. Here’s Culture Trip’s guide to the perfect day out.

Grab a greasy-spoon breakfast at the koffee pot.

Start your day at the Koffee Pot on Oldham Street at the tail end of the Northern Quarter. Arrive early to grab a booth or table at this much-loved greasy spoon. If it’s mid-morning, you might have to wait a bit, but the reward is worth it. As one of the city’s oldest cafes, it’s nursed many a hangover with its meat, vegan and veggie fry-ups, sandwiches and bloody marys. The ANCmuffin breakfast burger should set you up nicely for the day ahead with its sausage patty, runny egg and American cheese. There are even a few breakfast cocktails on offer for those craving a hair of the dog.

Pro tip: take a picture of the giant mural on the wall outside. It remembers the 22 victims of the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing and features an illustrated bee for each soul lost.

Browse Manchester Craft and Design Centre

From there, head across the road to the Manchester Craft and Design Centre. Once a fish market, the bright and airy space has been converted into studios for local artists, creatives and makers and is overseen by the Arts Council, Manchester City Council and Elbow frontman Guy Garvey. Studios are occupied by a collection of creatives, but expect to find painters, jewellers, ceramicists and illustrators selling their wares. There’s also an art gallery here, featuring work by regional artists.

Swing by Siop Shop for a coffee and a doughnut

Stay in the Northern Quarter and stroll the short distance over to Tib Street to this independent Welsh coffee bar and bakehouse, which specialises in colourful doughnuts. The venue is a favourite among foodie-loving locals who drop by for a sweet treat or a more substantial brunch.

The coffee features a selection of punchy guest beans including those grown locally, and we recommend the oat-milk flat white. Meanwhile, the doughnuts combine left-field flavours with designs that look too good to eat, so Insta-snap them first. Flavours change daily, with vegan and gluten-free options regularly making an appearance. Look out for the sticky and delicious lemon meringue.

Pro tip: take your time to stroll through the Northern Quarter. New independent stores, pop-ups and street art appear all the time. You never know what you might find.

Enjoy a light lunch in Ancoats

After you’ve finished exploring the Northern Quarter’s maze of back streets and independent shops (Siop coffee in hand), head over to the cobblestoned Ancoats neighbourhood. Look up and you’ll see signs for Loom Street or Cotton Street harking back to the area’s industrial past, all leading off from the restaurant and bar-lined Cutting Room Square. Here you’ll find the Counter House, a relaxed and independent eatery with a menu of comfort food classics and healthy dishes.

Soak up some culture at Home

Take a 10-minute walk up towards Piccadilly Gardens and jump on the tram to Deansgate. Once you’ve reached Deansgate-Castlefield (less than five minutes away), hop off and head towards First Street where you’ll find Home, Manchester’s leading arts, theatre and cinema venue. Independent movies are screened here and inside the gallery space you can enjoy some art and culture.

The walls of the ground-floor gallery of Home – which opened in 2015 after the old Cornerhouse and Library Theatre Company were merged – are movable, making each exhibition look completely different.

In 2019, it housed an extensive collection of paintings and sculptures from visionary film-maker and artist David Lynch, the first time his work had been featured in the UK outside London.

Pro Tip: all-day travel cards are available for Manchester’s Metrolink from just £1.90 – or you can tap in and out with your contactless bank card when travelling.

Go behind the scenes of Manchester Gin with a distillery tour

Staying in the Deansgate area, walk up towards Watson Street. Here, in the looming shadow of the Beetham Tower Hilton, you’ll find Three Little Words, a cocktail bar and restaurant in the lovingly restored red-brick railway arches. Don’t be fooled by the rustic aesthetic – this modern venue offers plenty to keep you entertained. Looking to kick-start your evening? Check out the cocktail menu with carefully mixed creations that are unlike anything else in the city. Want to get more hands-on? The in-house distillery tours gives you a peek behind the scenes to see how the team makes their award-winning Manchester Gin. Tours run from Thursdays to Sundays at various times and last around 45 minutes – which includes a sampling session.

Try some locally made street food at Hatch

With night approaching, start your journey down Oxford Road, home to a large chunk of the city’s bars and pubs. Just past Oxford Road Station you’ll find Hatch, a vibrant and energetic collection of colourful shipping containers that play host to street-food vendors, bars and independent shops. You can shop for souvenirs here while sipping on a locally crafted beer and enjoying a bite from one of the city’s coolest independent vendors. Its constantly changing nature makes it popular with the city’s young adults, and its unusual cuisine options cater for vegetarians and vegans alongside more traditional meat-based choices.

Take in the atmospheric party vibes of Canal Street

Having filled up at Hatch, make your way back towards the Piccadilly area via Canal Street. As the central hub of Manchester’s gay village, this welcoming stretch of town hosts the city’s annual weekend-long Pride celebration – itself a testament to Manchester’s long-standing love and support for its local LGBTQ + community.

Twinkling lights festoon the street, illuminating the many bars, pubs and clubs located down the main area and outdoor seating lining the Rochdale Canal. Combined, they make for a lively spot to while away a warm summer’s evening. If you’re in the mood for dancing, try the G-A-Y. For quiet drinks, the Molly House is warm, intimate and sure to do the trick. Whatever your plans, you’ll find something to suit here.

End the day by escaping to Freight Island

Just a stone’s throw from Canal Street is a new immersive cultural experience located right behind Piccadilly Station. Escape to Freight Island, at Mayfield Depot, styles itself on New York’s Coney Island or Copenhagen’s Tivoli Gardens, with street-food vendors, visual art installations and musical performances from acts both large and small. Wander through the space and you’ll find a 70s-style roller disco, a corridor dedicated to retro gaming and a secret bar that transforms itself into a karaoke paradise after dark. The venue – dubbed Platform 15 – also caters for kids, so this a family-friendly way to end your day in Manchester if the little ones are travelling with you.

Culture Trips launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes places and communities so special.

Our immersive trips , led by Local Insiders, are once-in-a-lifetime experiences and an invitation to travel the world with like-minded explorers. Our Travel Experts are on hand to help you make perfect memories. All our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.?>

All our travel guides are curated by the Culture Trip team working in tandem with local experts. From unique experiences to essential tips on how to make the most of your future travels, we’ve got you covered.

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10 Of The Best Places To Take A Day Trip Near Manchester

Fancy taking a break from the city air and exploring the beautiful North West region? Luckily, Manchester is close to a number of idyllic destinations worth visiting by car or train.

Peel yourself off the sofa, stretch your legs and start the new year by visiting somewhere different with our ultimate guide to day trips near Manchester .

1. Formby Beach

A beautiful National Trust area near to Southport , Formby Beach is both a nature reserve and a highly presentable beach with sand dunes and high sandy hills to explore. Perfect for dog walking or a family day out , the beach spans 13.2km, great for a coastal walk while you take in the salty sea air. Not only can you experience the sand in your toes while you eagerly anticipate your next holiday, but the area also has a Red Squirrel reserve featuring breathtaking views of the Irish Sea, a great opportunity to stretch your legs, even on the coldest of days.

Just outside of Huddersfield and only 30 minutes by train from Manchester Piccadilly , Marsden is a great stop for aspiring or fully-fledged walkers looking for day trips out. The small, old-fashioned village has a handful of pubs and, of course, a chippy , where you can grab a swift pint and fill your tummy with tasty traditional fish and chips . There’s a number of walks you can take up, too, with three reservoirs to uncover and the Marsden Moor circular walk , where can see Pule Hill , the Easter Gate return , Standedge and more.

3. Blackpool

This list wouldn’t be complete without a trip to Blackpool , the North West ‘s most iconic beach town. Featuring the famous Pleasure Beach , the pier and the iconic Blackpool Tower , there’s plenty to explore – and all the better if you’re new up North. To the locals, it might be ‘just Blackpool’, but to the rest of us, it’s the perfect nostalgic day out at the seaside, with plenty to do, a whole lot of rides and a ton of fish and chip shops to try out while you’re there.

4. Chester Zoo

One of the best day trips near Manchester for animal lovers , whether you’re a child or an adult, Chester Zoo is home to approximately 35,000 animals , from birds and big cats to reptiles and amphibians . Just a one hour drive from Manchester, see giraffes , tigers and so much more across 128 acres of zoological gardens , or check out the beautiful botanical gardens for a bit of peace and quiet away from the wildlife. Guests can learn a ton about the animals that live on-site, as well as learn about the zoo’s very own conservation charity.

5. Saddleworth

A short drive away from town, Saddleworth offers beautiful views of the Pennine Hills , with a number of villages and walks to explore. It’s a fairly big place, with Dovestone Reservoir , the moors , Standedge Tunnels , Chew Valley and so much more nearby to visit. Take part in a four-mile walk that showcases points of interests such as Diggle , Brownhill Countryside Centre and the Huddersfield Narrow Canal , or take in the spectacular Pennine countryside with a six-mile walk that stops by Standedge Tunnel. It’s the perfect destination for people who love to get a bit of exercise, as well as discover hidden gems in the country.

6. Ness Botanic Gardens

Situated on the Wirral , Ness Botanic Gardens is just over an hour’s drive from Manchester, providing incredible scenes of beautiful plants and flowers . The gardens were created by a man passionate about plants, with a desire to share his love with others. Guests can explore the stunning gardens and views of North Wales , with a whole lot of land to uncover. Surround yourself with vibrant flowers, learn about the history of the gardens and grab something to eat at the Botanic Kitchen , with outdoor seating for those that want to take in the nature that surrounds.

7. Tatton Park

A historical estate with 50 acres of landscaped gardens and 1000 acres of deer park , Tatton Park has plenty to see and do. Situated in the Cheshire town of Knutsford , it’s not too far from Manchester, just a 40-minute drive away. The never-ending land is home to an 18th-century mansion , as well as a working farm with lambs and other animals, a deer park and a playground. Guests can explore the mansion and the grounds, as well as meet cows , pigs and lambs in the on-site farm or take a stroll around the traditional Japanese Gardens and deer park.

8. Bridgewater Canal, Worsley

Although originating in town, the Bridgewater Canal flows all the way out to Runcorn at one end, and Leigh at the other. Anywhere along this scenic reminder of the industrial revolution would be a great place to stroll and sit, all at your own pace, but it is particularly picturesque once you hit the village of Worsley . Known for the historical mining area of Worsley Delph , and its mock Tudor houses , Worsley is also home to RHS Bridgewater , perfect for a peaceful day meandering through the stuff of horticultural dreams . There’s truly so much to see in such a small village, and with it being just five miles from Manchester, it’s worth the visit.

9. Hebden Bridge

Midway between Manchester and Leeds , Hebden Bridge is the perfect solace for those looking for day trips out with easily accessible quaintness . The Leeds train travelling from Wigan hits local stops on the way, so if you’re anywhere between you can easily get to Hebden Bridge, otherwise getting there from Manchester is simple, and of course you can get there by car. With quaint shops and cafes lining the canal , over which stands the cobbled Hebden Bridge, the town is packed with character , setting the scene for TV programmes such as Happy Valley . The town is also just a stone’s throw away from the Brontës’ childhood home , which is said to have inspired elements of Emily Brontë’s Wuthering Heights house.

10. Haigh Hall & Woodland Park

Hidden away in Aspull , Wigan, just a 45 minute drive from Manchester, Haigh Hall is a 19th Century stately home surrounded by lush woodland , packed full of activities . Although a stroll around the grounds is activity enough, the surroundings are graced with cafes , a golf course , a miniature railway , and an animal park to keep everyone entertained. The woodland area is home to high and low rope adventures , and the expansive estate houses a huge playground , as well as a summer fair complete with bouncy castle slides and a carousel between spring and late summer. As well as being great for day trips out of Manchester, Haigh Woodland Park also hosts parkrun every Saturday at 9am, so if the day out is a success you’re welcome back for more every weekend.

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13 Top-Rated Day Trips from Manchester

Written by Bryan Dearsley Updated May 11, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Author Bryan Dearsley traveled to Northern England in the spring of 2022 to explore cities, including Manchester and the surrounding area.

Thanks to its ideal location in the middle of England and the fact that it's served by a major international airport and is home to plenty of great places to stay, Manchester makes an excellent base from which to explore the surrounding area on fun day trips.

Be sure to include some of the many wonderful small towns and villages within an easy drive or rail trip from the city on your day trip itinerary. If you do, you'll be rewarded with a chance to enjoy stately old manor homes, including a number run by Britain's National Trust, along with some of the country's most beautiful scenery.

Larger destinations that make great getaways or weekend breaks include cities such as Sheffield , Birmingham, and lovely Coventry . All of these great UK travel destinations are within an easy commute and deserve to be included on your Manchester travel itinerary.

Discover more of the best places to visit around what is widely regarded as one of the best cities to visit in England with our list of the top day trips from Manchester.

1. Have a "Fab Four" Time in Liverpool

2. little moreton hall, congleton, 3. salford and the art of l.s. lowry, 4. take a trip to england's lake district, 5. the old market town of altrincham, 6. take a york weekend break, 7. ashton-under-lyne, 8. the bolton and bury loop, 9. stockport's tudor mansions, 10. quarry bank mill, 11. macclesfield, 12. knutsford, 13. head to north wales, map of day trips from manchester.

Highlights : Short train ride to many Beatles attractions including museums and shopping

Just a short train ride west of downtown Manchester is another of Britain's most visited cities: Liverpool. Visitors come from far and wide to visit the birthplace of The Beatles , taking in such iconic landmarks as Penny Lane and Strawberry Fields, as well as the rebuilt Cavern Club, where the Fab Four thrilled audiences in 1961 before hitting the big time.

Other related attractions include the fun Beatles Story in Liverpool's trendy Albert Dock area, with its renovated old warehouses and wharves. Also worth seeing are Paul McCartney's childhood home on Forthlin Road, now a museum with many interesting displays of Beatles' memorabilia, and the famous Beatles Shop . Here, fans can get their shopping fix with the purchase of everything from Fab Four inspired clothing to signed photos and artwork.

For those willing to explore these and other Beatles-inspired locations on foot, look into the Cavern Walks. This excellent walking tour takes in many of the above sites.

Interested in a Beatles-themed weekend break in Liverpool? Consider booking a stay in the fancy and centrally located Hard Days Night Hotel . In addition to naming its elegant suites after band members, the hotel has thoughtfully stocked each room with plenty of unique memorabilia, from photos and artwork to musical instruments.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Liverpool

Highlights : Fun guided tours by costumed characters, year-round events, afternoon tea

Little Moreton Hall is a fun excursion. Located just 35 kilometers south of Manchester in the pretty village of Congleton, this stunning old building is widely regarded as one of the most impressive half-timbered mansions in England.

Built in 1508 for a wealthy landowner and remaining in his family for over 450 years, Little Moreton Hall has been meticulously restored and preserved. It's certainly striking to look at, and consists of multiple stories featuring superb half-timbered construction and a pretty inner courtyard, a moat, and a garden that together paint an excellent picture of rural life in 15th- and 16th-century Cheshire.

Now owned and operated by the National Trust, the property offers a number of interesting interpretive tour options, including one with a court jester, as well as a variety of fun events and programs year-round. A restaurant and tearoom are located on-site, as is a well-stocked gift shop.

If you're visiting on a Sunday, consider attending one of the weekly services in the building's private chapel.

Address: Newcastle Road, Congleton, Cheshire

Highlights : Preserved canals, art museums, historic buildings

Just five kilometers west of downtown Manchester, the university town of Salford, on the River Irwell, boasts many first-rate attractions. These include Ordsall Hall, a 15th-century manor house well known for its magnificent timbered Great Hall. Also of interest is the Bridgewater Canal, one of the best-preserved historic inland waterways in England.

Another must-see is The Lowry , a beautifully designed art center and gallery, as famous for its architecture as it is for its collections. Located on the redeveloped Salford Quays, the Lowry Centre is best known for its large collection of original works by artist L.S. Lowry, famous for his unique matchstick figures set against the backdrop of everyday Salford scenes. In addition to its Lowry collection, the facility also boasts two performing arts theaters.

Address: Pier 8, The Quays, Salford

Highlight : Organized tours to this area of outstanding natural beauty include a boat ride

Located only a 90-minute drive north of Manchester and about the same time via train, England's Lake District is one of the most picturesque corners of this island nation. Fortunately, for visitors to Manchester there's an even easier way to take in the best sightseeing in this area of outstanding natural beauty: join an organized tour of Lake District National Park.

One of the best tours takes visitors to the Lake District from Manchester , with pickup and drop-off in Chorlton Street. In addition to seeing the pretty scenery of this UNESCO World Heritage Site from the comfort of your air-conditioned coach, your trip includes a pleasant cruise on famous Lake Windermere.

The trip also includes a lunch stop at Hawkshead, one of the prettiest of the region's many quaint old villages. Plenty of time is allocated to allow you to walk and enjoy the village's shops and landmarks as you follow in the footsteps of such legendary writers as Beatrix Potter and William Wordsworth.

Highlights : Historic market town with manor house, gardens, and family events

Located about 13 kilometers southwest of Manchester, Altrincham began as a market town in 1290 and makes a pleasant day trip. Attractions include Stamford Park and its numerous historic sites, as well as the town's medieval market square with its restored whipping post, a rather somber reminder of the cruel justice once meted out to thieves and those accused of witchcraft.

A must-see is the lovely Dunham Massey Hall . This spectacular 18th-century National Trust property is worth visiting for its extensively replanted grounds, deer park, and watermill. The property's White Cottage is also well worth a visit. Built around 1500 or so, this timber-framed structure is famous for its beautiful trussed open hall.

A restaurant and a café are also located on-site, and regular fun events are held for kids to enjoy.

Address: Woodhouse Lane, Altrincham

Highlights : Tour York Minster and explore the famous Shambles and UK's longest city walls

Just an hour away from central Manchester by train, the historic city of York is a marvelous choice for a weekend break or overnight getaway. Wherever you stay in this remarkably preserved medieval city, you're never more than a short stroll away from the action.

After getting your fill of stunning York Minster , stroll through the aptly named Shambles . This fascinating network of narrow alleys and winding laneways dates all the way back to the 14th century, where they began life as the homes and shops of meat vendors.

After exploring the shops and galleries that now fill these timber-framed buildings with their overhanging upper floors, find one to dine in. There are plenty to choose from, covering everything from casual fare to fancy teas and fine dining (reservations are recommended).

Day two, for the adventurous, should involve walking along the magnificent medieval city walls, the largest of their kind to have survived the centuries. It's a three-mile hike, most of it above ground and offering incredible views over the city's landmarks. It's an adventure that can take a few hours; and longer still if you stop and enjoy the vistas, particularly stunning as the sun sets, and take time to explore the even older Roman ruins.

The key is finding somewhere to stay close to York's top things to do . A favorite is the highly rated Grays Court Hotel , which features charmingly decorated rooms just steps away from York Minster (ask for a room with a view of this beautiful building). The elegant Principal York is also worth considering, and is located near the train station and the York National Railway Museum .

Highlights : Attractive small town with historic church and military museum, close to Manchester

Ashton-Under-Lyne lies on the Tame River just nine kilometers east of Manchester, and is home to one of the Midland's oldest churches, St. Michael and All Angels. Completed in 1262, this fine old church is in fact one of the best preserved of the 116 medieval churches in the area.

Another attraction worth exploring is the Museum of the Manchester Regiment . Located in the majestic old Ashton Town Hall, this fascinating museum illustrates the history of the Manchester Regiment, as well as the local community from the 18th century. Be sure to check out the excellent exhibition about the history of military medals.

Highlights : Scenic drive with pretty countryside through historic towns

A fun excursion if you're traveling by car, the Bolton and Bury loop takes you through some of the prettiest countryside north of Manchester. Bolton should be your first stop, where you'll enjoy wandering the nearly 800-year-old town center. Notable landmarks include Bolton Parish Church, completed in 1871, and the Town Hall, opened in 1873.

Another great tourist attraction is Hall i'th' Wood, a typical medieval merchant's house containing both Stuart and Georgian furniture. Also worth a visit is Smithills Hall. Set above Ravenden Brook on the lower slopes of Smithills Moor, this 15th-century structure features a nature trail and garden center.

Next stop is Bury , a short drive east of Bolton, where you'll find a vibrant arts scene, including a museum, art gallery, and library all under one roof. Also of interest is the Bury Market , located on the same site for the past 600 years and attracting visitors from miles around.

Highlights : Historic town with old homes and famous viaduct, plus pretty villages

An easy 30-minute drive southeast of Manchester or just 10 minutes by high-speed train, Stockport and its surrounds have much to offer for a day trip or extended weekend break.

Stockport is perhaps best known for its famous viaduct, built in 1840 and made famous by local artist L.S. Lowry. The town also contains a great many fine old mansions, the most interesting being beautiful Underbank Hall .

With its oldest sections built in the 14th century, this fine Tudor building makes a perfect photo stop, as does the majestic Stockport Town Hall, with its tall wedding-cake-like cupola. The town hall also serves as home base of the Stockport Symphony Orchestra, which regularly offer first-rate classical concerts.

A short drive south of Stockport is the village of Disley , home to splendid Lyme Park , one of the biggest Tudor houses in Cheshire. Highlights include a chance to view the building's detailed decorative work and fine quality furnishings, along with its magnificent country park setting and splendid views.

Another landmark home in the area is Bramall Hall , one of Cheshire's most important black-and-white, timber-framed houses (1590).

Highlights : Pretty village with historic working textile mill, pleasant gardens, and walking trails

About 20 kilometers due south of Manchester and easily accessible by road and rail, the tiny village of Styal , near Wilmslow, is home to Quarry Bank Mill , Europe's largest working textile museum. Here, in the Apprentice House, you'll see sobering displays relating to the often-difficult lives of the many children forced to work in the cotton industry.

As you make your way through the factory, costumed interpreters explain the history of cotton production from bale to bolt, offering a fascinating insight into one of the industries that helped establish the British Empire. Afterward, visit the stunning gardens and stroll to the picturesque village of Styal and through the ancient woods along the River Bollin.

Address: Styal Rd, Styal, Wilmslow, Cheshire

Highlights : Silk museum, huge telescope with planetarium, public parks with trails

Macclesfield, on the Bollin River 27 kilometers south of Manchester, was once one of England's major centers of silk manufacturing. Today, you can learn about the former importance of this industry in the Macclesfield Silk Museum highlighting its history.

Another attraction of this once-important industrial hub is the world-famous Lovell Telescope , a giant dish 76 meters in diameter. Built in 1957 and once the world's largest steerable radio telescope, it's part of the Jodrell Bank Science Centre and the Nuffield Radio Astronomy Laboratories, the site includes fascinating interactive displays on astronomy, space, energy, and satellites, along with planetarium shows and an arboretum.

Also worth a visit is Hare Hill , a nearby National Trust property that includes a lovely walled garden, as well as extensive parkland. A little closer to Manchester but on the main Macclesfield road is Alderley Edge , a steep red sandstone escarpment enjoyed by day trippers attracted by the rolling fields and surrounding woodland.

Highlights : Great restaurants and a popular manor house with working farm and deer park

Picturesque Knutsford, about 21 kilometers southwest of Manchester, is noted as a popular dining destination thanks to its many splendid restaurants. It's also famous for being the setting of author Elizabeth Gaskell's best-selling Cranford novel.

A must-see is nearby Tatton Park , one of Northern England's most popular historic attractions. Highlights include a 1930s working farm, a medieval old hall, a magnificent mansion, and a deer park set amid 1,000 acres of parkland and lakes.

Also, be sure to visit Uppermill, the largest village in Saddleworth, with its museum, craft shops, and tearooms. Home to the Rushcart Festival each August, it's a great place to catch a glimpse of England's famed Morris Dancers.

Highlights : Visit small towns and historic sites on an organized day trip

A visit to the popular tourist region of North Wales is certainly time well spent, and can easily be accomplished from Manchester if you hook up with a professional tour operator.

One of the best options is to join a full-day North Wales sightseeing adventure from Manchester. With handy pick-up and drop-off at Manchester Airport, you'll be whisked away by coach, first to the lovely seaside town of Llandudno , a Victorian-era resort destination with one of the best-preserved promenades and piers in the UK.

Other highlights of your day-long excursion include Conwy Castle, the famous Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, and the romantic small town of Betws-y-Coed. You'll also pass through parts of stunning Snowdonia , too. It's one of the most scenic corners of the country so have your camera at the ready.

Read More: Best Small Towns in Wales

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

Top Attractions in England : Thanks to the country's brilliant rail network, it's easy to get to England's top attractions . Popular destinations within easy striking distance of Manchester include Chester , famous for its world-class zoo (Chester Zoo); Warwick , home to the remarkably well-preserved Warwick Castle; and Birmingham , popular for its museums and art galleries.

UK's Best Beaches : Many visitors are pleasantly surprised by the quality and number of great beaches in England . One of the top-rated beach experiences can be enjoyed in the seaside resort town of Brighton in Sussex , famous for its promenade and pier, and Rhossili Bay Beach on the spectacular Gower Peninsula, near Swansea in Wales . Also worth a visit is beautiful St. Brélade's Bay Beach on Jersey in the Channel Islands .

More on England

Day Trip to Manchester: Tips for the Perfect Visit

Here’s all you need to know for the perfect day trip to Manchester!

If I’d told you I’ve been to the UK, eight times I’d really be lying. Not technically of course (I’d never lie to you!), but of those eight times I’ve been to London seven times (before moving here, mind you).

When I was able to call London home, I decided I needed to see more of the country! My first day trip from London took me to Manchester, a surprisingly small city known for it’s fun pubs and friendly atmosphere. At only a 2-hr train ride, it was the perfect spot to explore in a day!

For More UK Inspiration

• Ultimate UK Bucket List
• Cambridge Day Trip
• South England Road Itinerary

How to Do a Day Trip to Manchester

Tours in manchester.

If you’d prefer to have a more guided experience, here are some tours you can do in Manchester when you get there!

Private Tour with a Local

B ook a tour with a local , who will listen to where you want to go and will show you the best places in Manchester. Check here for rates & availability

Ship Canal Cruise

For sixty minutes, you can cruise along River Irwell to see all the major sights from the water. Check here for rates & availability

Food Tour with a Local

Get to know Manchester through food! There are 8 tastings on this tour and you’ll get a whole food history of the city from a local. Check here for rates & availability

What to See in Manchester

John rylands library.

Now, let me start off by saying: I’m a proper book nerd. I can’t remember the last time I bought clothes, but I buy books on a weekly basis. So when I was recommended to go to the library, it was one of my first stops of the day.

It’s free, and it’s grand hall reminded me so much of visiting Trinity Library in Dublin. So if you love being in grand libraries surrounded by old binded books: this is your go to, girl. (Also: I went mad buying goodies in the library shop, it’s amazing!)

Even if you can’t visit much in the Manchester Town Hall, it’s still fun to sneak in and get a feel for the great neogothic architecture. I love a great Victorian building and in the UK you’re really spoiled for choice!

City Centre

It’s always nice to take a little stroll trough a city’s centre, isn’t it? Like I said above Manchester has a lot of Victorian building I enjoyed seeing, even if it isn’t the prettiest of cities. It’s also super tiny, you’re never really more than 30 minutes walk away from anything.

Did you know Manchester has the second largest Chinese community in the UK? Yep, right after London. Don’t forget to miss the great gate that marks the centre of Chinatown, and have some lunch at one of the many Chinese restaurants!

Like I said I’m not the biggest shopping animal in the world, but every now and then a girl goes wild, am I right? Arndale shopping mall is where to go to find all your favourite brands.

Northern Quarter

The Shoreditch of Manchester, the hipster area, the liveliest place of the city. This is where all the coolest bars and restaurants are located, and where you’ll find the in crowd of Manchester on the weekends. My recommendations are below!

I didn’t personally have time to visit a museum, but there’s a few that sound like they’d be worth the visit such as the Police Museum, IWM North, Manchester Art Gallery, Manchester Museum and People’s History Museum Manchester.

Where to Eat in Manchester

For some lovely Malaysian food I’d recommend Ning, a classy restaurant just on Oldham Street. I had a lovely Pad Thai (not very Malaysian, I know, but hey…. sometimes you have your cravings!) which was also quite affordable.

Home Sweet Home

This place in the Northern Quarter was my absolute favourite. Not only are their hot chocolates deadly for your diet (those are the best kind), they also serve amazing food. It’s definitely naughty, but sometimes you have to treat yourself, right :)?

Where to Stay in Manchester

While you can go back and forth to London in a day, I do think staying over would be a nicer pace. If you do, this is where I recommend staying.

Without a doubt one of the classiest hotels I’ve ever stayed at, super close to the train station as well. Imagine rooms with Chester chairs, and beds so soft you’ll have a hard time getting up in the morning. I honestly could’ve lived there! Check recent prices here

What are your best tips for a day trip to Manchester?

General travel tips.

• For accommodation, I always check Airbnb or  Booking.com  for the best prices.
• If your insurance at home doesn’t cover travel, you may want to look into  SafetyWing for an affordable option.
• I always recommend checking  Get Your Guide  for the best tours in Europe and Tiqets for specific attraction deals.

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Thank you for your amazing advice, I ate at Home sweet home, It was amazing. Although I missed the hot chockolate, one more reason to come back to Manchester :)

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Manchester Sightseeing Tours and Day Trips

Are you looking for things to do in manchester.

Welcome to Manchester! Wondering what to do in Manchester? Manchester Sightseeing Tours offer a great choice of activities and ideas for groups and individuals including: walking tours of Manchester, Manchester bus tours and river cruises.

If you or your group are in the city for a few days then explore the North with our great range group day trips from Manchester by train or minibus to Liverpool, Chester, York, Wales, Lake District and the Peak District.

Welcome to Manchester Sightseeing

Manchester is a vibrant city with so much to see and do. There is a rich social and cultural history for you to explore and the sightseeing activities we offer are a perfect way to get to to know this fantastic city.  Join one of our group walking tours, hop on the sightseeing bus or see the city by boat on a River Cruise. If you’re a football fan, the Manchester United and Manchester City Stadium tours are not to be missed.

Day trips from Manchester

With our day trips by train or coach, you can discover some of Northern England’s best known and most popular tourist destinations, including trips to the vibrant cities of Liverpool, Chester, and York; the awe-inspiring Lake District, and the spectacular Chatsworth House; the classic seaside resort of Blackpool, the iconic World of Wedgwood and the fun-filled Alton Towers, our Day Trips have all of the top destinations across the region covered.

Brought to you by  Greatdays Travel Group

Manchester Sightseeing Ideas

Day Trips by Bus and Coach

Manchester Football Tours

Group Activities in Manchester

Manchester Walking Tours

FREE Si Manchester Walking Tour (2 hours) – Departs: Daily 10:30am and Sat+Sun at 2pm

On the Discover Manchester walking tour, you will hear the story of Manchester from its origins right up to the present day.

Best FREE Manchester Walking Tour (3 hours) – Departs: Daily at 11am

Manchester Music Walking Tour (2 hours) – Departs: Every Saturday 1pm only £15

A tuneful swoop through the popular music scene of the greatest music city on the planet. Along with football, music is Manchester’s great obsession. This walking tour is […]

Sightseeing Manchester Bus Tour (1.5 hours) – Departs: Daily

Explore the top attractions with a 90 minute Sightseeing Manchester bus tour. Known throughout the world as the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution, Manchester has a proud history […]

Private Hire – Manchester Bus Tour for Groups

Enjoy a 90 minute private group tour of Manchester with LIVE tour guide with microphone (this is not a recorded commentary) Our private hire buses are closed top […]

Manchester River Cruise (1 hour)

Enjoy a relaxing boat trip floating down the River Irwell and the historic Ship Canal between Manchester city centre and the former Manchester Docks, now known as Salford Quays.

Salford Quays River Cruise (1 hour)

Enjoy a relaxing 60 minute boat trip, while listening to the onboard commentary as you cruise the historic Ship Canal and River Irwell from the former Manchester Docks, now known as Salford Quays, to Manchester City Centre and return. There are refreshments available to purchase onboard.

Manchester United Museum and Stadium Tour

Visit Manchester United for a day out with a difference! The Museum & Stadium Tour at Old Trafford takes you behind the scenes at the ‘Theatre of Dreams’ for a great day out. 

Manchester City Stadium and Club Tour

The new Manchester City Stadium Tour is the most immersive tour experience in Premier League football. Using the latest technology, dreams come true as you and your loved ones sit and interact with Pep Guardiola in the press room.

Manchester Gin Tours and Tastings

Under Manchester’s historic railway arches, discover the finest gins Manchester Gin has to offer from their impressive in-house distillery.

National Football Museum in Manchester

Experience the world’s greatest sport at the National Football Museum. Whether you’re a football fanatic, planning a visit with your family or on a weekend break to the great city of Manchester, why not visit The National Football Museum!

Private Manchester Walking Tours (1-25 persons)

Discover the history of Manchester on your own private walking tour. An official guide will show you around Manchester city centre on these private walking tours, talking you […]

Manchester Street Art Private Walking Tour (1-20 persons – 2 hours)

The best way to understand a city is through its street art. The murals painted on the sides of the Northern Quarter’s many protected buildings tell the story […]

Robinsons Manchester Brewery Tours – Departs: Thu + Fri + Sat

Uncover the secrets of the brewing process and sample the Robinsons Brewery award-winning ales on these Manchester brewery tours Robinsons have a worldwide reputation for real ale, learn […]

Day Trips from Manchester

Steam Train and Bury Market – Day Trip from Manchester – Departs: Daily

Step back in time with a day out on the steam railway, a preserved heritage railway line in East Lancashire.

Lake District Adventure Tour – Day Trip from Manchester – Departs: Mon + Wed + Fri + Sun

Visit the Lake District, Cumbria with Busy Bus on their award-winning Lake District Adventure day trip.

Lake District Explorer and Windermere – Full Day Tour – Departs: Everyday

Take a relaxing journey through the invigorating landscapes of the Lake District. Join this tour, enjoy the scenery, and let nature help you unwind, leave manic Manchester behind […]

Lake District Experience Tour – Day Trip from Manchester – Departs: Tues + Wed + Fri +Sat

Join a Lake District minibus tour with the award-winning Lake District specialists Mountain Goat – including lake cruise! Departing from central Manchester three times a week, Mountain Goat’s […]

North Wales Adventure Tour – Day Trip from Manchester – Departs: Tue + Thu + Sat

Visit North Wales with Busy Bus on their award-winning North Wales Adventure day trip.

North Wales Explorer, Snowdonia and Chester – Full Day Tour from Manchester – Departs: Fri + Sat + Sun

A perfect day tour for anyone who enjoys a mixture of castles, beautiful landscapes, and curious towns. You leave Manchester and head straight for the border of Wales. […]

North Wales Experience Tour – Day Trip from Manchester – Departs: Tues + Wed + Fri + Sat

Daily departures from central Manchester, Mountain Goat’s North Wales tour will get you to Wales in less than 2 hours. Fully escorted and with live commentary.

Yorkshire Adventure Tour – Day Trip from Manchester – Departs: Sat

Visit Yorkshire with Busy Bus on their award-winning Yorkshire Adventure day trip.

Yorkshire Experience Tour – Day Trip from Manchester – Departs: 2022

Following scenic routes through this beautiful national park on the Yorkshire Dales minibus tour.

Derbyshire and The Peak District Explorer – Full Day Tour – Departs: Tues + Thurs + Sat

Join this tour and experience England in miniature. There are rolling hills so green that you wonder whether there’s something unusual in the soil, there are rural towns […]

Greatdays Travel Group and Manchester Sightseeing

Manchester Sightseeing Tours and Day Trips is part of the Greatdays Travel Group, a leading ABTA- ATOL group tour operator based in Altrincham, near Manchester. The company was established in 1985 and operates an exciting and varied programme of customised group tours and holidays to destinations in the UK, central Europe, Disneyland Paris and worldwide locations. Other Greatdays departments include DMC Manchester, Conference Services, Incentive Group Travel, UK Incoming Services, Manchester Football Group Tours and Student Group Travel.

For more information:  www.greatdays.co.uk  

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10 of the best day trips from Manchester, UK

Although Manchester has timeless appeal and myriad attractions that make for happy city dwelling, locals and visitors alike can take advantage of its position within easy reach of many destinations worthy of a day trip.

Evolving from its industrial past, Manchester has taken up a proud place in more recent years as a city of innovation, with culinary, musical and cultural scenes that are thriving. What’s more, just a little way out of the city, there’s even more variety to explore. To the west are stretches of seaside, while heading north or east takes you to some of the largest national parks in the UK. From nearby cities to quaint villages and market towns, we round up some of the best places to get to in under 90 minutes for a day trip from Manchester.

Tudor-style half-timber buildings line the streets of Chester, originally founded as a Roman fortress. Reachable in roughly an hour by car or train from Manchester, the city is still known for its extensive Roman sandstone walls that envelop the town. Chester Cathedral, the Eastgate Clock and the Roman amphitheatre are among the city’s most popular spots for visitors, but there are also plenty of restaurants, cosy pubs and boutiques occupying the medieval buildings, while the River Dee can make for a scenic stroll. Head to Lower Bridge Street near Old Dee Bridge for a selection of old Tudor-style and Victorian-heritage pubs.

2.   Port Sunlight

Driving west for just over an hour to Merseyside will bring you to the historic village of Port Sunlight. Here, 900 Grade II-listed buildings line wide boulevards with landscaped parks and woodland dotted in between. The village was the project of entrepreneur and industrialist William Hesketh Lever, whose aim was to provide housing for soap-factory workers. A walk around the village, with visits to the Port Sunlight Museum and Lady Lever Art Gallery, reveals a space bristling with history and creativity — every building has its own unique design. Walking tours are available to book from the Port Sunlight Village Trust’s website, and there are tea rooms and cosy pubs where you can fuel up along your route.

3. Congleton

Head south on the train to the edge of the Peak District and you’ll reach the pretty village of Congleton in about 40 minutes. Here, Little Moreton Hall is worth a visit — the beautiful old building is one of the most notable half-timbered mansions in England. Having been restored and preserved since being built in 1508, it’s now run by the National Trust. The hall hosts a selection of events throughout the year, and has a restaurant and tearoom. Elsewhere in Congleton, the Macclesfield Canal runs through the town, where you can embark upon peaceful walks surrounded by countryside.

4. Peak District

To the southeast of the city is yet another national park filled with dramatic landscapes. Reachable in roughly an hour by car, the Peak District has numerous moorland plateaus and valleys to hike through, as well as caves, rivers and other wildly beautiful spots. A more gentle walk through Padley Gorge encompasses ancient woodland, shallow streams and large flat rocks, while The Roaches, a gritstone ridge, provides a more challenging route with the reward of exceptional panoramic views. The thermal-spa town of Buxton is a great point to stop for food or rest ahead of the trip back to Manchester.

5. Delamere Forest

Roughly an hour’s drive southwest from Manchester, Delamere Forest in Cheshire is a scenic 2,400-acre plot of woodland laced with deciduous and evergreen trees. There are Segway tours for those wanting to explore the breadth of the forest, but the landscapes here are stunning and there are plenty of hiking, cycling and horse-riding trails running throughout if you wish to see the forest at a gentler pace. Above the serene strolls, a Go Ape tree-top adventure playground is spread over the estate, where you can climb over platforms and swing from ropes up high.

6. Hebden Bridge

A breather from the hustle and bustle of city life, Hebden Bridge is a leafy market town in West Yorkshire’s Upper Calder Valley that’s roughly a 30-minute train journey from Manchester Victoria. There’s a string of small towns to check out in the area, all with plenty of independent shops to browse and restaurants to dive into, with Hebden Bridge at the epicentre. Its popularity has recently resulted in a younger demographic setting down roots — coffee shops, craft stalls and pubs now dot the town, while regular antique markets draw crowds from further afield.

7. The Pennines

The Pennines runs as an almost continuous line of mountain ranges and hills, separating North West and North East England. Getting the train from Manchester Victoria to Greenfield (20 minutes) lands you in a great spot to explore the area, on the western end of the Chew Valley, surrounded by hills and lush grassland. Excellent walks along the Pennine Bridleway trail — alongside cosy pubs in which to fuel up, such as The Old Bell Inn with its record-breaking collection of more than 1,000 gins — start from Uppermill, Delph, Denshaw and Dobcross.

8. Lake District

Rugged mountains, glacial ribbon lakes and manicured fields dominate this national park region in Cumbria. Hit the traffic right and you can reach the Lake District in under 90 minutes by car from Manchester city centre. Lake Windermere is one of the most southerly and easiest points to access for a day trip — it’s also one of the largest of the lakes and has 18 islands. Pack walking boots and hike around the terrain or opt for a watersport activity, such as paddleboarding. The nearby market town of Kendal is a great spot for refreshment or browsing local art galleries.

9. Southport

This seaside town on the fringes of the Irish Sea makes for a wonderful coastal escape that’s about an hour and 20 minutes by car or train from Manchester. It has 22 miles of coastline lined with beaches and footpaths, and the town is dotted with boulevards, Victorian buildings and scenic gardens. The pier draws the crowds for its classic seaside style, complete with a buzzy arcade and takeaway shops touting fish and chips. For a more active coastal trip, the Trans Pennine Trail is a great walking and cycling route connecting Southport and Hornsea in East Yorkshire.

10.   Liverpool

Another of the most visited cities in the UK, Liverpool is reachable in 40 minutes by train from Manchester. Famously, it’s the birthplace of The Beatles, and as such, there are many landmarks, tours, attractions and memorabilia around the city to explore. Penny Lane and Strawberry Fields are some of the top hits for day trips, as are some of the warehouses and wharves around the Royal Albert Dock area, including the Tate Liverpool museum and art gallery. There’s been an influx of bars and restaurants opening in the city, too — Bold Street or Mathew Street provide plenty of options.

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The Perfect Weekend in Manchester Itinerary

Last Updated on February 22, 2024

by Adrian Fisk

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see our privacy policy.

Though it’s not typically the first destination in England to spring to mind for a city break, planning a weekend in Manchester itinerary is never a bad idea if you’d like to explore this northern metropolis.

Manchester typifies the changes that many of the larger northern English cities have undergone in recent decades. Economies heavily reliant on forms of industrial practice have seen those practices necessarily replaced, revitalising and breathing new life into what was once abandoned.

Modern Manchester leaves behind clues to its strong industrial heritage but has blended these together with culture, sport and a vibrant food and drink scene. Whether you only have a day to devote to the city or are planning to spend two or more, there is no denying that the city has a lot to offer visitors.

Table of Contents

How Many Days in Manchester?

Before jumping in to planning your trip to this Northern English city, you may be wondering how many days to spend in Manchester.

As a thriving metropolis, it can be tough to put a definitive number on this when considering just multi-faceted this city is, but plan to spend at least 2 days in Manchester if you’re keen to see all of the top sites and really get a feel for the city.

If you have a bit more time to play around with, then spending 3 days in Manchester is not a bad idea. There are lots of great things to do in the city that can easily occupy 3 full days. Alternatively, you could use an extra day to go on a day trip to visit somewhere in the surrounding area.

When to Visit Manchester

“It always rains in Manchester,” so they say, and although there may be some substance to the phrase, in reality, the weather should not put huge limitations on your visit. The city and Northwest, in general, is warmest in mid- to late- summer with the average high temperature in degrees Celsius of around the low 20s (low 70s Fahrenheit).

These months coincide with the school summer holidays so expect museums and attractions to be at their busiest. Yes, it is wet often, with just over 40% of days seeing some kind of rainfall and average temperatures in winter falling to about 4-5°C (39-41°F).

The English football season runs from August through to May, which could well mean accommodation becoming more scarce on match days when either of the two Manchester teams, United and City, are playing a home fixture.

Festivals are staged throughout the year, with summer hosting the most and biggest events such as the Parklife Festival, Manchester’s biggest music festival and Sounds of the City, which draws some big-name bands and artists.

Christmas Markets, an idea taken from continental Europe, are becoming an increasingly popular feature in English towns and cities. Manchester’s version starts in early November with over 300 stalls selling food, drink and gifts.

Manchester’s Chinatown is the third-largest in Europe, so it’ll come as no surprise that Lunar New Year is a big deal, with celebrations taking place over a period of days throughout.

Getting To & Around Manchester

Manchester is a major transport hub in the North West, therefore getting to the city from both within the UK and further afield should not be a significant issue.

The airport is the largest outside of London and caters for a lengthy list of international destinations. It has its own stop on the Metrolink tram service and a train station with services that run to the city centre every 10 minutes, 7 days a week.

In addition, there is the option to travel on the 24-hour bus. With most of these methods, it should take around the 30-minute mark to get between the airport and the city centre. Additionally, Liverpool’s John Lennon Airport is about an hour’s drive from Manchester.

The city has three main train stations- Manchester Piccadilly, Oxford Road and Victoria. These provide regional and national train links. Click here to see train timetables for your journey .

The three are connected by a free bus service.  Yes, you can travel between the three for free, which is a slogan Network Rail or the Manchester Tourist Board can have if they happen to be reading this.

Several motorways connect to the M60 which acts as the Manchester ring road. National Express and Megabus operate from Chorlton Street coach station and provide national coverage. Click here to see bus timetables for your journey .

The Metrolink tram system should make getting around Manchester relatively easy, especially in conjunction with public buses that cover the Greater Manchester Area. The free bus mentioned earlier that connects the main train stations can also be ‘hopped on’ and ‘hopped off’ at the main shopping and business areas.

A pass is available in the form of a System One Travelcard for durations lasting 1, 7 and 28 days or a year. This allows unlimited travel on the tram, train or bus, or a combination of the 3, depending on which is purchased.      

Manchester — and the city centre, in particular — is pedestrian-friendly, with local ‘City Hosts’ on hand to assist visitors with queries regarding most things tourist and it also considers itself cycle friendly, with routes and lanes that criss-cross the central areas and lead out to its environs.

Travellers spending a weekend in Manchester should find plenty of choice when it comes to hiring a car with Rentalcars.com aggregating choices from the major providers.

The city centre advertises itself as having thousands of parking spaces with some parking firms offering a pre-booking service allowing reservations in advance. If coming from London, there are also a number of great stops to consider along the way.

2-Day Manchester Itinerary

If you seek to discover more about the place’s history and heritage, sporting significance- in essence, what Manchester has given to the world, then use the following as ideas and aides to populate your trip.

Day 1 – Museums & the Northern Quarter

History meets the newer, trendier side on day 1 of your 2 days in Manchester. If football’s not your thing or time is tight, then ditch the National Football Museum, perhaps for one of the suggestions in the ‘Have More Time?’ section, or spend longer exploring the Northern Quarter.

If the weather’s good in summer, a late afternoon and evening in Castlefield would round off the day well.

Science and Industry Museum

For those wanting to discover more about the city’s strong ties to the dawn of the Industrial Revolution during their weekend in Manchester, the Science and Industry Museum is a good place to start. Located in the heart of the city, the museum tells the story of the growth of industry and the development of technology with a Manchester-based narrative.

It’s always more rewarding to see and experience ‘the real thing’ as opposed to photos, drawings or models, and here that is provided in the form of the world’s oldest surviving passenger railway station with its accompanying collection of steam engines.

This is particularly poignant considering the Liverpool and Manchester Railway (L&MR) was the first inter-city railway in the world. The museum has age wide appeal with interactive stands and demonstrations. It is free to enter and enjoy.

Those who aren’t particularly interested in this museum may find John Rylands Library worthwhile instead. Otherwise, there is also the nearby Manchester Art Gallery.

Turing Statue

Now for a quick stop in Sackville Park to admire the statue dedicated to famed codebreaker and mathematician Alan Turing. Turing’s work at Bletchley Park enabled the cracking of the German Naval Enigma code, which many believe helped shorten World War II by years, saving countless lives.

He later took his own life by (allegedly) eating a poisoned apple — the bitten fruit becoming the logo of Apple Inc. and a tribute to the man recognised as the father of the computer age. Turing’s link to Manchester is due to the fact that during the early post-war years, he taught at the city’s university.

The Northern Quarter

The decline of much of the heavy industry and manufacturing that was the mainstay of Manchester’s economy left parts of the city derelict and thousands unemployed, a story repeated across the cities of the North during the late 20 th Century.

Many of these areas have been subject to urban regeneration projects that have attracted new businesses and crowds.

The Northern Quarter of Manchester is one such example. Among the red brick buildings and street art one will find an eclectic, alternative mix of trendy independent retail outlets and a diverse range of cafés, bars and restaurants.

National Football Museum

The North West is proud of its footballing heritage as well as its industrial one, which makes it an ideal location for the National Football Museum . It’s not just for football supporters and lovers of the game (although I expect falling into one those categories probably helps), as the social and cultural impacts of the sport are also considered and explored.

There’s plenty of memorabilia to cast your eye over, notably the Jules Rimet World Cup Trophy won by England in 1966.

The Manchester Cathedral is located only a short distance from the museum, as well, for those with no interest in football or if this is something you’d also like to visit.

Day 2 – Stockport & Salford Quays

The second part of your 48 hours in Manchester concerns a look at the city during World War II in the form of the Stockport Air Raid Shelters, plus time at the renowned Salford Quays for more war, alongside art, shopping and eating. There’s about an hour’s travel time between them, hence the second day only comprising of the two suggestions.

If you don’t fancy travelling to Stockport or the shelters aren’t your thing, then consider the Gin Experience at The City of Manchester Distillery in the north of the city, to sample something a little different.

Stockport Air Raid Shelters

Ever wondered what it must have been like in a World War II air raid shelter? No? Oh, alright then, but if you change your mind and happen to be in the Stockport side of Manchester, then the Stockport Air Raid shelters could well be up your street – both literally and metaphorically.

This award-winning museum consists of a mile-long series of underground tunnels that have been recreated to give the look and feel of life in them during the 1940s.

Displays recount the personal stories of some of the several thousand locals who at one time or another, would have spent periods sheltering from German attacks beneath the city. There is a small entry fee for adults, with children under 16 free when accompanied by a paying adult.

Salford Quays

Around a 15-minute tram journey from the city centre is one of Manchester’s, and indeed the North West’s, major entertainment centres, Salford Quays.

The Quays are found towards the end of the famed Manchester Ship Canal, and in the summer it’s even possible to take the ferry all the way to Liverpool , though the journey does take some 5 hours.

Within Salford Quays itself, it’s possible to visit the Imperial War Museum North, which has thousands of objects on display including a historically significant First World War field gun and even some remnant of what was once the World Trade Center.

If art is more your thing, then perhaps spend your time in the award-winning building that is the Lowry Art Complex. These attractions are within walking distance and supplemented with a range of dining and shopping facilities.

Have More Time?

If the weekend in Manchester just simply isn’t long enough and you’re thinking of extending your stay to 3 days in Manchester or more, then the following may appeal:

The People’s History Museum could be well worth considering for those with an interest in the history of democracy, particularly from a British angle.  Families need not necessarily be put off by the subject matter as the museum has won an award for being child and family-friendly.

If the weather’s good, or at least abates, then 20 minutes from Salford Quays by public transport and about 5 from the Science and Industry Museum on foot, lies Castlefield. It’s not a castle as such, nor a field, but a real mix of old and new- old in the form of a Roman fort and some mills, alongside new outdoor, canal side bars and restaurants.

A relatively recent addition to the Manchester ‘to-do’ list is the multi-award-winning Gin Experience at The City of Manchester Distillery. Take a tour, learn about the gin-making process, sample the goods and dabble in creating your own unique beverage over the course of 3 hours.

Both of Manchester’s Premier League clubs, Manchester City and Manchester United , offer tours of their grounds (The Etihad and Old Trafford) with the usual stops included such as the dressing rooms, pitch and dugouts.

The port city of Liverpool is a mere hour away by car and makes for a great option for a day trip from Manchester. Famed for its iconic waterfront, being the birthplace of The Beatles and Anfield stadium, the home of the 6 times European Champions, Liverpool FC.

Manchester is well situated for a visit to two of England’s national parks. Both the Peak District and Lake District are about an hour-and-a-half’s drive away with the natural splendour of hills, lakes and mountains to enjoy. You can view day trip options here .

Where to Stay in Manchester

Motel One Manchester-Piccadilly – A great mid-range choice, this hotel is centrally located close to all of Manchester’s top attractions. There are lots of clean and comfortable rooms available and a good breakfast is included in the room rate.

Princess St. Hotel – If you’re after a bit of luxury during your stay, then this swanky hotel is a great option. There are numerous luxe rooms available, fantastic amenities, and even a couple of restaurants and bars onsite.

Private Rental – If you would rather get a local perspective during your stay in Manchester, then a private apartment rental can be a great option for you. If you would like to have your own private flat in the city (like this centrally-located flat ), there are countless properties to choose from.

YHA Manchester – A great choice for those travelling on a budget or solo, this centrally-located hostel has a number of dorm and private rooms available. There are also great common areas, an on-site bar, and clean facilities.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other hotels in Manchester

Figuring out the perfect route in this Northern English city doesn’t have to be a difficult task, with it having lots to offer visitors. Whether you have one day in Manchester or two or more days to spend, there is certainly enough to keep you entertained and occupied as you explore this lovely and historic city.

Are you planning to visit Manchester? Have any questions? Let us know in the comments!

Related Posts:

Liverpool or Manchester: Which City to Visit?

The Perfect Weekend in Liverpool Itinerary

Is England Expensive? An England Trip Cost Guide

About Adrian Fisk

Adrian is a writer for The World Was Here First. He is a passionate world traveller and spends most of his free time travelling around his native England, jetting off to Europe and planning excursions further afield.

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Activities and Experiences | Manchester Guides | Travel

15 great places for a day trip from Manchester

Here we have a selection of some of the best places to take a day trip from the city – places not too far away so you can get enough time there.

By Emma Davidson | Last updated 21 December 2022

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As much as we love residing in one of the best cities in the world, nothing beats a weekend escape from the hustle and bustle of Manchester city life and we’re very lucky to have so many picturesque retreats pretty much on our doorstep. 

From secluded spots less than an hour’s drive away, to safari parks and award-winning theme parks, it’s the time of the season for a winter staycation and we’ve rounded up our top picks for varying itineraries. 

If booze is top of your agenda, there’s some great crawls and cocktail bars that are serving up drinks difficult to contend with and there’s also a plenty places to take the kiddies, too, as we’re aware that you’re probably panicking trying to fill the next few days with worthwhile fun.

There’s no way we were starting this list with anywhere else. Blackpool holds a special place in the heart of many a working class Brit that, over the years, has gained fond memories of long, illuminated tram trips, cruel donkey rides and soggy sandy chips atop the pier. It’s the epitome of British summer time, and is very easy to get to from Manchester for a nostalgic day out.

There wasn’t a year that passed by without us making the hour round trip to the seaside destination, and Blackpool’s famous pleasure beach was always at the top of our list. The theme park attracts thousands of visitors each year seeking thrills on the iconic The Big One, Grand National, or steel shuttle coaster, Revolution, or if you don’t class yourself as a daredevil, you can always opt to hold everyone’s bags. 

The seaside town is also complete with a myriad of cracking pubs, which you’ll often catch a drag act or karaoke session in at whatever time of day – and the town’s Latin America Las Iguanas restaurant sits directly below Blackpool Tower, so drink enough Pina Coladas and you could be in Paris. 

One of the UK’s most quaint and historic cities, Chester makes for an informative but very enjoyable trip out of Manchester. Complete with city walls and the largest Roman Amphitheatre in Britain, there’s plenty to see and do, as you’ll find yourself standing exactly where Roman legionaries once marched to war. 

Its rows, which now house an abundance of independent and more recognised stores, also make for a unique shopping experience as the district is distinguished by 2-level covered arcades, and Tudor-style half timber buildings. There’s also an amazing range of pubs, loads of traditional boozers and some mint places to grab a bit of grub, including Shrub and Telford’s Warehouse . 

Marsden is truly one of West Yorkshire’s hidden gems. With peaks, canals, valleys and reservoirs, as well as a burgeoning, up and coming food scene, the village has become a must-visit for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, lace up the walking boots and try some award-winning grub. 

The Yorkshire village is also home to BBC’s timeless ‘ Last Of The Summer Wine ’ series, and, more recently, the BBC Three zombie drama ‘ In The Flesh ’. Namely for its picturesque setting, the inspiring endless landscape makes it a great popular with filmmakers, artists and creatives alike as its a total retreat from reality that’s complete with a rich, cultural heritage.

A destination that may not automatically spring to mind when planning your next day trip, Buxton is a town full of character that sits right on the edge of the Peak District. Known for being a ‘thermal spa town’ and housing the UK’s oldest National Park which spans stunning ornamental gardens and some incredible Georgian and Victorian architecture, you should book a relaxing getaway to the town as soon as possible!

The Pavilion Gardens are great for a romantic stroll, and the Opera House hosts a programme of one-off, world-class performances from a range of established artists, comedians and theatre companies. If you’re looking for something a little more adventurous, though, Buxton also has Go Ape! which will have you wading through the trees like a true wild beast (complete with a rather unsightly harness-induced camel toe).

The Pennines

There’s nowhere quite like rolling Northern hills of The Pennines, and, lucky for us, the destination is only a short journey away from Manchester. Get the train from Victoria to Greenfield and you’ll find yourself in a lovely area of the world, with stunning views, loads of greenery and plenty of sheep. 

There’s Uppermill , Delph , Denshaw and Dobcross in the area, too, where you’ll be greeted with some cracking old school boozers, some great walks and the odd fantastic restaurant.

We’re pretty big fans of The Old Bell Inn in Delph, which is a hotel, brasserie and bar with an insane collection of over 600 gins! It’s absolutely perfect for a winter walk, but make sure you also check out the The Bank’s award-winning Sunday Roast and endless list of cocktails. 

Hebden Bridge

Somewhere you’d expect to be overrun with pensioners, ancient butchers, one post office and a catholic church is actually one of the best day trips to book yourself out of Manchester. Hebden Bridge is great for walkers, and one of the town’s most exciting trails will take you past Stoodley Pike, ending up at one of the UK’s highest beaches in Todmorden, Gaddings Dam . Providing gorgeous 360º views and one of the best wild swimming spots you’ll find, Gaddings Dam has continued to become hugely popular, especially in the summer months. Back on dry land, though, there’s plenty of arts and crafts shops in the heart of the town, as well as a mint veggie brunch spot, Leila’s Kitchen and award-winning Greek and Mediterranean retreat, Aya Sophia where you’ll find traditional cuisine and some of the best cocktails in town.  

Jodrell Bank & Tatton Park

We’ve combined these two together as they aren’t too far from each other and, when paired, make for a cracking day out. Home of music, science and innovation, Jodrell Bank is a great place for an educational jaunt, especially if you have kids in tow as there’s plenty to keep them occupied, including the Lovell Telescope and the Pavilions which offer state-of-the-art exhibitions for all the family. Once you’re finished there, ​​ head on over to Tatton Park , which is home to a massive Neo-Classical stately home, award-winning gardens, a deer park with real deer and an actual working farm. You can also pre-ordered picnics full of homemade sandwiches and cakes to enjoy out on the grass during the warmer months.

Delamere Forest

Located over in Cheshire, Delamere Forest gives you a chance to be at one with nature without having to spend your evening in a cramped pop-up tent complete with she-wee. The landscape is truly breathtaking with plenty of activities to keep you busy during a full day of exploring. The forest sits very close to the town of Frodsham, which is great to stop off for some lunch and a couple of bevs after exhausting yourself with a lengthy walk. Make sure you factor Kash 22 into your day, a pub full of character that often hosts a regular calendar of live music and karaoke. The stage is yours!

Blasphemy, I hear you cry. But Liverpool is mint, and I’m happy to challenge anyone who doesn’t agree with me on that one. There’s absolutely loads to do here, from the coveted Magical Mystery Tour to the British Music Experience Museum that’s complete with Marc Bolan’s outlandish outfits and even Cilla Black’s frocks, you won’t be bored. If the sun’s out in the city, Liverpool has loads of incredible beer gardens and terraces, head on over to Bold Street and take a waltz around there, or get your drinking hat on and head to Mathew Street for a pretty enjoyable session. There’s loads more places, but I just don’t have the space. However, if the heavens have opened, get yourself to Baltic Market – a huge street food and drink venue that sees burgers, vietnamese cuisine, greek dishes and everything in between make up its menu. 

Hollingworth Lake

If water sports are your thing, Hollingworth Lake is the place to be. Many Mancs might already be familiar with the school trip destination, which allows visitors to partake in windsurfing, kayaking, canoeing, sailing and rowing. There’s a couple of decent pubs on the shoreline of the lake, with plenty cosy seating, too. There’s a bike trail that runs past the lake, which will no doubt get you a few chipper ‘hellos’ from those cycling through the area, but if you’re also a keen rider yourself, pop your bike in the car before you head down. Don’t forget your picnic either, as there’s loads of beauty spots to enjoy a disappointing ham and cheese butty.

Knowsley Safari Park

Everyone loves a zoo, especially one that allows you to drive through the enclosures and get up close and personal with a load of monkeys. Apart from your Dad, though, who won’t stop going on about the scratches on the paintwork of his precious Corsa for months after. Knowsley Safari Park also offers a trail on foot, where you’ll get a glimpse into the lives of sea lions, meerkats, giraffes, and the incredible tiger trail and a huge amusement park for kids with a carousel, roundabout and all the fun of the fair! There’s places to fuel your fun as well, with an outdoor food court and a restaurant and grill also making up the diverse offerings.

Home of the Brontë sisters, anyone with a love for the bleak landscapes and cruel beauty of Wuthering Heights or Jane Eyre should definitely give this place a try. At the top of the hill is the Brontë Parsonage Museum , where the brilliant staff will take pleasure in showing you around their house and giving you all the information you could ever need on these literary legends.

On top of that, there’s some corking pubs and food establishments, of which we found that some sort of elaborate ‘crawl’ is the best way to get the most out of the town. There’s also some great little antique shops too, which sell some random goodies – perfect for an afternoon mooch.

The Lake District

A little further out of Manchester, The Lake District is one of those places you could never get bored of. Complete with beautiful landscapes, cosy pubs, quaint little shops and some incredibly fancy hotels if you really want to treat yourself. Its a vast part of the world, so personally we would recommend heading on over to Bowness-on-Windermere, right on the banks of the lake where you can get a lovely little boat which will take you on the water and over to other imaginatively named towns such as Ambleside or Lakeside. In Bowness itself, there is a stunning Garden Terrace at The Belsfield Hotel which overlooks the lake, perfect for a few drinks and some excellent food in the sun. I would also highly recommend The Albert Pub , run by Stockport’s Robinsons Brewery – top boozer and they sell Ginger Tom which is amazing.

Macclesfield

Another destination not too far at all from Manchester city centre, Macclesfied will take you around 20 minutes to get to and, once you’re there, you’ll be spoilt for choice for things to do. Once home to Joy Division frontman, Ian Curtis, you can visit where he lived on 77 Barton Street or marvel at the new mural that was erected in the town centre this year. Aside from this, Macclesfield is home to its very own Mackie Mayor-style food hub, Picturedrome Macclesfield and loads of mint bars, which range from traditional inns to more upmarket cocktail bars. If you’re staying over, get up to Tegg’s Nose Country Park the next day for a well-needed detox. 

Finally, another beach to round off the list, Southport is only an hours train journey away from Manchester and is great for a short break or staycation. With 22 miles of coastline to explore, you’ll be surrounded by natural beauty and the charm of a traditional seaside town with a number of award-winning restaurants and bars to choose from, too. Southport Market is also an incredible space, complete with Greek, Canadian, Mexican, Italian and more from ten local, independent traders who cover a variety of cuisines from around the world, and are joined by a stunning feature bar.

COMING SOON: Kong’s Chicken Shop’s New Northern Quarter Mexican Quesadilla & Taco Kitchen

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11 Unmissable Day Trips from Manchester (By Train & Car!)

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The following list of day trips from Manchester is brought to you by Tilly from  TillyText , a Manchester local! Read on for her roundup of the greatest Manchester day trips, and how to access them by car or train.

There’s a reason it’s hard to drag yourself away from Manchester.

Well, there’s about nine. Music, shopping, culture and one-hell-of-a-night-out. It’s true when they say Manchester truly has everything you could wish for from a great Northern city in the UK. 

But so do the areas surrounding Manchester, too. You’ve got the swoon-worthy Lake District so beautiful that Taylor dedicated a whole entire song to it on her album – in fact, pretty much all of the cute quaint little towns outside Manchester look like they belong in the Folklore universe. 

Not to mention the bustling cities of York and Liverpool that are on hand to help you experience a distinctly different flavour of a good British knees-up!

So, if you’re lucky enough to have set aside a whole weekend to explore Manchester and its surrounding areas, why not jump on the train (or snag a lift) to do one of these fab day trips – after smashing through this 24 hours in Manchester itinerary, of course.

Save this list of Manchester Day Trips for Later!

You’ll be very glad you did.

1. Liverpool

The argument over which is a better city has made Mancunians and Liverpudlians even feistier over the years (an achievement in itself!). An easy way for you to settle this debate is to visit them both yourself. 

If you’re a big Beatles fan, there’s plenty of fun Beatles-themed Liverpool activities, like the Magical Mystery Tour , a fascinating 2-hour tour over every spot in the city the band ever laid eyes on. Or head to the British Music Experience Museum to fully cement the idea that no one has contributed more to British music than Northerners. 

Finish the day by testing out some of Liverpool’s incredible beer gardens and terraces, before moving onto Matthew Street or one of the city’s very many Irish bars for a night out you definitely won’t forget in a hurry. 

And yes, that photo of you and the John Lennon statue will definitely look good in the morning.

How to get to Liverpool from Manchester: The drive to Liverpool takes just over an hour if you’re willing to deal with city centre parking. Equally, you can get a direct train from either Manchester Victoria or Manchester Picadilly to Liverpool Lime Street for less than £10.

2. Crosby Beach  

Look, no one is going to the North of England for beaches. That’s what the South is for! 

But that doesn’t mean there aren’t some great coastal spots up there too. One of these is Crosby Beach. 

Crosby Beach is just outside Liverpool city centre, which makes it a very doable day trip from Manchester. Come summer, the beach is full of groups of friends enjoying those endless summer evenings with a picnic blanket, music speaker, and can of supermarket gin and tonic. 

And the pièce de résistance to Crosby Beach? The 100 cast-iron figures stretching the coastline, many of which are in the water when the tide comes back in. So, no. You don’t need to call the coastguard to rescue that random person who is stuck still in the far distance.

How to get to Crosby Beach from Manchester: Unless you’re driving to Crosby Beach, the quickest way to get there from Manchester is taking a train from Manchester Victoria or Manchester Picadilly to Liverpool Lime Street, and then changing onto a train to Blundellsands & Crosby station. The beach is a 10-minute walk from there.

3. Hebden Bridge

There’s no doubt that Manchester has its fair share of vegetarian eateries, independent coffee houses, and shops full of everything and anything. 

But so does the small market town of Hebden Bridge. And some might even say it does it better!

After it was taken over by former hippies in the 1970s, Hebden Bridge quickly became home to a vibrant arts and culture scene, locally sourced and independent businesses, and a melting pot of free-thinking and liberation. 

The reason I love Hebden Bridge is because it’s one of the more unique day trips from Manchester. Where else are you able to spend hours trawling through one-of-a-kind stores stocking eco-friendly clothing, and also go wild swimming, too?

How to get to Hebden Bridge from Manchester: Direct trains from Manchester Victoria to Hebden Bridge take less than 30 minutes and cost less than £5.

4. Hope Valley (The Peak District)

Much like how Evermore is Folklore’s chaotic younger sister , the Peak District is the dramatic and all-encompassing counterpart to the more serene and cool-as-a-cucumber Lake District. 

If you’re looking to find yourself in the Peaks’ many gritstone ridges and stark moorlands (or just fancy getting away from the hustle and bustle of Manchester city centre for the day) head to Hope Valley. 

Here, you can strap on your walking boots and complete one of the many renowned nearby walks like Mam Tor and Kinder Scout. 

And the best reward after a couple of hours hiking in the Hope Valley? A cold pint of cider or a hot mulled wine in one of the local villages – depending on the season you visit. 

However, I’d argue a Sunday roast goes well whatever the weather. 

How to get to Hope Valley from Manchester: Hope Valley is a great option for those who want to explore The Peak District without a car. You can get the train from Manchester Piccadilly to Hope (Derbyshire) for about £7.50 and takes less than 50 minutes.

It’s okay that Manchester isn’t the prettiest city. Why? Because Buxton’s just over an hour away. 

Step into the set of Bridgerton (not literally – that’s Bath , but Buxton looks close!) in this quaint town full to the brim with Georgian and Victorian architecture that’s guaranteed to make you swoon. 

You could take a romantic stroll in Buxton’s Pavilion Gardens while keeping an eye out for the Duke of Hastings looking for his next wife, or rent a boat and go rowing in the lake desperately hoping that Anthony will appear soaking and shirtless on the promenade!

After trying (and sadly probably failing) to be married off into perhaps the greatest literary family out there, you can dry your tears on Buxton’s outdoor adventure Go Ape course where you’ll have so much fun swinging through the trees, you won’t even notice the humungous camel toe from your harness…

How to get to Buxton from Manchester: You can get a train from Manchester to Buxton that takes just over an hour, and starts from just £5 if you book in advance.

Small and mighty – that’s the best way to describe York. And fitting everything into only one day might be a challenge, but it’s definitely possible. 

You just have to keep an eye on the time you spend getting lost in this medieval city’s higgledy-piggledy back lanes, the number of cups of tea you drink at Betty’s Tea Rooms, and the photos you take in the 2,000-year-old Gothic halls of York’s cathedral!

If you still need convincing that York is worth the visit, why not trust the thousands of people who have voted it as one of the UK’s top tourist destinations? They probably went to the city’s Viking Centre, too… yep, you read that right.

How to get to York from Manchester: There are tons of trains that go between York and Manchester every day. The journey takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes and can cost as little as £6.90 if you book ahead of time.

7. The Lake District 

Find out if those Windermere peaks really do look like a perfect place to cry by visiting the Lake District for a day. 

Compared to the Peaks, the Lakes are a little further out of Manchester – but they’re definitely more than worth the extra journey…

You could honestly just go to The Lake District for the jaw-dropping scenery itself, but if you’re up for it, there are also a few short-ish hikes that’ll really help you understand why Taylor kept begging to go back here. 

The Old Man of Coniston route takes you up and through some of The Lakes’ steepest and most spectacular peaks, passing the many remnants of discounted copper mines. No doubt the incredible view from the top from leave you speechless and unable to shout all the many Wordsworth puns in your repertoire. 

Finish your day trip to The Lake District by visiting some of the other imaginatively named towns like Ambleside or Lakeside. The best way to get there? Across Lake Windermere on a boat, of course. Oh, Taylor would be so proud!

How to get to the Lake District from Manchester: The easiest way to get to the Lake District is to drive, however, it is possible to get the train. There are over 30 direct trains from Manchester to Oxenholme Lake District every day. Just be wary of the walk on the other side to get to the different hotspots.

8. Stockport

If you’d asked a Mancunian about the best Manchester day trips ten years ago, they would never have said Stockport. However, this historic market town is now well and truly on the map. 

Just seven minutes on the train from Manchester Picadilly, Stockport is the definition of a great day trip destination: accessible, affordable, and different enough from the starting point 

Take Stockport’s unique hat museum, for example. That’s not in Manchester! And the gorgeous 1930s art deco theatre that does afternoon tea. You can’t find that in the city! 

Aside from some brilliant cultural landmarks and museums (don’t miss Stockport’s Staircase House, a Medieval townhouse that’s been converted into a museum), there are also tons of great places to eat and drink in Stockport. 

See here: Where the Light Gets In, an open kitchen/restaurant where the chefs aren’t separated from the diners, and the soon-to-be-opened curry banquet hall with room for 1500+ people looking for some delicious Indian cuisine across four staggering floors.

Need I say more?

How to get to Stockport from Manchester: There’s no need to drive to Stockport. You can take a direct train from Manchester Picadilly which takes as little as 7 minutes, or the 203 bus which (unsurprisingly) takes slightly longer.

Fans of the Brontë sisters, this one’s for you. Step into the world of Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights with a visit to Haworth, a quintessential village just off the Yorkshire moors. 

With cobbled streets lined with shops and cafes, and majestic steam trains bringing visitors to their very own moorland adventure, Haworth belongs in every Gothic romance. 

There’s also the must-visit Brontë Parsonage Museum where keen Brontë buffs will delight in showing you around the house of these female literary legends. 

Just remember to bring your Cathy or your Heathcliffe with you…

How to get to Haworth from Manchester: The far easiest way to get to Haworth is by car. However, you can also get there by train – it’s just a little long-winded. You could either get the train from Manchester Victoria to Hebden Bridge, before taking the hourly 500 bus to Haworth over the moors. Equally (and a much more fun way) to get to Haworth from Manchester is by taking a train to Leeds, then a train to Keighley. At Keighley, hop onto the restored Keighley and Worth Valley steam train.

10. Dovestones

If you’re keen to escape the hullabaloo of Manchester city centre but have vowed never to be that person who pretends to like hiking , Dovestones is a great middleman. 

Part of the Peak District National Park, a day trip to Dovestone Reservoir will give you the chance to experience the unique beauty of the Peaks, but on a much more toned-down scale; a popular walk in the Dovestone Reservoir is a pretty flat circular route around the Reservoir edge and briefly up into the Twilight -esque forest. 

Hold on tight, Spider Monkey!

Those in desperate need of some cool countryside air often head to Dovestones with a picnic in tow, ready to be eaten near the end of the trail on the allocated picnic benches. 

If it’s chilly, you’ll also likely see many walkers warming themselves up on their flasks of tea and hot chocolate!

How to get to Dovestones from Manchester: Annoyingly, Dovestones isn’t very accessible by public transport, so your best bet is to go by car (or head to Hope Valley in the Peak District instead.)

11. Chester 

Chester is my Roman Empire. No, really. This historic city is home to the largest Roman Amphitheatre in Britain – not to mention some great places to grab some grub and a pint.

I often find cities that feel like you’re reading a history textbook aren’t usually as good for eating, drinking, and shopping – but that doesn’t fly with Chester. 

You could spend hours nosing about independent and high-street brands in Chester’s Tudor-style half-timber buildings or following the Roman walls along traditional boozers and local pubs!

Slightly left-field suggestions for a Chester day trip include a visit to Chester Zoo (one of the UK’s largest zoos that’s so famous it appears on British TV) and kayaking or paddleboarding along the River Dee. 

Equally, having a drink and a mooch around the Roman ruins is great, too.

How to get to Chester from Manchester: You can get a direct train to Chester from Manchester in 50 minutes for as cheap as £5.80 if you book ahead of time.

Did we miss any of your favourite Day Trips from Manchester? 

Let us know in the comments!

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12 Iconic Day Trips from Manchester, UK

With its central location and great transport links, Manchester serves as the ideal launch point for day-tripping adventures. Within an hour or two, a spectrum of English countryside, heritage cities, and charming villages await discovery on the perfect day out. Venture into the emerald hillsides and stone villages that inspired legendary authors. Stop for hearty lunches at centuries-old pubs frozen in time. 

Step back to witness the Coalbrookdale iron bridge that give birth to the Industrial Revolution. Bask in nostalgia strolling the candy-striped promenades of Britain’s best-preserved seaside holiday resorts! Extensive rail networks, coach bus tours and highways connect Manchester to the surrounding Northwest region with ease. Whether you fancy literary inspiration, industrial innovations, or seaside relaxation, iconic destinations promise brilliant, revitalising escapes. 

Table of Contents

An ideal city for day tripping

One of the best things about Manchester is its proximity to beautiful countryside, quaint villages, and historic cities, all within an hour or two’s drive or train ride. I find this super convenient for taking spontaneous day trips whenever the wanderlust strikes.  You can ride along gorgeous green hillsides dotted with sheep straight out of a postcard before stopping for lunch at a centuries-old country pub (although there are also plenty of old pubs in Mancheste r !).  You can also discover the inspiration behind your favourite authors and artists by stepping into their preserved homes and gardens.

Getting around

Luckily, Manchester and the Northwest region in general have great public transport connections. For car-free travellers like me, trains provide an easy option to make the most of your time one-way while admiring countryside views speeding by. For destinations a bit too remote for trains, coach tours pick up right in the city centre for seamless day trip experiences. With tours handling navigation and itineraries, you simply sit back and soak up the travel without hassle.

If you prefer being behind the wheel yourself, having a car allows ultimate flexibility to cruise through charming villages or stop spontaneously for photo ops along your drive.  While highways connecting Manchester provide an efficient base, don’t be afraid to veer onto winding backroads for eye-catching scenery far from tourist crowds.

12 Iconic Day Trips from Manchester

While lists abound for the most popular day trips from Manchester, some of my favourite places for Manchester day trips are the hidden gems which surround the city. Here are my top recommendations after extensive personal explorations that promise you a brilliant day out.

1. Quirky Port Sunlight Village

For a uniquely charming and endlessly Instagrammable escape less than an hour from Manchester, Port Sunlight always delights. Built as a model village for workers of the Sunlight soap factory, this self-contained riverside gem overflows with imaginative architecture, vibrant gardens, and an utterly happy ambiance. As you wander the meticulously preserved cottages and community buildings, you’ll discover quirky details everywhere. Keep your eyes peeled for the carved mice popping out of windowsills!  The Lady Lever Art Gallery provides a refined dose of fine art and history within the village itself. With such visual intrigue packed into a compact area, you’ll love losing yourself in Port Sunlight’s beauty on repeat visits.

How to get from Manchester to Port Sunlight

If you’re driving, the journey from Manchester to Port Sunlight will only take around 1 hour. However, if you’re taking the train, expect the journey to take around 2.5 hours. I always find the cheapest trains on Trainline. You can check train times and buy tickets from Manchester to Port Sunlight here.

2. Heritage heaven in Ironbridge Gorge

History truly comes alive with a day trip to Ironbridge Gorge in Shropshire, where the world’s very first iron bridge still stands strong across the River Severn. More than just a bridge, this site lets you experience the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution by exploring interactive living history museums and preserved 18th-century factories and homes. See how iron was forged, bricks fired in traditional kilns, and decorative tiles created. Learn from live demonstrations of everything from cooking to crafts amidst quaint workshops and cottages. 

For a fun change of pace, try your hand at making glass or pottery yourself in hands-on classes! With 10 unique attractions set amongst stunning natural scenery, you’ll be immersed in Ironbridge Gorge’s worlds of discovery from the past and present. Fun fact: Manchester used to be the textile capital of the world! This gave the city its nickname ‘Cottonopolis,’ and to this day, Australia, South Africa and other commonwealth nations still refer to their textile departments as the Manchester department! Here are more fascinating facts about Manchester .

How to get from Manchester to Ironbridge Gorge

It is possible to get from Manchester to Ironbridge Gorge using public transport, but it’s not easy – I’m talking about multiple trains and buses, so for a day trip, it’s probably not worth it. However, if you have a car, you can drive there in just under 2 hours, making it more than doable.

3. Seaside nostalgia in Llandudno

For the picture-perfect seaside holiday straight from the pages of a storybook, Llandudno is sure to grab you with its vintage charm. As one of Britain’s best preserved Victorian seaside resorts in North Wales, strolling the seaside promenade and long sandy beach here feels deliciously nostalgic. Add in the mountainous Snowdonia backdrop, and you have a destination dazzling from every angle. Hop aboard the historic Great Orme tramway ascending to stunning summit views, try your luck for a win in the arcade, or simply bliss out on the beach with ice cream from a candy-striped hut.  Llandudno has family fun down to an art form! When you tire of the bustling seafront, the peaceful gardens and preserved homes in the Conservation Area offer a glimpse into the seaside glamour of the past.

How to get from Manchester to Llandudno

You can drive from Manchester to Llandudno in 1 hour and 50 minutes, but public transport options are also great, with around 21 trains per day from Manchester to Llandudno, many of which are direct! Expect the train journey from Manchester to Llandudno to take just over 2 hours. Check times and buy tickets here.

4. Literary landscapes of the Lake District

Of course, no roundup of North West day trips is complete without the postcard valleys, glittering lakes, and craggy fells of the Lake District National Park, one of the most historical places to visit in England . Reachable in under 2 hours by direct train, the Lake District packs outstanding natural beauty with every mile.

However, it isn’t just natural beauty you’ll find here, for you will also step into the cherished locale that ignited creativity for England’s greatest writers like William Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter.  Tour their preserved homes bursting with boundless inspiration just as they left them, then hike the very footpaths threading through the wild landscape that stirred some of literature’s most famous verses and characters. This Beatrix Potter half-day tour looks simply magical, as does this Wuthering Heights, The Brontes, and Jane Eyre tour.

How to get from Manchester to the Lake District

You can get to the Lake District National Park from Manchester in 1 hour and 20 minutes by car. If you’re travelling by train, you have several options. You can take the train from Manchester to Windermere , which takes about 2 hours, from Manchester to Oxenholme , which takes 1 hour and 20 minutes, or head further north to Penrith in 1 hour and 40 minutes. For a fuller experience, this full-day tour from Manchester to Windermere includes your transport, tour guide, a boat trip on Lake Windermere, and numerous historical villages in the area.

5. Enchanting Chester and its Medieval Rows

The ancient walled city of Chester captivates with a magical mix of over 2,000 years of architecture and history within easy walking distance.  Inside the Roman and medieval walls, Chester’s most iconic feature awaits: The Rows. This two-tiered medieval shopping gallery with unique facades preserves the original street plan and buildings, creating the experience of stepping back in time. 

Explore The Rows’ hidden secrets like passages threading between buildings and stunning decorative craftsmanship boasting traditional techniques. Beyond these timber-framed gems, Chester brims with relics from every era like amphitheatres and castles.  Stroll along the canal paths or have a pint in England’s oldest racecourse to soak up Chester’s enduring charms.

How to get from Manchester to Chester

Chester is one of the easiest day trips from Manchester. By car, you can get there in 1 hour, or you can take one of the 87 daily trains between the 2 cities in the same amount of time. Check train times and get your tickets here.

6. Mighty Mountains and Mines of Snowdonia

Venture deep into the rugged beauty of Snowdonia National Park to discover a landscape of both natural and industrial wonders that tower in grandeur.  Ascend Mount Snowdon itself on train or foot to stand atop the tallest peak south of Scotland, dwarfed by sweeping views in every direction.  Alternatively, descend 300 feet underground into Great Britain’s largest former slate mine. These mountains fuelled Wales’ industrial growth for centuries, leaving Llechwedd Slate Caverns and similar mines as reminders of the backbreaking work once locked within.  Both above and below ground, Snowdonia delivers epic scale and perspective found nowhere else.

How to get from Manchester to Snowdonia

The drive from Manchester to Snowdonia takes 2 hours. If you’re using public transport, you’ll need to take the train from Manchester to Bangor (2 hours and 25 minutes on average), and then use the Snowdon Sherpa bus service to get to Snowdonia itself. This organised tour from Manchester combines a visit to Snowdonia with the aforementioned city of Chester, killing two birds with one stone!

6. Coastal path and castle of stunning Conwy

On the coastal edges of Snowdonia, the walled seaside town of Conwy presents you with postcard perfection around every turn. Conwy Castle itself captures the imaginations right away as one of Britain’s most impossibly picturesque and best-preserved fortifications.  While no longer guarding the kingdom, this UNESCO World Heritage castle now invites you to clamber staircases peeking into secret nooks and unseen views. 

Beyond its turreted silhouette, Conwy charms with a cascading waterfall springing under the walls, colourful harbour houses, and the North Wales Path threading just above it all. Give your legs a stretch with the 6-mile loop hike rewarding you with nonstop vistas between castle and sea. Fun fact: Conwy is also home to the smallest house in Great Britain!

How to get from Manchester to Conwy

The drive from Manchester to Conwy takes 1 hour and 40 minutes, making it one of the easiest day trips from Manchester. If you prefer to take the train, there are around 3 direct trains per day, with a journey time of 2 hours. Check train times and buy tickets here.

7. Traditional Lytham St Annes

A scenic drive under an hour transports you to the peaceful paradise of Lytham St Annes, among England’s most historic resort towns. Its meticulously preserved seafront radiates traditional seaside charm.  Green space and low-rise buildings give Lytham an airy, relaxed ambiance. Meander down the mile-long promenade, sink your toes in squeaky golden sand, then rest up Green and Pavilion gardens alive in vibrant bloom.  In town, independent shops and tea rooms beckon from Georgian facades. And Lytham Windmill still stands proudly after 300 years! Quieter than bustling Blackpool down the coast, Lytham St Annes offers up nostalgia perfected.

How to get from Manchester to Lytham St Annes

You can reach Lytham St Annes in just an hour by car from Manchester. By train, it takes 2 hours, but with 90 trains every day going from Manchester Piccadilly to Lytham St Annes, this is still a very convenient option. Check train times and book tickets here.

8. Quirky Scottish seaside town of Kirkcudbright

If you don’t mind a longer trip, venture just over the border for a quirky change of pace in the Scottish artists’ town of Kirkcudbright (pronounced ‘kir-coo-bree’). Its waterfront surprises with a distinctly Mediterranean aura thanks to exuberant multicoloured houses radiating a sunny vibe even on grey days.  Kirkcudbright flourished from trade links with Europe, shaping an arts scene attracting creatives for over a century. Galleries and studios open their doors to visitors, while specialty shops and a picturesque harbour tempt extended exploring.  With narrow wynds and tiny cottages cropping up delightfully around every turn, Kirkcudbright captures small town magic that’s anything but ordinary.

How to get from Manchester to Kirkcudbright

The only realistic way to squeeze in a day trip to Kirkcudbright from Manchester is to drive. The journey is incredibly scenic and takes 3 hours and 20 minutes, so as long as you get an early start, you’ll have plenty of time.

9. Easy coastal beauty of Formby Beach

If you really only have a few spare hours for a quick revitalising reset, Formby Beach delivers coastal serenity just over an hour northwest.  Stroll unspoiled stretches of sand through grassy dunes and pine forest. Watch horseback riders emerge through the trees, lending an atmosphere both peaceful and lively. Keep your eyes peeled for rare red squirrels frolicking in the woods!

How to get from Manchester to Formby

You can get to Formby from Manchester in just 1 hour by car, or 2 hours by train. There are on average 113 trains per day between Manchester and Formby, making this a great option, despite the longer time it takes. Check train times and buy tickets here.

10. Liverpool

Liverpool, the birthplace of The Beatles, is a vibrant city full of surprises. With its iconic waterfront, spectacular museums and galleries, and unique culture, it’s one of the most exciting day trips from Manchester. You can’t leave without visiting The Beatles Story, the largest permanent museum telling the story of Liverpool’s most iconic band. I’m not a fan of The Beatles, but I actually went on a Beatles tour in  Hamburg , and found it really interesting!

How to get from Manchester to Liverpool

The best way to get from Manchester to Liverpool is actually by train, with the journey taking just 37 minutes (driving takes 1 hour!). You can check train times and get tickets here.

11. Hebden Bridge

I only visited Hebden Bridge recently and I immediately fell in love with this adorable little West Yorkshire town. With adorable little cottages lining the equally picturesque Rochdale Canal, rolling hills all around, and an abundance of cutesy gift shops, artisanal food shops (we may have splurged a bit in the cheese shop), and traditional English pubs, Hebden Bridge is a great place for a holiday, or you can easily visit as a day trip from Manchester! If you enjoy walking, there are heaps of walking trails around here, and you can also go and visit the Heptonstall Museum in the neighbouring village, which is also where you can pay your respects at Sylvia Plath’s grave.

How to get from Manchester to Hebden Bridge

As with Liverpool, it’s far quicker taking the train to Hebden Bridge than it is to drive! The train journey takes 33 minutes, while the car journey takes 1 hour. Get train tickets and check times here.

12. Blackpool

Ah, Blackpool. Blackpool claims to be the ‘Las Vegas of The North,’ but I’d say it’s more like the Benidorm of England. Famed for Blackpool Tower, a landmark which was built in 1894 as a replica of the Eiffel Tower (and, weirdly, contains a circus and an ornate Victorian ballroom), Blackpool is also home to a theme park known as the Pleasure Beach, tonnes of tired-looking arcades, tacky souvenir shops, aggressive seagulls, and a rather depressing beach. It could never be considered a ‘nice’ place to go, but it’s certainly an ‘experience,’ and definitely one of the most iconic places to visit in Northern England.

How to get from Manchester to Blackpool

Blackpool is an easy city to reach from Manchester. By car, the drive will take 1 hour, and by train, you’ll be travelling for 1 hour and 15 minutes. There are 89 trains from Manchester to Blackpool every day, most of which are direct. Get train times and tickets here.

Essential travel tips for day trips from Manchester

Taking a few helpful tips into account will make your day trips from Manchester smooth and memorable. Here are some of my best tips.

• Check train/bus times in advance – Some routes to popular destinations have limited services per day so confirm schedules fit your plans.
• Pack layers even for summer – Bring a lightweight jacket as British weather fluctuates. Refer to this UK packing list for a complete guide on what to bring.
• Purchase advance discount tickets – Booking regional train tickets and attraction passes online ahead saves substantially over walk-up rates.
• Have cash on hand – While most major attractions and food shops accept payment cards, smaller villages and vendors may be cash-only.
• Give yourself flex time – When relying on public transportation, delays happen. Leave wiggle room before return trains/buses.
• Research stop locations – Understand where your station/stop sits in proximity to attractions using maps to minimise connections needed.
• Check attraction hours – Some historical sites and smaller museums have limited opening days or seasonal closures to confirm.

Day Trips from Manchester | Final Thoughts

What I love about these day trips from Manchester is how easily you can fully immerse yourself in places brimming with beauty, history, and culture so different from the city. Equipped with this list, you can confidently venture to the abundance of magical locales awaiting discovery by rail, bus or car. Have an incredible time making memorable adventures, and as always, if you have any questions then don’t hesitate to reach out in the comments section below! You may also find my Manchester guides interesting: Best Things to Do in Chorlton The Oldest Pubs in Manchester Gandey’s Circus Review The Fountain House Review Cosy Club Review Best Northern Quarter Restaurants 33 Reasons to Visit Manchester Places to Visit in Northern England Historical Places to Visit in England Bleakholt Animal Sanctuary, Ramsbottom Until next time, XOXO

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How to get to Co-op Live or Etihad Stadium as Barry Manilow and City play the same day

• Etihad Stadium
• Wednesday 15 May 2024 at 2:49pm

Transport chiefs are warning football and music fans to make advanced journey plans as Manchester City and Barry Manilow both take centre stage in the city at neighbouring venues.

On Sunday 18 May 2024, Manchester City are hoping to win the Premier League title in their final game of the season at the Etihad Stadium and the legendary American singer Barry Manilow will be performing at the new Co-op Live Arena.

Transport for Greater Manchester is urging people travelling to the concert, match or other destinations to plan ahead and use public transport.

Barry Manilow fans have Metrolink tram travel included with their event ticket - valid for four hours before and after the show – which can also be used on the post-event shuttle buses from Co-op Live to the city centre. 

Travel on commercial bus services is not included with event tickets but further information can be  found online.    Parking at Co-op Live has sold out and a strict residents parking scheme is in operation around the venue.

While public transport and active travel are strongly encouraged, an alternative may be to park in one of city centre multi-storeys and take a tram, walk, wheel or cycle to Etihad Campus to complete the journey.   

Metrolink will operate a double-tram service between the city centre and Etihad Campus both before and after the match. 

 City supporters can also make use of a bespoke shuttle bus service to the city centre, or travel on one of the 17 supporters bus services from across Greater Manchester and the surrounding area. 

Buses will leave later, at 7.15pm, if City win the Premier League title. More details on the match day bus network can be found on the TfGM and Manchester City websites.      Public transport will be busiest immediately before and after the events and passengers may have to wait to board their services.  

The Etihad Campus is just a 35-minute walk from the city centre, giving City and Barry Manilow fans the option of walking or cycling to their respective events.       A regenerated step-free, well-lit, interactive walking route (also marked on maps as ‘CityLink’) is clearly signposted from Piccadilly Station and through the Ancoats and New Islington areas.  

Helpers will be on hand to support people as they make their way to and from the events.        It also takes just 10 minutes to cycle via Merrill Street, then on to the CityLink by Holt Town tram stop.

There are over 500 cycle parking spaces on the Etihad Campus once you get to the arena.       Danny Vaughan, Chief Network Officer at TfGM, said: “We’re expecting it to be a really busy Sunday with Barry Manilow in town and Manchester City on the brink of a fourth consecutive Premier League title – that’s why we’ve worked with partners on plans to ensure our transport network is as robust as possible on the day.        “We want everyone to have a great time and, would encourage those off to the Etihad or Co-op Live to use public transport for their journeys, or consider walking, cycling or wheeling as the best way to get to and from their destination.        “Planning and preparation for events such as this is done in great detail and there will be plenty of staff on hand to help and support people making their way to and from their destination.

Enhanced bus and tram services will be in place and we will also be monitoring the network and providing up to date travel information so people’s journeys run as smoothly as possible.”        While public transport and active travel are encouraged, an alternative for drivers may be to park in one of city centre multi-storeys and take a tram, walk, wheel or cycle to Etihad Campus to complete the journey.       Further information on getting to the Co-op Live Arena and the Etihad Stadium can be found on the TfGM website. 

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Why Brighton vs Manchester United is not on TV for Premier League final day

The latest Man United news as the Red Devils travel to the AMEX Stadium on Sunday afternoon for what is the final Premier League game of the season.

• 15:26, 19 MAY 2024

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Manchester United could potentially secure a European spot on the final day of the Premier League season as the league campaign comes to a close on Sunday.

The Red Devils take on Brighton and Hove Albion at the AMEX stadium with all games kicking off at the same time of 4pm on Sunday afternoon. United know that they need to better Newcastle’s result to secure a top-seven finish.

The Magpies take on Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium, but neither game is being shown live on TV. If United do miss out on seventh place, then have a second chance to earn a place in Europe next season when they take on Man City in the FA Cup final next week.

READ MORE: Sir Jim Ratcliffe makes Champions League point and outlines Manchester United Old Trafford plan

READ MORE: Manchester United icon Cristiano Ronaldo makes bold Man City Premier League title prediction

The game against Brighton also now has some extra added interest with the announcement that Roberto De Zerbi will be leaving the Seagulls at the end of the season. Here is everything you need to know about following.

Why is the game not on TV?

The match is not being shown live on TV in the UK due to the two channels with the broadcast rights (Sky Sports and TNT Sports) only having a limited number of games that they can pick. The limit was four of the 10 games being played, this is despite the games being played outside of the Saturday 3pm blackout.

What games have been picked instead?

Arsenal vs Everton is being shown on TNT Sports, while Sky Sports have opted to show Chelsea vs Bournemouth, Liverpool vs Wolves, and Manchester City vs West Ham. The result of the game involving Arsenal and Man City will have a say on where the title ends up.

How else can I follow the United match?

MEN Sport will bring you all of the action from the AMEX Stadium with our live blog, you can follow along right here . Highlights of the game will also be available on the club's YouTube channel and the Sky Sports website and app shortly after full-time.

Match of the Day will also be shown at 10.30pm on BBC One with highlights of all the final day matches shown.

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United team news: Lewis Dunk set to miss final day

Albion captain unavailable for last match of the season due to knee injury.

By Charlie Hanson • 17 May 2024

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Albion finish their season on Sunday as the welcome Manchester United to the Amex, kick-off 4pm.

Roberto De Zerbi’s team will secure a tenth place finish with a win, while a defeat could see them finish anywhere between tenth and 13th.

United on the other hand need at least a point if they hope to qualify for some form of European competition next season.

In his pre-match press conference, De Zerbi said, "Lewis Dunk is not available. I don't think it's a big problem, which is good news for him and us, but he won't play on Sunday. I don't know the level of his injury but it is a knee issue."

The Italian added, "We will have to see Tariq Lamptey's situation because after a long time out, he played 70 minutes at Newcastle and a long time against Chelsea, while Kaoru [Mitoma], Jack [Hinshelwood], James Milner and JP [van Hecke] can be available for the start of pre-season."

Player to watch

United captain Bruno Fernandes returned to the United starting XI for their 3-2 win over Newcastle in midweek after missing league games through injury for the first time in his career at Old Trafford. The Portugal international has ten Premier League goals and eight assists so far this campaign.

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PL Highlights: Man United 1 Brighton 3

Albion made it back-to-back victories at Old Trafford as they beat Erik ten Hag’s team 3-1 back in September. Danny Welbeck put us in front after 20 minutes, before Pascal Gross and Joao Pedro added a goal each in the second half. Hannibal Mejbri scored a consolation goal with 15 minutes to play, with the victory extending our run over United to four consecutive wins.

How the table looks

This table does not include points deductions for Everton and Nottingham Forest.

Match stats

Brighton have won each of their last four Premier League games against Manchester United – the last side to beat the Red Devils in five consecutive league games was Norwich City between 1988 and 1990.

Manchester United have lost four of their six Premier League away games against Brighton (67%), their highest loss rate away against any side in the competition.

Brighton have lost their final game in four of their six Premier League campaigns, with the exceptions being a 2-1 win at Burnley (2019-20) and a 3-1 home win v West Ham (2021-22).

Manchester United have lost their final league game in two of the last five seasons (W3), as many times as they had in the previous 33 campaigns (W23 D8).

Manchester United won 3-2 against Newcastle United last time out, despite facing 21 shots. It was the seventh time this season they’ve won a Premier League game when facing 20+ shots, the joint most on record in a campaign along with Charlton Athletic in 2003-04.

In their first 19 Premier League matches this season, Brighton were the fifth-highest scorers in the Premier League (38 goals) and had a conversion rate of 13.3%. In their last 18 games since the turn of the year, only Everton (15) have scored fewer goals than the Seagulls (17), with their conversion rate of 6.6% the worst of any side in this time.

Brighton’s James Milner has appeared in the final game in 16 different Premier League campaigns – if he plays in this match, he’ll be the first player in the competition’s history to do so in 17 different seasons.

Brighton’s Pascal Groß has scored more Premier League goals against Manchester United than he has vs any other side (7). He’s scored in his last three against them in the competition, with only Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink (5), Mohamed Salah (5) and Sergio Agüero (4) netting in more consecutive appearances against the Red Devils.

Since Boxing Day, Man Utd striker Rasmus Højlund has scored nine goals from just 19 shots in the Premier League, a 47% shot conversion rate. That is the best ratio of any player to attempt 5+ shots in that timeframe.

Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes has created 113 chances in the Premier League this season, 14 more than any other player. He also created the most chances last season (119) and is the first player to do so in back-to-back seasons since Eden Hazard in 2013-14 (93) and 2014-15 (100).

Match officials

Referee: Craig Pawson.

Assistants: Marc Perry, Steve Meredith.

Fourth official: Oliver Langford.

VAR: Darren England.

Assistant VAR: Neil Davies.

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Lumo to launch new London to Manchester low-cost trains

N ew train services between London Euston and Rochdale via Manchester Victoria could be launched by the low-cost train operator Lumo.

Transport company FirstGroup , which owns the brand, plans to run six returns a day using new UK-built trains powered by electricity and batteries.

Services would also call at Eccles , Newton-le-Willows and Warrington Bank Quay.

The station at Eccles provides connectivity for Salford’s Media City area, while the last time Rochdale had a direct London link via the Manchester city centre station was in 2000.

FirstGroup estimates that the new services, which could begin in 2027, would provide 1.6 million people in the North West with a “convenient and competitively priced direct rail service to London from stations that are more local to them”, helping to stimulate a shift in transport mode from coach and car travel to rail.

The Lumo brand, which currently runs services between London King’s Cross and Edinburgh, was launched in October 2021 on an open-access basis, meaning it receives no taxpayer-funded subsidies and takes on all revenue risk.

Most train operators in England are paid a management fee, with the government holding responsibility for costs and revenue. FirstGroup is the majority owner of Avanti West Coast, the current franchisee for the main line from Euston to Birmingham, Manchester, northwest England and Glasgow.

FirstGroup also runs another open-access operator, Hull Trains.

The company has submitted an application to the Office of Rail and Road seeking permission to launch the London-Rochdale route.

FirstGroup chief executive Graham Sutherland said: “We have extensive experience of running open-access rail operations and we want to bring our successful Lumo service to this new route that connects Rochdale and London.

“We have seen the level of growth and opportunity that is possible with open access, as well as the positive effect it has on the wider market, including economic and environmental benefits.

“In addition, the new service will help to drive modal shift from road to rail between the North West and London. We will be working closely with stakeholders as we build our application and our case for this new service.”

This latest application brings the number of proposed new open-access rail routes in Britain to eight.

Ministers are planning measures to encourage further schemes, such as providing more certainty over the duration of the application assessments, reconsidering the required balance of costs between taxpayers and operators, and ensuring all unused track access slots are made available.

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