20+ Unmissable Day Trips From Manchester by Car 🚗
As much as I love Manchester’s buzz, sometimes you just need a change of scene. You know, a bit of fresh air, fewer honking horns, maybe a sheep or two? Luckily, you don’t have to trek far to find it. There are loads of cracking spots within a short drive from the city where you can clear your head, stretch your legs, and discover a totally different vibe, all in the space of a day.
From witchy hillsides and waterfall trails to cosy market towns and proper seaside fun, I’ve rounded up some of the best day trips from Manchester by car. I’ve personally done most of these with muddy boots, a flask of tea, and a dodgy sat nav, so you’re in good hands. Let’s hit the road, yeah? 🚗✨
Day Trips from Manchester
Swap the city buzz for rolling hills, quaint villages, and sea air, all within around 1.5 hours from Manchester. Whether you’re craving woodland walks, storybook towns, or a proper pie and pint with a view, there’s something here with your name on it. Bonus: Pendle Hill’s now on the list too 👀🧙♀️
📍 Pendle Hill – 1 hour 🔮
Witch trials, eerie legends, and sweeping countryside? Yes please. Pendle Hill is a moody Lancashire must-visit with cracking views and a spooky backstory to boot.
📍 Formby – 1 hour 🌲
Sand dunes, pine woods, and (if you’re lucky) red squirrels. It’s coastal chill at its finest.
📍 Hebden Bridge – 1 hour 🎨
Boho vibes, canalside strolls, and indie shops galore. A creative little gem tucked into the hills.
📍 Tatton Park & Knutsford – 45 min 🦌🏛️
Deer-spotting, stately home snooping, and cute cafés. A classy countryside classic.
📍 Skipton – 1 hour 10 min 🏰
Known as the “Gateway to the Dales”, it’s got a cracking castle, lovely canals, and fab market days.
📍 Castleton – 1 hour 🏞️
Caverns, castles and Peak District charm? Don’t mind if we do.
📍 Cartmel – 1 hour 38 min 🍮
Home of sticky toffee pudding and Michelin-starred food. Need we say more?
📍 Holmfirth – 1 hour 🎬
‘Last of the Summer Wine’ fans will recognise this one, but even if you’re not, the views are unreal.
📍 Forest of Bowland –
1 hour 20 min 🌄
Underrated and wildly beautiful. Think open moors, stone villages, and picnic-perfect spots.
📍 Macclesfield – 45 min 🏘️
Gritty northern charm meets gateway-to-the-hills goodness. Don’t skip the Treacle Market if it’s on.
📍 Ambleside – 1 hour 30 min 🛶
Nestled in the Lake District, it’s made for lakeside chilling, gear shopping, and a tea room hop.
📍 Malham – 1 hour 20 min 💦
Home to Malham Cove and Janet’s Foss – waterfalls, limestone cliffs, and scenic drama included.
📍 Clitheroe – 1 hour 🏡
A market town with a mini castle and fab food scene. Ideal for a relaxed rural roam.
📍 Lytham St Annes – 1 hour 🏖️
A classy alternative to Blackpool with beaches, golf, and that iconic windmill.
📍 Quarry Bank Mill – 30 min 🧵
Industrial heritage meets riverside walks. Great for curious minds and history buffs.
📍 Bakewell – 1 hour 10 min 🥧
Yes, the tarts are worth it. But so are the riverside views and stone bridges.
📍 Dovestone Reservoir & Greenfield – 45 min 💧
Moody moors and peaceful waters. Great for a walk-and-a-flask kind of day.
📍 Edale – 1 hour 🥾
Hike the start of the Pennine Way or just soak in the views with a pint.
📍 Haworth – 1 hour 10 min 📚
Brontë country in all its brooding glory. Atmospheric, literary, and proper Yorkshire.
📍 Alderley Edge – 45 min 🌳
Fancy woods, posh brunch spots, and a touch of mystery with the local legends.
📍 Chester – 1 hour 10 min 🏛️
Roman walls, quirky shops, and that pretty riverside – history buffs will love it.
📍 Buxton – 1 hour ⛲
Famous spa town vibes, elegant buildings, and the gateway to some epic Peak District walks.
📍 Lancaster – 1 hour 10 min 🎓
Historic and vibrant, with a great mix of culture, canals and castles.
📍 Blackpool – 1 hour 🎡
Classic seaside chaos: rides, rock, and relentless fun.
📍 Bamford – 1 hour 🧗♂️
Tucked in the Peak District with stunning scenery and top walking trails.
📍 Bowness-on-Windermere – 1 hour 30 min 🚤
Boats, boutiques, and Beatrix Potter – it’s a lakeside dream.
Ideal Time: One full day to soak it all inWhy Go: Nature therapy, foodie finds, history hits, and cheeky road trip vibes.
Manchester’s amazing, but a mini escape never hurt anyone. These road trip-ready spots tick every box, from the rugged and remote to the cosy and quaint. Just grab snacks, plug in your playlist, and hit the road 
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Additional Information & Highlights
Pendle Hill, Lancashire
Famous for its witchy history and sweeping countryside views. Pendle Hill is incredible!
🗺️ Things To Do:
- Hike to the summit for panoramic views
- Explore Pendle Sculpture Trail
- Visit the Pendle Heritage Centre
- Take a drive through the villages of Barley and Downham
💡 My Top Tip: Go on a clear day and pack decent footwear — the trail up can get boggy! Oh, and if you’re into legends, read up on the Pendle witches before you go… spooky stuff.
Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire
A beautiful market town known for its artsy vibes and canalside charm.
🗺️ Things To Do:
- Wander around the town
- Walk along the canal
- Visit Hardcastle Crags (National Trust)
- Go to Heptonstall (quaint village)
💡 My Top Tip: Visit on a Thursday, Friday, Saturday or Sunday if you can — the outdoor market runs from 9AM to 4PM with loads of local vendors, vintage finds and street food.
Malham, North Yorkshire
A picture-perfect spot for lovers of natural drama, waterfalls, cliffs, and lush countryside.
🗺️ Things To Do:
- Hike to Malham Cove
- See Gordale Scar and Janet’s Foss
- Walk the circular Malham Tarn trail
- Grab lunch at a cosy local pub
💡 My Top Tip: Arrive early — it’s popular, especially on weekends. And wear good shoes, the limestone paths can be slippery when wet.
Buxton, Derbyshire
Elegant architecture meets spa-town vibes in the heart of the Peaks.
🗺️ Things To Do:
- Visit the Buxton Crescent and thermal spa
- Explore Pavilion Gardens
- Check out Poole’s Cavern (underground cave!)
- Have afternoon tea in a fancy tearoom
💡 My Top Tip: If you’re a history or architecture buff, join one of the walking tours — they’re cheap and super informative.
Cartmel, Cumbria
A tiny foodie village with BIG flavours (and views to match).
🗺️ Things To Do:
- Try the famous Cartmel Sticky Toffee Pudding
- Wander around Cartmel Priory
- Visit the racecourse if there’s an event on
- Eat at L’Enclume if you fancy splashing out (it’s Michelin-starred!)
💡 My Top Tip: Pop into Unsworth’s Yard for local wine, cheese and craft beer. It’s a proper hidden gem and less busy than the main square.
Recommended Tours and Tickets From Get Your Guide
Access to the map
No sign up required and totally FREE. Literally just using Google Maps to plot your route! Saves you messing! We don't gatekeep here! Enjoy.
Map will be located under "YOU" and then under "MAPS".
Travel Planning Resources
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Book Your Flights: Kick off your travel planning by finding the best flight deals on Trip.com. Our years of experience with them confirm they offer the most competitive prices.
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Travel Insurance: Never travel without insurance. Here are our top recommendations:
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- Use AirHelp for compensation claims against flight delays etc.
Book Your Activities: Discover walking tours, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more on Get Your Guide. They have a vast selection of activities to enhance your trip. There is also Tiqets.com for instant mobile tickets.
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Nick Harvey
Hi, I am Nick! Thank you for reading! The Travel Tinker is a resource designed to help you navigate the beauty of travel! Tinkering your plans as you browse!
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