The Best Day Trips from Manchester Without a Car

Originally published on April 11, 2025 | Last updated on April 12, 2025

Perhaps you were like me, an international student in Manchester without a car. Or you recently moved. Or you’re on your way up after a week in London. Regardless of the reason – you want to take day trips on Saturdays when you have a day off but you don’t have a car. The good news is – don’t have a car? No problem! Manchester is well-connected by train and bus, making it easy to explore some amazing destinations without the hassle of driving. Whether you’re after history, nature, or a vibrant city break, here are the best day trips from Manchester—all accessible by trains. Even better, you can take direct trains from Manchester to any of these location. The great part of living in a major hub!

1. Liverpool – For Football & Beatles

🚆 50 minutes by direct train (click the link to book ticket via Trainline!)

Liverpool was the first day trip I did out of Manchester when I lived there. Liverpool is a must-visit, especially for Beatles, museum, seaside, in fact you can find everything in Liverpool. You can easily spend a day exploring:

The Beatles Story Museum – definitely a must for all Beatles fan.
Albert Dock – Home to the Tate Liverpool, museums, and great waterfront views. In fact, the Beatles are also here. You can stroll, visit the cafes and restaurants, or even take a cruise there.
Anfield Stadium – A pilgrimage for football fans I suppose, especially Liverpool fans. Though it’s slightly out of the city centre (~20 minutes)
Everton Stadium – just to not be accused of picking a side, but obviously Everton stadium also lives in Liverpool. Also located a bit outside of the city centre. (~1/2 hour)

blue sky with clouds and empty streets of Liverpool near Albert dock, surrounded by tall white buildings with lots of glass windows. — Streets of Liverpool – empty as it was a Sunday morning!

2. Chester – City Wall and Cute Town

🚆 1 hour by direct train

I didn’t visit Chester until 4 years in, and I don’t know why. Chester is a beautiful, compact city with a mix of Roman history and medieval vibe. Don’t miss:

Chester Rows – Unique, two-level medieval shopping streets. The black and white buildings definitely have a different vibe than the red brick buildings in Manchester.
Chester Roman Amphitheatre – Step back in time at this ancient site. It’s free.
Chester City Walls – Walk along the best-preserved city walls in Britain. It’s free and I absolutely love seeing the city from above.
Chester Zoo – a little bit outside of Chester (30 minutes by bus), but it’s one of the most famous zoos in the UK.

view of streets of Chester on a grey day. the building are in black and white architecture - black wooden beams and white walls. — Streets of Chester, taken from the city wall.

3. York – For a Fairytale Feel

🚆 1 hour 13 minutes by train from Manchester Victoria

York is a stunning, historic city that feels like stepping into a storybook. Top sights include:

York Minster – One of the UK’s most impressive cathedrals.
The Shambles – A medieval street that inspired Harry Potter’s Diagon Alley.
Jorvik Viking Centre – A fascinating look at York’s Viking past.
York Dungeon – if horror and dark history is your liking.
York Chocolate Story – definitely a hit for everyone especially for kids.

multiple hot air balloons lit up on a black dark sky background, with a crowd of people watching. — Yorkshire Hot Air Balloons Festival is another reason to visit York in autumn!

4. Leeds – For Shopping & Nightlife

🚆 50 minutes by train

Leeds is a vibrant city with a mix of culture, shopping, and great food. Spend your day:

Shopping at Victoria Quarter & Trinity Leeds – A mix of high-end and high-street stores.
Exploring the Royal Armouries Museum – A free, fascinating collection of weapons and armor.
Relaxing in Roundhay Park – One of the biggest city parks in Europe.

aerial photo of Leeds, featuring streets of Leeds and the buildings. — Aerial photo of Leeds – Photo by Benjamin Elliott on Unsplash

5. The Peak District – For Outdoor Adventures

🚆 45 minutes – 1 hour by train (to Edale or Hope)

You don’t need a car to explore the breathtaking Peak District! Catch a train to:

Edale – The start of the famous Pennine Way hiking trail which is only 10 minutes walk from the train station. Edale station is where I would recommend anyone visiting Peak District without a car.
National Trust Padley Gorge – stop in Grindleford train station, direct from Manchester! (1 hour). Padley Gorge itself is walking distance from the train station.

Alternative options if you don’t mind taking a taxi to the starting point of the walk:

Hope – A great base for hikes to Mam Tor and Castleton.
Hathersage also has a train station. It’s famous for Stanage Edge rock formations which may need a taxi to explore. But the Hathersage town itself is also a lovely, cute little town which is an attraction of itself.

majestic view of green rolling hills under blue sky with a few clouds. — I hiked Mam Tor in 2024! No filter required seriously.

6. Hebden Bridge – Nature and Cute Town

🚆 30 minutes by train

If you love independent shops, cafés, and artsy vibes and nature, Hebden Bridge is a hidden gem. Enjoy:

Exploring indie boutiques – Great for unique gifts and vintage finds.
Walking to Hardcastle Crags (National Trust) – A beautiful woodland hike.
Grabbing coffee by the canal – Perfect for a relaxing afternoon. Or if you would like some more exercise, you can do a canal walk which is also lovely.

view of trees on hills with a river in between the hills, under a blue clear sky of Hardcastle Cragg in Hebden Bridge — Gorgeous view of Hebden Bridge in autumn – though it’s also absolutely gorgeous in all season.

7. Llandudno (North Wales) – For a Seaside Escape

🚆 2 hours by train (stop in Llandudno instead of Llandudno Junction for better access!)

For fresh sea air and classic British seaside charm, head to North Wales. There are plenty of options to stop as the train goes across North Wales to Holyhead in Anglesey direct from Manchester. I’ve chosen Llandudno as it’s a bigger city compared to the other stops and have more options. Highlights include:

The Great Orme Tramway – Ride up for stunning coastal views.
Llandudno Pier – Enjoy fish and chips and arcade fun.
Llandudno Promenade – great to walk after a massive portion of fish and chips!
Llandudno North/West Shore Beach – enjoy the beach in this seaside town! West Shore Beach has amazing sunset.

If you have a weekend, head to Holyhead which takes 3 hours by train and enjoy Anglesey! Conwy is another interesting stop which has a beautiful Conwy Castle.

view of the Great Orme in Llandudno. View of the sea under grey sky with rolling hills on the background. — Great Orme in Winter! The water is beautifully blue in summer.

8. Marsden – For Canal Walks & Countryside Views

🚆 30 minutes by train

Marsden is a scenic village on the edge of the Peak District, perfect for a relaxing countryside escape. Enjoy:

Standedge Tunnel & Visitor Centre – The longest canal tunnel in the UK, with boat trips available.
Marsden Moor – A stunning National Trust area for scenic walks.
Traditional pubs & cafés – Grab a cosy meal after exploring the outdoors.
Canal walks – you can start from Standedge Tunnel and Visitor Centre to either direction. This is my favourite running track while preparing for marathon, I did them every week and still did not get bored after a year!

Marsden in autumn - green hills in autumn with red, yelow and green foliage. A reservoir at the bottom of the hill. — Beautiful view of Marsden in autumn of Wessenden Valley.

Final Thoughts

You don’t need a car to explore beyond Manchester—just hop on a train and enjoy an easy, stress-free day trip! Which one will you try first?

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