If you fancy a bit of a change and are looking for a day trip or two outside of the great city of Manchester then check out my 5 day trips from Manchester by train round-up. Not only do you get to escape Manchester for the day, but you get to enjoy a train ride and time exploring somewhere else.

5 Day Trips from Manchester by Train

Sometimes all you need is a day trip away. It feels like a mini break or a micro adventure and doesn’t cost the earth either. Just exploring a different place or doing a different activity makes a big difference. And this is why I am sharing 5 day trips from Manchester by train. Of course there are loads of other, but I wanted to get you started with some of my favourites.

Whether you live in Manchester or are visiting, these five places are excellent ways to take a day trip to somewhere different.

Liverpool

Whether you’re a fan of the Beatles, museums, art galleries, architecture, the sea or just wandering around a different city, Liverpool is a must see place. Plus, it’s closer than you might think.

Between 33 and 54 minutes, depending on your starting Manchester station, will be in the heart of Liverpool. From the station you can head to the shops at Liverpool One or wander over to the waterfront at Albert Dock and visit Tate Liverpool. And it’s not just about shopping and art either, you can take in the History of the World and the Maritime Museum.

With the city being so close and so quick and easy to get to on the train, you can make multiple visits throughout the year to see more and more.

York

If you’re a fan of cats then you will love York! But it isn’t just a city about cats, there are winding streets and quirky buildings to keep you wandering for the whole day.

You might be wondering why I mention cats? Well, there is a whole historic walking trail where you have to hunt out the hidden cats around the city. We found that it was the best way to get our bearings in the city, while indulging in my love of cats!

A quirky city, you are sure to be able to find enough history to entertain, from ruins to the walls and the river. On a sunny day, you can grab a picnic to enjoy it along side the river (although I highly recommend Goji for veggie grub) On our trip, we barely made a dent and already plan to head back for more wandering and a visit to the Minster, Art Gallery, National Railway Museum and JORVIK.

The train journey is only around 1 hour 15, so you have time for a picnic on the train and more than enough time to explore the city. With such a short journey time, it can become a regular place to visit – and you can use your National Trust Card for the Treasurer’s House which is right in the centre.

Chester

If you a fan of cities with winding streets, historic buildings and water to watch, then Chester is another local one that must be explored. Whether you just fancy a short (3.5 mile) wander around the walls or fancy taking in a museum or two, Chester has a lot to offer on the day trips from Manchester front.

Another place that is close to my heart as I visited regularly growing up and also went to art college there too. Without a doubt, Chester is a city full of surprises from the historic Rows, the walls and the shop fronts, you will be discovering new things on every turn. Between one hour and one and a half hours, you can be in Chester from Manchester. And the route goes through lovely countryside too, so you get to enjoy the view on the way.

If it’s a bit of a wet or cold day, there are plenty of things to do indoors too. There are enough museums about Romans to help you to become a mini afternoon expert. The Cathedral which currently has an art exhibition and also Sick to Death experience. (do check the website as when I was there last week, it was shut for maintenance)

Leeds

In around an hour you can be enjoying a day trip from Manchester to Leeds. A city filled with arcades, art and museums as well as interesting streets and waterside areas to wander.

Our recent trip included the Royal Armouries (and cross bow), The Tetley art gallery and wandering the streets. Each time we visit, we find somewhere new to explore and more and more arcades to look around. There are loads of shops, but if you’re not into shopping (like us) then you can enjoy the deign and architecture instead.

If you’re looking for delicious veggie or vegan food on your trip to Leeds, I can highly recommend Kerala for traditional Massala Dosa and the beanball sub at Roots and Fruits.

Sheffield

And finally on my list of 5 day trips from Manchester by train list, we stay in Yorkshire and over to Sheffield. Also under an hour on the train from Manchester, you can get your adventure started straight from the station. Be sure to check out the impressive water feature as you head up the hill into town.

Sheffield is a very green city and you can wander through built up areas and suddenly be surrounded by trees and park land. A must see is the impressive Winter Garden situated alongside the Millenium Art Gallery.

Oh and if you fancy a bit to eat, then check out Fatoush Falafel and Salad bar – fresh, tasty and handmade in front of you. And did I mention it is pretty cheap too?

So that is my first post about 5 days out from Manchester by train. Whether you fancy a change of scene or just want a day out by train, then these should definitely be on your list. I haven’t even mentioned all of the things that you can do in each, just a brief snippet!

I hope that they help you make the most of your weekends and days off and please do let me know if/when you visit any from this list! I’d also love to hear your recommendations too as I’m always on the look out for other places to visit!

Now to planning this weekend!

Where are your favourite places to take day trips by train? Do you enjoy the train trip or the destination best?

Let me know in the comments below, along with any other hints and tips for the places I mentioned in my post!