With Manchester being in such a central location with such great links around the North West, there are so many options for exploring and walking. As a fan of taking the train the train to take me to new places to walk, I thought I would compile them into one post to help you. So here are 4 day trips from Manchester by train.
4 Day Trips from Manchester by train
If you’re looking for a bit of greenery as well as a village feel, then it has to be Buxton. I recently did some work with Northern and Walks Around Britain showcasing the fantastic places you can visit by train from Manchester. Which are actually the inspiration for this post. Buxton might seem like a long way from Manchester, but you would be surprised.
Buxton
Buxton is only 59 minutes away from Manchester Piccadilly and has the most glorious scenery on the journey too. One of the things that I love about taking the train for a trip out of the city, is being able to watch the world go by and take in the scenery that I would normally miss if I was driving.
The walk starts and finishes at the station making it perfect for a day trip, as you don’t have to try to find the start or romp your way back to at the end of the day. It goes through some lovely woods and takes you to Solomon’s Temple, a 20 foot two storey building from 1896. Inside there is nothing, but a staircase up to the incredible views. Well, I say that, but I have often found a cow inside there too.
The walk is 7.5 miles and I would recommend some sturdy boots or shoes as there are some very soggy patches along the old railway line. Allow for about 3.5 hours for the walk, although you might want more as there are plenty of places to picnic along the way. Make sure you take your camera too, there are some fantastic views over the Peak District as you meander along the walk – not to mention from the top of Solomon’s Temple.
With spring around the corner too, you will get the joy of the colourful bulbs and the spring lambs!
Chester
If it is more of a quaint historical city you’re after then Chester is the walk for you. Chester is only an hour and a half away on a direct train. For me, that means lots of time to read and stare out of the window at the passing countryside. Again, the walk is from and to the station, taking you through part of the main shopping district to the famous clock tower where you start your walk around the Roman walls around the city.
This is a good walk for days where it might be a little damp underfoot. I was there in the rain and bar a few slippery bits (because of fallen autumn leaves) it was nice and easy for the most part. Having spent a lot of time in Chester growing up, I can vouch that it is a very pretty city. From black and white Tudor buildings to roman ruins, cosy pubs to the River Dee, you are sure to enjoy the variety. And all on a 3.5 mile walk.
And did I mention that the little doughnut stall at the base of the clock tower stars does the most delicious fresh doughnuts ever and coffee for a £1 too. Bargain in the city!
Arnside
If rolling hills and waterside views is more your thing, then hop on the train to Arnside for a circular walk from the station there. You’ll get some good hill walking in as well as some shoreline strolling. I think we often overlook Cumbria for the draw of the Lake District and that is where we’re missing a trick. You can get a quieter and more relaxed walk with equally spectacular views around Arnside.
The Northern Rail Trails Arnside walk is one that gives you almost everything you could wish for on a six mile hike. Hills, sea side, rolling views and bit sky, as well as plenty of rest spots along the way. Don’t let the hill put you off, if you’re not one for doing them regularly, just take your time and enjoy the views while you take a breather. There is only one big hill and you’ll be pleased with the views when you get up there.
Then on the other side of the hill, you get to enjoy the distant views over to Morecambe over the bay while strolling along the sandy beach. If you get a nice day, you can see for miles – even spotting some of the peaks in the Lake District at times.
Blackpool
For a flatter walk along the waterfront, then the Blackpool walk, is the one for you. Taking in the views across the water while making your way along the promenade from the Grande Metropole Hotel to the Pleasure Beach.
Blackpool is more than a destination for revelers and roller coaster lovers, there is plenty of history for those with a more staid interest. Along the walk, you learn some history about the piers, the fantastic Tower and public art. It is a linear walk which takes you between the two main stations. Or, like me, you can make your way back to see the prom in a different light – and to get some chips, of course!
The train ride from Manchester Piccadilly station is a bit longer than the others at around one hour and fifty minutes, with a change at Preston, but it is very easy to do. There is plenty of time for the change too.
Blackpool is one of those places that it, if you grew up in the north, you will have visited frequently. I found that I had all sorts of lovely memories coming back to me on the trip, that I needed the time on the journey home to enjoy them in comfort.
4 Day trips from Manchester by train
With spring around the corner and days out taking over from time in front of the fire, here are 4 day trips from Manchester by train that can get you started as the weather warms. I personally think that there is something special about taking a day trip by train to somewhere fairly close by. It feels like a mini holiday and your weekends seem to feel longer because of it.
So tell me, will you be going on one of the walks from these 4 day trips from Manchester by train?
Let me know in the comments, and also share any other places I should take a say trip from Manchester by train to!
I love getting new ideas!!