Manchester is one of the most liveable cities in the UK. This is something that Mancunians (people of Manchester) are proud of, but sometimes you need to take a day off. A day trip to new places allows you to have new experiences and try new food.
The best thing is that Manchester is centrally situated, with extensive motorway connections east west and north south. This simply means that you only need a coach hire with driver to go on a day trip. There are so many great travel destinations within easy reach.
Below are some of the best places that you can visit on a day trip from Manchester on coach or minibus hire.
Sheffield
Distance from Manchester: About 41 miles
Travel Time: Between 1.5 to 2 Hours
Sheffield is arguably one of the greatest cities in Europe. The city is also called the “Green City,” thanks to its 250 parks and green spaces. There are over two million trees in Sheffield which makes it one of the greenest cities in Europe.
The city has plenty of prime picnic spots and places to cycle, stroll, and relax. Some notable attractions to visit in Sheffield are:
- Tropical Butterfly House
- Wildlife & Falconry Centre
- Sheffield Botanical Gardens
- Rivelin Valley Nature Trail
- Graves Park
- Sheffield Winter Garden
All these make Sheffield one of the best places for a day trip near Manchester. So if you are planning to explore the Peak District, Don’t miss this tourist attraction.
Liverpool
Distance from Manchester: About 36 miles
Travel Time: Less than 1 Hour
Liverpool is a perfect travel destination for architecture lovers. There are so many things to do in Liverpool and the area has attractions literally littered throughout its city. Each building’s architecture is special in its own right, but there are some notable attractions that you should visit.
The city of the Beatles has also been named the World Capital City of Pop by Guinness World Records. The top attractions in Liverpool that you must visit include:
- Royal Albert Dock Liverpool
- Museum of Liverpool
- Anfield Stadium
- Beatles Statue
- Liverpool Cathedral
This is a city that you can easily explore on a day out. All you’ll need is coach hire with driver and some fun companions.
Birmingham
Distance from Manchester: About 96 miles
Travel Time: About 2 Hours
Birmingham has world-class galleries and museums that you can explore on a day trip. The city has plenty of galleries dedicated to the manufacturing, inventions, and people of Birmingham. And this is not all.
There are plenty of activities to do and things to explore in the city. You can visit the planetarium, see the exhibitions on space exploration, and get to watch the world’s oldest working steam engine.
Some top attractions that you shouldn’t miss in Birmingham are:
- National Motorcycle Museum
- Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery
- Library of Birmingham
- Birmingham Back to Backs
- Symphony Hall
York
Distance from Manchester: About 74 miles
Travel Time: Between 1.5 to 2 Hours
York is a city with a rich heritage and numerous museums. Its history dates to the beginning of the first millennium AD. But what makes York an interesting tourist point is its stunning architecture. Plus, it has the most attractions per square mile in the country.
And train lovers would definitely cherish the visit to the National Railway Museum. The museum includes several impressive locomotives and vehicles including:
- World’s fastest steam locomotive
- Queen Victoria’s favourite carriage (Mallard)
- Palace on Wheels
Two notable tourist attractions of the city are the York Minster and the ruins of St Mary’s Abbey. The York Art Gallery, Breezy Knees Garden, Clifford’s Tower, and River Ouse are some other magnificent places to visit in York.
Bristol
Distance from Manchester: About 168 miles
Travel Time: Between 3 to 3.5 Hours
Bristol is a city renowned for its prosperous maritime history. Besides its swashbuckling pirates’ history, the city has earned a good name for its old-world pubs.
But the most famous landmark of Bristol is the Clifton Suspension Bridge. It’s a symbolic milestone for the city that reminds people of the turning point in the history of engineering. Not to mention the spectacular view that the bridge offers to its visitors.
Some other notable attractions in Bristol are the Wookey Hole, Blaise Castle House Museum, Bristol Museum and Art Gallery, and Bristol Zoo. And while you are exploring the city, don’t forget to visit Bristol’s Great Western Dock. This is a key tourist place and the new home to SS Great Britain.
But if you truly want to feel the city, visit Bristol Harbour. Lastly, we recommend a short trip to the Cheddar Gorge if you are visiting with family on a minibus hire. It is about 8 miles from Bristol but definitely a worth visiting.
Wales
Distance from Manchester: About 160 miles
Travel Time: About 4 Hours
Wales is a destination for nature lovers who want to cherish atmospheric scenery and a green environment. Now considered a separate country, Wales has 600 castles and three national parks. Moreover, there are UNESCO World Heritage Sites including:
- Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Canal
- Blaenavon Industrial Landscape
- Castles and Town Walls of King Edward in Gwynedd
- North West Wales Slate Landscape
And that’s not it as there is so much more to explore in wales. Some other notable attractions include Cardiff Castle, National Museum Cardiff, Caernarfon Castle, and Snowdonia National Park.
Cambridge City
Distance from Manchester: About 181 miles
Travel Time: About 2.5 Hours
Best known for its legendary university, the city of Cambridge is a destination worth visiting. If you have a coach hire with a driver, it will take you about 2.5 hours to reach this fantastic touring spot. There are so many places to visit in Cambridge and so many fun activities to do.
Of course, first on your list should be the University of Cambridge. The university consists of 31 autonomous Colleges. The most renowned among these are Robinson College, Queen’s College, and Trinity College.
King’s College and King’s College Chapel are two other notable sites that you shouldn’t miss on your tour. You will witness a magnificent view from the King’s College. Visitors can explore different college grounds and amble along the banks of the river Cam. The Cambridge University Botanic Garden is another site for keen eyes and nature lovers.
The University of Cambridge alone may take your whole day. But, you should pay visits to other notable landmarks including the Museum of Cambridge, National Horse Racing Museum, St. Mary the Great Church, and Fitzwilliam Museum.
Newcastle upon Tyne
Distance from Manchester: About 146 miles
Travel Time: About 3 Hours
Famed for its breweries, theatres, and museums, Newcastle is another city that you can visit from Manchester. This tourist city has a fascinating history, spectacular bridges, and breathtaking scenery. Not to mention the fact that the city adores football and delicious food.
Friendly locals (Geordies), amazing architecture, rich culture, and its nightlife make Newcastle a great choice for visitors. But the first thing that will greet you is the iconic Angel of the North sculpture.
There are so many sites to explore and things to do in Newcastle upon Tyne. If you have a minibus hire with driver, we recommend you should visit:
- Jesmond Dene
- The Discovery Museum
- St James’ Park
- Victoria Tunnel
- Quayside
Norwich
Distance from Manchester: About 197 miles
Travel Time: About 4.5 Hours
Norwich is without any doubt the most complete mediaeval city in the country. The place has a rich heritage as well as lively restaurants and bars that make for a perfect nightlife. Its quaint covered market and high street shopping centres are a delight to explore.
However, the best things to do in Norwich include visiting its stunning Norman Cathedral and Castle. Some of the top attractions to visit in Norwich are:
- The Plantation Garden
- East Ruston Old Vicarage Garden
- Norwich Cathedral
- Felbrigg Hall
- The Broads National Park
Lake District
Distance from Manchester: About 85 miles
Travel Time: Between 1.5 to 2 Hours
This is a place in northwest England that’s totally worth visiting. In fact, this is an exceptional day-out destination for nature lovers.
You will find the UK’s highest mountain, Scafell Pike, here. This destination has some of the finest trails and mountains that you can easily hike. Whether you are a beginner or someone looking for a demanding track, you can easily find a suitable trail here.
About 15.8 million visitors from across the globe come to the Lake District each year. And you’ll only know the reason why after exploring it yourself.
Although there are many things to do in Lake District, some attractions are more enchanting than others. These include:
- Lake Windermere
- Catbells Lakeland Walk
- Aira Force Waterfall
- Helvellyn
- Loughrigg Fell
Final Note
We hope you have liked our list of great day-out destinations from Manchester. These are the best places that you can visit on coach hire with your family, friends, or school buddies. In case you need a coach hire Manchester, contact us. We can provide you with coach options anytime and anywhere across the UK.