Aside from being a great city, Manchester's excellent location in the UK is a benefit to visiting here. It’s surrounded by incredible national parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, like the Lake District, Yorkshire Dales, and the Peak District. You can enjoy the bustle of a thriving city while also having the option to escape for some much-needed time in nature.
We’ve rounded up the five best road trips from Manchester for when you want a quick escape from the city. They’re all within three hours of driving distance from Manchester, making them perfect for a weekend away or a bank holiday. Now the only question is where will you go first?
1. Eryi National Park
More commonly known as Snowdonia National Park, Eryi National Park is a place everyone should visit at least once in their life. Although, you’ll struggle to go there just once. It’s filled with dramatic mountain ranges, magnificent coastlines, pristine beaches and cosy villages. Whether you plan to tackle Mount Snowdon or simply enjoy coffee in a warm cafe while soaking up the view, you’ll find the perfect holiday feeling in Eryi National Park.
It’s only a two-hour drive from Manchester, making it perfect for a night or two away. If you’ve got more time to spare, we recommend tackling our four-day Snowdonia road trip itinerary.
Things to do in Eryi National Park:
-Visit the charming town of Portmeirion, which many believe looks like it belongs on the Italian Riviera. The Rough Guide to Wales once described it as “a gorgeous visual poem,” and you’ll quickly see why.
-The Sygun Copper Mine once received the Prince of Wales Award for tourism. It’s considered to be an impressive example of how industrial heritage can be reclaimed and transformed into something new. Take your time following a self-guided audiovisual tour through the large winding tunnels and colourful chambers. Once you’re ready to return above ground, you can try your hand at panning for gold (a great way to cover the costs of your trip)!
-Hike up Mount Snowdon, of course! There are various routes depending on your ability and available time. For example, the Llanberis path is the easier but the longest, due to easier gradients and well-trodden paths. Check out the best walks in Snowdonia.
2. Lincolnshire Wolds
Two and a half hours to the east of Manchester, you’ll find the delightful Lincolnshire Wolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Its close proximity makes it ideal for weekend breaks from Manchester, as it’s only a two-and-a-half-hour drive.
Aside from green rolling hills and lush forests, the Lincolnshire Wolds are surrounded by historic market towns, sleepy villages, and the bustling city of Lincoln. The Wolds are also a great destination for foodies, as the tasty local produce wins awards annually. You’ll find plenty of farmers’ markets and independent shops throughout the area.
Check out the best campsites in the Lincolnshire Wolds AONB.
Things to do in the Lincolnshire Wolds:
-Horncastle is situated at the heart of Lincolnshire, halfway between the famous sandy beaches and the cathedral city of Lincoln. It’s a historic town dating back to the Roman times, with plenty of architecture to show for this exciting past. Nowadays, Horncastle is beloved for its antique shops and artisan stores. It also features many family-friendly pubs, ideal for a Sunday roast before you head back to Manchester.
-Naturally, your trip to the Lincolnshire Wolds AONB should include some walking! You’ve got plenty of routes to choose from. The Spa Trail is ideal for wheelchair users and families with pushchairs or young children. Silver Lincs Way is a 25-mile circular trail. And if you really want a challenge, the Viking Way is a 147-mile long-distance footpath to dedicate a longer trip to.
-Spend an afternoon in Hull, which is known to be the UK’s City of Culture. Strolling along the cobblestone streets, you’ll be transported to days gone by. You can visit plenty of free museums in the Museums Quarter, or head to the many art galleries throughout the city. Hull is also beloved for all of its vintage boutiques and quirky independent stores, the perfect place to find fashionable relics to take home.
3. York
From one great city to another, York is one of the best weekend getaways near Manchester if you’re looking for something quintessentially British. York is proud of its rich history, one you can begin to unravel during your trip. It is the perfect destination for walkers, as York came second on the list of the UK’s most walkable cities in 2023 by CityDays.
But your time in York doesn’t have to be just a city trip. The surrounding region of Yorkshire is one of the most beautiful areas in the UK, filled with rolling hills, lush forests, and sparkling rivers.
Things to do in York:
-Any Potterheads in your travelling group? Head to the Shambles, which many believe to be the inspiration for Diagon Alley. You can follow this with a visit to York’s Castle Museum or climbing the famed Clifford’s Tower.
-Visit Yorkshire’s very own Land’s End, also known as Spurn Point. This peninsula in the North Sea is constantly moving, so it changes between trips. It’s a tranquil place where you can find some peace and rest with a stroll.
-York is particularly renowned for its haunted past, more than any other city in the UK. The Ghost Trail of York allows you to learn about all the dark deeds and mysteries of this old city. Just prepare for quite a fright!
4. North Pennines
The North Pennines is one of the few places that holds the double accolade of being a designated National Landscape and Britain’s first UNESCO European and Global Geopark. These big fancy titles basically translate to it being an incredible place to visit!
You’ll find a truly unique landscape here, with ancient hay meadows, vast heather moors and expansive peatlands. If you’re looking for a challenge, embark on the Pennine Way, or at least a section of it. This National Trail stretches for 268 miles from Edale to Kirk Yetholm, passing through the Yorkshire Dales and Northumberland National Park. One of the most active weekend getaways near Manchester.
Check out the best campsites in the North Pennines.
Things to do in North Pennines:
-Blanchland is considered one of the most attractive towns in the North Pennines. It is a picture-perfect historic village, recreated in the 18th century from the ruins of a medieval monastery. You can go stargazing at Lord Crewe Arrns, where an expert will point out everything visible in the sky that evening.
-Pull on your walking boots and bring a raincoat, it’s time to explore the incredible Lacy’s Cave. You can explore the series of five chambers in the red sandstone cliff of the River Eden, just north of Little Salkeld. There’s a great walking route through this area of 6.4 miles.
-Travelling with little ones or simply looking for an excuse to pet some baby animals? Head to Hall Hill Farm, which features over 700 acres of family-friendly fun. You can feed lambs and donkeys, learn more about various farm animals, play crazy golf, and even ride sledges.
5. The Cotswolds
We need help: we just can’t stop recommending the Cotswolds to people! It’s within three hours of driving from Manchester, making it ideal for a short getaway. The Cotswolds is one of our favourite road trips from Manchester because it’s the perfect blend of nature and towns. You can go for great walks in the forest and follow it with some shopping or a lovely afternoon tea.
It’s also one of the most beautiful places in the UK. The only way we can accurately describe it is like a fairytale. It’s filled with idyllic cottages, complete with ivy-lined walls and thatched roofs. The Cotswolds is also one of the best weekend breaks from Manchester if you’re travelling with your dog, as it’s very pup-friendly. We even have a complete guide to visiting the Cotswolds with a dog.
Check out our itinerary for a road trip in the Cotswolds to help plan your trip.
Things to do in the Cotswolds:
-Spend an afternoon in the ancient market town of Stow-on-the-Wold. It’s known to be one of the most beautiful towns in the Cotswolds and home to many great cafes. In particular, visit St Edward’s Church, which many believe inspired J.R.R Tolkien’s Doors of Durin.
-Visit the Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens, which is home to over 260 species of wildlife across 160 acres of landscaped parkland and gardens. A delightful day out for the whole family!
-Combine your trip with time in the bustling city of Bath. It’s right on the edge of the Cotswolds and filled with things to do. In particular, we recommend visiting the Roman Baths, which were constructed between 60 and 70 AD.
Travelling isn’t just for the summer, and it’s important to take little breaks whenever you can. Plan a few weekend getaways near Manchester to ensure you always have an adventure to look forward to and get the opportunity to escape the bustle of daily life. It’s a great way to travel more without using up all of your holiday time.
Now all you need is to hire a motorhome for your trip and our detailed packing list.
