5 fabulous day trips from Manchester without a car

Manchester is a brilliant base for day trips, whether you’re after history, greenery, culture or curry. With fast and frequent train connections, you can explore Tudor manor houses, Georgian spa towns, vibrant art scenes and bohemian valleys, all without needing a car. From Salford’s cutting-edge media scene to Bradford’s rich cultural fusion, these day trips offer something for every kind of traveller. They're all under 90 minutes away and packed with personality.

1. Salford – Easiest. Tudor history and cutting-edge culture.

• Distance: Right next door!

• Travel time: 20 minutes by tram.

• Why go: The Lowry, Salford Quays, MediaCityUK, and the Imperial War Museum North.

  
  

  Just 20 minutes by tram from Manchester, Salford is the perfect blend of rich history and modern creativity. Start your day exploring the atmospheric Ordsall Hall, a beautifully preserved Tudor manor with over 750 years of stories. Then head to the Lowry to admire the UK's largest LS Lowry collection before hopping on a guided canal cruise past MediaCity, Old Trafford and industrial landmarks. In the afternoon, the powerful Imperial War Museum North offers moving exhibits and a striking poppy installation. End your visit with global street food at Kargo MKT or a show at the Lowry Theatre.

  
  

  Need more ideas for your Salford day trip? We have a one day itinerary blog!

2. Buxton – Historic, scenic, rejuvenating

• Distance: About 25 miles southeast.

• Travel time: ~1 hour by train from Manchester Piccadilly.

• Why go: Spa town charm, Georgian architecture, the Pavilion Gardens, Poole’s Cavern, and access to the Peak District.

  
  

  Nestled on the edge of the Peak District, elegant Buxton is a spa town famed for its Georgian architecture, underground caves, and healing mineral waters. Start your day with a woodland walk to Solomon’s Temple for sweeping views, then tour the awe-inspiring Poole’s Cavern. Back in town, explore the grand Crescent, fill your bottle at St Ann’s Well, and browse the beautiful Cavendish Arcade. Don’t miss tea and cake at No.6 The Square, followed by a stroll through the lush Pavilion Gardens. Finish with craft beer and comfort food at Buxton Brewery or dinner in the Crescent Hotel’s fine dining restaurant.

  
  

For more information check out our One Day Visitor Guide to Buxton

3. Liverpool – Lively and cultural

• Distance: Around 35 miles west.

• Travel time: ~50 minutes by direct train from Manchester Victoria or Oxford Road.

• Why go: Maritime history, The Beatles, museums, Albert Dock, and a great food/music scene.

  
  

  A city bursting with culture, music, and maritime history, Liverpool makes for an energetic and enriching day trip. Begin with a stroll along the iconic Royal Albert Dock, home to the Tate Liverpool and the fascinating Merseyside Maritime Museum: it has exhibits about the Lusitania and the Titanic, while the third floor is home to the incredibly moving International Slavery Museum. In the afternoon, dive into the city’s rich musical legacy at The Beatles Story or take a Magical Mystery bus tour past landmarks from the Fab Four’s early years. Explore the striking Liverpool Cathedral or the futuristic Metropolitan Cathedral then wrap up your day with cocktails on Hope Street or live music at the world famous Cavern Club.

  
  

We've got three days worth of things to do in Liverpool in our Long weekend in Liverpool guide.

4. Bradford – Victorian grandeur meets vibrant South Asian culture,

• Distance: About 40 miles northeast.

• Travel time: Around 1 hour by direct train from Manchester Victoria.

• Why go: A city of contrasts with world-class curry houses, UNESCO-listed architecture, and fascinating museums like the National Science and Media Museum.

  
  

  Just over an hour by train from Manchester, Bradford is a vibrant Yorkshire city full of surprises, and as the UK’s City of Culture 2025, it’s having a major moment. Spend the day exploring its stunning Victorian architecture, the peaceful Bradford Cathedral with William Morris & Co. stained glass windows, and the interactive National Science and Media Museum. Grab an indulgent lunch at quirky café The Cake’ole, stroll through Lister Park and the excellent Cartwright Hall Art Gallery, then finish the day with a legendary curry and maybe a show at the Alhambra or newly reopened Bradford Live.

  
  

  For more inspiration, read our One day Bradford itinerary

  

5. Hebden Bridge – Creative spirit in a lush Yorkshire valley

• Distance: About 30 miles northeast.

• Travel time: Around 45 minutes by direct train from Manchester Victoria.

• Why go: A bohemian escape with hillside walks, independent bookshops, canal-side cafes, and a rich history of counterculture and creativity.

  
  

Tucked into the steep, green Calder Valley, Hebden Bridge is a picturesque market town with a big personality. Spend your morning wandering the charming stone streets lined with artisan shops, vintage stores, and galleries. Walk or cycle along the peaceful Rochdale Canal, or head uphill to Heptonstall, a historic hilltop village where Sylvia Plath is buried. Stop for lunch at a cosy café or riverside pub, then hike to the beautiful National Trust woodland of Hardcastle Crags. With its mix of stunning scenery and indie energy, Hebden Bridge is a refreshing and inspiring day trip.

Pin this blog for later!

.