10 best day trips from Liverpool by train

Looking for the best day trips from Liverpool? There are so many places to explore within a single day’s train journey. From big city culture to unique model villages, Liverpool provides access to some of England’s best-known locations – and best-kept secrets.

In this guide, we’ll set out 10 suggestions for places to visit near Liverpool. Cheap and convenient, these journeys include a mix of local gems and cultural powerhouses – with fares starting at just a few pounds and destinations reachable within 20 minutes. So, without further ado, here are some of the best days out near Liverpool by train.

 Southport: Family fun beside the sea

Ainsdale Beach

Just 45 minutes on the train from Liverpool, Southport is one of the best places to visit near Liverpool for family fun. Head down to Southport’s wide sandy beach for views all the way to Blackpool, and stroll along Southport Pier, the second longest pier in Britain.

Thrillseekers young and old will want to visit Southport Pleasureland, with its assortment of rides for the whole family. Ride the Ghost Train if you dare or, on summer days, take on Loki’s Log Flume. Or how about a spin on the Dodgems to re-live the classic funfair experience?

For a more relaxed trip to Southport, wander along the tree-lined boulevards of Lord Street and stop in one of its many cafes for a bite to eat. Culture seekers may want to visit The Atkinson, Southport’s home for music, theatre, art, literature and history. This popular cultural venue also hosts a full events schedule and an impressive collection of more than 3,500 artworks and over 25,000 pieces of social history.

  *Fares and timetables are approximate and can vary based on booking time, peak hours, and ticket type

Chester: Roman city walls

Chester Cathedral

Chester is a proudly heritage-rich city, with a fascinating history and no end of enjoyable activities for visitors to discover. Boasting the most complete City Walls in Britain, which date back to the Roman occupation 2,000 years ago, Chester draws in visitors from far and wide to walk the two-mile route.

An unmissable attraction is Chester Cathedral, constructed between 1240 and 1490. Entry is free, so there’s no reason not to head inside and admire the extraordinary painted ceiling of the Cathedral Choir. The cathedral also hosts regular music events and exhibitions; check in advance and plan your trip!

In the centre of Chester you’ll find the Eastgate Clock, which, locals will proudly tell you, is one of the most photographed clocks in the world. Built to celebrate Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee in 1897, it stands magnificently in this historic city. Historic houses and shops abound along the Chester Rows; stroll along Bridge Street and Watergate Street and don’t forget to look up!

  *Fares and timetables are approximate and can vary based on booking time, peak hours, and ticket type

Windermere: A day on the lake

If you’re looking for day trips from Liverpool to the Lake District, Windermere offers an unbeatable day of excitement and activity for walkers and watersport lovers alike. Accessible in under two hours from Lime Street Station, a day out by train to the Lake District is a wonderful way to get outdoors.

Fans of all things watery will be in their element, with activities galore on Windermere, the largest lake in England. Try paddleboard, canoe, kayak, wakesurfing or water skiing – and if you want to spend even more time on the water after, take a boat ride to Ambleside, a popular Lake District destination that attracts visitors for its stunning scenery, accessible walks and wide range of activities, including Zeffirellis, an award-winning independent cinema and restaurant.

Back in Windermere, climb to one of several local viewpoints for panoramic views of the lake and more distant mountains. For boat lovers, make time to see the stunning collection of steamboats in the Windermere Jetty Museum, or visit the World of Beatrix Potter in Bowness-on-Windermere to learn about the famous author’s beloved creations.

  *Fares and timetables are approximate and can vary based on booking time, peak hours, and ticket type

Crosby: Iron men on the beach

Another Place

Just 20 minutes by train from Liverpool Central is Crosby, famed for its long stretch of sandy beach and ‘Iron Men’ sculptures. The 100 cast-iron life-size sculptures are part of ‘Another Place’, an art exhibition by British sculptor Antony Gormley. Comprising 17 different moulds from the sculptor’s own body, the ‘Iron Men’ all face the open sea and are a popular photo opportunity for visitors.

Arriving into Blundellsands & Crosby Station, you’ll also be able to explore some of the many local and independent food and drink venues in Crosby before hitting the beach. A local day trip from Liverpool with impressive scenery and an iconic cultural experience.

  *Fares and timetables are approximate and can vary based on booking time, peak hours, and ticket type

Manchester: Buzzing cultural scene

Heaps of culture and a playful spirit combine to make Manchester one of the most action-packed places to visit near Liverpool. And with cheap, frequent trains from Liverpool Lime Street to Manchester Victoria, you’ll be able to see and do so much in a single day.

If fine art is your thing, make a beeline for Manchester Art Gallery. Or, if it’s history you’re after, you can take in hundreds of years of it at Manchester Museum. Whatever you like, the 600-year old Manchester Cathedral offers a moment of tranquility for everyone in the heart of the busy city, and even more beautiful architecture can be found in the gothic exterior of John Rylands Library.

Manchester is well known for its vibrant entertainment scene, with a host of cinemas, theatres and clubs offering the perfect way to round off a full day out from Liverpool by train.

  *Fares and timetables are approximate and can vary based on booking time, peak hours, and ticket type

Wigan: Parks all around

Haigh Woodland Park

Wigan is a town in Greater Manchester, midway between Manchester and Liverpool. Although it can sometimes seem overshadowed by its larger neighbours, there are plenty of good reasons to take a day trip from Liverpool to Wigan.

Populated with extensive green space, Wigan Borough boasts a beautiful green belt that extends from Leigh through to Haigh Woodland Park. Explore woodlands, wetlands, canals and green spaces, including the popular Borsdane Wood, Wigan’s local nature reserve and an area of semi-natural ancient woodland.

On rainy days, try jumping around at Velocity Trampoline Park, one of Europe’s largest such indoor parks. Then there’s the Museum of Wigan Life, which is the place to go to learn about Wigan’s history and heritage. Notably, the town was the inspiration for George Orwell’s 1937 book The Road to Wigan Pier; you can follow in Orwell’s footsteps at the museum where he carried out research for the book.

  *Fares and timetables are approximate and can vary based on booking time, peak hours, and ticket type

Port Sunlight: Abiding beauty

Founded in 1888 to house ‘Sunlight Soap’ factory workers, Port Sunlight is a unique village a short distance from Liverpool. Recognised as one of the finest surviving industrial worker villages in the world, Port Sunlight stands out for its varied architecture and delightful landscapes.

Start at the Port Sunlight Museum, with its giant models and interactive displays that teach visitors young and old about the fascinating story of Sunlight Soap and the ‘Soap King’ William Hesketh Lever. Right next door is the Edwardian Worker’s Cottage, which offers visitors the chance to experience what life was like for a typical Port Sunlight family in 1913.

Set in 130 acres of stunning parkland and gardens, Port Sunlight is a treat for the eyes. We recommend a walk around Port Sunlight River Park, a scenic waterfront that provides great views across to Liverpool’s waterfront. Wander among Port Sunlight’s 900 Grade II listed houses and public buildings to get a sense of the village’s architectural achievement. To experience even more beauty, visit Lady Lever Art Gallery, considered one of the UK's finest collections of fine and decorative art.

  *Fares and timetables are approximate and can vary based on booking time, peak hours, and ticket type

Shrewsbury: Creativity and culture

The Quarry

A historic market town on the River Severn, Shrewsbury is best known as the birthplace of Charles Darwin. In the past century, it has evolved into a thriving cultural centre that attracts visitors from far and wide for its quality museums and vibrant festivals. With frequent trains at affordable prices, Shrewsbury is one of the best places to visit near Liverpool for a day of culture.

Shrewsbury Museum and Art Gallery is Shropshire’s flagship cultural venue, located in the heart of Shrewsbury’s town square. Free to enter, the museum has a huge diversity of historical artifacts from ancient fossils to fine art. Then there’s The Quarry, an unmissable 29-acre park with outstanding views of the River Severn. Plan your visit and you can make the most of this stunning venue’s regular events, ranging from the Shrewsbury Flower Festival to the Shrewsbury Food Festival.

Throughout the town, you’ll find a variety of creative venues, including Theatre Severn, the county’s premier arts venue, and an abundance of independent boutiques and cafes. An inspiring day trip from Liverpool for the thinkers and dreamers.

  *Fares and timetables are approximate and can vary based on booking time, peak hours, and ticket type

Blackpool: Lights, rides and so much more

Blackpool Pleasure Beach

Renowned for its vibrant culture and world-famous Illuminations, Blackpool has so many attractions for a memorable day trip from Liverpool.

Thrill-seekers will head straight to Blackpool Pleasure Beach, which boasts many record-breaking rides, including the UK’s largest collection of wooden roller coasters. Visit the Blackpool Tower, one of England’s most recognisable landmarks and home to the famous Tower Ballroom.

Take a twirl around the dance floor then get face-to-face with your favourite celebrities at Madame Tussauds, and then, after the heights of Blackpool Tower, see life on the smaller side at Blackpool Model Village. With activities for all the family, days out by train from Liverpool don’t get much more exciting – and you can get there for under £4!

  *Fares and timetables are approximate and can vary based on booking time, peak hours, and ticket type

Preston: Get outdoors near Liverpool

Avenham and Miller Park

Head into the heart of Lancashire just 45 minutes by train from Liverpool to Preston, an ideal urban getaway.

Start at the Avenham and Miller Park, one of the finest examples of traditional Victorian parkland in the North West, which is only a five-minute walk from the train station and free to enter. Later, to the east of Preston, you could continue your natural escape at Brockholes, an exquisite nature reserve with a variety of wildlife to spot.

Cycling fans can bring their bike on the train from Liverpool to Preston to tackle the Guild Wheel, an iconic 21-mile circular route. For rail enthusiasts, meanwhile, there’s the Ribble Steam Railway and Museum. And everyone can enjoy the vibrant shops and cafes in Preston city centre. With so much to see and do in under an hour, Preston is one of the best days out near Liverpool.

  *Fares and timetables are approximate and can vary based on booking time, peak hours, and ticket type

Ready to go?

There are so many great day trips by train from Liverpool that it can be hard to know where to start! Are you looking for unrivalled natural beauty and an active getaway? Or a lazy afternoon meandering around a historic city? With affordable prices and fast, frequent service, taking the train on days out from Liverpool is a convenient way to explore North West England and beyond.

Remember: to secure the best deals on train trips from Liverpool, book your train in advance with Trip.com.