10 best day trips from Manchester by train

If you’re in Manchester already, why not take advantage of its excellent location to explore a little further afield? With four main train stations in the city, day trips from Manchester by train are convenient– getting you everywhere from London in the South to Edinburgh in the North and back in just one day.

If you’re staying south of Manchester, it’s even possible to go on day trips from Manchester Airport in the city's south, as the shuttle train goes from Manchester Airport directly to Manchester Picadilly every ten minutes, seven days per week.

In this guide, we’ll be exploring all the best day trips from Manchester by train. So, whether you want to escape the hustle and bustle and spend a day in the historic City of York, the serene, awe-inspiring Peak District, or paint the town red in Liverpool, read on to find out our top choices. The best news is that with Trip.com, buying tickets is just a few clicks away.

York: Cathedrals, castles, culture

York Minster

Nestled in the heart of Yorkshire, York is a city draped in its rich historical past. It has everything from a pub built on top of an ancient Roman bathhouse to its iconic Medieval city walls, a museum dedicated to its Viking legacy at the Jorvik Centre, and much, much more.

Railway enthusiasts can enjoy the National Railway Museum, whilst those with a sweet tooth can indulge at York’s Chocolate Story, just off the Medieval street The Shambles, which inspired ‘Diagon Alley’ in the Harry Potter books. Take a boat ride along the Rover Ouse to round off a day of truly historic proportions.

Meanwhile, charming old bookstores, museums, parks and cafes abound, making York one of the very best day trips from Manchester by train.

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

Harrogate: Elegant spa town

Harrogate is a beautiful spa town located just West of York that offers a blend of Victorian old-world elegance and immaculate, natural surroundings. In 2020, the town was ranked as one of the best places to live in the UK, attesting to its desirability.

Harrogate is smaller than the town’s bigger cousins, Leeds and York, but don’t let its size fool you. Harrogate is all about relaxation. It’s really a place to kick back and unwind, making it one of the most relaxed one-day trips from Manchester.

Take a cosy walk through Valley Gardens Park, or relax at the town’s legendary Turkish Baths, an exquisitely preserved 19th-century spa which made the town famous. Meanwhile, the town centre is filled with quaint cafes, like the acclaimed Betty’s Tea Rooms, perfect for relaxing in after some retail therapy in Harrogate’s plentiful independent boutiques.

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

Liverpool: Beatles and beyond

Royal Albert Dock

Liverpool is a city that really steps up to the plate. In fact, it has so much to offer that one day simply wouldn’t be enough to do everything there. Yet, its proximity to Manchester definitely makes it one of the best day trips from Manchester by train.

The city boasts a bountiful and varied history, a thriving international art scene, some of the world’s best and most famous football clubs, amazing nightlife, and some of the best retail and dining experiences in the North West (sorry, Manchester!).

The city’s world-famous Royal Albert Dock is a must-visit, located along Liverpool’s waterfront. It houses fascinating museums such as the Maritime Museum and The Beatles Museum, plus a range of excellent cafes and restaurants to choose from.

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

The Peak District: Valleys and views

With its rolling green hills and snug pubs, you can’t get more quintessentially English than the Peak District National Park. Take in some fresh air, plot your hiking route, and set off for an unforgettable jaunt in one of England’s most beautiful national parks.

If you fancy a challenge, hike the iconic Trinnacle and be rewarded with one of the most awe-inspiring views in the North West. Or, if you prefer a more laid-back jaunt, why not visit Dovestone Reservoir? A man-made reservoir surrounded by nature and stunning views that’s also serviced by a convenient bus route.

To visit The Peak District from Manchester, simply catch a train to Greenfield Station from either: Manchester Picadilly, Victoria, or Oxford Road, and then catch one of the Peak District’s many excellent bus services.

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

Kendal: Gateway to lakes

River Kent

If the countryside is still calling your name, then a day trip to Kendal might be right up your street. Kendal is a quaint, romantic little market town on the edge of the Lake District and known for the eponymous Kendal Mint Cake.

It’s a small town with so much to do. It has a castle, a museum, an arts centre, and a bi-weekly market on Wednesdays and Saturdays packed with lush local produce and regional delicacies.

Kendal is only 62 miles from Manchester, and it only takes around one hour and a half to get there. You can get the train from Manchester Picadilly or Oxford Road and then change at Oxenholme.

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

The Transpennine Ale Trail: Pints with peaks

As you might have guessed from the name, the Transpennine Ale Trail is one of the best day trips from Manchester. Combining breathtaking scenery, relaxing train rides, and good old-fashioned ale, this journey is an excellent short-day trip from Manchester by train.

Some of the best real ale pubs in the country line this train route. They’re either located within the train station or just outside of it – like the Riverhead Brewery Tap at Marsden. All you have to do is hop on and off at each stop. However, this day trip requires a little planning before choosing where and when you’d like to get off. Check here to plan your trip in more detail.

The starting point of the Transpennine Ale Trail is at Stalybridge, only 7 miles from Manchester. You can start your journey from either Manchester Picadilly or Manchester Victoria.

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

Marsden: Full of folklore

Marsden is a gorgeous little village in the Peak District that’s easily accessible by train. If you want to escape the big city and while away your day at a cosy pub or walking along a tranquil moore, Marden’s the place.

If you visit in October, you might catch the Marsden Jazz Festival that’s held every year. Relax and enjoy live music alongside the finest locally produced food and drink.

Marsden is only 18 miles from Manchester, and it only takes around 26 minutes by train from Manchester Piccadilly or Manchester Victoria.

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

Stockport: Industrial innovation

Photo provided by Peter McDermott

Stockport has to be one of the fastest day trips from Manchester as it’s only six miles from Manchester City Centre.

Today, Stockport is a thriving town in Greater Manchester packed with independent eateries, fashion, and culture. Fully embracing its independent spirit, the Underbanks (Stockport’s old town) is filled to the rafters with independent vintage boutiques and vibey hipsterish microbreweries like SupNorth Brew Co or Runaway Brewery and record stores such as SK1 Records

Stockport was even named Greater Manchester’s Town of Culture in 2023, celebrating the town’s active and dynamic cultural scene while showcasing how much the town has going for it.

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

Edinburgh: Scenic, storied, stunning

Edinburgh is perhaps one of the more extreme day trips from Manchester, but that doesn’t mean that it’s impossible to do. If you don’t mind getting up early in the morning and being back later in the evening, Edinburgh is perfectly possible to visit in just one day.

As the capital of Scotland, Edinburgh has absolutely tons to do. Whether you like shopping and dining in Edinburgh’s New Town, soaking up some history at Edinburgh Castle, or being spooked at one of the city’s many ghost tours in the Old Town, Edinburgh is a city that has so much to offer.

Edinburgh is where J K Rowling wrote the Harry Potter books, and if you’re a fan of the books and movies, it is the perfect place to see the locations that inspired them.

On average, reaching Edinburgh Waverley from Manchester Picadilly takes just over 3 hours.

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

London: The Big Smoke

Big Ben and Houses of Parliament

London is another extreme day trips from Manchester. But just like Edinburgh, it is perfectly possible to do if you don’t mind waking up early.

As the United Kingdom's capital, London is tricky to beat when it comes to things to see and do. As the biggest city in Europe, it really is a heavy hitter in global cuisine, art, music, fashion, and just about everything else.

If you’re visiting for just one day, it might be a good idea to visit some of the iconic landmarks first, like Buckingham Palace, Shakespeare’s Globe, or Trafalgar Square. But if you’re a more experienced visitor, you might prefer something a little off the beaten path, like visiting Camden Lock Market or the sublime Richmond Park.

Getting to London Euston station from Manchester Picadilly takes just over 2 hours.

*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 on Manchester’s doorstep; the great news is that they’re all available to visit by train. You should try booking early to avoid a steep fare to get the best price.

Make sure you keep an eye on the weather. No one likes getting drenched on a day out! Remember to pack an umbrella just in case, bring comfortable shoes for walking in, and bring a light bag to keep things like phone chargers safe and secure. Most importantly, have fun!