From the fresh air and lush greenery of the Peak District, to the modern malls of the city, there’s plenty to keep you entertained in and around Manchester. The city is a hub of sports and culture, from world-renowned football teams to the Manchester Science and Industry Museum.
It’s also ideally situated for exploration, so you can jump in your hire car and hit the road to visit neighbouring cities or venture to traditional seaside towns.
Ambling through the Peak District
The Peak District is an expansive national park and easily reachable by car from Manchester. Once you arrive, you’ll be rewarded with one of the quaintest examples of rustic English countryside anywhere in the country.
You can hike, bike or simply drive through in your hire car and admire the rolling green hills, peaceful reservoirs and gentle streams.
The Peak District also has a variety of small villages that offer a quiet contrast to the bustle of Manchester. Drive south on the A6 to get to Buxton, from where you can drive to Ashford-on-the-Water to see the famous Sheepwash Bridge.
After your walk, head to one of the traditional local inns for a hearty lunch before heading back to the city or venturing further into the park.
City centre highlights
Set in an attractive, Gothic-style building, the University of Manchester Museum houses a unique collection of exhibits focusing on a range of natural history, archaeology and Earth sciences. Head inside and get lost for hours perusing preserved animals, ancient Roman artefacts and fascinating fossils.
If you want to really get under the skin of Manchester’s industrial heritage, pay a visit to the Museum of Science and Industry. Set on the site of the oldest working passenger railway, the museum explores Manchester’s history as the first industrialised city in the world, and the influence it had far and wide.
If you love to shop, then you’ll love the Trafford Centre. It’s the second largest indoor shopping mall in the UK where you can grab everything from electronics to clothing. Watch the latest blockbusters at the cinema, take your pick from a wide variety of restaurants, and even get a fix of an indoor ski slope for the more adventurous.
Day trips
Manchester is a great base for exploring the wider region, where you can find seaside towns, hearty food and places to kickback and unwind in the country air.
The nearby city of Liverpool is a beacon for music fans the world over, and the Beatles Museum is a great way to spend an hour or two learning more about the Fab Four. There’s also The Beatles Story in Albert Dock, the world’s largest permanent exhibition dedicated to the group.
Adventure seekers can make a beeline for Blackpool Pleasure Beach, which has a variety of rides that will thrill the young and young at heart. Prepare to get wet on Valhalla, a Viking-themed ride, while adrenaline junkies can go for The Big One, which has a massive 78m drop.
Car rental from Manchester Airport is the key to convenient travel to Manchester, the North of England and beyond.
