Manchester, an industrial powerhouse, tourism hotspot, and university enclave, is one of England’s most buzzy towns. Always bubbling with activity, a mini getaway from the city never ceases to be a welcoming idea.
Fortunately, the northwestern English countryside brims with immense rejuvenating promise. Read on to uncover the best city breaks from Manchester.
Lake District
The Lake District is England’s largest national park, nestled in the ceremonial county of Cumbria. It is known for its ethereal beauty, having inspired the works of William Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter. Indeed, the region has enraptured the hearts of many with its rugged mountains, glimmering glacial lakes, and undulating valleys. With all its natural bounties, Lake District is the ultimate destination for nature retreats and adventure sports.
It was once a mining hotspot, rich in copper and lead. As such, the park was a vital cog in the country’s industrial revolution. Many of the mines and mills are open to the public today, which, with their picturesque backdrops, make for incredible trekking and hiking alcoves. Interestingly, Lake District’s raw beauty and wealth of natural resources sparked it to spearhead the conservation movement and create the National Trust.
With over 16,702 archaeological sites, 1,796 listed buildings, and 23 conservation areas, there’s plenty to explore in Lake District. It also hosts some of England’s most cherished treasures, such as the country’s deepest lake, Lake Wastwater, and the country’s largest lake, Lake Windermere.
In addition to the countless historic and ecological wonders, Lake District has been developed for visitors to play lavishly in the lap of nature. From fanciful treehouses in the forest to opulent lakefront villas, guests can relish England’s staggering beauty in cushy comfort.
Macclesfield
Sliced by the River Bolin, Macclesfield is a quintessential Cheshire market town, ideal for a tranquil weekend escape.
The mediaeval town developed around the present-day St. Michael's Church. After the Norman Conquest, the town started to grow marvellously – it acquired charter status, got a grammar school, and sprouted a flourishing silk manufacturing industry. A group of propertied folks made their nest in this town with lovely Georgian mansions.
Today, Macclesfield is a bolthole retreat brimming with hidden gems, including mediaeval architectural marvels, local history museums, and several sites showcasing the town’s tryst with silk. While the “Silk Town” is full of underappreciated historical quarters, its rustic beauty is bound to allay anyone's worries. Besides boasting postcard-worthy walkways, the town hosts several golf club and spa venues, promising a boujee staycation in the quiet embrace of the Cheshire countryside.
Ramsbottom
A market town on the outskirts of Manchester, Ramsbottom is famous for its rich heritage tourism and stunning Victorian architecture.
The town has plenty worth exploring – from prehistoric activity to industrial revolution affluence, Ramsford is an unparalleled looking glass into England’s backstory. It used to be a densely forested region that transformed into a felled woodland during the Middle Ages. In the 19th century, with the manufacturing milestone of the nation, it became a highly populated mill town.
Set against the backdrop of Holcombe Hill, the young market town is certainly an unspoiled feast for the eyes. Visitors particularly love touring Ramsbottom and its outskirts on the East Lancashire Railway, which is a traditional steam engine coach chugging along from Bury to Rawtenstall. Further, the town has a vibrant market centre complete with upscale eateries and independent shops.
Chester
Perched on the cusp of England and Wales by the River Dee, Chester is a serene cathedral town in the county of Cheshire. It is one of the largest settlements in the region.
The city was founded in 79 AD as a Roman fort. As such, Chester’s city walls are among the oldest in the country and have been brilliantly preserved to this day. The city remained a significant venue of social and political contentions throughout the ancient and mediaeval periods, at the hands of various princely powers. It is no wonder that Chester has some of England’s most beautiful buildings, from the glorious Chester Castle to the miscellany of black-and-white Victorian townhouses. During the industrial revolution, owing to its railway network, cattle market, and canal, Chester became a very wealthy city.
It's the gripping stories and historical lore that bestow Chester with its magnetic allure. The 1000-year-old cathedral, the largest Roman amphitheatre, and the 700-year-old Rows Gallery are some of the city’s most recognisable tourist attractions.
Peak District
Peak District, saddled with startling limestone valleys and grandiose emerald hillocks, is a national park located in central England.
Covering 555 square miles, Peak District is one of England’s 15 designated national parks, which implies that the region’s natural beauty and wildlife are specially preserved, sustainably developed, and enhanced by the Peak District National Park Authority. The park is abloom with countless meadows, reservoirs, walking trails, rugged moorlands, and jagged rock peaks. There are also a handful of charming village trails, covering Hathersage, Stoney Middleton, and Longnor.
With its luxuriant natural features, Peak District is an adrenaline junkie’s dream, perfect for rock climbing, cycling, hiking, and camping. Here, visitors can go from quietly relishing a handsome English breakfast at a Hartington cafe, to trekking up the titanic Stanage Edge.
Marsden
Marsden is a humble village tucked away in the crevices of the Colne Valley.
The region seemed to have developed around the mediaeval period. Its first chapel was built in the 15th century, and another was built in the following century. It bloomed into significance after the establishment of the wool production industry in the 19th century. The Bank Bottom Mill, which was established in 1824, used to be one of the biggest mills in Yorkshire, with 680 looms and employing over 1000 people by 1930.
The bosky little village, with its fascinating industrial history and strikingly pure beauty, has captivated many worn-out city dwellers over the past few decades. The village’s crown jewel, however, is the Standedge Tunnel, which is the United Kingdom’s highest and deepest canal tunnel. Additionally, there are a plethora of local restaurants, taverns, and florid cycling routes.
Hebden Bridge
Poised on the confluence of the River Calder and the Hebden Water, Hebden Bridge is a market town in West Yorkshire's Upper Calder Valley – it has been voted the “fourth funkiest town in the world.”
Hebden Bridge was once a rather sparse settlement, with moderately successful farming and sheep-rearing industries. As a crucial midpoint on the Halifax to Burnley packhorse route, the hamlet’s namesake bridge was built in 1510.
However, it was during the 19th and 20th centuries that Hebden Bridge developed tremendously – owing to its soaring hills and riverines, the hamlet was a brilliant locale for water-powered mills, making it a major manufacturing point for wool.
Today, Hebden Bridge has gained renown for being one of the quirkiest towns in the United Kingdom. Its industrial heyday spawned a progressive milieu with liberal values, vibrant high streets, colourful boats, offbeat markets, and a lively community spirit. Rare finds, good vibes, and flamboyant indulgence are guaranteed at Hebden Bridge.
When it all gets too much, a well-deserved break is in order. Fortunately for Manchester residents, the city is bounded by a treasure trove of grand retreats – from wholesome country cottages and rich pastures to luxury spas and retail therapy haunts, there are endless avenues to rejuvenate your soul away from the metropolitan clamour. Treat yourself to some down time and plan your city break from Manchester.
