Day Trips from Manchester

In Brief. In common with several other gardens, Biddulph Grange near Congleton hosts a ticketed evening event in December, which primarily consists of a walk through the garden, where trees and plants have been lit up in bright colours.  In addition to this, Biddulph Grange had various themed areas, such as a decorated cottage, and areas with illuminated deer and penguins.  Our experience of these events is that the weather really matters, so with tickets sometimes selling out ahead of time, some risk-taking is involved. The weather for our Biddulph Grange visit was somewhat cold but clear, so the garden looked good and there was no need to rush back for a hot chocolate. The lake, illuminated. What's Here? Biddulph Grange, as reported in an earlier blog in this series , is a collection of diverse, engaging and sometimes quirky gardens that is well worth a visit. The festive lights follow a trail through the garden, which includes the lake (illustrated), a wooded area and seve...

In Brief. Several towns in Cheshire, typically those with names ending in wich (Northwich, Nantwich, Middlewich), developed in significant measure through salt production, initially from brine springs, but later from more intensive mining and extraction techniques. The Lion Salt Works  is a restored salt making site plus museum that provides a vivid introduction to the steps involved in moving from brine to sellable salt. Moving coal to the salt works and salt to markets required canals, and the  The Anderton Boat Lift , just a few miles from the Lion Salt Works, connects waterways that, among other things, supported the salt-making industry.  The Anderton Boat Lift What's Here? The Lion Salt Works sits on ground that includes two layers of salt beds. A pump extracted brine from these salt beds, which then went through a series of processes for which the original buildings and some of the equipment are preserved in the museum. These include substantial salt pans, where th...

In Brief. The British Commercial Vehicle Museum  at Leyland and the Lakeland Motor Museum near the southern end of Lake Windermere host substantial collections of motor vehicles of different types and from different periods. In both museums, the standard experience is wandering past pristine vehicles, and reading a little about them on displays.  The Lakeland Motor Museum also hosts an exhibition on Donald and Malcolm Campbell, and their land and water speed records. A vintage MG sports car. What's Here? The  Lakeland Motor Museum  hosts an eclectic collection of vehicles, including bicycles, motor bikes and cars. For many visitors, this will include vehicles that they recognise, as well as models that are now rarely if ever seen on the road. The vehicles are well maintained, and some are accompanied by some comments on the model or the specific vehicle.  With an emphasis on speed, there are displays on the Isle of Man TT races including bikes that have been ra...

In Brief. RSPB St Aidans is a nature reserve that occupies a former open cast coal mine, and which now provides a variety of habitats for birds and other wildlife, traversed by walks of varying lengths.  Nearby Lotherton Hall is run by Leeds Museums and Galleries , and includes more managed nature, in the form of formal and less formal gardens, a deer park, a woodland walk and a small zoo. Reedbeds from the Lowther Loop Walk What's Here? The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) runs over 200 nature reserves in the UK, which tend to combine the opportunity for a walk in the countryside with some more serious wildlife photography. Evidence for the latter is how many people are packing impressive camera gear.  Some RSPB sites seem better than others for walkers, and St Aidans is one of the better ones.  There are plenty circular walks, and not just walks that lead to hides; indeed there are no hides at St Aidans, and there is a cafe with good views. In terms o...

In Brief. Blackpool Tower , completed in 1894, may be half the height and a several years later than the Eiffel Tower, but it still towers over the seafront of low-rise Blackpool. Furthermore, Blackpool Tower is not only a tower, but is a destination in its own right, with a circus, mini-golf, and a dungeon themed experience.  It also occupies a location on Blackpool's extensive promenade, between 2 of its 3 piers and thus close to other traditional seaside activities. Blackpool Tower and North Pier from Central Pier. What's Here? The journey to the top of the tower is branded as The Blackpool Tower Eye , which essentially consists of a short Blackpool-themed "4D" movie and the chance to take a lift to take in the views from the top. These are worth seeing, either directly down through some glass floors or in other directions along the coast, out to sea or over the town. There are several floors, either glassed in or more exposed, at the top of the tower. The North Pi...

In Brief. Harrogate is a spa town, with extensive Georgian and Victorian developments around its many iron and sulphur springs. Though taking the waters is no longer associated with such significant health benefits, the architecture and open spaces of the spa resort remain, as does a Turkish Baths . As a result, Harrogate has significant tourist and conference visitors, with a flourishing town centre supporting many eateries and independent shops. Betty's Tearooms What's Here? Harrogate has a compact town centre, adjacent to extensive parks and green spaces. The home of Yorkshire Tea, Harrogate hosts a substantial Bettys Tea Room , with an wide selection of teas, superior cakes and main meals. As a popular destination, there is a well managed queue at the front door, and an opportunity to take some bakery items home as well as to spend time in the traditional cafe. Harrogate's green town centre. Before or after making the most of the many eateries, the Valley Gardens is a ...