Day Trips from Manchester

  In Brief. Trentham  is a leisure and shopping destination in the grounds of a now defunct stately home. The gardens and associated lake provide a variety of formal or not-so-formal wandering opportunities, and the adjacent shopping village provides many small shops, both independent and from chains. It is entirely possible to have a civilised and varied day out here, though the case for visiting will be stronger for locals than for those with further to travel. The lake and some local wildlife. What's Here? Little remains of the once grand Trentham Hall, which was largely demolished in the early 20th century, the site having been blighted by pollution in the nearby River Trent. However, a substantial renovation project in the early 21st century has restored the gardens and associated lake. The result is a large, formal Italian garden and assorted adjacent spaces, including a "floral labyrinth".  These are quite pleasant, but for me are not more interesting than some oth...

  In Brief. Beeston Castle , which is run by English Heritage, is a partly ruined, but strikingly located castle, much of which dates from the 13th century. The outer walls enclose a substantial partly wooded area, that leads up to the inner walls on a rocky outcrop. The entire site is elevated, and provides good views over the Cheshire plain. The inner gatehouse and walls. What's Here? The site has a long history, with findings from dating back to the Bronze Age. The castellated ticket office dates from 1846, reflecting the fact that this has even been a visitor attraction for ages!  The ticket office also houses a worthwhile exhibition that outlines the history of the site, from Bronze and Iron Age metalwork, through the original construction of the castle for Earl Ranulf of Chester in the 13th Century, to sieges in the English Civil War.  A commanding position offers rewarding views. From the gatehouse, everything to be visited is above, but it is a short walk to what ...

In Brief. Clitheroe is a town of around 15,000 people in the Ribble Valley, though the river bypasses the town. The town itself seems to be centred on the small but ancient castle that occupies a limestone outcrop, with the town centre on one side and a park on the other. The castle can be visited in minutes, but is accompanied by a museum on the history of the area that can extend a visit. However, I partly (perhaps largely) came for the Bowland Beer Hall , which, along with the adjacent food hall , can certainly contribute to a visit. The Holmes Mill area What's Here? Arriving just before lunch, I headed for the Holmes Mill area, which includes a hotel, a formidable beer hall, a bustling food hall and a compact cinema. The Beer Hall lived up to expectations, with the rustic interior housing a daunting selection of draught beers, including a range from the local Bowland Brewery. Come by train or bring your own teetotal driver!  I sampled some of the local beer and a tasty halloumi...

In Brief. Southport is a substantial seaside resort on the Irish Sea, though on my visit the tide was out, and it was hard to see the sea over the expanse of sand, even from the end of the Pier! Is it a tired throw-back to another era (think Every Day is Like Sunday )? Well, it's a British seaside resort, so not everything on show was invented in the last 20 years, but near the front there is a modern cinema with associated restaurants alongside artefacts from Victorian times. So, if you are open to the British seaside experience, the beach is vast, the pier is long, the entertainments are numerous, and a modest amount of effort may also uncover some lower profile things to like, such as the distinctive eateries, independent shops, a modern cultural centre ... and perhaps even the shiny new crazy golf course that was being completed in time for the school holidays. As well as reaching out to sea, the Pier goes some way inland! What's Here? With a population of over 90,000, Sout...

In Brief. Hare Hill is a compact but varied garden run by the National Trust. The centrepiece is a spacious walled garden, with borders and sculptures, but there are a variety of areas with different characters, including ponds and rock gardens. The walled garden. What's Here? Hare Hill was once the garden of the adjacent, late 18th Century, Hare Hill Hall, which is visible from parts of the garden. The garden was redeveloped in the mid 20th Century by Colonel Charles Brocklehurst, who bequeathed the garden to the National Trust.  The walled garden contains statues in memory of the twin brother of Charles Brocklehurst, who was killed at 26 in a riding accident. The borders. The garden itself is a relaxing place; it is not not grand enough to be imposing, and given its modest scale, seems like a place for leisurely meandering.  There are a wide variety of trees, colourful rhododendrons in the spring, and different areas have varying characters - there is an area with ponds and...