Day Trips from Manchester

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 decent views. In terms...

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 ...