Day Trips from Manchester

In Brief The Fylde Coast runs from Fleetwood in the North, through Blackpool , to Lytham in the South. A coastal path runs the entire way, often on top of imposing sea defences and promenades, as in Cleveleys. A visit is likely to include wandering along the coast, looking out to sea across miles of sand when the tide is out. The beaches provide more than enough space for visitors, and although these are not high intensity resorts, there are a variety of facilities at the beaches and in the towns. The Fleetwood Museum provides a good introduction to the history and ways-of-life of the town. Sea Swallow statue on the promenade at Cleveleys What's Here? Since its development in Victorian times, Fleetwood has had a varied history, including as a tourist destination, a fishing port and a ferry terminal.  This varied history can be traced in the excellent Fleetwood Museum , which on my visit had enthusiastic volunteers occupying its informative themed spaces, including one on Fish...

In Brief. Chirk Castle , between Wrexham and Oswestry, was originally built in the 13th Century as part of Edward I's infrastructure for subduing the Welsh, along with other well known castles such as Conwy and Caernarfon. However, it has been subject to a series of renovations over the centuries, and is now largely a country house (with a dungeon and a fine garden). Nearby is the British Ironwork Center , to add diversity to a day trip, with numerous iron sculptures, mostly of animals, and intimidating afternoon teas. Chirk Castle from the wood. What's Here? Chirk castle is a country house occupying an imposing 13th Century castle. As a building, the Castle features robust towers and an airy quadrangle that includes outside seating for the cafe. Trudging up from the carpark past the uninspiring kitchen garden to the imposing walls, I wondered if this was going to be a poor relation to some other National Trust properties, but not at all!  For the most part, it is hard to see C...

In Brief. The Hepworth Wakefield , named after the sculptor Barbara Hepworth who was born in Wakefield, is a bold modern gallery on the banks of the River Calder.  The building itself, which was opened in 2011, contains ten light and spacious galleries, five of which are focused on the sculpture of Barbara Hepworth and Henry Moore, with the remaining five housing temporary exhibitions. There is also a garden alongside the gallery with densely planted borders and some additional sculpture.  The Hepworth from the garden. What's Here? The Hepworth seems like a successful take on what a modern gallery can be. Anchored on the sculpture of Barbara Hepworth, whose work is represented by examples from throughout her career including early figures through assorted experiments with different materials and forms, to a scale model for the 6m tall Winged Figure. There is also a room that includes various tools from her workshop, and a discussion of how certain sculptures were made. These a...

In Brief. The Pendle Sculpture Trail  combines a countryside walk, a forest walk, outdoor sculptures and some local history in a way that is greater than the sum of its parts. The scenery is pleasant, the forest is not densely planted, the sculptures are varied, and there is a chance to discover a little about  The Pendle Witches , who are remembered in plaques along the sculpture trail.  Please do not feed the mythical creatures. What's Here? The starting point for most visitors will be a carpark in the village of Barley, where there is a log cabin occupied by a cafe that was doing good business on my visit.  The start of the walk involves going through the village, past the pub (The Pendle Inn) and restaurant (The Barley Mow), and then heading right up a signposted lane, with solid dry stone walls on either side. Lower Black Moss Reservoir This lane quickly provides access to pleasant countryside, passing the  Lower Black Moss Reservoir (pictured), and leading...