Day Trips from Manchester

In Brief. Brodsworth Hall is a Victorian country house surrounded by gardens that were designed to impress, and do. The house was built in the 1860s, and much of the interior dates from the time of its construction, when money was plentiful. However, the gardens are the star turn, maintained to a very high standard, and providing variety around every turn. The immaculate formal gardens were quite a spectacle during my August visit. The formal fountain garden. What's here? Brodsworth Hall was built to replace an existing residence on the site in the 1860s, at the same time as the gardens were laid out. The hall itself, though substantial, has a somewhat understated exterior, approached by a sweeping drive and surrounded by lawns. The interior is more lavish, with grand spaces for entertaining, which can be contrasted with the more down-to-earth facilities of the servant's wing. The friendly guides were keen to share stories and history. View from the summer house. The gardens, ...

In Brief. This post refers to the National Trust managed Alderley Edge site, which is a mile to the east of the Cheshire town with the same name.  The site consists of a carpark that can be busy on sunny weekends, a series of short but varied walks, and a welcoming cafe to reward or prepare for exertions.  A portion of The Miner's Ramble. What's Here? The site consists of largely wooded countryside and some adjoining farmland, which has enough elevation to provide good views of the Cheshire plain. There are also periodic glimpses of mine workings, either open cast or entrances to tunnels. The National Trust has laid out five walks, which vary a bit in length, each of which can be done in a fairly leisurely manner in under an hour.  The walks are colour coded and signed, and I have done several in recent times without missing a signpost, which indicates that the signing must be pretty clear! A view from The Edge. A map in the carpark can be photographed to support navigat...

  In Brief.  Arley Hall is a country house and garden, though the hall is only occasionally open, so for most visitors this is just the garden. The garden includes a large and varied formal area, including a walled garden, as well as a woodland walk. Both of these provide pleasing vistas and places to sit, and the cafe also has outdoor seating with views of the house. The pleached lime avenue at the entrance to Arley Hall. What's here? Arley Hall , was built in the early to mid 19th Century, and is the family home of Viscount Ashbrook. The gardens were created at the same time as the hall, though of course there have been developments over the years, and the estate has been in the same family for much longer. For example, there is a barn dating from around 1470. The gardens are in two parts. The Grove, passes behind the hall and past The Chapel, and consists of a varied woodland garden, with shrubs and trees, for a relaxing wander.  A picnic area and the outdoor play equ...

  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...