Manchester sits in the middle of the North, which makes it a brilliant base. Here are eight cities and places within easy reach. Distances and times are rough, from the city centre, in normal traffic.
Within an hour or two of Manchester lie some of the best cities and landscapes in Britain: the waterfront of Liverpool, the Roman walls of Chester, the Peak District, the Pennines, the medieval streets of York and the lakes and fells of Cumbria. Scotland is only a few hours to the north. Whether you are going for a day out, a meeting, a match or a move, here is what each journey is like.
1. Liverpool (around 35 miles, under an hour)
The waterfront, the Beatles and two football stadiums. Liverpool city guide. Liverpool and Manchester are close neighbours, and the rivalry between them is famous.
The usual route is the M62, which runs west from the M60 straight into Liverpool. The East Lancashire Road, the A580, is an older route that runs between the two cities. In normal traffic, the journey takes under an hour.
The first inter-city passenger railway in the world, the Liverpool and Manchester Railway, opened between the two cities in 1830. Its Manchester terminus, Liverpool Road station, is now part of the Science and Industry Museum. The journey has a long history.
In Liverpool, the Royal Albert Dock, the Pier Head and the Three Graces are on the waterfront. The Beatles Story, the Cavern Club and the two cathedrals are all worth a visit. Anfield and Goodison Park, or Everton’s new stadium on the docks, draw fans from around the world.
2. Chester (around 40 miles, about an hour)
Roman walls, the Rows and the zoo. Chester city guide. Chester is one of the prettiest cities in England, and one of the easiest to reach from Manchester.
The usual route is the M56, which runs south west from Manchester past the airport, then the M53 into Chester. In normal traffic, the journey takes about an hour. The route passes close to Frodsham and the Cheshire countryside.
Chester’s city walls are the most complete in Britain, and you can walk right round them in about an hour. The Rows are unique two-tier galleries of shops, above and below, dating from the Middle Ages. The cathedral, the Roman amphitheatre and the Eastgate Clock are all in the centre.
Chester Zoo, on the edge of the city, is one of the most popular zoos in the UK. Chester Racecourse, the Roodee, is said to be the oldest racecourse still in use in England. Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet is a short drive north.
3. Sheffield (around 40 miles, about an hour)
Over the Pennines by the Snake Pass or the Woodhead. Sheffield city guide. The two cities are close as the crow flies, but the Pennine hills lie between them.
The Snake Pass, the A57, climbs over the moors of the Peak District, with wild and beautiful views. The Woodhead Pass, the A628, is a little further north. Both can close in snow in winter, and both can be slow behind lorries.
The longer route by the M62 and the M1 avoids the hills, and it can be quicker in bad weather. Your driver will choose the best route on the day. The price is fixed when you book.
Sheffield is famous for its steel, its green spaces and its music. The Peace Gardens, the Winter Garden and Kelham Island are all worth a visit. The Peak District National Park is right on its doorstep.
4. Leeds (around 45 miles, about an hour)
Shopping arcades, Kirkgate Market and the Royal Armouries. Leeds city guide. Leeds is the biggest city in Yorkshire, and a great place for a day out.
The route is the M62, which crosses the Pennines between Lancashire and Yorkshire. At Windy Hill, near Saddleworth Moor, it reaches the highest point of any motorway in England. Near junction 22, the motorway splits around Stott Hall Farm, a farmhouse left standing between the two carriageways.
The M62 can be affected by snow, fog and high winds on the high ground in winter. It is also one of the busiest motorways in the North, especially at rush hour. In normal traffic, the journey takes about an hour.
In Leeds, the Victorian arcades of the Victoria Quarter, Kirkgate Market and the Royal Armouries are highlights. The city has a lively food and nightlife scene. Harewood House and the Yorkshire Dales are within easy reach.
5. York (around 70 miles, about an hour and a half)
The Minster, the walls and the Shambles. York city guide. York is one of the most beautiful and historic cities in Britain.
The route is usually the M62 over the Pennines, then the A1(M) or the A64 to York. In normal traffic, the journey takes about an hour and a half. Traffic around Leeds can add time at rush hour.
York Minster is one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in northern Europe, and its medieval stained glass is extraordinary. The city walls, the Shambles and the National Railway Museum are all worth a visit. Jorvik tells the story of the Viking city.
York is busy at weekends, and especially at Christmas and during the races. Parking in the centre is limited, so being dropped at the door is easier. See our York guide and Bettys for tea.
6. Windermere (around 85 miles, about an hour and a half)
The gateway to the Lake District. A weekend in the Lakes. The Lake District is England’s largest national park, and a World Heritage Site.
The route is the M61 and the M6 north, past Preston and Lancaster, then the A590 and the A591 from junction 36 to Windermere. In normal traffic, the journey takes about an hour and a half. On summer weekends and bank holidays, the roads into the Lakes can be very busy.
Windermere is the largest natural lake in England, with boat trips, lakeside walks and the busy towns of Windermere and Bowness. From there, the roads lead on to Ambleside, Grasmere and Keswick. The scenery is some of the most beautiful in the country.
Parking in the Lake District can be hard to find in the busy season, so being dropped at the door is a real help. A car by the hour can take you between the villages, while you enjoy the views. See our UK walks guide.
7. Birmingham (around 90 miles, about an hour and three quarters)
Canals, the Bullring and the Jewellery Quarter. Birmingham city guide. Birmingham is the UK’s second largest city, and the heart of the Midlands.
The route is the M6 south, past Stoke-on-Trent and Stafford. In normal traffic, the journey takes about an hour and three quarters. The M6 around Birmingham is one of the busiest stretches of motorway in the country.
Birmingham’s canals, which played a huge part in the Industrial Revolution, run through the city centre, with bars and restaurants along them. The Bullring, the famous Selfridges building and Grand Central are at the heart of the shopping district. The Jewellery Quarter is full of history.
Cadbury World, in Bournville, is a favourite with families. The NEC, the UK’s largest exhibition centre, is on the edge of the city. See our conference venues guide.
8. Edinburgh (around 220 miles, about four hours)
A long day or a great weekend. Edinburgh city guide. Scotland’s capital is one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
The route is the M6 north, over Shap, the highest point on the motorway, and across the border near Gretna. From there, the M74 and A-roads lead on to Edinburgh. In normal traffic, the journey takes about four hours.
Tebay Services, on the M6 in Cumbria, is famous as one of the best motorway services in Britain, run by a local farming family, with a farm shop and views of the fells. It is a perfect place for a break. The border at Gretna is marked by signs welcoming you to Scotland.
In Edinburgh, the castle, the Royal Mile and the Palace of Holyroodhouse are the highlights. The city is busiest in August, during the festivals, and at Hogmanay. See our Edinburgh in August guide.
Planning the journey
Tell us where you are going, when and how many people and bags, and you will see the price for each car that fits. The price is fixed when you book, and it covers the whole journey door to door. For a day out, book the journey home at the same time.
For a day with several stops, such as a tour of the Lake District or visits to several places, a car by the hour can wait for you at each one. See 10 ways to use a car by the hour and our Manchester guide.
Every journey is quoted door to door, before you book, for the car that fits your party and your bags.
Ride with ZeroLanes. A car booked ahead, at a price fixed before you confirm, with the driver and the car on your journey page before pickup. Get a fixed price for the journey.