Best Day Trips from Liverpool

Located in the northwest of England, Liverpool is an often underrated city to visit, both for British travelers and for people from further abroad. But those who make the journey to Liverpool soon learn that this welcoming city has a lot to offer, whether you want to enjoy great local cuisine, the best museums in the city, or just the unique atmosphere of the town. Also, as the home of the Beatles, Liverpool is something of a pilgrimage site for lovers of popular music.

There's plenty to do in Liverpool to keep you busy. But there are also some great destinations well worth exploring just outside the city. The best day trips from Liverpool can show you some of the best of northern England and North Wales, and you can explore everything from lively urban centers to remote scenic locations and everything in between.

Drop off your bags at a Bounce luggage storage in Liverpool, and you'll be ready to embark on some of these great day trips. With everything there is to do around Liverpool, you could easily stay busy for weeks enjoying what it has.

How to get out of Liverpool

The area around Liverpool and Manchester was where the Industrial Revolution first began, and the proud manufacturing past and important port of Liverpool have left the city with great public transportation links. Liverpool Lime Street is the oldest main train station still in operation in the world, and it remains the central hub for transport in and around the city. Check out our guide on how to get around Liverpool for more information on the city's urban transit network.

When it comes to day trips from Liverpool, quick train journeys can get you to many of the top locations on this list. However, if you prefer to enjoy natural beauty and want to visit a fairly isolated location, it might be necessary to rent a car and drive yourself. Either way, here are a few inspiring ideas on great day trips you can enjoy from Liverpool.

From Liverpool to Manchester

Liverpool's friendly northern rival, Manchester, is only a short train journey away and makes for a great day trip. The city is known for its strong football culture, being home to two of the most popular Premier League teams in England, as well as a lively nightlife scene. There are also plenty of excellent museums to visit, such as the Museum of Science and Industry and the National Football Museum.

Manchester was also the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution, and the legacy of this world-changing event can be seen throughout the city. But in recent years, Manchester has been revitalized, shedding its industrial roots to become a vibrant modern city full of great places to eat, lively nightlife, and just about everything else you need to enjoy a good city break.

Given how close Manchester and Liverpool are, it's surprising just how different they are. They have their own regional foods, their own culture, and even very distinct accents from one another. But what they have in common is that they are both fascinating places to visit, and since they are so close together, there's no reason not to see both of them on your trip.

How to get to Manchester

It's less than an hour's drive from Liverpool to Manchester, but the truth is, you don't want to be stuck with the car in either of these big and busy cities. A better bet is to take the train that will bring you from the heart of Liverpool to the center of Manchester in just over an hour.

From Liverpool to Chester

Chester is one of the best-preserved Roman towns in Britain and makes for an interesting day trip from Liverpool. The city is located on the River Dee and is known for its black-and-white Tudor architecture. Highlights include Chester Cathedral, Chester Castle, and the rows of shops that line the main streets of the city.

Don't miss Chester Town Hall and the famous Town Hall Tower with its missing clock face. The story goes that the clock face on the side of the tower that faces Wales is missing because the English wouldn't give the Welsh the time of day.

There are also a number of museums worth visiting, such as the Grosvenor Museum and the Roman Gardens. Chester is a great city to explore on foot, and there are plenty of walking tours available to help you make the most of your time here.

If you're looking for a day trip from Liverpool that combines history with beautiful scenery, then Chester is well worth a visit. The city is located on the edge of the Peak District National Park, so once you're done exploring Chester itself, you can head out into the English countryside for some fresh air and breathtaking views.

How to get to Chester

It's a 35-minute drive from Liverpool to Chester. But it only takes ten more minutes to take the train, and given that parking can be an issue in both of these cities, it's probably a better idea to grab some train tickets in the station and take public transit for this day trip.

From Liverpool to the Lake District

The Lake District is one of England's most popular tourist destinations, and it's easy to see why. This picturesque region is home to beautiful lakes, towering mountains, and quaint villages. It's the perfect place to enjoy some outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and climbing, and it's even recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

There are also a number of towns and villages worth exploring, such as Keswick, Ambleside, and Windermere. And if you're a fan of Beatrix Potter, then you'll definitely want to visit Hill Top Farm, which was her home and is now a museum dedicated to her life and work. Alternatively, check in at the Lake District Boat Club to explore all the lakes in the region by boat.

The Lake District is one of the most popular day trip destinations from Liverpool for good reason. It's a stunningly beautiful part of England that offers something for everyone. Whether you want to explore the great outdoors or just wander around charming towns and villages, the Lake District is well worth a visit.

How to get to the Lake District

The Lake District is a big region, and its isolation is part of its charm. For that reason, driving a car is probably the best way to see everything it has to offer. It's about an hour and a half from Liverpool to the National Park, making this an easy day trip for those who drive.

From Liverpool to the Peak District

The Peak District is another popular day trip destination from Liverpool. This large national park covers parts of Derbyshire, Staffordshire, and Yorkshire and is home to some of the loveliest scenery in England. Highlights include the rolling hills, picturesque villages, and towering peaks.

There are also a number of interesting towns and cities located within the park, such as Buxton, Matlock Bath, and Bakewell. And if you're a fan of outdoor activities, then you'll be spoilt for choice, with hiking, cycling, climbing, and horse riding all available in the park.

The Peak District is a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and enjoy some time in nature. Whether you want to go for a hike or just explore the charming towns and villages, the Peak District should be on your list.

How to get to the Peak District

Like the Lake District, the Peak District is best explored in your own vehicle. It's not much more than an hour's drive from Liverpool to the western edge of this unspoiled region.

From Liverpool to Yorkshire Dales

The Yorkshire Dales are another popular day trip destination from Liverpool. There are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy here, such as hiking and cycling. And if you're looking for something a little more relaxed, then there are also a number of spa towns worth visiting, such as Harrogate and Ilkley.

The Yorkshire Dales is the perfect natural getaway, whether you want to explore the great outdoors or just relax in one of the many charming towns and villages.

How to get to the Yorkshire Dales

You can reach Yorkshire Dales National Park within 90 minutes of driving from Liverpool. Having your own car will come in very handy as you explore the scenery and charming villages of the park on your day trip.

From Liverpool to York

This welcoming Yorkshire city is one of the top tourist attractions in the whole of the UK, so it would be a shame not to visit one of the best day trips in northern England when you have the chance. York is home to a number of historic landmarks, such as York Minster and Clifford's Tower.

The city also has a thriving food and drink scene, with a number of Michelin-starred restaurants and traditional pubs to enjoy. And if you're looking for some retail therapy, then you'll be spoilt for choice with the many high-end shops located in the city center.

How to get to York

You can drive to York from Liverpool in around two and a half hours. However, parking in this ancient city isn't easy — or cheap. If you'd prefer to avoid the hassle, you can take the train and get there in around the same amount of time.

From Liverpool to Snowdonia National Park

Liverpool sits close to the border of England and North Wales, and while the two nations are technically both part of the single country of the United Kingdom, don't let anyone on either side of the border hear you saying that. Wales has its own history, culture, food, traditions, and even language, so it's a fascinating place to visit without going far from Liverpool.

One of the best locations to explore in North Wales is undoubtedly Snowdonia National Park. This huge national park is home to a number of mountains, lakes, and forests, as well as the Snowdon Mountain Railway which takes you to the summit of Mount Snowdon.

Whether you're looking to conquer Wales' highest mountain or just enjoy some stunning scenery, Snowdonia National Park is an unforgettable place to visit on a day trip from Liverpool.

How to get to Snowdonia National Park

Given its rural nature, Snowdonia National Park is the kind of place best explored with a car. The drive from Liverpool takes between an hour and a half to two hours.

From Liverpool to Preston

Preston is one of the largest cities in Lancashire and is located just a short drive from Liverpool. The city has a long and rich history, dating back to the 11th century when it was founded by William the Conqueror.

Hit the Guild Wheel trail with your hiking boots or bike and travel through Miller Park and Avenham Park. For a dose of history, try the Lancashire Infantry Museum for a look at the city's military history. Or, you can have a little fun and ride the Ribble Steam Railway or learn a little something in the railway's museum.

How to get to Preston

You can reach Preston from Liverpool with around an hour of driving, or you can take the train for a stress-free day trip that will take the same amount of time as driving does.

From Liverpool to Blackpool

Last but not least on our list of best day trips from Liverpool is Blackpool. This seaside resort town is known for its lively atmosphere, three-mile-long promenade, sandy beach, and world-famous tower.

Blackpool is the perfect place to enjoy traditional British seaside fun, with plenty of fish and chips stands, amusement parks, and donkey rides along the beach. The town is also home to a number of historic landmarks, such as Blackpool Tower and Stanley Park.

Whether you're looking for a fun-filled day by the sea or a dose of history, Blackpool makes for an excellent day trip.

How to get to Blackpool

The path from Liverpool to Blackpool has been well-trodden by generations of British holidaymakers. Whether you choose to drive to the sea or take the train, expect the journey to take a little over an hour.

Conclusion

As you can see from this list, there is no shortage of fun day trips you can take from Liverpool to explore more of northern England and beyond. Try out some of these locations on your next trip to Liverpool, and you'll be glad you took the time to enjoy more of what the area has to offer.