steam train trips from manchester

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Ride a steam train on the East Lancashire Railway

Bury, greater manchester.

This beautifully restored heritage railway puffs through stunning countryside, quaint villages and historic towns.

The East Lancashire Railway is a 12-mile heritage steam railway line through the Irwell Valley in northwest England. With its scenic blend of rolling countryside and post-industrial landscapes, the journey gives a taste of what train travel was like in Victorian England. The route stretches between the towns of Rawtenstall and Heywood, stopping off at six stations and skirting the edge of the West Pennine Moors. The original track opened in 1846 at the peak of England’s ‘railway mania’ and is today preserved by more than 600 volunteers. It has access to the mainline too, allowing for a constant turnover of celebrated steam and diesel engines. Journeys for the Railway depart from Bolton Street station in the town of Bury, 10 miles (16km) north of Manchester. To get there, it’s a 30 minute tram journey from Manchester Victoria station. Manchester is 2 hours 10 minutes by train from London.

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• Find out more about the East Lancashire Railway and plan your visit
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Take to the skies for a Wiltshire adrenaline rush

Jump 10,000 feet (or more) above the Wiltshire countryside for a high adrenaline adventure that you won’t forget in a hurry.

Location: Salisbury, Wiltshire

Visit the luxurious home of Louis XVIII

Discover this grand stately home in the heart of England with Rococo ceilings, a relaxing spa, set in 90 acres of landscaped parkland.

Location: Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire

Visit a cinematic favourite at Eastnor

Eastnor’s typical castle architecture has made it the star of many a movie and TV programme over the years.

Location: Ledbury, Herefordshire

Stay in a cottage built by an amazing Victorian inventor

Experience Cragside in Northumberland as many have never seen it before – by staying in the spectacular and dramatic grounds of the Cragside Estate.

Location: Rothbury, Northumberland

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Our Journeys

Celebrations, britain's most luxurious train.

Evoking the opulence of 1930s rail travel, this luxurious yet intimate train traverses the glorious countryside en-route to some of Britain's top destinations.

Beautifully detailed

Step on board.

Travel in one of seven beautifully detailed carriages, each bearing the name of a great British castle or stately home.

The individually designed carriages have been lovingly restored by some of the country's top craftspeople, including marquetry experts, muralists and mosaic artists.

Champagne arrival

FEAST FOR ALL THE SENSES

Time to dine.

Take a seat in your unique, elegant carriage and await a feast for all the senses.

Featuring the finest seasonal ingredients from the British Isles, classic and innovative dishes are crafted by our executive head chef and his team in a cupboard-sized kitchen.

The scenery that unfolds from your window inspires each and every course.

The entertainment

Prepare to be entertained.

Browse our trips

2024 journeys are now available to book. Departing from a variety of regional stations, offering day trips and a fine dining experience to Britain's best loved destinations.

Our 2024 programme is further enhanced with the inclusion of a Champagne reception, Caviar blinis, upgraded Sommelier wine selection matched perfectly for each course, Port with the cheese board, Fortnum & Mason tea, and memorable gift on departure. We've also brought back Champagne Afternoon Tea which includes a bottle of Laurent-Perrier champagne per couple.

AWARD-WINNING CHEESEBOARD

To round the journey off, choose from an array of British cheeses from our award-winning cheese board, accompanied with chutney, fruitcake, biscuits and a glass of Port. Finally, mull over the journey with Fortnum & Mason tea and petits fours.

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Don't miss out on the chance to give the gift of cherished memories and unparalleled journeys aboard the Northern Belle. Secure your gift card now and let luxury unfold for those you hold dear.

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Learn about the British Pullman

The carriages.

This restored 1920s train has sheltered royalty and been a star of the silver screen. Each whimsically-named carriage has a story to tell. Explore Audrey, Vera, Minerva and more to discover their distinctive personalities. Delight in antique-style marquetry, vintage lighting and heritage upholstery, where our passion for preserving history is evident at every turn.

Damaged in 1940 by air raid at Victoria Station, repaired and rejoined Brighton Belle in 1947. Carried the Queen, the Queen Mother and H.R.H. Prince Philip the Duke of Edinburgh to review the Fleet in 1953. Transported the Queen on her visit to Sussex University 1964.

Cygnus was used in the special Festival of Britain rake in 1951, and was often reserved for use by Royalty and visiting Heads of State. It featured in the film ‘Agatha’ with Vanessa Redgrave and Dustin Hoffman.

In 2021, Cygnus was reimagined by filmmaker Wes Anderson. The new look features stunning symmetrical marquetry, bold rectilinear shapes and a visual feast of complementary colours.

In 1948 was used, with sister car Mona, to convey H.M. Queen Elizabeth (later the Queen Mother) to Brighton. Brighton Belle service withdrawn in 1972. Preserved as a restaurant at The Horseless Carriage, Chingford, Essex, and later at the Colne Valley Railway, Castle Hedingham, Essex.

1925 by Birmingham Railway Carriage & Wagon Co. Sold to La Compagnie Internationale des Wagons-Lits et des Grands Express Européens for service in Italy. History: Purchased by the Pullman Car Company Ltd. in 1928 and returned to Britain for Golden Arrow service. Entered Cunard boat train service between Victoria and Southampton 1952. Retired 1968.

Built in 1928 as a First Class kitchen car. Served on Ocean Liner services and Bournemouth Belle until 1939. Later ran on Queen of Scots, Golden Arrow, Yorkshire Pullman, South of Wales Pullman and the high speed Talisman route before retiring in 1968.

Built in 1928 as a First Class parlour car for the Queen of Scots Pullman. Transferred to Southern Region in 1963 and ran in Bournemouth Belle until 1967. Preserved by Mr E. Lewis-Evans at the South Eastern Steam Centre, Ashford until 1984.

Built in 1927 and served many Pullman routes. Joined the Devon Belle in 1947 and the Golden Arrow in 1951, being used in the special Festival of Britain rake. Often included in special trains for state visits and royal use in the early 50s.

Designed in the 30s but not completed until 1951. Used in the special Festival of Britain rake as part of the Golden Arrow service. Formed part of Winston Churchill’s funeral train in 1965. Part of the last journey of the Golden Arrow in 1972.

Favourite carriage of Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother: used by General de Gaulle and visiting Heads of State; made last journey of Golden Arrow 1972. Became stationary restaurant in Lyon, France 1973.

Vera was directly hit in an air raid at Victoria Station in 1940. Roof extensively repaired, she rejoined Brighton Belle in 1947. Used by Royalty to review the Fleet in 1953 and for Prince Charles’ and Princess Anne’s first trip on an electric train in 1954. Brighton Belle service withdrawn in 1972. Preserved as a garden house in Suffolk.

Built in 1928 as a First Class parlour car. After the war, she joined Queen of Scots and Yorkshire Pullman until 1955, and then the Golden Arrow until 1960. Retired in 1965 as part of the final run of the Tees-Tyne Pullman.

Sensational Destinations

Vibrant cities, ancient castles, stately homes and celebrated sporting events... When you step aboard British Pullman, there's a whole world of possible destinations. Discover the historic gems of Bath, York or Canterbury. Feel like royalty as you explore Blenheim Palace or Sandringham. Feel the buzz at key calendar moments, such as the Chelsea Flower Show and Royal Ascot. Wherever you go, you'll start and end your day in style aboard our vintage carriages.

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Unforgettable Experiences

Anticipate a day of lifelong memories without ever leaving the train. Spoil someone special with a classic Afternoon Tea or signature Golden Age of Travel lunch. Dress to impress and step aboard for a glamorous dinner with a renowned celebrity chef. Sleuth your way through a cast of unforgettable characters on an exciting Murder Mystery trip. Soak up the timeless atmosphere and raise a toast as you set off on a round-trip through the beautiful Kentish countryside.

Travellers Tips

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See more of Europe with Belmond

Embark on the ultimate adventure with our collection of celebrated hotels, trains and river cruises.

London, England

Discover an indulgent city hideaway where every detail weaves together past and present.

Oxfordshire, England

Tucked away in the countryside, this 15th-century manor sets the standard for haute cuisine.

Train journeys in Europe

Rekindle the romance of the rails as you travel between Europe’s most captivating cities.

Explore in Depth

See more ideas and articles from Belmond

Reimagining A British Icon with Wes Anderson

Wes Anderson is one of the most pioneering directors working today. Now, fans of the director’s distinctive style can embark on a new cinematic adventure about a vintage train carriage.

Dead on Time: A New Murder Mystery

One train. Five courses. Ten suspects. Dead on Time, a brand new immersive murder mystery experience on board a historic 1920s train, sets off from London for a wildly entertaining, irresistibly vintage whodunnit…

Just The Ticket

Luxury train travel is often wistfully remembered as a bygone era, immortalised on the silver screen. Rediscover some of the most memorable portrayals of train travel in cinema, then get ready to plan your own dream trip to relive the romance of the rails.

Destination Guide

Explore Britain by Rail

The romance of rail travel is encapsulated by Belmond British Pullman. Everything comes easily on this luxurious journey, from the beautiful views to the incredible food served onboard. The experience of sipping champagne as you glide through the British countryside in our sumptuous carriages is, quite simply, divine.

Privacy in Motion

Luxury travel by train and boat enjoys a starry legacy—recalling cinematic glamour, overflowing bubbles and peerless hedonism. From elegant private coupés aboard a 1920s carriage to spacious cabins on elegant river barges, which exclusive adventure will you choose?

Homegrown Heritage

Stepping aboard Belmond British Pullman offers a rare opportunity to immerse yourself in the golden age of travel. We’re determined to deliver authentic adventures.

The Very Best of British

“It is forever true that the Golden Age is not behind us, but before us." It’s a line that perfectly captures the experience of traveling on Belmond British Pullman

The Rise of Trainspotting

With trainspotting yet another trend that reinvents the humdrum hobby, is embracing the individuality of our quirky personal passions the key to joy?

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Peter Rabbit Family Fun Days

31 March & 1 April

Travel to Wonderland

Rail ale trails.

On sale now

Plan your day out

Explore our stations, timetable and ticket options

See what’s on

We host dozens of exciting events all year long

Experiences

Join us for an unforgettable journey on the ELR

A rail of a time for everyone

There’s always carriage loads of fun for all the family (and plenty to please the train buffs) on the East Lancs Railway. Pop along any day you’d like, or join us for a special event. Leave the car behind and climb aboard one of our incredible heritage steam trains or dazzling diesels – there’s no better way to explore the great outdoors and wonderful market towns of East Lancashire.

Peter Rabbit Family Fun Day

Hop on over to the museum for family fun with Peter Rabbit.

The Wizarding Adventure

Get your wands ready for a wacky wizard adventure!

Take a trip down the rabbit hole for a wondrous adventure.

The Dino Adventure

Take a time travelling safari to meet a herd of baby dinosaurs!

Western Region Weekend

A Steam and Heritage Diesel tribute to the Western Region!

Day Out with Thomas

It’s all aboard the famous blue steam train for a magical ride on Thomas the Tank Engine

Vintage 1940s Weekend

Party like it’s 1949!

Fish and Chip Special

Chip off the old block!

Villain Academy

Join a rogue’s gallery of vile villains on a journey to complete a dastardly quest.

Summer Diesel Gala

Diesel powered fun in the sun!

Ramsbottom Festival

The ELR is proud to sponsor this year’s Ramsbottom Festival!

Peppa Pig Family Fun Day

Join everyone’s favourite cheeky little piggy.

Autumn Diesel Gala

The crunch of fallen leaves and the roar of Diesel Engines,

Autumn Steam Gala

The last large scale steam event of the year!

The day (or two) of the DMU. It’s time these railcars took their turn in the spotlight.

Climb Aboard

Buy tickets and check timetables

Dine Aboard

Experience a magnificent meal

From Heywood to Rawtenstall, every stop is a start.

A 12 mile line including stunning scenery. 7 stations packed with things to do. There’s so much to explore along the East Lancashire Railway, you won’t know where to begin. That’s OK. Start at any stop. Hop on, hop off and just enjoy your journey with us.

What people are saying about us

We’ve been welcoming fun-seeking families and passionate railway buffs for over 30 years

We depend on your support

We keep our trains running and the ELR line open thanks to the generous help from our supporters and volunteers. Can we count on you too?

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Steam Train Trips, Tours and Rides

Day Trips Including A Steam Engine

Picture: Paul Nicholson

Steam Train Trips, Tours and Rides 2023/2024

While we do not run or book any steam train trips or rides, we try and identify in the below list the majority of steam train day trips and tours operating on the rail network for 2023 and 2024. Note that parts of the journey may be intentionally pulled by a diesel or electric locomotive.

Please check / confirm on the promoters website for cancellations and steam traction / other changes to these trips, particularly with the upcoming strikes.

The Pick Up Area section indicates the rough area of pick ups. See promoters website for exact details

During hot dry periods it is possible steam engines may be replaced by diesel or electric locomotives

While we do not run or book any steam train trips or rides, we try and identify in the below list the majority of steam train day trips and tours operating on the rail network for 2023. Note that parts of the journey may be intentionally pulled by a diesel or electric locomotive.

"All Trips" selected - click other options to filter

The Golden Arrow Event

The golden arrow, sat 30th march 2024, saphos trains, pick ups between :, poole & reading.

Engines Involved: Steam / Diesel or Electric

Settle & Carlisle Steam Special Event

Settle & carlisle steam special, northern belle, manchester & preston, the worcester steam express event, the worcester steam express, sat 6th april 2024, rail touring company, norwich & peterborough.

Engines Involved: Steam / Diesel

York & Wakefield

London to castle howard, durham, beamish & newcastle event, london to castle howard, durham, beamish & newcastle, steam dreams, london kings cross & peterborough.

Engines Involved: Steam / Other

The Shakesphere Express Event

The shakesphere express, sun 7th april 2024, vintage trains, birmingham snow hill & stratford upon avon.

Engines Involved: Steam

The Lakelander Event

The lakelander, sat 13th april 2024, leicester & preston, liverpool lime street & warrington, the white rose event, the white rose, wed 17th april 2024, hereford & manchester victoria, sat 20th april 2024, telford & chester, the welsh marches express to hereford event, the welsh marches express to hereford, birmingham & wolverhampton(not set down), horsham & chichester to bath & bristol event, horsham & chichester to bath & bristol, horsham & chichester, clan line 50th anniversary pullman event, clan line 50th anniversary pullman, sat 27th april 2024, london victoria, coventry & crewe, settle & carlisle fellsman event, settle & carlisle fellsman, wed 1st may 2024, blackpool north & clitheroe, english riveria express event, english riveria express, sat 4th may 2024, shrewsbury & bristol temple meads, the royal duchy event, the royal duchy, sun 5th may 2024, bristol temple meads & taunton, east anglia to chatsworth, crich & barrow hill event, east anglia to chatsworth, crich & barrow hill, wed 8th may 2024, colchester & ely, the great western railway (1z48) event, the great western railway (1z48), fri 10th may 2024, birmingham snow hill & oxford, the cumbrian mountain express event, the cumbrian mountain express, sat 11th may 2024, london euston & preston.

Engines Involved: Steam / Electric

The Golden Age of Travel by Steam Event

The golden age of travel by steam, pathfinder railtours, birmingham new street & didcot parkway, london to chester event, london to chester, london euston & northampton, welsh marches express event, welsh marches express, tue 14th may 2024, coventry & bristol temple meads, the edinburgh flyer event, the edinburgh flyer, sat 18th may 2024, york & newcastle, nottingham & preston, the pembroke coast express event, the pembroke coast express, sun 19th may 2024, bristol temple meads & cardiff, thu 23rd may 2024, crewe & wigan, the mancunian event, the mancunian, sat 25th may 2024, manchester piccadilly & stockport, darlington & newcastle, london to cheltenham & worcester event, london to cheltenham & worcester, london paddington & reading, sun 26th may 2024, derby & coleshill parkway, windsor to norwich & bressingham steam & gardens event, windsor to norwich & bressingham steam & gardens, tue 28th may 2024, windsor & eaton riverside & clapham junction, thu 30th may 2024, high wycombe & bristol temple meads, the cumbrian coast express event, the cumbrian coast express, sat 1st june 2024, crewe & bristol parkway, the mersey express to liverpool event, the mersey express to liverpool, tyseley & crewe, wed 5th june 2024, crewe & clitheroe, the dalesman event, the dalesman, thu 6th june 2024, york & skipton, the tynesider event, the tynesider, sat 8th june 2024, leeds & preston, the ffestiniog express event, the ffestiniog express, dorridge & crewe, tue 11th june 2024, chester & preston, thu 13th june 2024, west kent to winchester event, west kent to winchester, tonbridge & bromley south, the bath & bristol steam express event, the bath & bristol steam express, sat 15th june 2024, swanage & southampton, leeds & manchester victoria, london to paignton & kingswear via dawlish event, london to paignton & kingswear via dawlish, london paddington & newbury, sun 16th june 2024, thu 20th june 2024, the cumbrian moutain express event, the cumbrian moutain express, sat 22nd june 2024, woking & salisbury, the red dragon to cardiff event, the red dragon to cardiff, tyseley & cheltenham spa, tue 25th june 2024, paignton & bristol temple meads, the swanage belle event, the swanage belle, wed 26th june 2024, london victoria & basingstoke, the scarborough spa express event, the scarborough spa express, thu 27th june 2024, carnforth & york, the cheshireman event, the cheshireman, sat 29th june 2024, london euston & nuneaton, sun 30th june 2024, worcester shrub hill & droitwich spa, tue 2nd july 2024, wed 3rd july 2024, the north wales coast express event, the north wales coast express, sat 6th july 2024, london euston & crewe, northampton & watford junction, the white rose to york & scarborough event, the white rose to york & scarborough, birmingham new street & york, the waverley event, the waverley, sun 7th july 2024, the end of southern steam event, the end of southern steam, tue 9th july 2024, thu 11th july 2024, the golden hind event, the golden hind, milton keynes central & maidenhead, sat 13th july 2024, crewe & preston, sun 14th july 2024, liverpool lime street & chester, leicester & coleshill parkway, pendle dalesman event, pendle dalesman, tue 16th july 2024, lancaster & clitheroe, thu 18th july 2024, the west somerset steam express event, the west somerset steam express, sat 20th july 2024, bedford & reading, sun 21st july 2024, tue 23rd july 2024, the dorset coast express event, the dorset coast express, wed 24th july 2024, sat 27th july 2024, sun 28th july 2024, bristol temple meads & exeter st davids, wed 31st july 2024, thu 1st august 2024, sat 3rd august 2024, wolverhampton & bristol temple meads, sun 4th august 2024, tue 6th august 2024, the kentish belle event, the kentish belle, wed 7th august 2024, london victoria & bromley south, thu 8th august 2024, sat 10th august 2024, sun 11th august 2024, thu 15th august 2024, sat 17th august 2024, poole & westbury, lincoln & wakefield, sun 18th august 2024, sat 24th august 2024, the cotswold venturer event, the cotswold venturer, london victoria & didcot, slough & westbury, sun 25th august 2024, wed 28th august 2024, thu 29th august 2024, sat 31st august 2024, hereford & preston, hull & wakefield, sun 1st september 2024, tue 3rd september 2024, wed 4th september 2024, bournmouth & bristol temple meads, thu 5th september 2024, the stratford flyer event, the stratford flyer, sat 7th september 2024, sun 8th september 2024, wed 11th september 2024, thu 12th september 2024, sat 14th september 2024, liverpool lime street & preston, tue 17th september 2024, thu 19th september 2024, sat 21st september 2024, the coast to coast express event, the coast to coast express, liverpool lime street & sheffield, birmingham international & watford junction, wed 25th september 2024, thu 26th september 2024, the atlantic coast express event, the atlantic coast express, sat 28th september 2024, london waterloo & basingstoke, wed 2nd october 2024, peterborough & potters bar, thu 3rd october 2024, sat 5th october 2024, norwich & shenfield, wed 9th october 2024, worcester shrub hill & bristol temple meads, sat 19th october 2024, coventry & chester, sun 20th october 2024, sat 26th october 2024, nottingham & sheffield.

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Newcastle to Carlisle train services to be affected by level crossing upgrades

Disused railway line in buckingham to be upgraded as an active travel route, class 73 locomotive to visit the severn valley railway, derbyshire level crossing collision repair work to take longer than expected, watch: new bridge lifted into place at south lanarkshire railway station.

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• 2024 Calendar

Jump straight to the section you want using the contents box below.

You can choose from upcoming tours or previous tours. You can also search for tours passing through your local or favourite station. You can also find out how to include diesel railtours and ECS movements in the list. Finally, you can get information on how to set up notifications when tour timetables are added.

Upcoming Tours

Please note: tours are subject to change/cancellation at short notice..

2024 sat 30 mar 06:00 sat 23:15 The Golden Arrow Poole – Canterbury Timings? Yes Traction Diesel, Steam Loco TBC

2024 sat 30 mar 09:05 sat 19:35 The Settle and Carlisle Steam Special Manchester Victoria – Carlisle Timings? No Traction Diesel, Steam Loco 34067 Tangmere, Class 47, Class 57

2024 sat 30 mar 18:05 sat 19:05 Light Engine Movement Preston – Carnforth Steamtown Timings? Yes Traction Steam Loco 34067 Tangmere

Previous Tours

Click the arrows below to choose a month, click a tour for details on fares / timings.

Find Tours Through Your Station

You can find out if any railtours are passing through your local station (or any station on the national rail network)

All you need to do is visit our dedicated Find Tours Through Your Station page by clicking here .

Diesel Tours & ECS movements

The list of tours above only includes steam tours, if you would like to see diesel and electric tours as well as ECS movements, please see our dedicated page by clicking here .

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Heritage steam train journey with all day travel!

Steam train and bury market – day trip from manchester – departs: daily.

East Lancashire Railway, Bury © Liam Barnes.

East Lancashire Railway, Bury © Liam Barnes

Book Tickets Now   

Includes unlimited all-day travel on the East Lancashire Railway.

Step back in time with a day out on the steam railway, a preserved heritage railway line in east lancashire..

Depart from Bury on a steam train with smoke billowing overhead and admire the scenery as you travel through the picturesque countryside on the East Lancashire Railway.

Your ‘Freedom of the Line’ ticket includes unlimited travel on the day of purchase. Trains depart from Bury Bolton Street Station, just 40 minutes from Manchester city centre by Metrolink tram. The trains run according to a timetable, which changes daily. For timetable information, please see the timetable here  (opens in new tab).

Once you return to Bury, you can visit Bury Transport Museum (free entry) and discover the North West’s industrial heritage. Through restored vehicles, artefacts and interactive exhibits, visitors can explore what life was like in the early 20th century.

Bury is also home to Bury Market, voted Britain’s favourite market in 2019, where you can pick up some bargains or sample the local food. Before you go home you might visit the Fusilier Museum or Bury Art Gallery (additional charges may apply. Please check online for latest opening times).

Discover more Day Trips from Manchester

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11 Unmissable Day Trips from Manchester (By Train & Car!)

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The following list of day trips from Manchester is brought to you by Tilly from  TillyText , a Manchester local! Read on for her roundup of the greatest Manchester day trips, and how to access them by car or train.

There’s a reason it’s hard to drag yourself away from Manchester.

Well, there’s about nine. Music, shopping, culture and one-hell-of-a-night-out. It’s true when they say Manchester truly has everything you could wish for from a great Northern city in the UK. 

But so do the areas surrounding Manchester, too. You’ve got the swoon-worthy Lake District so beautiful that Taylor dedicated a whole entire song to it on her album – in fact, pretty much all of the cute quaint little towns outside Manchester look like they belong in the Folklore universe. 

Not to mention the bustling cities of York and Liverpool that are on hand to help you experience a distinctly different flavour of a good British knees-up!

So, if you’re lucky enough to have set aside a whole weekend to explore Manchester and its surrounding areas, why not jump on the train (or snag a lift) to do one of these fab day trips – after smashing through this 24 hours in Manchester itinerary, of course.

Save this list of Manchester Day Trips for Later!

You’ll be very glad you did.

1. Liverpool

The argument over which is a better city has made Mancunians and Liverpudlians even feistier over the years (an achievement in itself!). An easy way for you to settle this debate is to visit them both yourself. 

If you’re a big Beatles fan, there’s plenty of fun Beatles-themed Liverpool activities, like the Magical Mystery Tour , a fascinating 2-hour tour over every spot in the city the band ever laid eyes on. Or head to the British Music Experience Museum to fully cement the idea that no one has contributed more to British music than Northerners. 

Finish the day by testing out some of Liverpool’s incredible beer gardens and terraces, before moving onto Matthew Street or one of the city’s very many Irish bars for a night out you definitely won’t forget in a hurry. 

And yes, that photo of you and the John Lennon statue will definitely look good in the morning.

How to get to Liverpool from Manchester: The drive to Liverpool takes just over an hour if you’re willing to deal with city centre parking. Equally, you can get a direct train from either Manchester Victoria or Manchester Picadilly to Liverpool Lime Street for less than £10.

2. Crosby Beach  

Look, no one is going to the North of England for beaches. That’s what the South is for! 

But that doesn’t mean there aren’t some great coastal spots up there too. One of these is Crosby Beach. 

Crosby Beach is just outside Liverpool city centre, which makes it a very doable day trip from Manchester. Come summer, the beach is full of groups of friends enjoying those endless summer evenings with a picnic blanket, music speaker, and can of supermarket gin and tonic. 

And the pièce de résistance to Crosby Beach? The 100 cast-iron figures stretching the coastline, many of which are in the water when the tide comes back in. So, no. You don’t need to call the coastguard to rescue that random person who is stuck still in the far distance.

How to get to Crosby Beach from Manchester: Unless you’re driving to Crosby Beach, the quickest way to get there from Manchester is taking a train from Manchester Victoria or Manchester Picadilly to Liverpool Lime Street, and then changing onto a train to Blundellsands & Crosby station. The beach is a 10-minute walk from there.

3. Hebden Bridge

There’s no doubt that Manchester has its fair share of vegetarian eateries, independent coffee houses, and shops full of everything and anything. 

But so does the small market town of Hebden Bridge. And some might even say it does it better!

After it was taken over by former hippies in the 1970s, Hebden Bridge quickly became home to a vibrant arts and culture scene, locally sourced and independent businesses, and a melting pot of free-thinking and liberation. 

The reason I love Hebden Bridge is because it’s one of the more unique day trips from Manchester. Where else are you able to spend hours trawling through one-of-a-kind stores stocking eco-friendly clothing, and also go wild swimming, too?

How to get to Hebden Bridge from Manchester: Direct trains from Manchester Victoria to Hebden Bridge take less than 30 minutes and cost less than £5.

4. Hope Valley (The Peak District)

Much like how Evermore is Folklore’s chaotic younger sister , the Peak District is the dramatic and all-encompassing counterpart to the more serene and cool-as-a-cucumber Lake District. 

If you’re looking to find yourself in the Peaks’ many gritstone ridges and stark moorlands (or just fancy getting away from the hustle and bustle of Manchester city centre for the day) head to Hope Valley. 

Here, you can strap on your walking boots and complete one of the many renowned nearby walks like Mam Tor and Kinder Scout. 

And the best reward after a couple of hours hiking in the Hope Valley? A cold pint of cider or a hot mulled wine in one of the local villages – depending on the season you visit. 

However, I’d argue a Sunday roast goes well whatever the weather. 

How to get to Hope Valley from Manchester: Hope Valley is a great option for those who want to explore The Peak District without a car. You can get the train from Manchester Piccadilly to Hope (Derbyshire) for about £7.50 and takes less than 50 minutes.

It’s okay that Manchester isn’t the prettiest city. Why? Because Buxton’s just over an hour away. 

Step into the set of Bridgerton (not literally – that’s Bath , but Buxton looks close!) in this quaint town full to the brim with Georgian and Victorian architecture that’s guaranteed to make you swoon. 

You could take a romantic stroll in Buxton’s Pavilion Gardens while keeping an eye out for the Duke of Hastings looking for his next wife, or rent a boat and go rowing in the lake desperately hoping that Anthony will appear soaking and shirtless on the promenade!

After trying (and sadly probably failing) to be married off into perhaps the greatest literary family out there, you can dry your tears on Buxton’s outdoor adventure Go Ape course where you’ll have so much fun swinging through the trees, you won’t even notice the humungous camel toe from your harness…

How to get to Buxton from Manchester: You can get a train from Manchester to Buxton that takes just over an hour, and starts from just £5 if you book in advance.

Small and mighty – that’s the best way to describe York. And fitting everything into only one day might be a challenge, but it’s definitely possible. 

You just have to keep an eye on the time you spend getting lost in this medieval city’s higgledy-piggledy back lanes, the number of cups of tea you drink at Betty’s Tea Rooms, and the photos you take in the 2,000-year-old Gothic halls of York’s cathedral!

If you still need convincing that York is worth the visit, why not trust the thousands of people who have voted it as one of the UK’s top tourist destinations? They probably went to the city’s Viking Centre, too… yep, you read that right.

How to get to York from Manchester: There are tons of trains that go between York and Manchester every day. The journey takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes and can cost as little as £6.90 if you book ahead of time.

7. The Lake District 

Find out if those Windermere peaks really do look like a perfect place to cry by visiting the Lake District for a day. 

Compared to the Peaks, the Lakes are a little further out of Manchester – but they’re definitely more than worth the extra journey…

You could honestly just go to The Lake District for the jaw-dropping scenery itself, but if you’re up for it, there are also a few short-ish hikes that’ll really help you understand why Taylor kept begging to go back here. 

The Old Man of Coniston route takes you up and through some of The Lakes’ steepest and most spectacular peaks, passing the many remnants of discounted copper mines. No doubt the incredible view from the top from leave you speechless and unable to shout all the many Wordsworth puns in your repertoire. 

Finish your day trip to The Lake District by visiting some of the other imaginatively named towns like Ambleside or Lakeside. The best way to get there? Across Lake Windermere on a boat, of course. Oh, Taylor would be so proud!

How to get to the Lake District from Manchester: The easiest way to get to the Lake District is to drive, however, it is possible to get the train. There are over 30 direct trains from Manchester to Oxenholme Lake District every day. Just be wary of the walk on the other side to get to the different hotspots.

8. Stockport

If you’d asked a Mancunian about the best Manchester day trips ten years ago, they would never have said Stockport. However, this historic market town is now well and truly on the map. 

Just seven minutes on the train from Manchester Picadilly, Stockport is the definition of a great day trip destination: accessible, affordable, and different enough from the starting point 

Take Stockport’s unique hat museum, for example. That’s not in Manchester! And the gorgeous 1930s art deco theatre that does afternoon tea. You can’t find that in the city! 

Aside from some brilliant cultural landmarks and museums (don’t miss Stockport’s Staircase House, a Medieval townhouse that’s been converted into a museum), there are also tons of great places to eat and drink in Stockport. 

See here: Where the Light Gets In, an open kitchen/restaurant where the chefs aren’t separated from the diners, and the soon-to-be-opened curry banquet hall with room for 1500+ people looking for some delicious Indian cuisine across four staggering floors.

Need I say more?

How to get to Stockport from Manchester: There’s no need to drive to Stockport. You can take a direct train from Manchester Picadilly which takes as little as 7 minutes, or the 203 bus which (unsurprisingly) takes slightly longer.

Fans of the Brontë sisters, this one’s for you. Step into the world of Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights with a visit to Haworth, a quintessential village just off the Yorkshire moors. 

With cobbled streets lined with shops and cafes, and majestic steam trains bringing visitors to their very own moorland adventure, Haworth belongs in every Gothic romance. 

There’s also the must-visit Brontë Parsonage Museum where keen Brontë buffs will delight in showing you around the house of these female literary legends. 

Just remember to bring your Cathy or your Heathcliffe with you…

How to get to Haworth from Manchester: The far easiest way to get to Haworth is by car. However, you can also get there by train – it’s just a little long-winded. You could either get the train from Manchester Victoria to Hebden Bridge, before taking the hourly 500 bus to Haworth over the moors. Equally (and a much more fun way) to get to Haworth from Manchester is by taking a train to Leeds, then a train to Keighley. At Keighley, hop onto the restored Keighley and Worth Valley steam train.

10. Dovestones

If you’re keen to escape the hullabaloo of Manchester city centre but have vowed never to be that person who pretends to like hiking , Dovestones is a great middleman. 

Part of the Peak District National Park, a day trip to Dovestone Reservoir will give you the chance to experience the unique beauty of the Peaks, but on a much more toned-down scale; a popular walk in the Dovestone Reservoir is a pretty flat circular route around the Reservoir edge and briefly up into the Twilight -esque forest. 

Hold on tight, Spider Monkey!

Those in desperate need of some cool countryside air often head to Dovestones with a picnic in tow, ready to be eaten near the end of the trail on the allocated picnic benches. 

If it’s chilly, you’ll also likely see many walkers warming themselves up on their flasks of tea and hot chocolate!

How to get to Dovestones from Manchester: Annoyingly, Dovestones isn’t very accessible by public transport, so your best bet is to go by car (or head to Hope Valley in the Peak District instead.)

11. Chester 

Chester is my Roman Empire. No, really. This historic city is home to the largest Roman Amphitheatre in Britain – not to mention some great places to grab some grub and a pint.

I often find cities that feel like you’re reading a history textbook aren’t usually as good for eating, drinking, and shopping – but that doesn’t fly with Chester. 

You could spend hours nosing about independent and high-street brands in Chester’s Tudor-style half-timber buildings or following the Roman walls along traditional boozers and local pubs!

Slightly left-field suggestions for a Chester day trip include a visit to Chester Zoo (one of the UK’s largest zoos that’s so famous it appears on British TV) and kayaking or paddleboarding along the River Dee. 

Equally, having a drink and a mooch around the Roman ruins is great, too.

How to get to Chester from Manchester: You can get a direct train to Chester from Manchester in 50 minutes for as cheap as £5.80 if you book ahead of time.

Did we miss any of your favourite Day Trips from Manchester? 

Let us know in the comments!

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Popular wizard-themed steam train returns to Greater Manchester this summer

East Lancashire Railway's Wizarding Adventure is known for being an "enchanting experience" for all the family.

The hugely popular wizard-themed steam train will be back travelling through Greater Manchester once again this summer.

It’s no secret that  East Lancashire Railway  (ELR) is known and loved for its immersive events that give rail enthusiasts and curious Mancs the chance to step back in time by hopping on one of the historic Pullman-style carriages and riding a steam train through the picturesque  Greater Manchester  countryside.

Thomas the Tank Engine, dinosaur, Peppa Pig, and seasonal themed train rides are just a few of the  events  that have been entertaining families in the region over the last few years.

But by far one of the most popular experiences on the lineup has to be the chance to go on a ‘wizarding adventure’ where little Mancs can come together for a magical day of sharing spells and getting stuck into lots of magic-themed fun.

Aspiring witches and wizards for all ages are invited to enrol in the spellbinding school of sorcery this summer as they take a “wacky and wonderful whistle stop tour” of the Wizard Academy and learn to become a master of mystery and magic during this immersive interactive experience through the Irwell Valley of wonders.

During the enchanting 90-minute return trip that’s hauled by a genuine steam – and spell – powered train, you’ll take lessons in the basics of broomsticks, practice your potion making, be instructed in incantations, and learn to tattle and talk with a tawny owl.

Aside from wizard-themed tasks, there’ll also be plenty of photo opportunities along the way.

Food and drink will be available to tuck into from the café on Platform 3/4 at Bury Bolton Street Station, and from the Rawtenstall Buffet too.

It truly is an “enchanting experience” for the whole family.

• You can ride a wizard-themed steam train through Greater Manchester
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• You can eat a four-course luxury meal while riding a steam train through Greater Manchester

The Wizarding Adventure is back this summer with several journeys lined up, including this Sunday 16 July, and two dates on 10 and 17 August – with tickets still available to get your hands on and priced from £15 each.

Grab tickets here .

Featured Image – ELR

The legendary performance group Cirque du Soleil return to Manchester this Wednesday for a five-night run leading into the Easter bank holiday weekend.

Set to stun crowds with their latest show simply entitled, OVO , the Canadian-based but world-renowned entertainment company will be hosting tens of thousands at the AO Arena from 27-31 March and having been to their previous dates here, we can certainly vouch for it being a truly spellbinding spectacle.

Unbelievably, it’s been half a decade since Cirque du Soleil rolled into Manchester with their incredible TORUK: First Flight show (based all around James Cameron’s Avatar universe), so audiences have an entirely new production to tend with this time around.

With that in mind, if you’re going along to any of the five shows at the AO Arena this month or are still debating grabbing a seat, here’s everything you need to know about Cirque du Soleil OVO in Manchester this March.

You can always count on #OVO 's Creatura to bring the heat to the dancefloor! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/694q32q03S — Cirque du Soleil (@Cirque) February 21, 2024

What is Cirque du Soleil OVO about?

Simply meaning ‘egg’ in Portuguese and straight from the press room, OVO promises to be “a headlong rush into a colourful ecosystem teeming with life, where insects work, eat, crawl, flutter, play, fight and look for love in a non-stop riot of energy and movement.”

Revolving around the key insect characters, their home is a world of biodiversity and beauty filled with noisy action and moments of quiet emotion.

When a mysterious egg appears in their midst, they’re left awestruck and intensely curious about this iconic object that represents the enigma and cycles of their lives. From then on, another quirky insect arrives in this community and a fabulous ladybug starts catching eyes – and we daren’t spoil anything more.

OVO is overflowing with high-colour contrasts as the hidden, secret world at the human race’s feet is revealed as tender and torrid; noisy and quiet, as well as peaceful and chaotic. It promises to be quite the whirlwind show and has received rave reviews since its inception.

If that all sounds good on paper but if you want a clearer glimpse at what that looks like on stage, you can see exactly what to expect down below:

Are there tickets left for Cirque du Soleil in Manchester?

Short answer: yes. Plenty, in fact — well, depending, on what night you’re hoping to go along for.

The cheapest tickets start from £53.50 and that’s sitting within the first tier of seats around the arena. However, if you do fancy going along and making a bit more of an occasion of things for a change, you can always treat yourself to a bit more of the pageantry with one of their VIP packages.

It’s not something we do very often but, we must admit, we’ve thoroughly enjoyed it whenever we have. Whatever tier you fancy, you can grab yours HERE .

Better still, you’ve now got the perfect place for food and drink beforehand with the brand-new Mezz restaurant and bar which really is the ideal pre-show venue.

Inside The Mezz, the AO Arena’s ultra-luxury new restaurant and bar

What time does it start and how long does it last?

Doors to the event open from 6pm from Wednesday to Friday, as well as on 30 March, but the Saturday schedule also has a matinee showing from 2:30pm.

Sunday’s showing starts just after noon (12:30pm) and all of the performances are set to start around an hour later – i.e. 7:30pm for the evening shows – so you’ve got plenty of time to get your snacks in and nip to loo etc.

As always with the AO, the definitive curfew for shows is 11pm but even with the 100-minute run-time and 25-minute interval, you’ll be finished well before then.

How to get to the AO Arena and other travel info

The AO Arena is right in the heart of the city centre, so it’s fairly easy to get to.

The AO Arena is located within the Manchester Victoria Station complex in the city centre, on the corner of Trinity Way, Hunts Bank and Great Ducie Street. You can enter through the station (up the stairs), through the Trinity Way Tunnel, or from Hunts Bank.

By tram:  Also super straight-forward – hop off the tram at Manchester Victoria and you’re right by the stairs to the venue. It’s also a short walk from Exchange Square and Shudehill. Trams run directly to Victoria Station from Rochdale, Bury, Altrincham, East Didsbury and the Airport.

By train:  While Piccadilly is the city’s largest train station, plenty of trains do pass through Manchester Victoria. You can plan your journey through the  National Rail website .

Parking:  The postcode if you’re driving to the AO Arena is M3 1AR. There’s an on-site CitiPark car park with 958 spaces, which can be pre-booked  here . Bear in mind that Trinity Way is closed after concerts to allow gig-goers to leave safely, though cars are allowed out of the car park with directions from staff.

• Richard Ashcroft announces six support acts for homecoming gigs at Wigan’s Robin Park
• NMA 2024 announces full shortlist – with huge honour for Tim Burgess
• Co-op Live and TfGM to offer FREE trams and buses to and from arena for all ticket holders

About the AO Arena

The AO Arena has a few strict policies to keep gig-goers safe, so make sure to check entry requirements carefully before you travel.

For example, only one small bag per person is allowed, and bags like backpacks, travel cases and laptop bags are not permitted inside the arena.

All bags are scanned on entry to check for prohibited items like laser pens, flares, projectiles, weapons, drugs and alcohol, and even selfie sticks.

Other than that, you should have everything you need to have an amazing time at one of the best entertainment venues in Greater Manchester. Enjoy!

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester,  subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE .

Featured Images — Supplied (via AO Arena)

Manchester Day is confirmed for a 2024 return this summer, and the city centre will be hosting a massive celebration of “all things Mancunian”.

This means we’re all set for a day packed full of FREE events and activities to get involved with.

Often dubbed “the day summer officially starts” in  Manchester , and undoubtedly one of the most vibrant and colourful events in the city’s annual social calendar, Manchester City Council has now confirmed that the massively-popular  Manchester Day  will make a long-awaited return in a few months time.

And, following the resounding success of last year’s ‘promenade-style’ event that saw activities take place in a number of different locations, the one-day festival is set to take over the city centre once again this year.

Although not a great deal is known about the 2024 festival just yet, what we do know is that the date is officially set for Saturday 24 July.

Even more free activities and “all kinds of unexpected things” for all the family to see, do, and make the most of as the sun (hopefully) shines down on our glorious city this July have been promised by the Council.

The Council will has also said it’ll be working with its creative partners over the coming months on finalising the “jam-packed” events programme that will see the city’s streets and squares come to life, so you’ll want to keep your eyes peeled for updates.

We are delighted to announce that our city’s biggest and best event, Manchester Day, will be returning on Saturday 27 July 🎉 Following last year's success, we can’t wait to show you what we’ve got planned this time round. Read more here: https://t.co/2zNy14p173 #ManchesterDay pic.twitter.com/Hqt7P8kyWX — Manchester City Council (@ManCityCouncil) March 21, 2024

“Manchester Day has been a highlight in the city’s events calendar for well over a decade now,” commented Councillor Pat Karney, who is the Chair of Manchester Day, as the beloved event was confirmed for its 2024 return this week.

“The feel-good buzz it creates across the city on the day is absolutely fantastic, and best of all, it’s free.

• A wholesome Spring Fest with animal cuddles, tractor rides, and more is returning to Cheshire next month
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“We know how much everyone loves Manchester’s favourite day of the year, and can’t wait to spend it once again celebrating the best city in the world with the very best people in the world – and that’s everyone who calls Manchester their home.”

Featured Image – Manchester City Council (via X)

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20 Best Day Trips From Manchester By Train – Cities & Nature

Table of Contents

This post may contain affiliate links to things like tours, hotels, Amazon associates and products. These help me earn a small commission at no additional charge to you.

Manchester is a creative, diverse city with lots to see and do. Although it would be difficult to get bored, there are plenty of day trips from Manchester should you want to explore further afield. Located in the northwest of England , Manchester is close to Sheffield, Leeds and Liverpool. If you’re more motivated by nature than city life, you’re in luck: Manchester is lodged between the Peak District and the Lake District. It’s also not far from North Wales.

MANCHESTER DAY TRIP ESSENTIALS Accommodation:  Booking.com // Hostelworld Activities:  GetYourGuide / Viator Getting there: Air ( Skyscanner ) train ( Trainline ), bus ( Busbud )

Map of the best Manchester days out:

Read my other Manchester blog posts:

• How to spend a weekend in Manchester
• Cool places to eat in Manchester
• The best Manchester cheap eats
• 12 independant coffee shops in Manchester
• Where to find street art in Manchester

How to take day trips from Manchester UK

Train is my preferred method of transport in North England. It’s the fastest way to get around and can be pretty affordable for short distances. Although travelling further afield in the UK (for example from London to Manchester) can feel extortionate, none of these trips listed will cost more than £30 return. I use Trainline to get the best prices on UK train prices .

Read next: How to travel the UK on a budget

Buses often take longer but can be even cheaper. Use Busbud to compare prices and availability of the major bus networks like National Express, Megabus and Flixbus. For more rural destinations like the Lake District, you may wish to check out organised day tours from Manchester. My preferred option is GetYourGuide for the variety of options but Viator often has decent deals, too. Although you can take all the below day trips near Manchester by public transport, a final option is to hire a car . Compare prices on Rentalcars.com . With no more ado, here are the best days out from Manchester, England…

1. Liverpool (journey time: 1 hour)

Despite the rivalry between the two cities, one of the best day trips from Manchester is to Liverpool, just an hour away by train. In my personal opinion, Manchester is the cooler of the two cities with better food options, however I’m still a huge fan of Liverpool. Things to do during a Liverpool day trip include exploring the Royal Albert Dock area where you can take a boat trip and visit museums including the Beatles Story, the Museum of Liverpool and the Tate. Don’t miss Mathew Street to see legendary Beatles spots such as the Cavern Club. For a hidden gem, pay a visit to the Bluecoat, a modern art gallery with a lovely cafe and inner-city garden. Nearby, shoppers will be in their element at Liverpool ONE with over 170 high street shops and restaurants. For food and drink, tuck into trendy eats at the Baltic Market , dine at stylish popups inside Duke Street Market or grab Asian food in Chinatown . Getting to Liverpool as a day trip from Manchester: From Manchester Piccadilly, trains take 1 hour and prices start from £2.90. Bargain! Browse train tickets from Manchester to Liverpool .

2. Peak District (journey time: 45 minutes) – best day trip from Manchester for hikers

The rolling limestone hills of the Peak District surely constitute some of England’s most beautiful scenery. Although it would be hard to decide whether the Lake District or Peak District is more beautiful, it’s fair to say the Peak District is easier to reach as a day trip from Manchester by public transport. From Dovedale and Lathkill Dale valleys in the south to the craggy Dark Peak area in the north, there’s a wide variety of hiking routes for different levels of ability. The highest point is Kinder Scout, best accessed by the Jacob’s Ladder hike. A beautiful hike suitable for casual hikers (including those wearing trainers rather than proper hiking boots) is Mam Tor. To reach the area by public transport during a day trip from Manchester, arrive into Edale station. Turn left out of the station to begin the Mam Tor hike . Top tip – mobile signal is patchy at best when you exit Edale station so make sure to download a map or screenshot the route beforehand. There aren’t many signs directing you to Mam Tor.

After hiking Mam Tor, I continued on foot to Castleton, a picturesque village in the Hope Valley. Here I rewarded my hiking efforts by indulging in afternoon tea at a cute cafe. Finally, I followed signs to Hope and caught a direct train back to Manchester Piccadilly from the station. Getting to the Peak District as a day trip from Manchester: Take a train from Manchester Piccadilly to Edale. A day return should be £12. If you do what I did and journey back from Hope, you should technically purchase an extra ticket to cover the Hope to Edale stop. Book tickets from Manchester to Edale .

Peak District by day tour: to see more of the Peak District during a one day trip from Manchester, consider a Peak District group trip inc Poole’s Cavern & Bakewell (and try Bakewell tarts in their birthplace).

3. Lake District (journey time: 1 hour) – the most beautiful Manchester day trip

Although the Lakes are considerably further than the Peaks, it’s possible to visit during a day trip from Manchester as long as you’re prepared to pick just a tiny patch to explore. With over 2,000km of countryside encompassing mountains, woodland, towns, villages and – of course – lakes (16 to be precise), you couldn’t thoroughly discover the Lake District in a month let alone a day. Popular things to do in the Lake District include taking a scenic boat cruise across L ake Windermere, seeing where Beatrix Potter used to live and write at Hill Top National Trust property, eating famous sticky toffee pudding in Cartmel village, hiking the Old Man of Coniston, and relaxing afterwards with cafes and boat trips from Coniston Water. Getting to the Lakes as a Manchester day trip: If you’re hoping to take a Lake District day trip from Manchester by public transport, your best bet is to travel by train to Oxenholme. From here, you can go gorge walking, kayaking and canoeing. Book tickets from Manchester to Oxenholme . To see the Lakes in better depth without your own vehicle, take a choice of day tour beginning in Manchester . This includes transport and commentary as you visit some of the Lake District’s most beautiful destinations.

Suggested tours:

• Lake District, Windermere, and Lancaster (£46)
• Grasmere, Langdales, Ambleside & gingerbread (£49)

If you have longer, follow my itinerary for a weekend in the Lake District .

4. Llandudno (journey time: 2 hours) – a Manchester day trip to Wales

A day trip from Manchester to another country? It’s possible and, better yet, will only cost you £13! With great rail connections, North Wales is easily accessible from Manchester. There are plenty of points of interest ranging from climbing Mount Snowdon to exploring postcard-perfect Portmeirion and heading further afield to Anglesey Island and Holy Island . One of the easiest places to reach from Manchester is Llandudno , a traditional Victorian seaside town with bags of charm and a perfectly-preserved pier (voted Pier of the Year, dontcha know!). When you’re not playing arcade games and eating fish n chips and candy floss, other things to do in Llandudno during a day trip from Manchester include taking the cable car or tramway up to the Great Orme, wandering in Happy Valley Botanical Gardens and discovering Alice in Wonderland connections via the moble app trail. Getting to Llandudno from Manchester: Direct trains from Manchester Piccadilly to Llandudno Junction start from £13, taking 2 hours. If you leave early and return late afternoon/early evening, it’s easy to visit North Wales as a day trip from Manchester. Book tickets from Manchester to Llandudno . When to visit: This trip is best taken during the summer months, ideally on a sunny day. If you don’t like crowds, try shoulder season from March-May or September-October instead.

5. Conwy, Wales (journey time: 2 hours)

Just 15 minutes from Llandudno is Conwy, a coastal town widely known as the best-preserved walled city in Europe. Worthwhile activities in Conwy include walking the city walls for spectacular views of the harbour and Snowdonia, visiting the smallest house in Britain and exploring Conwy Castle. Since time will be tight if visiting Llandudno and Conwy during the same day, choose one or split them into different day trips from Manchester. Getting from Manchester to Conwy: trains from Manchester Piccadilly to Conwy start from £30, taking 2 hours and changing in Chester. Another option is travelling to Llandudno Junction then catching a 15-minute bus to Conwy. Book your train from Manchester to Conwy .

If you want to see rural Wales as a Manchester day trip by public transport, consider a day tour. GetYourGuide offer a North Wales adventure for £49 .

6. Sheffield (journey time: 2 hours)

Another easy Manchester day trip destination is Sheffield, the UK’s fourth-largest city, famous for its once-booming steel industry. When it comes to Yorkshire charm, Sheffield’s city centre doesn’t disappoint. Tour the many free Sheffield tourist attractions such as the Winter Gardens, one of the largest temperate glasshouses in the UK, home to over 2,000 plants collected from various countries around the world. Y ou also have the infamous Kelham Island and its majestic museum telling the story of Sheffield’s contribution to the world’s steel market. At the museum, you can see cutlery items made in Sheffield which hold international importance. Sheffield is also praised for its many independent shops and restaurants. With places like the Lucky Fox and Tamper Coffee House, you’re in for a well-deserved meal before heading home. Getting to Sheffield from Manchester: It’s a short 50-minute journey through the Peak District by train direct from Manchester Piccadilly station. Book your tickets from Manchester to Sheffield . Entry submitted by Daniel from Urban Abroad .

7. Chester (journey time: 1.5 hours)

If you’re looking for memorable day trips from Manchester, head west to the beautiful city of Chester. It started life as a Roman fortress and is now a wonderful mix of Roman, Tudor and modern design. One of the first things you’ll see is the fortress walls surrounding the inner city. Chester is the only UK city with a full circuit of walls; you can walk along them for the full 1.8 miles, soaking up spectacular views. Admire the Eastgate clock, built for Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee, and King Charles’ tower where he stood and watched his troops being slaughtered during the English Civil War.  Other places to visit include Chester Cathedral which took 500 years to build (and is impressive enough to warrant it!) and the Roman Gardens with the ruins of a bathhouse and the biggest stone amphitheatre in Britain. There are also countless Tudor houses and streets to admire, plus wonderful shops, cafes and restaurants. 

For lunch, don’t miss the Jaunty Goat. There are two of these cafes in Chester, one vegan and one not. The Flower Cup also does a delicious brunch.  Getting to Chester from Manchester: The train from Piccadilly takes about 1.5 hours; tickets start from £8.80 each way. Book your train tickets to Chester . Entry submitted by Kat from  Biker Girl Life .

Combine North Wales and Chester into the same day with a Conwy, Snowdonia & Chester day tour from Manchester .

8. Harrogate – (journey time: 2 hours) a relaxing day trip from Manchester

Just shy of a two-hour train ride from Manchester is Harrogate, a Victorian spa town in North Yorkshire. If you have relaxation and a little indulgence in mind, Harrogate makes the perfect Manchester day trip.

Since the discovery of mineral-rich spring water in the 16 th  century, Harrogate has attracted visitors seeking restoration in the supposedly-therapeutic waters. Today, spas in the town offer treatments including baths, massages and manicures thanks, in part, to a recent reinvestment in its spa culture. Book your treatments at Turkish Baths Harrogate located in the Harrogate Royal Baths building before your day trip. This building is known for its lavish Turkish-style interior and a history of royal clientele. To learn more about Harrogate’s spa history, visit the Royal Pump Room Museum.

If soaking in iron and sulphur-infused mineral water isn’t for you, check out Harrogate’s gardens and parks. These include the Royal Horticultural Society’s Harlow Carr Gardens about a half-hour walk west of the city centre. You can also indulge in some shopping at Victoria Shopping Centre. 

For a bite to eat, enjoy an afternoon tea in the famed Bettys Café Tea Room . Don’t forget to grab some treats for the train ride home at Farrah’s Olde Sweet Shop.  How to get to Harrogate from Manchester: The fastest way is to catch the train at Manchester Victoria and change in Leeds. Book your Manchester to Harrogate tickets . Entry submitted by Ada from Beyond Yellow Brick blog .

9. Knaresborough (journey time: 2 hours)

Knaresborough is a pretty market town in North Yorkshire   that makes for a wonderful day trip from Manchester. The bustling town is full of lovely black and white chequerboard buildings and picturesque views, the best from Knaresborough Castle out over the town and Knaresborough Viaduct. Another great way to take in the views is from a boat on the River Nidd. Hiring a rowing boat is a popular pastime and a great way to take in Knaresborough at a leisurely pace.

Knaresborough’s most notable attraction is Mother Shipton’s Cave. Opened in 1630, it’s England’s oldest tourist attraction and tells the story of Ursula Sontheil, better known as Mother Shipton. She was a prophetess supposedly born in the cave around 1488. People travelled from far and wide to hear her predictions of the future.

For a bite to eat, Two Brothers Grill and Pizzeria serve excellent pizzas, pastas and burgers. For fine dining, award-winning Storm Restaurant offers an indulgent 3-course a la carte menu, a lighter lounge menu and traditional afternoon tea. How to get to Knaresborough from Manchester: By train public transport, the journey is around two hours. Catch a train from Manchester Victoria to Leeds, then take the Northern service directly to Knaresborough. An adult ticket costs around £28 each way. Book your Manchester to Knaresborough tickets . Entry submitted by Hannah from Get Lost Blog .

10. Nottingham (journey time: 2 hours)

Nottingham is the largest city in the East Midlands and makes for an easy day trip from Manchester. Things to do in Nottingham include visiting Nottingham Castle to learn about the history of the city and descend into the caves underneath it. During the City of Caves tour, you’ll learn how the caves were carved by the residents of Nottingham, and the purposes they’ve had over the years, from wine and beer cellars to Victorian slums and air-raid shelters. Families will love visiting the Robin Hood attractions, while photographers will feel inspired at Wollaton Hall. Just minutes from the vibrant city centre, this Elizabethan Grade I listed mansion is set in over 500 acres of parkland full of free-roaming red and fallow deer.  Finally, visit Hockley for an eclectic mix of bars and restaurants including Mandarin restaurant serving authentic Chinese food at reasonable prices. For dessert, don’t miss Doughnotts on King Street for Instagrammable treats. Getting to Nottingham from Manchester : there are multiple daily trains from Manchester Piccadilly station to Nottingham, taking 2-3 hours and costing £30 return. Book your Manchester to Nottingham trains .

11. Shrewsbury (journey time: 1.5 hours)

Shrewsbury is a historic town in England with a history dating back to Roman times. The half-timbered buildings date from the 12th and 13th centuries, Shrewsbury Castle was built as early as 1074, and Shrewsbury Cathedral is one of the finest examples of Norman architecture in Shropshire. The old town is locked in the loop of the River Severn, the longest river in the UK. The riverbanks and Quarry Park are lovely places to relax after getting lost in the tiny streets that resemble scenes from Harry Potter.

Read next: things to in Shrewsbury

Shrewsbury also hosts Shrewsbury Folk Festival (July), Shrewsbury International Food Festival (September) and a Gin Festival (April). If I can think of one ways to make your Manchester day trip even better, it’s gin! How to get to Shrewsbury from Manchester : Trains take between 1 hour and 90 minutes and cost as little as £15. Book your Manchester to Shrewsbury tickets here . Entry submitted by Travelling Twins .

12. Alton Towers (3 hours)

If you’re looking for adventurous day trips from Manchester, consider Alton Towers in Staffordshire. Not only is it one of the best theme parks in the UK, but it has some of the world’s best thrill rides, as well as vast grounds, gardens, forests and lakes. Board the cable car to enjoy panoramic views as you travel between the themed districts.  

Alton Towers is particularly popular during the autumn months as it hosts events such as Oktoberfest, Scarefest and a firework extravaganza for bonfire night. How to get to Alton Towers as a day trip from Manchester: Take a train to Uttoxeter (changing in Stoke-on-Trent) taking around 1.5 hours total, then transfer to a 1-hour bus to Alton Towers .

Entry submitted by Kerry from Adrenaline Junkiez .

13. York (journey time: 1.5 hours)

York is a charming town in the north of Yorkshire and one of the best day trips from Manchester for history lovers. The most popular attraction is York Minster, one of the most beautiful cathedrals in England. This 7th-century cathedral boasts outstanding Gothic architecture and impressive stained glass. Next, explore York’s museums including JORVIK Viking Centre and the York Dungeon. Foodies, don’t miss the Chocolate Story Museum! There are also plenty of free activities in York such as walking the York City Walls for incredible views of the city, relaxing at York Museum Gardens home to friendly squirrels, and strolling The Shambles, the oldest street in the city with plenty of quirky shops. Finally, head to Betty’s Tea Room for a delicious afternoon tea or SPARK for international street food. How to get to York from Manchester : Trains take 1 hour 40 minutes and cost as little as £9.70 each way when you book in advance. Book your Manchester to York trains . Entry submitted by Cristina from My Little World of Travelling .

Nearby day trips from Manchester (max 30 minutes away)

If you’re short of time and budget, consider the following. These can be taken as half-day trips but most offer enough entertainment (and more importantly, food options) that you could stay all day. These are the best Manchester day trips within a 30-minute radius…

14. Hebden Bridge (journey time: 30 minutes)

This market town in West Yorkshire is easy to reach during a day trip from Manchester. Thanks to the creative types who moved to Hebden Bridge in the 1970s, there’s a real independent feel with lots of quirky shops and cafes. However, the real charm isn’t the high street but the countryside. Take a leisurely walk along the Rochdale Canal soaking up views of the Calder Valley and Pennine hills. Finish with pub grub at Stubbing Wharf , a towpath pub serving hearty pies and locally-produced sausages. Hebble End Coffee Lounge is another cool spot with funky decor and espresso martinis. Getting to Hebden Bridge from Manchester: Hop on a 30-minute train from Manchester Victoria bound for Leeds. Book your tickets . Another place to consider when visiting Hebden Bridge is…

15. Hardcastle Crags (journey time: 30 minutes)

Hardcastle Crags in West Yorkshire comprises 400 acres of woodland approximately 30 miles northeast of Manchester near Hebden Bridge. Explore unspoilt countryside by completing the Gibson Mill Walk or the slightly longer Railway Trail starting from Heptonstall. These allow you to learn about the 19th-century mill, enjoy the views from the top of Hardcastle Crags and see the remains of an old railway bridge. However, the ultimate way to discover everything this area has to offer is a  10 mile long circular walk past lush valleys, epic landscapes, waterfalls and Hardcastle Crags’ stunning rock formations and historical sites. Pack your own picnic or stop for coffee and a bite to eat at Gibson Mill. Although Hardcastle Crags is owned by the National Trust, it’s free to visit even for non-members. Getting to Hardcastle Crags as a Manchester day trip: Trains depart every 20 minutes from Manchester Victoria to Hebden Bridge station. The journey takes 30 minutes and costs £13 return. Book your ticket . Either start your circular walk from Hebden Bridge or take bus 596 to Heptonstall. Entry submitted by Kitti from Kitti Around the World .

16. Trafford Centre (journey time: 30 minutes) – best Manchester day trip for shopping

Unlike the rolling hills and valleys of the Lakes and Peaks, the only thing you’ll discover at the Trafford Centre is decadent consumerism. Although a trip to a shopping centre might not sound like a travel adventure, the Trafford Centre is somewhere that needs to be seen to be believed. In the Urmston district of Greater Manchester, just five miles from the city centre, this ginormous shopping centre and leisure complex could keep you busy for multiple days, not just one. Every major high street retailer has a slot here, plus there’s a cinema, SEA LIFE centre, Laserquest and LEGOLAND® Discovery Centre. For 2021, there’s even a replica of the Squid Game doll supplied by Netflix. Rather you than me! When you get hungry, there are some ridiculously OTT food courts including a replica of New Orleans and a bustling Chinatown. It’s not a location for supporting independent businesses (see my Manchester food guides for that) but there’s a range of popular restaurants like Bill’s, Five Guys, Wagamamas, Nando’s and Yo Sushi. Getting to the Trafford Centre: There’s loads of free parking or you can arrive by tram. Catch any line to Cornbrook followed by the Red Line to the Trafford Centre. Buses X50 and 250 will also take you there.

16. Saddleworth (journey time: 30 minutes)

Saddleworth is a naturally beautiful area in Greater Manchester on the west side of the Pennine hills. It’s easy to explore the entire area during a Manchester day trip if you have a car, and slightly more limiting (but still doable) if you’re coming by train. Arrive into Greenfields station and walk or take a bus to the Uppermill area which has all the charm of a countryside village, just 25 minutes from Piccadilly. Take a walk in Brownhill Countryside Centre and get cosy in a cafe afterwards. Saints Cafe does excellent chocolate-dusted cappuccinos and coffee cake. However, the highlight of Saddleworth is walking in Dovestones Reservoir, just a five-minute drive from Greenfields station. You may be able to hail a taxi if you’ve arrived by public transport. Getting there: Catch a train from Manchester Piccadilly to Greenfield (25 minutes) from £5.50, then hop on a 6-minute bus to the Uppermill area.

18. Salford (journey times: 30 minutes)

Stay occupied during a day trip around Manchester by heading to Salford Quays. This hub of culture and entertainment just east of the city centre is home to the BBC headquarters and a bunch of museums and dining options. Although Salford stretches far beyond the Quays incorporating green spaces like Peel Park and Salford Museum and Art Gallery, the most impressive part – and the easiest to explore by public transport – is Salford Quays. On one side of the water is MediaCityUK, home to the BBC as well as a selection of eateries (check out Vertigo for plant-based brunches) and outdoor pop-up bars in the summer. Cross the water to visit the Lowry, a theatre, art gallery and charity using proceeds to improve local lives. See upcoming shows, exhibitions and workshops on the website. Getting to Salford Quays from Manchester: From St Peter’s Square, take the Blue Line (tram) to Harbour City and walk five minutes to the Quays. The journey should take 30 minutes.

19. Altrincham (journey time: 30 minutes)

This market town in Trafford is one of the trendiest suburbs in Greater Manchester, not to mention the most expensive. Apparently, it’s the quality of the schools in Altrincham that have attracted fancy types and pushed up the house prices. Although living here may be out of the question, it makes for a cool day trip from Manchester city centre. The best thing to do in Altrincham for foodies is visit Alty Market , run by the same people as the Northern Quarter’s Mackie Mayor, one of the coolest places to eat in Manchester . From fancy, veggie Asian cuisine to hearty pies with mash, there’s something for all taste buds. Find a shared table in this covered market and order via mobile app. Altrincham also has some cool coffee shops like Stubborn Mule Brewery and Two Brothers . Eat brunch at Common Ground and dinner at Sugo Pasta Kitchen . If you have time, explore the 300-acre deer park at Dunham Massey . Getting to Altrincham as a day trip from Manchester: Take the Green or Purple Line (tram) to Altrincham Interchange. Northern Rail trains also make the journey. Either method will take 30 minutes.

20. Chorlton (journey time: 20 minutes)

Chorlton is another cool and upmarket neighbourhood worth exploring during a Manchester day out. Just three miles from Manchester city centre, it’s a good place to explore for half a day with excellent food and drink options. It’s also a chance to spot grand houses and see how the other half live! Beech Road is the place to be seen with lots of boutiques and cafes. Notable places to eat and drink in Cholton include Into The Woods cafe , Double Zero Neapolitan Pizza and Little Yeti serving delicious momos (Nepalese dumplings). To escape the city, head for a walk in Chorlton Water Park. Getting to Chorlton from Manchester: The Pink Line and Blue Line trams (destined for Didsbury) call at Chorlton.

Enjoy these Manchester day trips!

I hope you have a better idea of the various days out from Manchester and how to get there and back.

Check out my other Northern England blogs:

• Cool places to eat and drink in Manchester
• The top cafes and coffee shops in Manchester
• 11 cheap eats in Manchester
• How to spend a day in Liverpool
• What to do in Liverpool in winter
• A perfect weekend in the Lake District

For more travel content, follow me on Instagram , Facebook , Twitter and YouTube .

TRUSTED RESOURCES FOR VISITING THE UK Flights (international and domestic): I use Skyscanner to find the best-value flights, using the ‘search by month’ tool to find the cheapest dates. You can also use the ‘to anywhere’ feature if you’re flexible on where you’re going. Car hire – use Rentalcars.com to compare car rentals and campers in the UK (and all around the world). For UK trains , I use Trainline . The search feature allows you to compare prices with other modes of transport. For buses , I use busbud . It’s the only site that compares UK coaches and buses. Find London to Manchester journeys for £1!  For hotels and self-catering apartments, I use Booking.com . You can filter by review score and price to find the best-rated budget places. For hostels, I use Hostelworld.com . Browse UK tours and activities on GetYourGuide . To save money on accommodation, I use Trusted Housesitters , a website that connects homeowners going away and travellers who can sit their homes & pets. Pack the latest copy of Lonely Planet UK . Need travel insurance ? I use True Traveller (for Europe residents) since it’s affordable but covers everything you’d need including various activities, valuables and pre-existing conditions. Unlike some companies, they insure you if you’re already travelling / don’t yet have your flight home booked. Get a quote . For travel insurance for other nationalities, I recommend Hey Mundo and for long-term digital nomad travellers, I suggest Safety Wing .

Rose is a solo traveller from the UK who has been on the road since 2015. She wants to show other women that solo travel isn't scary and doesn't have to be expensive! Rose has lived in Mexico, Canada and all over Asia, seeking out food, bubble tea and street art wherever she goes!

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The lost railway stations of Greater Manchester

While some of the stations have been demolished or transformed into something new including cafes and private homes

• 06:40, 26 MAR 2024

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Greater Manchester, with its rich industrial legacy, has seen numerous railway stations become lost to time. Early expansions in the 19th and early 20th centuries saw a dense network of lines connecting communities.

However, the latter half of the 20th century witnessed significant reductions. A major restructuring of the railway system in Great Britain in the 1960s known as the Beeching cuts were responsible for closing many.

Some of these stations have been completely demolished, leaving no trace behind. Others, however, have been repurposed into entirely different things, such as convention centres, supermarkets, and even private homes.

READ MORE: Inside the abandoned tower on the M6

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While many railway stations have either been knocked down or changed into something new, each one has contributed to Greater Manchester's rich history, with 10 examples listed below.

Manchester Exchange

Based in Salford , Manchester Exchange opened in 1884 and served the city until 1969. During the Second World War, the station’s roof was badly damaged, with some parts never being replaced.

When Manchester Exchange closed to passengers in 1969, it continued to be used by newspaper trains until the 1980s. In 2017, the Deansgate North car park was opened on the site, with Q-Park restoring the original brick work of the Exchange Station.

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Didsbury railway station opened in 1880, with the town’s iconic memorial clock added to the station forecourt in 1910. The railway station shut to passengers in 1967, before fully closing in 1969.

The station remained standing for a few years and became a hardware store (Didsbury Station Hardware) before being demolished in 1982. Now, a row of shops and pubs occupy the site, and the Didsbury station clock remains, the local landmark standing proudly.

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Manchester Centr al

Manchester Central was one of the city centre ’s main railway stations between its opening in 1880 and its closure in 1969. The building became Grade II listed in 1963, but was left in a derelict condition for a decade after it closed.

In 1982, work began to convert Manchester central into a convention centre. Greater Manchester Exhibition and Conference Centre, better known as G-Mex, opened in 1986. To honour the former railway station, it was later renamed Manchester Central once more.

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Fallowfield

Fallowfield station opened in 1891 and shut to passengers in 1958. The mock Tudor-style red brick building still stands and has been a number of things over the years. After being a bar, it’s now an apartment block and a Sainsbury’s, with the supermarket café occupying the main station building.

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Wigan Central

Wigan Central opened on Station Road in 1892 and closed to passengers in 1964. The station was demolished in 1973 and the Grand Arcade shopping centre was built on the site, opening in 2007. It's home to 39 retailers and no trace of Wigan Central railway remains.

Saddleworth

Saddleworth railway station was open to passengers from 1849 to 1968 when it was recommended that all branch stations on the Huddersfield Line should be closed. Some of the stations remained, but Saddleworth and Diggle were consequently shut.

Saddleworth railway station was converted into a private residence, with the waiting room and ticket office reportedly becoming the living room. TV director Ken Stephinson, who produced the first series of Great Railway Journeys , lived in the property from 1978 until his death in 2012.

Northenden station was built in 1866 and was located between Sharston Road and Longley Lane. Inside the steep sloping roofs could be found a booking office, waiting room, parcels office and the station master's accommodation.

The station closed in 1964 but up until the 1980s, local residents could send messages via a telegram office, which was located inside the station. The buildings were later demolished and the original station road has now been lost in an industrial estate.

Wilbraham Road

Wilbraham Road railway station was in Whalley Range and first opened as Alexandra Park in 1892. The station was renamed in 1923, before closing to passengers in 1958. In May 1964, Granada Television transformed the disused station buildings into a southern American style station for the programme Blues and Gospel Train .

Wilbraham Road was still used by freight trains until it closed for good in 1988. After this, the buildings were demolished, with only some residual brickwork remaining today. The railway line is now part of the Fallowfield Loop cycle track, and the Station Master’s house is used as a private residence.

Manchester Mayfield

Close to Manchester Piccadilly station is the shell of Manchester Mayfield. The former railway station opened in 1910 and closed to passengers in 1960. It was used as a parcel depot in 1970, before permanently closing in 1986.

The station was left abandoned for years, before being used in the TV Show Prime Suspect and doubling up as Sheffield station in The Last Train . In 2013, the railway station was used for the Manchester International Festival. The station sits within the site of the Mayfield Project which is currently being developed and consists of new parkland, offices, residential, and leisure and retail spaces.

Bury Bolton Street

In 1846, Bury railway station opened, before being renamed to Bury Bolton Street in 1866. It was the town’s main station and was the headquarters for East Lancashire Railway for a time.

Bury Bolton Street closed in 1980 before opening as a heritage railway station in 1987, preserved by East Lancashire Railway. The station remains a popular tourist destination.

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A ride across passages of history - Moscow Metro rolls on

Click on the map to enlarge it

Lying at a depth of 5 (Pechatniki station) to 80 metres (Park Pobedy station), the history of the last eight decades unfold before your eyes, carved out of marble and granite and built in iron and glass – revealing the tastes, ideas, dreams, hopes and disappointments of the previous generations and contemporaries. The Moscow Metro dates back to 1931, when its construction first began, although engineers Pyotr Balinsky and Evgeny Knorre submitted their first designs to the Moscow City Duma as far back as 1902. “His speeches carried a strong temptation: like a true demon, he would promise to cast Moscow down to the bottom of the sea and raise it above the clouds”, a journalist for the Russkoye Slovo newspaper commented on Balinsky’s idea. Yet the Duma, made up of rich people, did not bite the bait: after all, they all lived in the centre of the city and never rode overcrowded trams.

After five failed proposals before the Duma, the Moscow Metro finally threw open its doors on May 15, 1935, 18 years after the revolution, and carried the first passengers on its moving staircases, escalators, and the padded seats of its new wagons (unlike the wooden seats in trams). The first metro line – from Sokolniki to Dvorets Sovetov (now known as Kropotkinskaya) -- was 11 km long and had 13 stations. Now, the Moscow Metro has a track of over 300 km with 12 lines and 182 stations. The city’s development outline for 2020 envisages that, by then, another 120 km will have been added to the existing routes.

For the first 20 years of its history, the Moscow Metro was named after Lazar Kaganovich, the “iron commissar” and Stalin’s right hand man, who was in-charge of construction of the first stage of the metro (incidentally, he personally blew up the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour in December 1931 as a part of the Proletarian Capital project). In 1955, however, the Metro was renamed after Vladimir Lenin. Although Russia has long since changed its political track, you can still find the images of the former leader at over 10 stations, including, for instance, busts of Lenin at Belorusskaya and Komsomolskaya stations, impressive mosaics at Baumanskaya and Kievskaya stations, a tile panel in the passage between the Borovitskaya and Biblioteka Imeni Lenina stations. By a bitter irony of fate, Lenin’s full-face and side-face images decorate the Tsaritsyno (translated as the Tsarina’s Estate) station (dubbed Lenino up until 1990) – images of the very person who ordered the shooting of the royal family. You will not, however, find any images of Stalin in Moscow’s underground. A symbol of Russia's victory, he was omnipresent in the late 1940s. After his death in 1953 and the denunciation of Stalin’s personality cult, his images were gradually withdrawn from the Moscow Metro.

“Architecture developed along the same lines, both above and below the surface. Anything that emerged above ground had a reflection underground. It is equally true that vice versa never occurred: good architecture underground but bad architecture above the ground,” says Nikolay Shumakov, chief architect of the Moscow Metro. The first metro stations, up until the mid-1950s, were conceived and built as luxurious “palaces for the people”, great architecture for a great state. Art historians insist that the richly-decorated underground was a deliberate ideological move to eulogise the young Soviet country. Stations built between 1937 and 1955 are characteristic of the first architectural period. Everything completed at this time is worthy of special attention. For instance, look at the ceiling at Mayakovskaya and Novokuznetskaya stations to see mosaic panels based on designs by artist Alexander Deineka – 24-Hour Soviet Sky and Heroic Labour of the Soviet People on the Home Front. The mosaics were assembled by famous mosaic artist Vladimir Frolov, author of the mosaic icons in St. Petersburg’s Church of the Saviour on Blood. The Ploshchad Revolutsii station was decorated with 76 bronze sculptures of workers, soldiers, farmers, students and other Soviet people. You can even find a frontier guard with a dog and rub its nose for good luck. You may also note that all the figures (except pioneers) are either sitting or bent, which engendered the sad joke – “Any Soviet man is either in jail or on his knees.”

 Elements of decoration in Moscow's metro.   Photos by Alexandr Ganyushin

1955 heralded the end of the good times for Russian architecture – both underground and above ground – after the Communist Party issued a decree "On elimination of extravagance in design and construction.” Dull stations, without any stucco work, mosaics, original columns or other “unjustified” elements, were built under the slogan “Kilometres at the expense of architecture”. Things were the same above the ground, where entire cities were built of commonplace five-storey apartment blocks, all looking the same, nicknamed ‘Khrushchevkas’ after the then leader, Nikita Khrushchev. To get a sense of this period’s architecture, see the few stations built in the 1960s-1980s like Tverskaya, Kitay-Gorod and Kolomenskaya. In 2002, with the reconstruction of the Vorobyovy Gory station, the development of the Moscow Metro entered a third stage, which could be defined as ‘renaissance’. The platform of the station offers a splendid view of the Moskva River, the Luzhniki Olympic Complex and the Academy of Sciences building. Architectural canons of the 1930s-1940s were once again in use in the design of underground stations. By the same token, artists once again become involved in decorating the stations. As such, the Sretensky Bulvar station boasts silhouettes of Pushkin, Gogol, and Timiryazev and Moscow sights; the Dostoevskaya station is decorated with black-and-white panels featuring the main characters from Dostoyevsky’s novels The Idiot, Demons, Crime and Punishment, The Brothers Karamazov, and the Maryina Roshcha station flaunts its pastoral mosaic landscapes. In 2004, Russia's first monorail transport system was launched into service – an elevated track (running 6 to 12 metres above the ground) in the northern part of Moscow, linking the All-Russian Exhibition Centre and the Timiryazevskaya metro station. The evolution of the Moscow Metro goes on. It’s still a work in progress, with ambitious plans to move the Moscow Metro even closer to passengers over the next ten years, not just by adding an extra 120 km to its total track. “We want to strip the stations of everything we can,” says Nikolai Shumakov. “We are trying to show the passengers their very framework, what the metro is made of. Cast iron and concrete are beautiful.”

Joy ride: Read Gogol, Dante or savour art

The Aquarelle Train.   Source: Reuters/Vostock-Photo

With any luck, you can ride in a retro train, a moving art gallery or a library. The trains are actually a part of the general traffic (i.e., they do not run to any special schedule) and are used on certain lines. The Reading Moscow Train , an ordinary train on the face of it, features extracts from literary works for adults and children. Each wagon has its own selection, from children’s fairy tales to Gogol. Circle Line. The Poetry in Metro Train carries an exposition, updated this year, dedicated to Italian poets Dante Alighieri, Francesco Petrarch, Giacomo Leopardi, etc. All the poems are featured in two languages, Russian and Italian. Filevskaya Line. The Sokolniki Retro Train looks exactly like the first Moscow Metro train, both inside and out. Painted brown, it has padded seats, typical wall decorations and retro lamps. Sokolnicheskaya Line. The Aquarelle Train looks like a cabinet painted with flowers and fruit on the outside. Inside, it is an art gallery featuring art reproductions from the Vyatka Apollinary and Viktor Vasnetsov Art Museum. Arbatsko-Pokrovskaya Line.

Revolution Square station (built in 1938) is close to the Red Square area. There are 72 sculptures in the station, depicting the people of the Soviet Union, including soldiers, farmers, athletes, writers, industrial workers and school children.

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