Discover England: Manchester Gateway

With an international airport serving over 200 destinations and a comprehensive rail network stretching all across the country, Manchester offers the perfect base for visitors to explore England. Travelers wishing to discover cosmopolitan cities and others seeking rolling landscapes will both be satisfied, with an incredibly varied range of English heritage reachable from Manchester. Take a look at just of the day trips that can be done below!

Historic Chester with River Cruise, Open-Top Bus and Walking Tour (journey time: 1 hour)

Chester is one of the UK's most popular city destinations with cobbled streets, hidden cellars and quirky lanes to discover. See the historic city from the top deck of an open-top bus, a relaxing river cruise and an informative walking tour.

After your tour enjoy free time to walk along the famous Roman Walls (free entry) that encircle the city centre or visit Chester Cathedral (free entry), which was founded as a Benedictine monastery more than 800 years ago. Don't miss 'The Rows', the 700-year-old, two-tiered covered shopping galleries offering an extensive choice of independent shops.

Included: Meet and Greet Service at Manchester Piccadilly Railway Station, Return Train from Manchester to Chester, Sightseeing Bus, River Cruise, 90 minute walking tour

Liverpool and ‘The Beatles Story’ (journey time: 50 minutes)

Liverpool has a rich culture and heritage. With the city's many museums and two magnificent cathedrals, Liverpool is a great day out.

Hop-on the open-top sightseeing bus and see the sights of the city while learning about the history of the landmarks from a local guide. Hop-off at the Metropolitan cathedral (free entry) or the Anglican cathedral (free entry) and explore these two very different yet equally beautiful cathedrals. Visit The Beatles Story at the world-famous Royal Albert Dock before taking a Ferry 'Cross the Mersey on a 50-minute river cruise.

Before you go home, make sure you soak up the atmosphere of the city in the Cavern Club, or visit the city's fantastic museums such as the Maritime Museum, the Museum of Liverpool, TATE Liverpool, the Walker Art Gallery, the International Slavery Museum or the World Museum.

Included: Meet and Greet Service at Manchester Piccadilly Station, Return Train from Manchester to Liverpool, Sightseeing bus tour with live guide commentary, The Beatles Story – The world’s largest ‘Beatles’ exhibition, River Explorer Cruise aboard the world-famous Mersey Ferry

Lake District ‘Cruise, Poetry and Grasmere Gingerbread’ (journey time: 2 hours 15 minutes)

The Lake District is England's most beautiful National Park. With its picturesque lakes and craggy mountains, it is easy to see why England's greatest poet, William Wordsworth, chose to live here and to write extensively about the landscape. Visit Dove Cottage, the house in which he lived with his family, and learn about the life and works of the poet. Then, head to the traditional Lakeland village of Grasmere where you can visit Sarah Nelson's Ginger Bread Shop to purchase some Grasmere Gingerbread. Nowhere else in the world sells this delicious cake/biscuit hybrid treat.

Finally, admire the dramatic scenery as you cruise down Lake Windermere to the town of Bowness where there is some time to explore before returning to Windemere to catch the train back to Manchester.

Included: Meet and Greet Service at Manchester Piccadilly Station, Return train from Manchester to Windermere, Full day bus travel in the central lakes zone, Dove Cottage, Wordsworth Museum, Grasmere Village and Gingerbread, Lake Windermere Cruise

Medieval York, the Cathedral and Vikings (journey time: 1 hour 15 minutes)

York has a history as rich as any city in the UK. Discover the Roman, Viking and Medieval origins of the city with the York Pass, which includes entrance to many of York's top attractions.

Hop-on the open-top sightseeing bus to get an introduction to the city. Visit the Medieval York Minster and the JORVIK Viking Centre built on the site of a 1,000-year-old Viking settlement. Discover York's more recent history at the York Chocolate Story and Fairfax House. Entry is also included to York Dungeon, Clifford's Tower, York Castle Museum, Yorkshire Museum and more. There really is something for everyone with the York Pass.

Included: Meet and Greet Service at Manchester Piccadilly Railway Station, Return train travel from Manchester to York, Jorvik Viking Centre, The World famous York Minster, York Sightseeing Pass