2021 has become the year of the staycation. We’ve all been looking to make the most of the UK, and the fact that everywhere is just a drive away. The North West is a part of England that’s geographically close to so many great locations, offering a wide range of options for a great day out. We’ve selected five of the best daytrips within a two hour drive of the region for you to explore on your staycation in the North West.
1. A Trip To North Wales
The North Welsh coast features some of the British isles’ staycation gems, with its sandy beaches, picturesque landscapes and variety of seaside towns.
Talacre Beach, near Prestatyn, at just over an hour’s drive from Merseyside, making it one of the closest and most spectacular beaches to visit. With grassy dunes, miles of golden beaches and an 18m lighthouse that’s supposedly haunted, it’s an eye-catching area to explore. This is one for the walkers, bird watchers or those who simply fancy a relaxing picnic.
If you continue to drive further west along the north coast, you’ll reach Colwyn Bay and Rhos-on-Sea, which are both great days out for the whole family. The two towns are linked together by a three mile promenade and a popular beach. Must-see spots include Colywyn Bay’s Victorian heritage buildings as well as the National Zoo of Wales – there are also great opportunities for shopping and eating out too.
Driving just six miles further west inland, will see you reach one of North Wales’ iconic destinations, the 13th century walled town and castle of Conwy. This is where to go to learn about Welsh history, soak up some culture and to explore somewhere new.
2. Explore The Peak District
The Peak District is one of the UK’s most well-known national parks. It sits south of Manchester and is home to a wide selection of outdoor pursuits, alongside some quaint towns to treat yourself in after your outdoor adventures.
The original main road from Manchester to Sheffield, known as Snake Pass, provides an exhilarating drive into the Peak District. With winding tight bends and panoramic views at a height of over 500m, it’s a scenic entrance into the dramatic landscape. En-route to Sheffield, the road approaches Ladybower Reservoir, which is the turn off to reach the heart of the national park.
There are many walks, with something suitable for all abilities – the views from the tops of Kinder Scout and Mam Tor are well worth the hike up the hills. The Peak District is also a popular spot for cyclists to explore and test themselves on the undulating landscape and variety of terrain.
Comfortable, welcoming towns and villages can be found all over the countryside, such as Hathersage, Edale and Buxton. These usually offer a selection of tea rooms, delis and places to relax, while Chatsworth House in Bakewell provides a historic day out.
3. Visit The Forest Of Bowland
Sitting to the east of Lancaster, the Forest of Bowland is one of the North West’s hidden gems. Crowned an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), it’s perfect for those who enjoy the great outdoors and is the ideal place for relaxation.
There are miles of footpaths to tackle, winding through moorland, steep hills and thick woodland. Meanwhile, spots like the Stepping Stones over the River Hodder near Whitewell, offer a scenic break.
Despite being less than 50 miles to Manchester, Bowland’s night skies are well known for being crystal clear. This makes the forest a top spot for stargazing in the North West, helping you get even more out of your day trip.
On the southern edge of the AONB lies the bustling market town of Clitheroe, which offers some local culture and also a taste of history with a trip to the Castle Museum.
4. A Daytrip To The Lake District
The furthest North on our list of day out ideas near the North West, is the Lake District, which sits around 90 minutes up the M6 from Manchester. This National Park is famous for its mountains, lakes and family fun.
If you’re looking for challenging day of hiking, then you’re heading to the right place. The Lake District features more than 200 peaks, including Scafell Pike, England’s tallest mountain. Standing at 978m tall, it rewards those who climb to its summit with breath-taking views.
A more relaxing way to spend the day is by one of the region’s 16 lakes. The largest and deepest stretch of water is Windermere, which is surrounded by a blend of green countryside and small towns and villages. The largest of these is Ambleside, which sits at its most northern point. The town is worth a visit for its tea rooms, shops, and the opportunity to get out on the lake, either by hiring a boat or by catching a ferry across to Wray Castle.
Beatrix Potter spent the majority of her life in the Lake District and her former home is a popular tourist destination. Restored by the National Trust, the famous illustrator’s Hill Top House is just over a seven mile drive around Windermere from Ambleside.
5. Days Out In Snowdonia
We wanted to end our list of day trips near the North West, by choosing another beauty from North Wales. This time though, it’s a drive further inland to the stunning Snowdonia National Park. This is an area for those who are looking to spend a day outdoors, with a landscape of spectacular mountains, smooth, inviting roads for cyclists and pleasant towns.
For those who are looking to scale Snowdonia’s heights, there are 14 peaks that stand over 900m, with Snowdon being the country’s tallest at 1085m. If you want to reach the summit, but would prefer a more leisurely trip, the Snowdon Mountain Railway provides the ideal alternative.
The charming town of Betws-y-Coed is a short drive away from the mountains through the Glaslyn Valley. Surrounded by the Gwydyr Forest, you can also explore local destinations such as Swallow Falls, Fairy Glen and the Ugly House.
Do you need any travel or touring essentials ahead of your daytrips from the North West? At Euro Car Parts, we offer free same day click and collect or next day delivery services, which makes grabbing those last-minute must-haves easy and stress-free.