From stunning sandy beaches to chocolate-box villages, there are dozens of amazing places to discover right here in the UK. Often it’s easy to overlook what’s on your doorstep in favour of more exotic destinations overseas, yet you don't have to travel far to find somewhere incredible.
With the Lake District, North Wales and the Peak District only a short journey away from Greater Manchester, there's no excuse not to see the hidden gems they have to offer. Whether it's a day out on a weekend or a staycation in the summer, there's somewhere for everyone.
Explore mysterious ruins hidden in the woods, take a wander around a candy-coloured village or get up close to magical waterfalls. We've rounded up some of the best places you can visit near Greater Manchester below. If there's any you think we should mention, let us know in the comments below.
READ MORE:
Ruin of Errwood Hall, Peak District
Hidden in the woodland of Goyt Valley in the Peak District are the ruins of a once grand country house. Rising up among the trees are several large walls, archways and a graveyard, giving the area an air of mystery.
The ruins of Errwood Hall are located a stone’s throw away from Errwood Reservoir. Errwood Hall was a country house which was built in the 1830s by Samuel Grimshawe, a wealthy Manchester businessman.
The hall was part of a huge 2,000 acre estate, but it was later demolished when the Fernilee Reservoir was built in 1934. Today you can see the foundations of the ground floor along with a section of the wall with a few archways.
The ruins of the family graveyard are located nearby to the west of the hall. You can see the ruins by following a three-mile circular walk which begins at Errwood Hall car park.
Three Shires Head Waterfall, Peak District
At the point where Cheshire, Derbyshire and Staffordshire all meet at the River Dane is the Three Shires Head waterfall. In fact it’s not just one waterfall, but three, which all flow into Panniers pool, creating a picture-postcard scene.
There’s a double waterfall which is crossed by a Grade II-listed packhorse bridge, which was most likely built in the 18th century. Historically the bridge was part of an important trading route, linking Staffordshire to Macclesfield.
It’s a beautiful spot for a picnic and a popular place for wild swimming (although be aware that the water can be extremely cold). To get to Three Shires Head, you can walk from Wildboarclough or from Gradbach.
Portmeirion, North Wales
With elegant pastel-coloured buildings perched on a hillside, Portmeirion looks like it belongs on the Italian Riviera rather than on the North Wales coast. As you wander around this colourful village you can easily feel as if you are abroad.
A purpose-built tourist attraction, Portmeirion was the brainchild of Welsh architect Sir Clough Williams-Ellis and the village was completed in 1976. Now it’s a dedicated conservation area and visitors can pay to enter it.
The village sits on the edge of the Snowdonia National Park and it’s around two and a half hours’ drive away from Greater Manchester. Portmeirion has a couple of hotels and self-catering cottages you can stay, or you can just visit for the day.
Porth Iago, North Wales
You don’t have to travel abroad to find stunning sandy beaches with crystal clear waters. Hidden among the many beaches found along Llyn Peninsula in North Wales is Porth Iago, a secluded cove where you can escape from the crowds.
This tiny beach is tucked in between two headlands on the Western side of the peninsula. To reach it you have to descend a very steep path which you can access via the Wales Coast Path, or by parking at Ty Mawr farm.
It features golden sand and azure blue water on a sunny day. The headlands ensure it’s a sheltered spot protected from any cool breezes, making it the perfect place for a dip.
The Grot at Rydal Mount Gardens, Lake District
If you’ve seen Tiktok videos of a small stone built house perched opposite a waterfall in the Lake District, then it’s most definitely the Grot at Rydal Hall. This scenic spot has been a draw for visitors for centuries - William Wordsworth was even a fan long before the age of social media.
The Grot is a tiny moss-covered grotto with just one room and a large window which frames the waterfall, pool and bridge above it. It was built in 1668 by Sir Daniel Fleming as a place to sit and admire the Rydal Falls.
William Wordsworth wrote about the grotto in An Evening Walk and the waterfall itself was drawn by the artist John Constable in 1806. You can visit the Grot by going to Rydal Hall gardens and estate, which is open daily throughout the year and is free to enter.
Hawkshead, Lake District
There are dozens of picturesque villages throughout the Lake District but one of them stands out for a rather unique reason: cars are banned. The village of Hawkshead is located north of Esthwaite Water, in between the larger lakes of Windermere and Coniston Water.
There’s winding streets lined with whitewashed cottages topped with slate-grey roofs. In the spring and summer the village comes alive with colourful hanging baskets.
Cars aren’t allowed in the centre so you’re able to wander around without having to worry about traffic and it offers you a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life. Take a walk around the village and you’ll find cosy tea rooms, old pubs and independent shops.
For more of the latest What's On news, click here.
READ NEXT:
- The Greater Manchester and Lancashire hotels named best places to stay in Britain
- The best winter walks with a cosy pub in and around Greater Manchester
- The pretty Peak District village an hour from Manchester with a cosy old pub, Roman ruins and stunning walks
- The floating rooms you can stay in just an hour from Greater Manchester
- The luxury castle nestled in the Cheshire countryside you can stay in
