These road trips from Manchester are guaranteed to thrill, promising adventure and breathtaking views in equal measure.
Whether you’re climbing steep inclines in the Peak District or venturing out on the Welsh coastline, one thing remains true – the journey can be just as good as the end destination.
These scenic drives from Manchester are the perfect way to escape the city, so load up the car, pick a playlist and grab your sunnies. Which one will you try first?
Keswick via Ullswater & Windermere
This is a big one, taking you all the way from Manchester up to the Lake District for a huge loop around some of the area’s greatest sights. The six-hour journey starts off fairly mundane as you head up the M61 and onto the M6, but it’s worth it once you get to the countryside.
You’ll merge onto the A590, taking the third exit towards Penrith. From here, the A591 takes you past Kendal and Windermere, then up towards Ullswater where it’s time for a stop. Park up in the National Trust car park at Aira Force for a look at the powerful waterfall – it’s about a 30-minute walk.
Back on the road you’ll take the A66 towards Keswick, but the Castlerigg Stone Circle is worth a stop on the way. Then it’s back down the A591 through Ambleside, offering another look at sprawling Lake Windermere. Once you’re past Ulverston, it’s back onto the A590 before you jump on the M6 to return home.
Llandudno & Marine Drive
Fancy a jaunt out to the coast? Lladudno offers all the charm of an olde worlde seaside town, but the two-hour route there can be just as good. Start off by taking the M56 towards North Wales, then follow the A494 until you reach the A55.
You’ll pass through towns like Bodelwyddan (spot the castle) and sleepy Abergele, where the A55 takes you along the coastline for epic views. A stop off in Colwyn Bay is always a good idea – golden sands, a medieval castle and the Welsh Mountain Zoo await.
When you reach Junction 19 you’ll take the fourth exit onto the Royal Welsh Way, driving north up to Lladudno. You can stop here, but continue onto Marine Drive and you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views of Anglesey and Snowdonia. It’s a toll road, but it’s well worth the £5.50 fee.
Macclesfield to Buxton on the Cat & Fiddle
This one takes you out through some of the most affluent areas of South Manchester, deep into the woods and onto one of the most dangerous roads in the UK – but if twisty bends and jaw-dropping vistas are your thing, you’re in for a heck of a ride. It’s three hours there and back, with plenty to see on the way.
Head south on the A34 towards Wilmslow, then jump onto the A523 through Prestbury – be sure to gaze in awe at the many footballers’ mansions – then go on towards Macclesfield. You’ll drive through the Silk Town, before turning onto the A537.
Then it’s time for the biggie – the Cat & Fiddle, a 12.5-mile route taking you up over a thousand feet over the Pennines. Parched? Stop off at the Peak View Tearoom for a brew and a bite in a picturesque setting, before finishing the drive on the A53 towards Buxton.
Sheffield & back via Snake Pass
Another notorious yet glorious road, Snake Pass will take you to Sheffield in just an hour and a half – and it makes a great road trip from Manchester, if you’re not afraid of heights. Start out on the A6 then take the M67 at Denton. The motorway will take you onto the A57, which is where things start to get interesting.
After driving down Mottram Moor, you’ll take a right onto Woolley Lane, passing through Glossop before making your way onto the Snake Pass. Take your time with the drive – don’t attempt it if it’s icy, it’s likely to be closed – marveling at the panoramic views across the Pennines.
It’s well worth a stop at Ladybower Reservoir, so park up and get ready for a stroll promising views of water, woodland and magnificent moorland. After that, it’s back onto the A57 for another 25-minute drive, taking you into Sheffield before you do it all over again on the return journey.
Alderley Edge to Holmes Chapel
This scenic hour-long drive from Manchester takes you down the A5103 and onto the M56 past the airport. Styal’s Quarry Bank Mill offers an early reason to stop, but carry on down the A538 into Wilmslow, then on towards Alderley Edge, where you’ll find many an upmarket eatery.
Head out of the town on the A535 and you’ll start the 20-minute drive to Homes Chapel. It’s a fairly straight route through Cheshire’s leafy countryside, and it’s especially picturesque come springtime when hedgerows bloom and the fields are dotted with grazing sheep and cattle.
The standout thing to look out for is Jodrell Bank’s towering Lovell Telescope, where a stop at the visitor centre is always insightful. Carry on down the A535 and you’ll spot another landmark, the red-brick arches of the Twemlow Viaduct, which will guide you on your way into Holmes Chapel.
