Liverpool is a fantastic destination in the north of England with lots to see and do – from historic Albert Docks to the Beatles Museum and Anfield football ground. The city also makes a super basic to explore neighboring areas and there are many wonderful day trips from Liverpool.
Liverpool is ideally placed for exploring the nearby coast, North Wales and the Lake District National Park, among other stunning destinations. I have been visiting Liverpool for years and I always love trying to escape the city to enjoy the amazing nature nearby.
Below you will find a selection of different day trips from Liverpool by car, bus, boat, train and some excellent tours. Whether you’re looking for a day at the beach, a hike in the wilderness or a visit to nearby attractions, these Liverpool day trips offer something for everyone; families, couples, and solitary travelers.
Best Day Trips from Liverpool
Here are 15 of the best day trips from Liverpool, visiting some of the nearby attractions, towns and villages. With Chester and Manchester just a short train ride away and plenty of excursions to areas of outstanding natural beauty, Liverpool makes an ideal base for exploring this part of northern England.
1. City of Manchester
The city of Manchester is just over 30 minutes away by train. Lime Street Station making it one of the best day trips from Liverpool.
Manchester has an equally impressive music scene and a history dating back to the days of Hacienda Club and Factory Records (Joy Division are still one of my favorite bands).
Manchester is also home to an excellent range of museums and galleries, including the Manchester Art Gallery which houses one of my favorite works of art; Funeral of a Viking by Frank Bernard Dicksee (1853 – 1928).
There is an excellent science museum to visit, as well as shops, cafes and restaurants that rival those in Liverpool.
Visiting nearby Manchester is definitely one of the best day trips by train from Liverpool and it’s a breeze to travel between the two cities thanks to multiple hourly trains.
Visit Old Trafford (the world famous football stadium), take a cruising on canals and riversor simply explore the bustling city center at your leisure.
Location: Manchester is just 35 miles east of Liverpool. Find it here on the map.
Getting there: Direct trains leave Liverpool Lime Street every 30 minutes. Journey time is between 34 and 52 minutes depending on the service. Tickets cost from £7.50 in advance.
Unmissable activities: Take a cruise on the city’s canalsvisit the Manchester Art Gallery, see Old Trafford football groundand go shopping in the city center.
2. City of Chester
Chester is a historic town 30 miles south of Liverpool which was an important settlement in Roman Britain (much like my own home town of Colchester). The city was founded in the first century and is known for its impressive expanse of well-preserved Roman walls.
The town is a modern, vibrant center with excellent shopping in picturesque Chester Rows and restaurants such as the elegant The chef’s table which offers a menu of fresh, seasonal and local products.
One of the best ways to explore the city is by taking the hop-on hop-off bus. tourist busor go kayak along the River Dee.
Location: 40 minutes south of Liverpool. Find it here on the map.
Getting there: Direct trains depart from Liverpool Lime Street station four times an hour and the journey takes just 44 minutes.
Best tour of Liverpool: Full day visit to Chester from Liverpool.
Unmissable activities:Take one hop-on hop-off city tourexplore the Roman walls, visit Chester Cathedral, go kayakingand shop at Chester Rows.
3. Crosby Beach
Crosby Beach is just 7 miles from Liverpool and makes a great day trip from the city. This stretch of coastline is home to an impressive modern art installation by renowned British artist Anthony Gormley.
Here you will find 100 sculpted statues along the beach that seem to move with the tides and seasons. Crosby has a 2.5-mile stretch of golden sand, perfect for sunbathing, walking, building sandcastles and exploring the dunes. If you like walking, this is a great place to stretch your legs.
SEE ASO: Discover them hikes in Liverpool for more inspiration for your stay.
It is it is not recommended to swim hereHowever, as there are strong currents on this part of the coast, even experienced swimmers can find themselves in difficulty.
Location: 20 minutes north of Liverpool. Find it here on the map.
Getting there: Crosby Beach is just a 20-minute drive from Liverpool. There are trains every 10 minutes from Liverpool Central to Blundellsands and Crosby station, from where you can reach the beach and promenade in just 5 minutes on foot.
Unmissable activities: Check out Another Place by Anthony Gormley, stroll along the beach, have a picnic, row on the boating lake and eat ice cream on the boardwalk.
4. Visit North Wales
North Wales is a beautiful region of the United Kingdom and is home to Snowdonia National Park and one of the highest mountains in the country. I have visited Snowdonia several times over the years for climbing holidays as a boy scout or more recently. hikes.
It is possible to climb (hike) the 3,560-foot (1,085-meter) Mount Snowden if you’re feeling adventurous. The round trip takes between four and seven hours depending on your fitness level, rest stops and the route you take.
For those who do not like such physical exertion, there is also a train to the summit.
North Wales is home to historic towns and villages that are well worth a visit. Conwy dates back to 1283 and is home to the impressive Conwy Castle.
Location: 90 minutes south east of Liverpool. Find it here on the map.
Getting there: North Wales is a 90-minute drive from Liverpool. The best way to experience this magnificent area of outstanding natural beauty is to take a ride which includes visits to Conwy and Snowdonia.
Best tour of Liverpool: 9-hour North Wales day trip from Liverpool.
Unmissable activities: Climb Mount Snowden, visit Conwy Castle and explore the North Wales coast.
5. Lake District National Park
The Lake District is one of the most picturesque areas of England and makes for one of the best day trips from Liverpool. Explore stunning Windermere and the neighboring villages, mountains and landscapes of this magnificent part of the country.
Take a boat trip on the lake, hike one of the many mountain trails, and stop for lunch at a rustic country pub. Explore the villages where Beatrix Potter and William Wordsworth wrote their stories and poems (Potter was always one of my childhood favorites).
Visit the beautiful village of Kendal with its ancient main streets, shops and cozy pubs.
Location: 2 hours north of Liverpool. Find it here on the map.
Getting there: The Lake District National Park is 67 miles from Liverpool and is easily accessible by car. There are direct trains from Liverpool to Oxenholmebut to make the most of the lake region, it is best to have your own transport or book a tour from Liverpool.
Best tour of Liverpool: This 10-hour tour from Liverpool is a great way to experience the Lake District.
Unmissable activities: Sail on Lake Windermere, visit the village of Hawkshead, stroll the market town of Kendal and hike the mountains.
6. Yorkshire County
Ask a Yorkshireman or Yorkshirewoman what they think of their home and they’ll probably tell you it’s God’s own country. As a southerner I’m prone to debate, but there’s no denying that the North Yorkshire Moors and Dales are home to some of the most picturesque areas in the country!
From rolling hills and farmland to ancient brick villages, forests, lakes and waterfalls, Yorkshire is definitely one of the best day trips from Liverpool if you’re looking to escape into nature.
Discover the picturesque villages of Hawes and Haweth where the Bronte sisters lived, taste Wensleydale cheese and other local specialties, and much more.
Location: 2 hours north east of Liverpool. Find it here on the map.
Getting there: The best way to explore Yorkshire is either with your own car or by taking one of the organized day trips from Liverpool.
Best tour of Liverpool: This full-day tour from Liverpool is a great way to discover the region.
Unmissable activities: Visit historic Haweth, try Wensleydale cheese, visit the Ribbhlehead Viaduct and hike in the national parks.
7. Hop aboard the famous Mersey ferry
Taking the Mersey Ferry is one of my favorite boat day trips from Liverpool and is the best way to explore the Wirral Peninsula.
There are plenty of things to do, from visiting Birkenhead Park to New Brighton and Port Sunlight. With plenty of shops, restaurants and seaside entertainment to keep you busy, it’s a fun day out for the whole family.
The 200-acre North Wirral Coastal Park is a beautiful stretch of coastline with sandy beaches and coastal paths perfect for hiking, cycling, picnicking and horse riding, among other outdoor activities on offer.
It’s also a great way to see some of the city’s major landmarks, from the Royal Liver Building to cathedrals, Birkenhead Harbor buildings, and more. The duration of the journey through the east uary is approximately 30 minutes.
Location: There are terminals at Liverpool Gerry Marsden on the city side and Seacombe on the Wirral side.
Getting there: The ferry terminal is a short walk from Liverpool city centre.
Best tour of Liverpool: You can book a day ticket and go up and down as you please.
Unmissable activities: See the Liverpool skyline from the Mersey, explore the Wirral and Birkenhead and visit the North Wirral Coastal Park.
8. Visit the strawberry fields
“Let me take you, because I’m going to Strawberry Fields”…Strawberry Fields is located south of town. It is the site of a former Salvation Army children’s home made famous by the Beatles song of the same name.
It now houses a large garden and a Beatles exhibition which includes John Lennon’s piano among many other interesting exhibits.
Explore the beautifully landscaped gardens that Lennon wandered through during his childhood. Learn the history of the children’s home and its links to the Salvation Army and The Beatles, view interesting interactive exhibits and shop for souvenirs, or simply sit back and enjoy a drink and snack at the on-site cafe.
There are many Beatles visits choice, but it’s one of the best places to visit near Liverpool by bus and is easy to reach by public transport or by taking a coach tour (see below).
Location: 15 minutes south of Liverpool. Find it here on the map.
Getting there: It is approximately a ten to twenty minute drive from central Liverpool. Bus route 76 departs from Liverpool One bus station to Strawberry Fields several times an hour. Bus journey time is 29 minutes and costs £3. The best way to experience Strawberry Fields is to take a tour departing from Gower Street.
Best tour of Liverpool: Liverpool Beatles and Strawberry Fields Tour.
Unmissable activities: See the piano used to compose Imaginestroll through the gardens and buy souvenirs.
9. Take a tour of Peaky Blinders
Fans of the popular TV show Peaky Blinders will love this half-day tour of Liverpool and the surrounding areas where the series was filmed. You’ll go behind the scenes and learn about the real Peaky Blinders gang who influenced the series.
This is one of the most fun day trips from Liverpool as you can watch clips from the series whilst visiting the filming locations and get a real insight into these historic areas around Liverpool. I highly recommend including it in your itinerary!
Location: The meeting point is at St George’s Hall in central Liverpool. View location on Google Maps.
Getting there: The tour includes a combination of bus and walking transportation.
Best tour of Liverpool: Book your Peaky Blinders Tour Today.
Unmissable activities: See the filming locations, learn about the gang’s history and explore central Liverpool, the Wirral and the River Mersey.
10. Martin Mère nature reserve
Martin Mere Nature Reserve and Wetland Center is one of the best day trips around Liverpool if you want to get out and explore some beautiful scenery and spot local wildlife. With 600 acres of wild wetlands to explore, it’s the perfect day out for the whole family.
The nature reserve has 12 hides where you can try to spot everything from geese and ducks to birds of prey and otters. The Mere Side Cafe is a great place to stop for a bite to eat and there is also a shop which sells a range of souvenirs and outdoor equipment.
Location: 45 minutes north of Liverpool. Find it here on the map.
Getting there: It is possible to reach the nature reserve by train, but as you will need to change at Southport it is quicker and easier to drive – it is best to hire a car.
Unmissable activities: Walk around the reserve, observe the local wildlife, admire the beaver dam and grab a bite to eat at the café.
11. Formby
Formby is one of the easiest day trips from Liverpool, as this small coastal town is just 12 miles north of the city. As well as visiting the charming town with its shops, cafes and restaurants, the area is home to a stunning stretch of coastline with dramatic cliffs, sandy beaches and a wildlife refuge that is well worth a visit.
The Formby Sand Dunes have been designated as a site of special scientific interest as the area provides important habitat for local species such as sand lizards, natterjack toads and the rare red squirrel.
It is also possible to spot not one, but two wrecks just off the coast of Formby.
Location: 30 minutes north of Liverpool. Find it here on the map.
Getting there: There are several trains every hour from Liverpool Central to Formby and the journey time is just 28 minutes.
Unmissable activities: Stroll along the beach, explore the sand dunes, spot wildlife and shop, eat and drink in town.
12. Blackpool Fair
If you’re looking for a fun day trip from Liverpool for the whole family, then Blackpool and its famous pleasure beach is a must. The seaside resort is just 55 miles north of Liverpool and is easily accessible by car and public transport.
Blackpool is a traditional British seaside destination and a great place for high-intensity walks, enjoying fish and chips on the promenade, building sandcastles and swimming in the sea. Blackpool Tower for magnificent views of the surrounding coastline.
Location: 1 hour north of Liverpool. Find it here on the map.
Getting there: Trains depart from Liverpool Lime Street station four times an hour and the journey takes around 70 minutes. If you are driving, join the M6 and the journey should take just over an hour.
Unmissable activities: To go up Blackpool Towerspend a day at the beach, take walks on the pleasure beach and eat fish and chips on the promenade.
13. City of York
York is my favorite city in the north of England and is easily accessible from Liverpool by car, train and bus. There are many wonderful things to do in York, from exploring the gothic York Minster to exploring the Roman walls, the Jorvik Viking Center and tasting the chocolate the city is famous for.
Explore the ancient Shambles; one of the most picturesque shopping streets in all of England. Soak up its narrow cobbled streets and widows’ windows straight out of a Harry Potter film.
There’s a lot of great pubs in York also as my favorites King’s Arms on the River Ouse, and the Big badger with its original gin garden.
Location: 2 hours north east of Liverpool. Find it here on the map.
Getting there: York is a two-hour drive on the M62. There are two trains per hour from Liverpool Lime Street station and the journey time is just over two hours.
Unmissable activities: Discover York Mister, experience the chocolate history of York, explore the Shambles, visit York Dungeons and walk along the Roman Walls.
14. Southport seaside town
Southport is another wonderful Merseyside seaside town, 20 miles north of Liverpool. The area has 35km of coastline with golden sands, cliff top walks, a golf course and many major attractions, from the historic pier to the boating lake and the King’s Gardens.
Spend the day at the beach building sandcastles and exploring the beautiful coastline, or enjoy the entertainment on the pier. There is sure to be something for everyone in this charming seaside town as you explore the seaside town and its Southport pubs, cafes and restaurants.
Location: 45 minutes north of Liverpool. Find it here on the map.
Getting there: There are several trains every hour from Liverpool Central and Lime Street stations to Southport. The journey time is less than an hour. If you are driving, take the A565. The journey time is approximately 45 minutes.
Unmissable activities: Visit Southport Pier, stroll along the beach or hire a pedal boat on the boating lake.
15. Bradford
Bradford is a town in West Yorkshire 60 miles from Liverpool. The city is full of interesting things to see and do, from museums tracing England’s industrial heritage to parks, gardens, shops and restaurants.
With many historic buildings, from Bradford Cathedral to Cartwright Hall, it’s a great choice for a day trip from Liverpool. The Broadway is a great place for shopping with the biggest brands to discover and a great food court in the center of town.
History Salt Mill is a former textile factory that now houses a contemporary art gallery and entertainment complex with shops selling art supplies and other local crafts.
Location: 90 minutes east of Liverpool. Find it here on the map.
Getting there: There are two to three trains per hour from Liverpool Lime Street to Bradford. Journey time is approximately three hours with a change at Manchester Victoria. Driving should take a little over an hour, although finding parking in the city center can be difficult.
Unmissable activities: Shop Broadway, visit the Salt Mill and visit Bradford Cathedral.
Day Trips Around Liverpool: FAQ
Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about day trips from Liverpool:
What is the most popular day trip from Liverpool?
Visiting Manchester, the Yorkshire Dales and North Wales are three of the most popular day trips from Liverpool. Crosby Beach, Southport and Strawberry Fields are also great day trips a little closer to town.
How many days do you need in Liverpool?
Three to four days is the ideal length of time to explore Liverpool. However, if you want to make some of these excellent ex day trips from Liverpool During your stay, it’s best to allow a week to explore the surrounding coastline, national parks, towns and villages.
What are the best day trips from Liverpool with a car?
The Lake District is one of the best day trips from Liverpool with a car, as you’ll have the freedom to explore this enchanting part of northern England at your own pace.
What are the best train day trips from Liverpool?
The towns of Machester, York, Chester and Southport make the best day trips by train from Liverpool, as there are many hourly direct services which make these places very easy to reach by train.
What is the most beautiful place near Liverpool?
Snowdonia National Park in North Wales and the Lake District are two of the most beautiful places near Liverpool and make excellent day trips from the city. The stretch of coastline just north of the city is also one of the most beautiful places near Liverpool.
In conclusion
Now you know the best day trips from Liverpool. Whether you want to explore historic cities such as Manchester and York, spend time exploring the beautiful Merseyside coastline in places like Southport or Crosby Beach, or immerse yourself in the nature of the North Yorkshire moors, the Lake District National Park or North Wales, there truly is something for everyone.
Liverpool is a great destination and I love spending time in the city, but being so close to so many amazing places means you don’t have to stick to the city when visiting. Be sure to allow a few days for a few of these day trips when planning your trip to England’s cultural city.
