Summary
- Visit Southport for a classic day out at the seaside
- Head to Chester to walk your way around Roman history
- Go to Manchester for art, music and a city with football at its heart
- Visit Port Sunlight for architecture and manufacturing history
- Take in picturesque views at Frodsham and the Cheshire Sandstone Trail
With convenient transportation connections to both northern and southern regions, Liverpool provides numerous opportunities for day trips to the coast, neighboring cities, historical towns, and scenic hikes. After spending several days discovering one of England’s most captivating cities, venture out for one of these five outstanding day excursions.
Visit Southport for a classic day out at the seaside
Travel time: 47 minutes
The enticing scents of vinegar and warm sugar fill the air in Southport, accompanied by joyous laughter from roller coasters drifting towards the sea. Located on England’s western coast, Southport represents what many regard as the quintessential English seaside experience.
At the heart of Southport’s coastal attraction is its pier – the second longest in Britain. Here, visitors can enjoy mini golf, a charming vintage Victorian canopy, a retail arcade, and classic arcade games (don’t miss a peek at the “Saucy Slots” – vintage automatic peep shows).
Make it a point to visit the British Lawnmower Museum to appreciate the country’s passion for well-groomed gardens (it is genuinely captivating). Nearby, Pleasureland features traditional fairground attractions, including roller coasters, exhilarating rides, and engaging games such as ring toss and basketball.
For a taste of the ocean’s bounty, Swan Restaurant is highly recommended for its fish and chips. Following your meal, visit Silcock’s Ice Cream Parlour for a delightful dessert or a fresh doughnut.
How to get to Southport from Liverpool
Catch the direct Merseyrail train from Liverpool Central Station to Southport. The journey takes roughly 47 minutes, allowing you to relax and enjoy the views. An adult Anytime Return ticket is approximately £7.55 ($9.30) and can be acquired at the station or via the Trainline app.
If traveling by car, expect about an hour from central Liverpool. The optimal parking option is Lower Parade next to Bliss Hotel, which is generally less crowded than the more centrally located parking facilities. This route also affords an enjoyable lakeside stroll towards the main attractions.
Head to Chester to walk your way around Roman history
Travel time: 40 minutes
Centuries of history converge with contemporary shops and dining in Chester. Founded by the Romans over 2000 years ago, it is among Britain’s oldest walled cities, featuring Roman remnants, Tudor-style half-timbered buildings, and Art Deco architecture all within walking distance.
Chester’s culinary landscape ranges from independent cafes like Jaunty Goat Coffee to the Michelin-starred Hypha. For an exceptional walking experience, journey along the Roman walls, which encircle the city in an easy 2-mile (3.2km) loop. Take some time to gaze at the Eastgate Clock (pun intended) – renowned as England’s most photographed clock after Big Ben. For a light snack, visit Dinky Donuts, a hidden gem nestled near the stairs to the city walls beneath the clock. Alternatively, enjoy an ice cream from Snugbury’s on the River while strolling along the River Dee.
How to get to Chester from Liverpool
To travel to Chester from Liverpool, board the direct Merseyrail train from either Liverpool Central or Lime Street. The trip takes about 40 minutes and is priced at approximately £8.25 ($10.16) for an Anytime Day Return ticket.
If driving, the journey is about 45 minutes; however, keep £2 ($2.46) toll money handy for the Mersey Tunnel (payable in both directions). Parking fees should also be considered.
Go to Manchester for art, music and a city with football at its heart
Travel time: 1 hour
Currently, Manchester is recognized for its contributions to art, music, and football as well as its historical significance during the Industrial Revolution. With a diverse assortment of predominantly free museums, one can immerse themselves in the region’s history, culture, and even football without ever leaving the city core. With proper timing, almost everything can be accomplished in a single day.
The Northern Quarter of the city is famed for its culinary and beverage scene, offering everything from towering plates of vegan comfort food at V-Rev diner to scenic dining at the rooftop terrace of 20 Stories, in addition to vintage atmosphere and cocktails at Sammy’s Cocktail Bar.
Shoppers will discover an abundance of unique finds in Manchester’s independent retailers. Look for distinctive and artistically crafted items at Oklahoma and Manchester Craft and Design Centre, perfect to add a splash of color or an intriguing piece to one’s home.
The beloved ’90s British game show The Crystal Maze continues in its real-life format in Manchester: teams engage in a series of puzzles and face both physical and mental challenges. Following the experience, revisit the adventure over a drink at the backstreet arcade establishment NQ64.
With appropriate footwear (and an umbrella), walking presents an excellent way to uncover Manchester. Invisible Manchester provides guided walking tours led by individuals impacted by homelessness. Alternatively, local guide Hayley Flynn’s Skyliner tours offer a uniquely engaging perspective on the city and its residents.
How to get to Manchester from Liverpool
To reach Manchester, take the train from Liverpool Lime Street Station directly to Manchester Piccadilly. Ticket prices range from £8.80 for an advance return to £21.30 for an Anytime Day Return, thus strategic planning for this day trip is advisable.
The driving duration is approximately one hour. Various parking options are available throughout the city, though prices can be high.
Visit Port Sunlight for architecture and manufacturing history
Travel time: 18 minutes
In the late 19th century, Victorian industrialist Lord Lever sought a locale to accommodate his soap factory workforce. He acquired land in Cheshire and created the model village known as Port Sunlight (the name originates from their leading laundry product). Today, Port Sunlight serves as an enriching day trip from Liverpool, providing a serene village atmosphere that narrates the history of local industry, along with a variety of tea rooms and pubs perfect for leisurely afternoons or evenings.
The village features a captivating array of architectural styles, many inspired by the Arts and Crafts Movement with a focus on local resources and designs. The Port Sunlight museum chronicles the development of the soap factory, which became a global leader and continues to be one of the largest manufacturers operational today.
How to get to Port Sunlight from Liverpool
To travel to Port Sunlight, catch a Merseyrail train directly from Liverpool stations. Prices are around £4.35 ($5.36) for an Anytime Day Return ticket for one adult, with a travel time of 18 minutes.
For those driving, expect a journey time of approximately 25 minutes. Be prepared to pay £4 ($4.93) for the toll when passing through the Liverpool Tunnel, divided into £2 ($2.46) each way. Free parking is available in Port Sunlight, though it can become congested.
Take in picturesque views at Frodsham and the Cheshire Sandstone Trail
Travel time: 1 hour, 15 minutes
Frodsham is a historic market town originating from the 13th century, with many current structures situated on their original plots. The charming thatched cottages, compact doorways, and meandering alleyways all contribute to the picturesque essence of this Cheshire locale.
The quaint old Fisherman’s Cottages, set atop a red sandstone ridge overlooking the main road, are particularly interesting. Once vital to the town’s economy, these cottages initially stood by the water’s edge, but as water levels declined over the years, they now sit further inland.
The town also serves as the starting point for the Cheshire Sandstone Trail, a 34-mile path along the Cheshire Way. While it is unlikely to be completed in one day, visitors can hike up Frodsham Hill to the War Memorial for breathtaking vistas across Cheshire and Liverpool.
Conclude your day trip at one of the town’s many delightful old pubs, such as the Ring O Bells, ideally located for refreshments on your way up or down Frodsham Hill.
How to get to Frodsham from Liverpool
To reach Frodsham, board the train from Liverpool Lime Street Station. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, and the Off-Peak Day Return ticket costs around £8.40 ($10.28).
Alternatively, driving from Liverpool to Frodsham will take about 50 minutes (or 40 minutes via the toll road). Several pay-and-display parking options are available in Frodsham.