Hi. I know I really need to branch out more - just love England and have been there MANY times, but just can't seem to get enough of it. Just learned there are flights from my location that go into Manchester. My husband still drives over there, but I'm always looking for ways to have shorter drives instead of long ones since I've become such a nervous passenger. We have been to some places in this area, for example Chester and along the north Wales coast, but never to Liverpool and seeing other sites around the area. When I look at a map it appears to be a very congested area (?) From those of you who have been in this area, is it a difficult area to drive in, interesting area to visit - many historical things to see? I'm just in the process of figuring out our 2017 trip. Thanks for any insights you have.
Posted by
96 posts
If you haven't visited Yorkshire, take the train from Manchester airport direct to York ( under 2 hours and several daily - see nationalrail website ), spend several days getting over jet lag and seeing the sights, then rent a car and wander around Yorkshire. There is atleast a week's worth of things to see including Castle Howard, Rievaulx Abbey, Whitby, Durham, Barnard Castle ( Bowes Museum is great and totally unexpected ) and Harrogate, plus great walking on the North Yorkshire Moors and the Yorkshire Dales, Also wonderful villages to visit or stay in. This gets you onto smaller roads and, with short distances between sights, limits your time in the car.
An alternative would be to visit The Peak District, within an hour by rental car of Manxhester airport with good countryside and Chatsworth House and Haddon Hall.
I would suggest that you rent cars for limited periods in the countryside and take public transit in the cities.
Posted by
Tunbridge Wells
6113 posts
I always find that the traffic congestion in Liverpool is much worse than in Manchester, so if you do want to go there, take the train. Parking in both cities is expensive.
Holmfirth or nearby Saddleworth would be a good base if you want to get away from the usual tourist locations and experience true local life, but you need a car to optimise your visit. You can cover the Lake District from here in just over an hour. The Peak District would be on your doorstep. You can get to York from Greenfield rail station (or to Manchester or Liverpool).
Alternatively, there is plenty to see if you travel further into Yorkshire.
Posted by
3122 posts
Agree that driving in Liverpool is a bit stressful, especially since you don't want to accidentally take the tunnel to the Wirral Peninsula. The main highway access (Edge Lane) is not very scenic. But if you love the Beatles you can spend 1-2 totally fab days in Liverpool!
Can't speak for the Peak District, but Lancaster has a lot going for it. Can recommend The Mill at Conder Green for lodging and/or a nice meal. It is right on the Lancaster Canal. Further north is the Lake District.
Posted by
Troy, Oh, USA
2776 posts
Jennifer recommended using Holmfirth as a base, I would second that. Holmfirth is a wonderful village, we spent two nights there and loved it. They made the tv show Last of the Summer Wine there.
Posted by
OP
Santa Rosa, CA, USA
1446 posts
I looked up pictures of Holmfirth on line - it looks gorgeous! Thanks.