Manchester Lodging before coming home

Posted by mcgregds (Westlake, Ohio USA) on 04/30/24 12:24 PM

My husband and I will spend our last evening in Manchester before flying home to US at noon the following day. We will be coming from Windermere via train, so no car. Wondering which train we should take, and where we should stay. We can take the train anytime that day from Windermere, but would prefer not too early. Once in Manchester, we would enjoy a nice dinner but not sure we will be up to much sightseeing unless there is something we must see. So, I am asking:
(1) where should we take the train to? Manchester downtown or airport, or is there a choice?
(2) where would be most convenient to stay?
(3) where would you recommend for a last night dinner?

We can't wait to enjoy your beautiful country again, this time on the west coast. We enjoyed the east coast several years ago, and London over 20 years ago.

You have all been so helpful - if you are ever coming to Cleveland, Ohio, I would be glad to assist you in your plans.

Posted by isn31c

Lake District, England

04/30/24 12:43 PM

6039 posts

If it is a weekday take the 0955 or 1307 train to Manchester Airport.

The 0955 calls at Manchester Deansgate at 1151, Oxford Road 1154, Piccadilly 1158 and the Airport at 1215. On a Saturday that train leaves at 1008, other times are unchanged.

The 1307 calls at Deansgate at 1451, Oxford Road 1454, Piccadilly 1458 and the Airport at 1415.

On a Sunday take the 1308- Manchester timings as for the 2nd weekday train above.

With a 12 noon flight next day stay in the City Centre , then a train to the airport at around 0730 to 0800 next day.

Deansgate is for tram connections around the City. There are many hotels close to Oxford Road, and another big cluster close to Piccadilly.

What is your budget for that night?- to assist in giving hotel ideas as there are hotels for literally all budgets close to both Oxford Road and Picc.

Posted by Johnew52

Preston UK

04/30/24 12:48 PM

918 posts

The key is what time your flight is at the day after. Given that you are recommended to be in the airport 3 hours before departure you may want to be staying at the airport.

There are 4 direct trains a day from Windermere to Manchester Airport and they all go through the city centre on the way. In addition there are plenty more trains that just require a simple change at Oxenholme as well. The direct trains at the moment are at 9.55, 13.07, 16.00 and 18.56. They take about 2 hours into Manchester Piccadilly so the 16.00 would have you in town by 18.00 with plenty of time for a meal. There are also some very fine places for a great lunch as well in or near Windermere is you want something special. Equally Manchester is full of excellent restaurants.

Alternatively you could eat earlier in Windermere and take the 18.56 straight to the airport. If you can I would eat and stay in central Manchester but with the proviso I made in the first paragraph about your departure time.

Posted by Frank II

Freedonia

04/30/24 01:27 PM

15291 posts

What time is your flight? What is your budget for a hotel? When is this?

Posted by wasleys

Lincolnshire, UK

04/30/24 02:32 PM

1906 posts

It isn't the cheapest option, but I've always used the Radisson Blu at Manchester Airport. It's just a few minutes walk from teh train station (covered walkway to, so doesn't matter if it is raining. It's a few minutes walk to Terminal 2 but a bit further for Terminals 1 and 3 (15 minutes for Terminal 3, less for Terminal 1) . Rooms are very good with possibly one of teh most comfortable beds I've ever slept in...