Ideas for brief trip from Manchester

It's not Roman, but York has some interesting history and is close to Manchester. Also, you might want to explore Chester. I was there for business a few years ago and it looked very interesting. Of course Liverpool might be an interesting place. Check out the Beatle sites. ; ) Also, Rick Steves is a big fan of Blackpool for a change of pace. I'm not sure about doing it in winter, but you can probably check it out. If you want to walk, you might want to check out the local walking websites. The Ramblers have a site and I've usually been able to find some information. Try The Walking Englishman at http://www.walkingenglishman.com/links.htm and here's the Rambler's link. http://www.ramblers.org.uk/ Pam

I've heard Durham is worth a short visit, but I've never been.

I think you would enjoy Chester it was a Roman town..you can get there by train from Manchester, there is about 5 trains an hours. Chester is a walled city which is accessible from several points, it's a 2 mile circuit. At one section is the Eastgate Clock which was erected to commemorate Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee in 1897. There is a lot of black and white timber frame buildings which is so pretty, it has the largest Roman amphitheater in the country which is south of the medieval castle. Chester Cathedral is very pretty and worth seeing.

Thanks, everyone, for your replies. My trip is booked, but I'm actually going at the beginning of the week this time, and while I could head out there for the weekend prior, that's coming soon after a trip to Florida so I've decided to not take the extra time this time. I did, however, choose flights that will get me in to Manchester earlier this time, so might have some time to spend on Sunday in Manchester. I stay and work in Didsbury/Wythenshawe - close to the airport, kind of a hike to the city center so I haven't spent much time in the city itself. Any ideas for a few hours there? Thanks again,
Cyndi

Cyndi, I have been to Durham and it's quite nice. The Cathedral is very good. I only had an afternoon. I had a car and had stopped at Saxon church earlier in the day, which I really enjoyed seeing. Here's the link in case you're interested. http://www.escombsaxonchurch.com/ Pam

Cyndi Do you like modern primitive art? A war museum? Shopping? If yes, I'll give details.

Chester would be a nice trip for about half a day (i have only been there briefly) but the walls, some roman ruins and the half-timbered "rows' (shops) within the walls are all very interesting. We were there by car, so cant comment on trains to manchester

Chester does sound very interesting - only problem is, I'm now not scheduled to arrive until 10:15 on Sunday morning. I looked at train schedules, and allowing time for customs and leaving my luggage, I won't get to Chester until 1 or 2pm. How much time should I allow, especially considering it will be a Sunday (more limited business hours?) and sunset will be at 5:15. I can't change my flight without paying a big fee, but I can do same day change - if that works, I could get to Manchester at 8:30...

Brian has good ideas. Just a teenie tweak, if you don't mind, Brian. The "Rows" are actually the first floor covered walkways above the shops and with their own, somewhat less frequent shops, as far as I remember. Close to what I remember is this cutting from Wikipedia (as with all Wikipedia entries, take with a pinch, but its pretty close to my knowledge), "The Rows are unique in Britain. They consist of buildings with shops or dwellings on the lowest two storeys. The shops or dwellings on the ground floor are often lower than the street and are entered by steps, which sometimes lead to a crypt-like vault. Those on the first floor are entered behind a continuous walkway, often with a sloping shelf between the walkway and the railings overlooking the street. "

Most stores in England close at 4pm on Sundays. A few don't open until after the customary 10:00 so are allowed to close later, but its a very small percentage.