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Last day & night before flight out of Manchester - what to do/where to stay?

We are staying in Chester for a few days as a home base in July, and I have one free night that I don't have reservations for (the last night before we fly out of Manchester Airport). The flight leaves at 1:05pm and we'll need to be able to drive to the airport, drop off the rental car, and go through security in plenty of time to catch the flight, so that will determine how far away from Manchester we can stay.

We already plan to do a day in Chester, as well as visit Liverpool, Caernarfon Castle, Plas Mawr & Conwy Castle and/or bronze age copper mines. I have a couple of questions:

1- Is there anyplace worth staying close enough to Manchester to catch our flight out but far enough out to be a destination? I'd prefer local flavor or something with a unique bent over a hotel room as long as it's not astronomically priced. We will be checking out of the place in Chester the day before our flight out, so we'll have the whole day to sightsee. I've been to the Wales website but am having a hard time narrowing it down and thought I'd ask here. Would love something prehistoric but it's hard to tell if any of the sites are worth it in that area, and would love to visit a sheep farm with production facility & shop if there is one in the area.

2- Is the Barclodiad y Gawres Burial Chamber worth seeing (this would be while we are staying in Chester since they are only open on weekends, so this is not for the last night before flying out)?

Thanks in advance.

Posted by
2587 posts

My understanding is that you are looking for something to do on a whole day that is not too far from Chester or for getting to Manchester Airport the following morning?

I would consider going to the Pontcysyllte Aquaduct - which involves taking A483 south from Chester and leaving it at the junction for Ruabon.http://www.pontcysyllte-aqueduct.co.uk
You could also visit Chirk to see another (smaller aqueduct) before going to visit Chirk Castle.http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/chirk-castle

Also consider visiting Ness Gardens - which are a short drive NW from Chester. http://www.nessgardens.org.uk
or Bodnant Gardens near Llandudno Junction.http://www.bodnantgarden.co.uk

The Burial Chamber to which you refer - is quite a long way away - on the west side of Anglesey.

You could consider staying at Peckforton Castle:> http://www.peckfortoncastle.co.uk
From here, Beeston Castle (ruin) is just a short drive.http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/beeston-castle-and-woodland-park/

Posted by
96 posts

Hi
Have you considered the Peak District? It starts about 50 miles east of Chester and can be reached in under 2 hours. Chatsworth House and Haddon Hall are outside Bakewell about another 20 miles on and either would make a great afternoon destination.
I would look at staying in Buxton or a smaller village nearby. The area is full of B&Bs, pubs and small hotels. Manchester Airport is under 25 miles away and less than 1 hour, according to Google maps.
The area is a national park with lots of excellent walks, small villages and pubs.

Posted by
32 posts

Thank you, I will check those. And yes - we have one day to sightsee wherever then need a place to stay that night that will allow us to get to the Manchester airport in time for the flight.

Posted by
6713 posts

Good suggestions above, but --

Manchester itself isn't to be sneezed at -- two art galleries, a branch of the Imperial War Museum, some fine old buildings. RS doesn't mention it in his guides but other more comprehensive guidebooks cover the city.

Posted by
1519 posts

Since Chester is only 35 minutes from Manchester Airport the easiest thing would be to just stay put. That would give you plenty of no sweat time before your flight to drop of car, go to duty free, etc.

Posted by
32 posts

When I made my original reservations, I didn't include the last night because I had wanted to be in Manchester the morning of the flight out. Since then I changed my mind but didn't want to extend my Chester reservation. I have decided to go with a small B&B closer to Manchester that will give us a nice setting for a relaxing evening and be a short drive to the airport. Thanks!