Manchester, England’s beautiful countryside
Guest Post by Nikolai Rudenko
Anyone choosing to visit Manchester may do so to experience the cityscapes, the restaurants, the culture and of course, the shopping, but the fact is the city has much more to offer its visitors in the way of countryside and rural retreats to while away the sunshine hours.
Manchester countryside – Photo credit: Peter.Lorre on Flickr
If you find yourself in this Northern metropolis, consider booking yourself into one of the hotels in Manchester from Travelodge that will ensure a cost-effective stay that won’t break the bank. While there are budget-breaking boutiques available, avoid spending unnecessarily when there are affordable options just around the corner.
From your comfortable base, plan your days to incorporate exploring a little further afield than the city limits. While there are plenty of attractions and activities within Manchester to ensure your itinerary is full, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t discover more of what the north has to offer in the form of country scenes and leisurely walks.
Many of the towns that make up Greater Manchester provide a plethora of opportunities to enjoy a piece of rural life, including Rochdale, Bolton, Oldham and Salford. With over 500 square miles of countryside to explore, you can ensure that your days are filled with intriguing visits away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
The Towns
There are many historic towns and villages in the Saddleworth region that are surrounded by the Pennine moorland, giving you the chance to explore and appreciate the countryside at its finest. Visit the Saddleworth Museum and Art Gallery in Uppermill for a snippet of culture, or pack the ingredients for a picnic in the picturesque village of Barrow Bridge, near Bolton.
If you do choose to head towards Bolton, Smithills Hall is a wonderfully restored manor house that can be found among some impressive gardens to wander, or venture forth to Bacup near Bury, where you will find a 30mile art project, the Irwell Sculpture Trail that features over 70 pieces of art by local and international artists.
The Waterways
Manchester is famed for its network of canals, and there’s nothing better than taking a stroll along them on a crisp summer’s day. Leaving a lasting impression of the Industrial Revolution on the landscape, they now serve as a peaceful haven away from the hubbub of the busy city streets, perfect for a bike ride or a family picnic.
Take your pick from the 127mile Leeds to Liverpool Canal (the largest in Britain), the Rochdale Canal or the Huddersfield Narrow Canal as your route and enjoy some quality time basking in the serenity of these beautiful walks.
The Parks
Even our largest cities have parks and greens to help you unwind and recharge your batteries, away from the bustling city centre. With a handful of country parks in the vicinity of Manchester, you’re just a short drive away from a day out in amongst the trees – perfect if the weather allows. Haigh Country Park, in Wigan, offers woodland trails and towpaths while the Peak District National Park offers incredible scenes and picturesque vistas.
It can be quite astounding, what can be found on the doorstep of Manchester if you venture beyond the city limits during your stay. Base yourself at one of the hotels in Manchester from Travelodge and enjoy a snippet of the great outdoors, this summer season.
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