- Manchester/
- Camping
Campsites near Manchester
94% (1.2K) • 797 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Manchester
Stretton House Campsite
1. Stretton House Campsite
90%
(15)
28km from Manchester · 40 units · Tents, Motorhomes
If you like the sound of having farm shops and ice cream farms nearby, as well as access to lots of walking and cycling trails, Stretton House Campsite should be a fine pick for you. It has a strict no noise policy after 10pm, meaning that you should get a peaceful night's sleep too.
This site is in the grounds of the 400-year-old Stretton House surrounded by the Cheshire countryside with handy transport links nearby and outdoor activities in no short supply… that includes things like alpaca walking, golf or Manley Mere’s watersports haven (a 20-minute drive away for the latter).
You’ll have your pick of two fields, both with car parking by the pitch free of charge and dogs allowed. The facilities include separate male and female toilet blocks, pay per use shower block, mobile phone charging facilities, free wifi and chemical toilet disposal and a drinking water standpipe. You’ll have permission to start up a barbecue or firepit too (subject to the correct safety measures).
When you’re ready to get going, the friendly owners will be willing to help out however they can and suggest possible days out, which may include fishing or walking at Pickmere Lake (10 minutes’ drive), visiting an ice cream farm (within 10 minutes’ drive of the site) or going to the local golf course (five minutes’ drive).
For food, there’s a farm shop just two minutes’ walk away from the site where you’ll be able to get your hands on local produce. Pubs aren’t far away either – there is one pub five minutes' walk away, and another 15 minutes' walk away.
Festival goers are very welcome, and the Creamfields Festival site is five minutes’ drive away. Please respect the quiet hours (no noise is permitted after 10pm) and environment, as the owners' home is on the grounds (and stick to the field's facilities only).
No waste accepted onsite. All rubbish must be taken home at the end of your stay.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£30
/ night
Damside Campsite
2. Damside Campsite
96%
(14)
32km from Manchester · 10 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Well-maintained and peaceful wild camping site in the Peak District
Buxton 15 minutes’ drive; Chatsworth House half an hour
Dogs welcome; 10 minutes’ walk from a pub; nearby playground
Just how remote would you like your holiday accommodation to be? If the answer is fair to middling, Damside Campsite might just be the place for you: this pop-up spot is surrounded by the glorious wilderness of Peak District National Park. Doesn’t get much more blissfully peaceful than that – except for the occasional lowing cow, all is stillness here.
Having said that, don’t worry: you won’t have to scramble across hills and dales for a pint: a traditional pub serving real ales and home-cooked food is right in the village of Peak Forest, a 20-minute walk away. Both the site and the pub welcome dogs, though it might be wise to keep them on a lead when walking past the farm animals.
This is wild camping; facilities might not be abundant (there are no showers), but they are well maintained and include a portable toilet and a washing-up area. There is also fresh running water, and you’re welcome to start a campfire or a barbecue. You can grab essentials in the village shop, or head to Chapel-en-le-Frith (10 minutes) or Buxton (15 minutes).
If you’re here with the kids, the flat, grassy field where you’ll set up your tent makes for an excellent play area on which to run around, kick a ball or fly a kite. A nearby playground has swings, slides, a small adventure course and a multisport pitch.
Walking paths start from right outside the farm, or you can drive to hiking areas like Chee Dale Stepping Stones (10 minutes), a dramatic gorge on the River Wye.
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
from
£20
/ night
Peak Glamping Hideaway
3. Peak Glamping Hideaway
100%
(12)
35km from Manchester · 3 units
Glamping literally reaches new heights in the Peak District National Park
Showers
Campfires
Wifi
from
£100
/ night
Gollin Farm Shepherds Hut
4. Gollin Farm Shepherds Hut
100%
(16)
36km from Manchester · 3 units
Cosy and romantic shepherd's hut glamping in the heart, and at the highest heights, of the Peak District National Park
Showers
Campfires
Wifi
from
£125
/ night
Chrome Hill Campers
5. Chrome Hill Campers
98%
(22)
37km from Manchester · 5 units
Far reaching views from one of the highest touring site in England, overlooking Chrome Hill in the picturesque village of Hollinsclough in Derbyshire.
The site only accepts campervans and has 5 pitches available. This is a new site and has new toilet and shower facilities, water and waste disposal points and also there is a secure paddock area for children to play.
Pets
from
£20
/ night
White Peak Camping
6. White Peak Camping
99%
(465)
38km from Manchester · 18 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Camping on a Peak District farm near the Monsal Trail
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
from
£13
/ night
White House Farm Campsite, Wardlow
7. White House Farm Campsite, Wardlow
91%
(93)
39km from Manchester · 61 units · Tents, Motorhomes
What a little Derbyshire gem: back to basics Whitehouse Farm Campsite is a simple site in a most scenic setting five minutes’ drive from the pretty village of Tideswell.
The site’s central location in the Peak District National Park means it’s a top spot for those who want to ramble or ride bikes – several circular trails leave from Tideswell and the traffic-free Monsal Trail is a five-minute drive away. And there’s plenty more activity if you require it too, as activity centres nearby can sort you out days of horse riding, abseiling, climbing and caving.
All this activity isn’t mandatory, of course – this is an equally fine location for days pottering off to local pubs, pigging out on pudding in Bakewell or taking a leisurely stroll around the Chatsworth Estate, 20 minutes away.
And if even that’s too much, you’d be welcome to spend some time loafing about on site: there’s heaps of space here, and as facilities have been kept quite minimal (just showers and toilets) there should be a good serving of peace and quiet to go with it all.
Guests are welcome to light up a barbecue or campfire for cookouts and keeping warm; Tideswell’s the place for supermarket supplies, and it’s also handily got a fish and chip shop and a couple of pubs for days when your firelighting skills aren't up to much.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£24
/ night
Camping at The Hollies
8. Camping at The Hollies
95%
(232)
40km from Manchester · 50 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Back-to-basics camping at the foot of the Roaches in the Peak District National Park
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£18
/ night
Trawden Forest Glamping
9. Trawden Forest Glamping
100%
(13)
41km from Manchester · 3 units
Grown-up pod glamping on a woodland site in Lancashire
Showers
Campfires
Potable water
from
£80
/ night
Chilled Out Adult Only Glamping
10. Chilled Out Adult Only Glamping
100%
(32)
44km from Manchester · 8 units
Lakeside glamping on the edge of Delemere Forest and a 10-minute train ride from Chester
Showers
Campfires
Potable water
from
£96
/ night
Woodsworth Exploring
11. Woodsworth Exploring
98%
(68)
45km from Manchester · 12 units
Nearly wild woodland camping in West Yorkshire’s Bronte country
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
from
£30
/ night
Tipsy Tree Glamping
12. Tipsy Tree Glamping
100%
(17)
47km from Manchester · 4 units
Quirky eco-friendly glamping ideal for a rural road-trip
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£120
/ night
Copy House Hideaway
13. Copy House Hideaway
100%
(67)
48km from Manchester · 2 units
Luxury shepherd's huts with wood-fired hot tubs and an adjoining log cabin for extra space
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£146
/ night
Peak Pods
14. Peak Pods
100%
(43)
49km from Manchester · 4 units
Family-sized en suite glamping pods in the Peak District
Showers
Campfires
Wifi
from
£97
/ night
Intake Farm
15. Intake Farm
98%
(64)
49km from Manchester · 7 units · Tents, Glamping
Quirky glamping and nearly wild camping on a farm in Staffordshire
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£15
/ night
Secret Wood Glamping
16. Secret Wood Glamping
95%
(21)
50km from Manchester · 10 units · Tents, Glamping
A private woodland and stream all to yourself, with one spacious bell tent and a hot tub beneath the stars
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£18
/ night
Lambs Glamping
17. Lambs Glamping
96%
(28)
52km from Manchester · 3 units
Luxury pod glamping on the edge of the Peak District National Park
Showers
Hot Tub
Potable water
from
£187
/ night
Marbury Camp and Lodge
18. Marbury Camp and Lodge
97%
(15)
59km from Manchester · 23 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Small, simple family run camping and glamping site on the Cheshire / Shropshire border with local market towns a stones throw away. Around an hour away from Manchester, Liverpool, Chester and Birmingham, but most definitely far enough away for a break from city life. Great pubs within 30 mins walking distance and close to Cycle Routes, Walking Routes, Farm Shop Cafes, Markets, Supermarkets, a Gin Distillery (open to the public), three wedding venues, a kids tree top adventure amusement park, just to name a few. If camping isn’t for you, book one of our 4 glamping pods complete with central heating, a shower/WC, TV and cooking facilities. Small licensed shop on site.
For the best rates, call 01948 502250. Hollyhurst Road, Marbury, SY13 4LY
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from
£25
/ night
Stanley Villa Farm Fishing& Camping
19. Stanley Villa Farm Fishing& Camping
96%
(60)
60km from Manchester · 40 units
Lakeside rural tranquility and the 'kiss-me-quick' fun of the seaside – you can have the best of both worlds at Stanley Villa Farm's cute camping pods
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£60
/ night
Brook Farm
20. Brook Farm
93%
(22)
60km from Manchester · 20 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Camping in a farmer’s field just south of the Peak District National Park
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from
£20
/ night
94% (1.2K) • 797 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Manchester
Stretton House Campsite
1. Stretton House Campsite
90%
(15)
28km from Manchester · 40 units · Tents, Motorhomes
If you like the sound of having farm shops and ice cream farms nearby, as well as access to lots of walking and cycling trails, Stretton House Campsite should be a fine pick for you. It has a strict no noise policy after 10pm, meaning that you should get a peaceful night's sleep too.
This site is in the grounds of the 400-year-old Stretton House surrounded by the Cheshire countryside with handy transport links nearby and outdoor activities in no short supply… that includes things like alpaca walking, golf or Manley Mere’s watersports haven (a 20-minute drive away for the latter).
You’ll have your pick of two fields, both with car parking by the pitch free of charge and dogs allowed. The facilities include separate male and female toilet blocks, pay per use shower block, mobile phone charging facilities, free wifi and chemical toilet disposal and a drinking water standpipe. You’ll have permission to start up a barbecue or firepit too (subject to the correct safety measures).
When you’re ready to get going, the friendly owners will be willing to help out however they can and suggest possible days out, which may include fishing or walking at Pickmere Lake (10 minutes’ drive), visiting an ice cream farm (within 10 minutes’ drive of the site) or going to the local golf course (five minutes’ drive).
For food, there’s a farm shop just two minutes’ walk away from the site where you’ll be able to get your hands on local produce. Pubs aren’t far away either – there is one pub five minutes' walk away, and another 15 minutes' walk away.
Festival goers are very welcome, and the Creamfields Festival site is five minutes’ drive away. Please respect the quiet hours (no noise is permitted after 10pm) and environment, as the owners' home is on the grounds (and stick to the field's facilities only).
No waste accepted onsite. All rubbish must be taken home at the end of your stay.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£30
/ night
Damside Campsite
2. Damside Campsite
96%
(14)
32km from Manchester · 10 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Well-maintained and peaceful wild camping site in the Peak District
Buxton 15 minutes’ drive; Chatsworth House half an hour
Dogs welcome; 10 minutes’ walk from a pub; nearby playground
Just how remote would you like your holiday accommodation to be? If the answer is fair to middling, Damside Campsite might just be the place for you: this pop-up spot is surrounded by the glorious wilderness of Peak District National Park. Doesn’t get much more blissfully peaceful than that – except for the occasional lowing cow, all is stillness here.
Having said that, don’t worry: you won’t have to scramble across hills and dales for a pint: a traditional pub serving real ales and home-cooked food is right in the village of Peak Forest, a 20-minute walk away. Both the site and the pub welcome dogs, though it might be wise to keep them on a lead when walking past the farm animals.
This is wild camping; facilities might not be abundant (there are no showers), but they are well maintained and include a portable toilet and a washing-up area. There is also fresh running water, and you’re welcome to start a campfire or a barbecue. You can grab essentials in the village shop, or head to Chapel-en-le-Frith (10 minutes) or Buxton (15 minutes).
If you’re here with the kids, the flat, grassy field where you’ll set up your tent makes for an excellent play area on which to run around, kick a ball or fly a kite. A nearby playground has swings, slides, a small adventure course and a multisport pitch.
Walking paths start from right outside the farm, or you can drive to hiking areas like Chee Dale Stepping Stones (10 minutes), a dramatic gorge on the River Wye.
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
from
£20
/ night
Peak Glamping Hideaway
3. Peak Glamping Hideaway
100%
(12)
35km from Manchester · 3 units
Glamping literally reaches new heights in the Peak District National Park
Showers
Campfires
Wifi
from
£100
/ night
Gollin Farm Shepherds Hut
4. Gollin Farm Shepherds Hut
100%
(16)
36km from Manchester · 3 units
Cosy and romantic shepherd's hut glamping in the heart, and at the highest heights, of the Peak District National Park
Showers
Campfires
Wifi
from
£125
/ night
Chrome Hill Campers
5. Chrome Hill Campers
98%
(22)
37km from Manchester · 5 units
Far reaching views from one of the highest touring site in England, overlooking Chrome Hill in the picturesque village of Hollinsclough in Derbyshire.
The site only accepts campervans and has 5 pitches available. This is a new site and has new toilet and shower facilities, water and waste disposal points and also there is a secure paddock area for children to play.
Pets
from
£20
/ night
White Peak Camping
6. White Peak Camping
99%
(465)
38km from Manchester · 18 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Camping on a Peak District farm near the Monsal Trail
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
from
£13
/ night
White House Farm Campsite, Wardlow
7. White House Farm Campsite, Wardlow
91%
(93)
39km from Manchester · 61 units · Tents, Motorhomes
What a little Derbyshire gem: back to basics Whitehouse Farm Campsite is a simple site in a most scenic setting five minutes’ drive from the pretty village of Tideswell.
The site’s central location in the Peak District National Park means it’s a top spot for those who want to ramble or ride bikes – several circular trails leave from Tideswell and the traffic-free Monsal Trail is a five-minute drive away. And there’s plenty more activity if you require it too, as activity centres nearby can sort you out days of horse riding, abseiling, climbing and caving.
All this activity isn’t mandatory, of course – this is an equally fine location for days pottering off to local pubs, pigging out on pudding in Bakewell or taking a leisurely stroll around the Chatsworth Estate, 20 minutes away.
And if even that’s too much, you’d be welcome to spend some time loafing about on site: there’s heaps of space here, and as facilities have been kept quite minimal (just showers and toilets) there should be a good serving of peace and quiet to go with it all.
Guests are welcome to light up a barbecue or campfire for cookouts and keeping warm; Tideswell’s the place for supermarket supplies, and it’s also handily got a fish and chip shop and a couple of pubs for days when your firelighting skills aren't up to much.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£24
/ night
Camping at The Hollies
8. Camping at The Hollies
95%
(232)
40km from Manchester · 50 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Back-to-basics camping at the foot of the Roaches in the Peak District National Park
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£18
/ night
Trawden Forest Glamping
9. Trawden Forest Glamping
100%
(13)
41km from Manchester · 3 units
Grown-up pod glamping on a woodland site in Lancashire
Showers
Campfires
Potable water
from
£80
/ night
Chilled Out Adult Only Glamping
10. Chilled Out Adult Only Glamping
100%
(32)
44km from Manchester · 8 units
Lakeside glamping on the edge of Delemere Forest and a 10-minute train ride from Chester
Showers
Campfires
Potable water
from
£96
/ night
Woodsworth Exploring
11. Woodsworth Exploring
98%
(68)
45km from Manchester · 12 units
Nearly wild woodland camping in West Yorkshire’s Bronte country
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
from
£30
/ night
Tipsy Tree Glamping
12. Tipsy Tree Glamping
100%
(17)
47km from Manchester · 4 units
Quirky eco-friendly glamping ideal for a rural road-trip
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£120
/ night
Copy House Hideaway
13. Copy House Hideaway
100%
(67)
48km from Manchester · 2 units
Luxury shepherd's huts with wood-fired hot tubs and an adjoining log cabin for extra space
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£146
/ night
Peak Pods
14. Peak Pods
100%
(43)
49km from Manchester · 4 units
Family-sized en suite glamping pods in the Peak District
Showers
Campfires
Wifi
from
£97
/ night
Intake Farm
15. Intake Farm
98%
(64)
49km from Manchester · 7 units · Tents, Glamping
Quirky glamping and nearly wild camping on a farm in Staffordshire
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£15
/ night
Secret Wood Glamping
16. Secret Wood Glamping
95%
(21)
50km from Manchester · 10 units · Tents, Glamping
A private woodland and stream all to yourself, with one spacious bell tent and a hot tub beneath the stars
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£18
/ night
Lambs Glamping
17. Lambs Glamping
96%
(28)
52km from Manchester · 3 units
Luxury pod glamping on the edge of the Peak District National Park
Showers
Hot Tub
Potable water
from
£187
/ night
Marbury Camp and Lodge
18. Marbury Camp and Lodge
97%
(15)
59km from Manchester · 23 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Small, simple family run camping and glamping site on the Cheshire / Shropshire border with local market towns a stones throw away. Around an hour away from Manchester, Liverpool, Chester and Birmingham, but most definitely far enough away for a break from city life. Great pubs within 30 mins walking distance and close to Cycle Routes, Walking Routes, Farm Shop Cafes, Markets, Supermarkets, a Gin Distillery (open to the public), three wedding venues, a kids tree top adventure amusement park, just to name a few. If camping isn’t for you, book one of our 4 glamping pods complete with central heating, a shower/WC, TV and cooking facilities. Small licensed shop on site.
For the best rates, call 01948 502250. Hollyhurst Road, Marbury, SY13 4LY
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from
£25
/ night
Stanley Villa Farm Fishing& Camping
19. Stanley Villa Farm Fishing& Camping
96%
(60)
60km from Manchester · 40 units
Lakeside rural tranquility and the 'kiss-me-quick' fun of the seaside – you can have the best of both worlds at Stanley Villa Farm's cute camping pods
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£60
/ night
Brook Farm
20. Brook Farm
93%
(22)
60km from Manchester · 20 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Camping in a farmer’s field just south of the Peak District National Park
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from
£20
/ night
Top camping destinations around Manchester
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
L
Lisa
3 weeks ago
Tent
Lovely site, friendly staff, excellent toilet and water facilities. Will be back in the summer.
See more
H
Hetty
January 2026
G
Graeme
January 2026
5 m Class B
Back to basics campsite with toilets, showers and tap for drinking water. Easy to find and well presented. Entrance to field is a little muddy - it's been dry recently so didn't cause any issues but something to be aware of.
See more
Y
Yadman
January 2026
2 nights at Peak Pods
We had a lovely stay. The pod was cozy, well-organized, and perfect for a relaxing getaway. We would happily recommend it to friends.
See more
S
Samuel
December 2025
Tent
With pets
Camping on Charlotte’s land was perfect. Exactly as described, excellent views and Charlotte was very accommodating. Will be staying here again.
See more
a
antje
November 2025
4 m Class B
⸻
White Peak Camping is such a beautiful and peaceful spot — absolutely loved our stay. The campsite is perfectly situated with easy access to stunning walks all around. The toilets were decent and clean, and the little phone-charging points are such a thoughtful touch if you need them. We also really appreciated the free fire pits, which made the evenings super cosy.
The owner, Janice, was great and very communicative, and her son Matt even came to check on us to make sure we didn’t get stuck with our van after the storm the night before. Really lovely people.
One thing to note is that they place strong emphasis on keeping noise down — no loud music at all — which we actually loved, because it made the whole place incredibly quiet, calm, and relaxing.
Highly recommend White Peak Camping if you’re looking for a beautiful, peaceful countryside escape. Thanks, Antje and Jay
See more
L
Luke
November 2025
4 m Class B
Really good location, short walk to a nice pub near a river. A quiet campsite with beautiful views!
See moreG
Graeme
November 2025
5 m Class B
With pets
We said we'd be back again and we were. Still great! Lovely location, great views, clean loos. Great if you just want the basics. Thanks again!
See more
O
Oliver
October 2025
6 m Class B
With pets
I went in October so it was really nice and quiet. Toilets were clean and it had a phone charging station. Good instructions for arriving
See more
J
Jamie
October 2025
Tent
Amazing owners camp site was clean and spaceful. Beautiful views around the campsite
See moreR
Rachel
October 2025
Tent
With kids
I literally never write reviews for anything even when I triple promise I will but this place is just that awesome. It's got all the essentials so makes it comfortable (even on a stormy Oct night first time camping alone with my daughter!) But not too much that you feel like you're cheating- the whole point for me was for it to feel challenging, hey you survived that dear daughter you can do anything (without her dying from exposure). The toilets were nicer and cleaner than all weatherspoons loos, 2 charging ports for phones and a sink, lots of bins for rubbish and a gorgeous site with beautiful views (& a cute little swing). The views of the peak district were just stunning on the way down too. Janice was amazing - she walked down to us in the pouring rain (after a full day's work) to check we had everything! We'll definitely be back again, possibly when it's a bit warmer
See moreD
Draven
October 2025
Tent
Me and my partner came here for a much needed city break by tent and it was honestly amazing! The shower and toilet are seperate facilities and both clean, there is a kitchen too with a gas stove for cooking! The site is near anywhere you'd like to drive or even walk to around the peak district, and in the actual site itself you can see all the altitude and beauty around you. The air is incredibly fresh, and the owners of the campsite are really sweet and helpful. Will definitely come back for our next trip to the peak district this summer, thank you for having us :)
See morem
martyn
October 2025
Tent
With pets
Brilliant base camp site, stayed here for the third time. Plenty of walks near by lovely views. Toilets always kept clean. Will definitely be back again.
See more
L
Lesley
October 2025
5 m Class B
With pets
Lovely campsite, toilets and showers were spotless, beautiful views, we’ll definitely be back
See moreM
MICHELLE
October 2025
5 m car
With pets
A lovely rural quiet place to stay. Fantastic views and lovely walks right on the doorstep.
Beautiful rural quiet spot with fabulous views. Great value for money. Would 100% definitely recommend. A nice touch was the picnic benches and a tree swing.
The toilets were extremely clean and fully flushable with running water and hand soap/handtowel.
5* from me!
See moreD
Duncan
October 2025
Tent
With pets
Great spot, I was the only camper. Hiked 10km with my dog, put my tent up, cooked evening meal on my trangia on one of the wooden tables that are there, could have walked say 10 minutes to the pub but couldn’t be arsed, so just sat quietly with the dog enjoying the peace and quiet! Toilets are clean and there’s a cold water sink for washing up which is also v clean. Met the farmer on the way in, very pleasant chap. Great place! Hiked back to my car this morning. Lovely break from work!
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G
Gary
October 2025
Tent
Smashing location and a great base for walking to and around Millers Dale. I will return in the future.
See moreM
Mick
October 2025
4 m Class B
Simple back to basics site, toilet and wash facilities good and clean. Great location to wind down from daily stress and a beautiful open sky
See moreI
Isobel
October 2025
J
Jonathan
October 2025
Tent
I visited solo (motorbike camping) mid-week and I was the only one here! I chose this site as I wanted a basic, quiet site to stopover for a night. It provided just that, so clean and quiet and such a pleasant stay. Granted it is next to a working farm so there were a few cows chattering through the night but all adds to the charm. Clean toilets (x3) and wash up block, no shower or hot water but not an issue for this stay. Free fire pit and wood was available for purchase although I did have my own this time. Overall a great, back to basics and quiet location located in a lovely part of the world ☺️
See more
Campsites near Manchester guide
Where to go
Peak District National Park
A mere 30-minute drive east of Manchester will take you to Peak District National Park, a 555-square-acre park that's popular for walkers, cyclists, and water sports enthusiasts. It's among the most popular national parks in the country and a fantastic spot for wildlife watching, with populations of hares, hedgehogs, and all sorts of birds. The park also has four show caves open to public visits and a museum dedicated to the Black Plague.
Forest of Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB)
Due north of Manchester, the Forest of Bowland AONB feels much more remote. Here you'll find massive expanses of fells and peat moorland, short hills, and lots of outdoor recreation opportunities. Popular things to do in the area include walking, cycling, and wildlife-watching, and the lack of city lights makes it ideal for a night of stargazing.
Loggerheads Country Park
Just over the border with Wales, inside the Clwydian Range And Dee Valley AONB, Loggerheads Country Park offers a visitors centre, a historic mill, and a few miles worth of short trails that lead alongside the River Alyn, past wooded groves and limestone cliffs. Keep your eyes out for Bloody Cranesbill, a type of wildflower named as such because its leaves turn red in the autumn, much like a tree.
When to go
Manchester is very much a summer destination, and the likelihood of good weather is at its highest between June and August, with highs in the low 20s, though you should still be prepared for rain no matter when you visit. The summer months also offer plenty of things to do, and music fans from across the UK flock here in June for the celebrated Parklife Festival in Heaton Park.