10 Nearest Cities to Manchester Worth a Visit

Manchester is a renowned county in the heart of Northwestern England. This densely populated region now has around 2,770,000 residents (as per the 2022 census).

Moreover, the metropolitan county accounts for more than 10% of the UK’s employment sector. However, experts believe that by 2026, it will be the fastest-growing economy in the UK. It is famous for being the first industrialised city in the world.

This UK state also presents a picturesque vista with serene lakes. I am here to point out the top 10 nearest cities to Manchester. They will portray a vivid picture of the region.

10 Nearest Cities to Manchester

1) Manchester City

This is the city centre of the county of Greater Manchester. Among the top cities in Manchester, we must remember to consider the region’s focal point. Although the name is the same, it is a prime city in the whole county. The famous football club Manchester United is the biggest attraction of this city.

Notable Attractions: Manchester Museum, Manchester Art Gallery, Manchester Cathedral, National Football Museum, etc.

Distance from Manchester: City Centre

How to get there?

• Flight: Manchester, Leeds, Bradford, or Liverpool airports
• Tram: Piccadilly Gardens, Market Street
• Train: Manchester Piccadilly Station, Victoria
• Road: You can take your cab or hire a taxi from London, which costs around £5 to £6.

2) Tameside

This is a metropolitan borough and a must-visit spot for travellers coming to Manchester. It gets its name from the lifeline of the UK, the River Thames. It boasts excellent sights, fascinating amenities, and diverse attractions.

Notable Attractions: Etihad Stadium, Stamford Park, Lymefield Garden Centre, Guide Bridge Theatre, etc.

Distance from Manchester: 12.6 Km

How to get there?

• Flight: The nearest airport is Manchester Airport (MAN).
• Train: A train operates twice a week. It takes around 43 minutes.
• Road: However, you can also take a minivan or saloon from Manchester. It costs approximately £22 to £30.

3) Bolton

This is an English town situated at the foothills of West Pennine Moors. It is also one of the prominent administrative centres of Greater Manchester. The historical town is famous for breathtaking countryside views, excellent job opportunities, and comfortable living.

Notable Attractions: include the Bolton Steam Museum, Moss Bank Park, Smithills Hall, Turton Tower, and Moses Gate.

Distance from Manchester: 16 Km

How to get there?

It is a 27-minute ride from Manchester. However, you can also get to the city by train from Manchester Victoria Station. You can also take the bus ride on the Barton Arcade and Shiffnall Street routes. It operates every 30 minutes and takes around 54 minutes to reach Bolton.

4) Stockport

The 16th-century old city of Stockport is one of the famous attractions of the UK. Moreover, it is the meeting point of Rivers Tame and Goyt, which meet to form the River Mersey. Therefore, travellers can have a splendid time visiting different spots in the city.

It is the closest city to Manchester, making it highly convenient for commuters. The transport system is excellent in this town.

Notable Attractions: Hat Works Museum, The Plaza, Reddish Vale Country Park, etc.

Distance from Manchester: 9.7 km

How to get there?

33 minutes by cab. However, you may take the West Coast Main Line from Manchester Piccadilly station to reach Stockport station by train. Apart from this, the 192 bus line costs around £4 to reach Stockport.

5) Oldham

Oldham is another notable name among the top 10 nearest cities to Manchester. Lying around 7 miles to the Northeast of Manchester, this stunning region is a land of rivers. Rivers Medlock and Irk surround the fantastic place, ensuring a superb view for the travellers.

Notable Attractions: Alexandra Park, Summit Up Climbing, Gallery Oldham, Tandle Hill Country Park, etc.

Distance from Manchester: 10 Km

How to get there?

• Flight: You can get down at Man Airport, and then by bus, train, or cab to reach Oldham town
• Tram: From Exchange Square to Oldham King Street
• Train: Take the Northern Line, or opt for the Pink Line of Light Rail
• Road 83 is the bus route number, or a take a drive of about 15 minutes

6) Wigan

Wigan is a famous town in Manchester County, around 16 miles from Liverpool. It is famous, especially in the coal mining industry. The significant English town gained prominence during the Industrial Revolution.

Notable Attractions: Mesnes Park, Haigh Woodland Park, Three Sisters Race Circuit, DW Stadium, etc.

Distance from Manchester: 27 km

How to get there?

• Flight: Take a bus or train from Manchester Airport to Wigan
• Train: It takes around 35 minutes to reach Wigan by train, costing around £5 to £7.
• Road: It’s a drive of around 51 minutes from Manchester City

7) Rochdale

This place in England is a metropolitan borough situated in the northwestern side of Greater Manchester. Moreover, the 19th-century town was one of the demanding centres for cotton processing. It gained massive popularity during the Industrial Revolution.

Notable Attractions: Rochdale Town Hall, Fire Ground, Healey Dell Nature Reserve, etc.

Distance from Manchester: 16 Km

How to get there?

• Flight: Flights available from Manchester Airport to Rochdale, taking about 21 minutes
• Train: Trains available from Manchester Victoria Station, taking only 12 minutes
• Road: You may take a taxi from Manchester Airport, taking around 38 minutes.

8) Salford

Salford is a city cum metropolitan borough with several amenities. Furthermore, it spreads over a massive area of Manchester, including various small towns like Pendlebury, Swinton, etc. It is also popular for being the home of Salford City Football Club. The distance is the shortest; hence, Salford qualifies to be at the top of the closest cities to Manchester.

Notable Attractions: Soul River, Swing and Rat Park cruise, Salford Quays, etc.

Distance from Manchester: 3.79 Km approx.

How to get there?

• Flight: It takes around 6 minutes to fly from Manchester Airport to Salford.
• Tram: From Manchester to Salford Quays, at £2 to £3. It takes 20 minutes.
• Train: from Victoria or Piccadilly Station
• Road: It will take only 8 minutes to reach the city by car

9) Trafford

This vibrant British city is a unique place with multiple attractions. It is the focal point for shopaholics, offering the top brands of garments, perfumes, and other items. Moreover, Trafford is one of the attractive places for delicious food and other leisure entertainment.

Notable Attractions: Old Trafford Stadium, National Trust Dunham Massey, Chill Factore, etc.

Distance from Manchester: 5 Km

How to get there?

• Flight: You can get down at Man Airport, Leeds Bradford, Liverpool, etc.
• Tram: from Metrolink via the Trafford Park Line, costing £2 to £3
• Train: It’s a 20-minute journey by train departing from Deansgate-Castlefield
• Road: It takes a drive of about 29 minutes

10) Bury

Bury is famous for being the market town of Manchester. However, it is a smaller town with a population of about 193,846 (as per census 2021). The place presents an amazing vista as it is located on the River Irwell.

Notable Attractions: Bury Market, Bury Country Park, Arcade Club, Transport Museum, etc.

Distance from Manchester: 8 Km

How to get there?

• Flight: Quickest way from Manchester to Bury Ed Munds Airport in 3 and ¼ hours.
• Tram: Manchester Piccadilly Station to Bury, for£3 to £5.
• Train: from Manchester Victoria or Piccadilly station
• Road: Bus available from Manchester Shudehill Bus Stop

Conclusion

The list of the top 10 nearest cities to Manchester has undoubtedly given an overview of the Manchester township. Be it Stockport, Trafford, Tameside, Bolton, or others, you can have an excellent experience in each region. Transportation is also widespread in this county.

Knowing about the prominent cities in Manchester for a hassle-free trip is essential.

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