The amazing places just begging for a visit near Greater Manchester in 2025
Plan a day out or weekend away to one of these incredible locations
When it comes to making travel plans, it can be easy to overlook what's right on your doorstep. Yet we’re spoilt with amazing places to visit within easy reach of Greater Manchester.
For starters, several national parks are just a stone’s throw away from our sprawling metropolis. The Lakes and the Peaks are always go-tos, but the Yorkshire Dales can certainly match them for awe-inspiring beauty.
Meanwhile Snowdonia is a magical landscape just waiting to be explored. Then there’s the gorgeous countryside and coastline of Lancashire, the charming villages of Cheshire and the hidden beauty spots of North Wales.
With a new year stretching out ahead of us, we’ve rounded up some of the best beauty spots and locations for travel inspiration for 2025.
Chase waterfalls in the Yorkshire Dales
Who doesn’t love a waterfall? Watching the cascading water can be hypnotising and many people find being near them a relaxing experience, bringing you closer to nature and clearing your mind.
The Yorkshire Dales has more than its fair share of waterfalls, in fact it even has a whole trail dedicated to them, the Ingleton Waterfalls Trail, a four and a half mile route which leads you to six of them. Near Settle is the impressive Scaleber Force, and Gordale Scar at Malham Cove features a hidden waterfall.
Take in the views of the Peak District
It’s one of the most iconic beauty spots in the Peak District, and if you’ve never been then make 2025 the year you visit Mam Tor. This 517m tall hill overlooks Castleton, Hope Valley, Winnats Pass and Edale, offering breathtaking views of the stunning Peak District landscape.
Its name means ‘Mother Hill’, but it's also referred to as ‘Shivering Mountain’ due to landslips which have been caused by unstable lower levels of shale. The hill is relatively easy to climb, with paved steps to the summit. From Greater Manchester you can catch a train to Edale and reach it from there, or park at the National Trust car park at Mam Nick which is right by the base of the hill.
Explore an island beach in Anglesey
North Wales is known for its spectacular beaches, but some are more hidden than others. On the island of Anglesey is the tiny peninsula Llanddwyn - although it is called an island.
This narrow strip of land features a picturesque beach, sand dunes, rocky outcrops and the remains of old buildings. It’s overlooked by a quaint white lighthouse, adding to the charm of the place. If that doesn't tempt you to plan a trip, the fact that Conde Nast listed it among the best beaches in the UK might just do.
Visit a ‘lost village’
Nestled in the Lancashire countryside is the ‘lost village’ of Wycoller, where you’ll find cobbled paths, stone bridges and ruined buildings. The village was abandoned by its residents during the Industrial Revolution when they upped sticks and moved to textile towns in Lancashire.
In the 1970s the village and surrounding countryside became a designated country park, and today visitors can explore what remains of the abandoned buildings. It’s worth noting that cars are banned to protect the village, but there’s two car parks nearby which are a mile’s walk from the village.
Climb a Lake District fell
Thought the Lake District fells were only for seasoned hikers? Think again, as there’s actually a few walks which are relatively easy but still rewarding.
Latrigg is one of the most manageable fells, with a car park near to the summit and an accessible path for wheelchair users. It has gorgeous views over Keswick, Derwentwater and the surrounding fells. Catbells is slightly more challenging with a short and steep ascent, but offers amazing views of Skiddaw.