When you're looking for an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, there's nothing better than a wholesome day trip to a National Trust property. And there are plenty of those in the North West, from old mills and Tudor houses to expanses of woodland or landscaped gardens.
We've rounded up the very best options in and around the city, all within a 90-minute drive. There are options to suit all budgets, with public transport available to most of them too. Sounds good? Read on for our guide on where to find National Trust sites in Manchester and nearby.
National Trust Manchester: Nearby Properties
1. Castlefield Viaduct
- Location: Castlefield Viaduct, Manchester, M3 4LG
- Distance from Manchester city centre: within the city
- Ticket price: free
- Why we recommend: not only is this free to enter, but it's easily accessible by public transport or even walking. We love the rooftop vibes, and it's filled with calming greenery too
The only National Trust site in the city itself, Castlefield Viaduct is a free urban garden that you can visit any time, with no booking required. The steel viaduct dates back to the Victorian period, originally used to carry heavy rail traffic in and out of Manchester Central Station and the Great Northern Warehouse.
More recently, it has been transformed into a pretty green space. Designed to be a park in the sky, this elevated setting offers views of the most historic part of Manchester.
This free National Trust site is found in Manchester city centre.
2. Dunham Massey
- Location: Woodhouse Lane, Altrincham, WA14 4SJ
- Distance from Manchester city centre: 16 miles (40 minutes by car, an hour via public transport)
- Ticket price: from £10
- Why we recommend: the grounds here are truly stunning, and it's very convenient to get to from the city
Situated between the city of Manchester and the Cheshire countryside, Dunham Massey is a historic building that has been around for more than 400 years. The house holds an extensive collection of artefacts than span its long history, and be sure to check out the mill on-site as well.
Their vast gardens feature a 300-acre deer park, with ancient trees found in the parkland. The winter and rose gardens feature lots of seasonal plants, and you can find multiple trails and events here too. You can visit just the grounds for as little as £10, or the house as well from £17.
From the historic house to the grounds, this spot is well worth visiting.
3. Tatton Park
- Location: Knutsford, Cheshire, WA16 6QN
- Distance from Manchester city centre: 16 miles (45 minutes by car, an hour via public transport)
- Ticket price: from £9
- Why we recommend: there's so much land to explore here, and we love the elegant Victorian feel to the property
This National Trust Cheshire location can be found in Knutsford, boasting more than 1000 acres of deer park and 50 acres of landscaped gardens. Tatton Park is a historical estate that features a neo-classical mansion, alongside a rare breed farm and medieval Old Hall.
This was property of the Egerton family until 1958, when it was given to the National Trust. You can find the family's huge collection of items inside, flaunting Victorian opulence that extends into the glasshouses, formal gardens, Italian and Japanese gardens. They also host more than 100 events each year, and there's both a restaurant and tea room on-site.
There are endless grounds to explore at Tatton Park.
4. Quarry Bank
- Location: Styal, Wilmslow, Cheshire, SK9 4HP
- Distance from Manchester city centre: 14 miles (45 minutes by car, 55 minutes via public transport)
- Ticket price: from £21
- Why we recommend: this working mill allows you to really dive into the past, experiencing the inequalities of the industry
A working mill in the heart of the Cheshire countryside, Quarry Bank is a historic site founded by Samuel Greg. It perfectly showcases the difference between owners and workers throughout time, as you see the Greg family home compared to the Apprentice House, which housed children working in the mill.
You'll feel what it was like to work in a cotton mill, as the heritage machinery whirrs around you. You can also explore acres of gorgeous woodland on the estate, following the path of the river Bollin for a particularly great walking route that features lots of wildlife.
Dive into the past at this cotton mill.
5. Lyme
- Location: Disley, Stockport, Cheshire, SK12 2NR
- Distance from Manchester city centre: 14 miles (1 hour 15 minutes by car, 1 hour 19 minutes via public transport)
- Ticket price: from £8
- Why we recommend: you can live out your Pride and Prejudice fantasies here, and the expansive gardens are beautifully tranquil
On the edge of the Peak District, Lyme is a striking house and gardens that was once home to the Legh family. Formerly a great sporting estate, this 1,400 acre space promises stunning views and amazing walking routes. Plus, the house itself provides a fascinating insight into the Regency era.
Outside, explore the Rose Garden, Ravine Garden or the reflecting lake, where Mr Darcy met Miss Bennet in the BBC production of Pride and Prejudice. This is the largest estate in Cheshire, famed for hosting royal guests and hunting escapades.
This estate was seen in the BBC's Pride and Prejudice.
6. Nether Alderley Mill
- Location: Congleton Road, Nether Alderley, Macclesfield, Cheshire, SK10 4TW
- Distance from Manchester city centre: 17 miles (1 hour 15 minutes by car, 45 minutes via public transport)
- Ticket price: from £6.50
- Why we recommend: there's so much to be learned here about one of the UK's oldest trades, and it's budget-friendly too
One of the most affordable National Trust Cheshire sites, Nether Alderley Mill is one of only four virtually complete corn mills in the county. You can take a guided tour of the building, where you'll learn all about the process of milling, as well as the fascinating lives of the workers.
This mill provided bread for the village for centuries, with a series of families occupying the space. The property was given to the National Trust in 1950, after traditional milling became steadily less profitable. As well as the building itself, there are nearby wooded areas and ponds to explore.
You can learn all there is to know about milling here.
7. Hare Hill
- Location: Over Alderley, Macclesfield, Cheshire, SK10 4PY
- Distance from Manchester city centre: 17 miles (1 hour 5 minutes by car)
- Ticket price: from £9
- Why we recommend: we always feel peaceful in this walled garden, with beautiful nature to be seen all year round
Hare Hill is a peaceful wooded garden, once the property of Colonel Charles Brocklehurst. The walled space welcomes visitors all year round, promising snowdrops in spring and vibrant azaleas in the summer, as well as a stunning changing of colours come autumn.
You'll also find rockery that dates back to the early 1900s, alongside a pergola that has been constructed from the original glasshouse.
Hare Hill makes for a tranquil country retreat.
8. Little Moreton Hall
- Location: Newcastle Road, Congleton, Cheshire, CW12 4SD
- Distance from Manchester city centre: 35 miles (1 hour 20 minutes by car, 1 hour 50 minutes via public transport)
- Ticket price: from £15
- Why we recommend: this quirky building defies architectural logic, and every room tells a story of past inhabitants
Though this one is a little further from the city, it's well worth making the journey to Little Moreton Hall. Flaunting some of the most unique architecture around, this topsy-turvy Tudor house is full of weird and wonderful features. The timber-framed building has been around for over 500 years, with a scenic moat outside.
From marks craved into the walls to ward off evil to pretty herb gardens, you'll get a real sense of Tudor life here. What's more, you can enjoy drinks and treats in their very own tea room.
This Cheshire property is full of unique quirks.
9. Holcombe Moor and Stubbins Estate
- Location: Chatterton Close, Bury, BL8 4NZ
- Distance from Manchester city centre: 17 miles (1 hour 10 minutes by car, 1 hour 40 minutes via public transport)
- Ticket price: free
- Why we recommend: there's so much nature to be admired here, and it's great for walking
Forming part of the West Pennine Moors, Holcombe Moor and Stubbins Estate is a popular outdoor destination in Bury. There are over 1,400 acres of rugged countryside to explore, promising stunning scenery and plenty for nature enthusiasts to discover.
As part of a nationwide effort to restore the UK’s moorland, this space has been rejuvenated with increased carbon storage, improved natural flood management and wildlife habitats.
This truly is the perfect place for admiring natural beauty.
10. Marsden Moor
- Location: Marsden, West Yorkshire, HD7 6DH
- Distance from Manchester city centre: 18 miles (1 hour 20 minutes by car, 1 hour 33 minutes via public transport)
- Ticket price: free
- Why we recommend: this is one of the most beautiful areas in the whole country, protected due to the array of wildlife found here
Venturing into West Yorkshire, Marsden Moor is an area of moorland that spans over 5,000 acres. This is the perfect escape from city life, offering a landscape that's steeped in history - from pre-historic times right through to trans-Pennine transport routes.
This is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest, protected due to the ground nesting bird population and blanket bog habitat. As such, it's an unsullied stretch of nature that's ideal for exploring.
This place is beautiful all year long.
If you liked this, check out the best walks in and around Manchester.
