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10 Things To Do Near Manchester Airport! 10 Minutes from the Airport!

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If you find yourself on a stopover in Manchester between flights or you’ve decided to stay a night near Manchester airport between flights and want to know what the best things to do in Manchester Airport are, you are in luck as there are a number of nice places to visit by Manchester Airport.

I live just 7 minutes from Manchester Airport and I love the location because the airport is close to the motorway but also many suburban areas like Altrincham, Hale and Wilmslow meaning there are nice parks, places to eat and attractions near Manchester Airport.

Things to do near Manchester Airport

The Wandering Quinn Travel Blog Things to do near Manchester Airport, Plane views over Manchester Airport
Keep reading for things to do near Manchester Airport!

Below is a varied list of things to do around Manchester whether you have a stopover at Manchester Airport or you’re flying into Manchester Airport to continue your journey elsewhere in the UK,

You might also be looking for things to do near Manchester Airport because you have friends or family living this way and this list will help you out too!

🇬🇧MANCHESTER TRAVEL RESOURCES🇬🇧

  • 🏘️Book your accommodation in MCR

    Booking.com and Hostelworld will help you to check availability in advance and book!

  • 🚘Get your car rental from MCR Airport

    in advance to make your trip more convenient. I always use you can use Rentalcars!

  • 🚆Book your train tickets

    to & from Manchester using The Trainline including to and from the airport!

  • ⚽️Get your tickets and guided tours

    to Manchesters top attractions with Viator and GetYourGuide!

  • ✈️Flying into Manchester

    and haven’t booked flights yet? Book them on Skyscanner now!

  • Things to do at Manchester Airport

    If you have a stopover at Manchester Airport and it’s more than a couple of hours, I do recommend leaving the airport (visa etc permitting) because Manchester Airport isn’t that big and aside from a few food places in each terminal there is not anything to do within Manchester Airport and there are no good relaxing areas.

    Terminal 2 is the biggest terminal with the most amount of facilities such as shops and restaurants but in comparison to other airports this is very minimal and Terminals 1 and 3 are even smaller.

    The Wandering Quinn Travel Blog Things to do near Manchester Airport, inside Manchester Airport terminal 2
    Manchester Airport Terminal 2

    None of these places to visit around Manchester Airport are walkable. You will need to get a taxi, hire a car or get the train from Manchester Airport station to get to them. Here are my recommended ways of leaving Manchester Airport.

    Taxi from Manchester Airport

    Whichever terminal you depart from there will be a taxi rank.

    If you want to use Uber you can but you will need to find the Uber pick-up points which are usually in one of the car parks opposite arrivals rather than on the road outside arrivals.

    If you are not going far, I would suggest getting a taxi from outside the airport to get you to one of the chosen places near Manchester Airport and then using a taxi app to get you back. Uber is available but I always use Passenger Cars.

    If you want to go into the city which is a bit further from the airport, you can preorder a taxi using StreetCars on the website here.

    Also read my post on How To Get From Manchester Airport to Manchester Piccadilly EASILY if you want to go into the city!

    The Wandering Quinn Travel Blog Things to do near Manchester Airport, taxis outside Manchester Airport
    Taxis outside Manchester Airport

    Train Tickets From Manchester Airport

    What’s really handy is that Manchester Airport has its own train station which is linked to all 3 terminals via a sky tunnel.

    For many of the below things to do near Manchester Airport, you can get the train and I’ll advise below how to do this for each place.

    For train times and tickets in the UK, I always use The Train Line

    Manchester Airport also has a tram stop which is a great way to get to many of these places near Manchester Airport and I’ll detail below the options where you can go by tram, also known as the Metrolink.

    The Wandering Quinn Travel Blog Things to do near Manchester Airport, Manchester Piccadilly Station train to Manchester Airport
    Manchester Piccadilly Platform to Manchester Airport

    Car Hire from Manchester Airport

    If you have more time to spend around Manchester Airport, hiring a car is a great idea since public transport isn’t that frequent and there are plenty of places to hire a car from at Manchester Airport.

    I always use Rental Cars as they search all the top car rental companies for the best availability and price!

    The Wandering Quinn Travel Blog Things to do near Manchester Airport, Ellie at Manchester Airport
    I like 7 minutes from Manchester Airport so here are the best things to do around Manchester Airport!

    What to do around Manchester Airport

    Now, let’s get into what to do around Manchester Airport and the things to do near Manchester Airport!

    1. Walk Around Quarry Bank Mill National Trust

    Approx time needed: 10-30 minutes each way plus 1-2 hours exploring

    How to get there: By car or taxi in 10 minutes or by Tram from Manchester Airport tram stop to Styal tram stop followed by a 15-minute walk.

    The Wandering Quinn Travel Blog Things to do near Manchester Airport, Quarry Bank Mill Entrance
    My top recommendation for places to go near Manchester is Quarry Bank Mill!

    We’re really lucky with the number of Manchester National Trust sites and Quarry Bank Mill is the closest to the Airport at just 10 minutes drive away.

    Quarry Bank Mill is one of my favourite National Trust sites because it has a long woodland walking path along the river and through the woods. It also has 2 cafes, beautifully manicured gardens and 2 houses where you can learn about the history of the cotton industry in Manchester as this was a real cotton mill.

    I really recommend heading here if you want to get into nature, get some peace and quiet and breathe some fresh air.

    And, if you are interested in the history of Manchester as you’ll learn a lot inside the houses about the cotton industry that put Manchester on the map!

    The Wandering Quinn Travel Blog Things to do near Manchester Airport, Quarry Bank Mill House and Gardens
    Where to go near Manchester Airport? – National Trust Quarry Bank Mill

    2. Watch the Planes & Do Activities at the Runway Visitor Park

    Approx time needed: 10 minutes drive each way plus 1-2 hours there

    Located around the back of Manchester Airport is the Runway Visitor Park where you can watch the planes leave the runway but also do a lot more!

    Manchester Airports Runway Visitor Park is an attraction in its own right and one of the things to do with kids in Manchester!

    The park is home to a variety of retired planes, including the Concorde G-BOAC which you can take a tour of and the former RAF military spy plane, Nimrod.

    There’s also a cafe, aviation shop, play areas for children and seasonal events and activities.

    This is one of the great places to go near Manchester Airport but it is worth noting you’ll need to drive, get a taxi or a bus as it’s not internally connected to the airport and airport terminals. Here are the directions.

    3. Have Food and a Drink at Romper Pub

    Approx time needed: 10 minutes drive each way plus 1-2 hours there

    If you’re looking for where to eat near Manchester Airport, the closest place you’ll find is Romper Pub.

    Here you’ll find a modern British pub and restaurant serving well-priced meals and drinks.

    Romper is located a 3 minutes drive or 10-minute walk from the Runway Visitor Centre I’ve mentioned above so if you’re looking for a meal and some activities near Manchester Airport without venturing too far, combing these will be a great idea!

    Quick activities to do in Manchester City Centre:

    4. Go into the City by Train

    Approx time needed: 20-30 minutes journey each way plus 2-6 hours in the city

    The Wandering Quinn Travel Blog Things to do near Manchester Airport, Manchester Library
    For things to do near Manchester Airport, get the train into the city

    Manchester Airport has its own dedicated train station which runs directly to Manchester Piccadilly Station in the centre of the city.

    If you have half a day or more time on your stopover in Manchester, I would recommend heading into the city by train.

    The train journey is between 15-25 minutes depending on the train, although I’d always recommend giving yourself extra time as the trains can be off schedule quite often.

    For train times and tickets in the UK, I always use The Train Line

    Here’s my full guide for How To Get From Manchester Airport to Manchester Piccadilly EASILY & Vice Versa by train and taxi.

    There are plenty of things to do in Manchester City Centre and areas to see, here’s my one day Manchester itinerary to follow but Manchester is also quite a small city in comparison to other cities so it is easy to see in just a few hours.

    I’d recommend not going into the city unless you have at least 2 hours to spend in the city.

    The Wandering Quinn Travel Blog Things to do near Manchester Airport, Manchester Northern Quarter
    Manchester Northern Quarter is great for foods and drinks

    5. Visit Old Trafford Football Club

    Approx time needed: 30 minutes to 1 hour each way plus 3 hours on a stadium tour

    The Wandering Quinn Travel Blog Things to do near Manchester Airport, Manchester United Stadium
    What to do near Manchester Airport? Head to Manchester United Stadium!

    If you only think of Manchester United when you think of Manchester, it is possible to visit Old Trafford Manchester United’s Stadium for a Stadium Tour in half a day making it one of the good things to do around Manchester Airport!

    This option does require more time than other ideas of places to visit from Manchester Airport because although it takes 15-30 minutes to drive there or in a taxi depending on the traffic, the tour takes 2 hours and you need to get there a bit early.

    Plus, if you plan to get public transport you might need to go through the city and back out again meaning it could take 40-50 minutes from Manchester Airport to Old Trafford by train or tram.

    Here’s my review of the Manchester United Stadium Tour, I took my stepsons and although we’re not big football fans we really enjoyed it!

    If you’re a Man City fan, you can also do a Manchester City Stadium Tour, just note their stadium is further away from the airport than Old Trafford, hence my recommendation!

    The Wandering Quinn Travel Blog Things to do near Manchester Airport, Manchester United Stadium tour inside changing rooms
    Many people don’t realise you can do a stadium tour!

    6. Walk Alpacas at White Peak Alpaca

    Approx time needed: 20 minute drive each way plus 1-2 hours there

    The Wandering Quinn Travel Blog Things to do near Manchester Airport, Ellie at White Peak Alpaca Farm
    This is one of the fun things to do near Manchester Airport!

    For one of the fun things to do near Manchester Airport with children, look into White Peak Alpaca Farm!

    You will need to drive yourself or get a taxi and I’d recommend arranging for a taxi driver you pick you up as it the location is quite remote. The journey is about 20 minutes.

    You’ll also need to pre-book with White Peak Alpaca Farm, it’s not a petting farm that’s open to the public all day but they do offer slots for meet and greet where you’ll go into the Alpaca pens and pet them and have time to walk around their farm seeing some of the other animals.

    Or you can book the Alpaca walking experience where you’ll walk one of their trusted Alpaca around their farm for 40 minutes.

    We just did the meet and greet and although it wasn’t long we still had a really nice time there with the little one.

    Opposite is a pub called Plough and Flail, this is a modern but traditional English country pub offering food and drink so if you’ve taken the time to drive the Alpaca Farm on your Manchester stopover, you can enjoy some food here at the same time!

    The Wandering Quinn Travel Blog Things to do near Manchester Airport, Alpaca's at White Peak Alpaca Farm
    Places near Manchester Airport? White Peak Alpaca Farm!

    7. Walk around Alderley Edge

    Approx time needed: 25 minute drive each way plus 1-2 hours exploring

    The Wandering Quinn Travel Blog Things to do near Manchester Airport, Alderley Edge woodland
    We love going to Alderley Edge for walks near Manchester Airport!

    For another recommendation of places to walk near Manchester Airport, I recommend another National Trust site – Alderley Edge.

    Alderley Edge is actually a lovely suburb with cafes and small shops but just up the road is the National Trust site Alderley Edge with a car park, a small cafe and lots of walking routes through the forest.

    This is one of our favourite places to go walking, especially with the kids as the wood is big and spacious but it’s easy to get to.

    There’s also an amazing view of the city skyline from the ‘edge’ of Alderley Edge.

    Related post: 7 MUST-VISIT National Trust Sites in Manchester and nearby!

    The Wandering Quinn Travel Blog Things to do near Manchester Airport, City Skyline from Alderley Edge
    Don’t forget to look for the city skyline!

    8. Visit Hale Village

    Approx time needed: 10 minute drive each way plus 1-2 hours

    If you want to get some food, stretch your legs, and see a beautiful part of Cheshire nearby Manchester Airport, I recommend heading into Hale Village.

    Hale is just a 10 minute drive from Manchester Airport and taxis will be able to take you easily if you don’t have your own car.

    I visit Hale a lot to go for brunch and dinner as there are many nice places to eat in Hale as well as there being a few independent shops.

    Hale is a very upmarket suburb in Manchester and Cheshire with celebrities living nearby. It’s very traditional English which is great to see if you are coming from overseas.

    For food recommendations, I suggest:

    • Juniper Hale – casual cafe for Breakfast or Lunch
    • The Garden Eatery – casual cafe for Breakfast or Lunch
    • The Plant Boost – healthy cafe Drink, Breakfast or Lunch
    • Cibo Hale – fancy Italian restaurant for Lunch or Dinner
    • Piccolino Hale – fancy Italian restaurant for Lunch or Dinner
    • Victors Hale – fancy British restaurant for Lunch or Dinner
    • Pizza Express – casual restaurant for Lunch or Dinner
    • WA14 Fish & Chips – posh but traditional restaurant Fish & Chips
    • Yogberries – Frozen Yogurt Snack
    The Wandering Quinn Travel Blog Things to do near Manchester Airport, pancakes from Juniper
    Pancakes from Juniper

    9. Visit Wilmslow

    Approx time needed: 15 minutes each way plus 1-2 hours there

    Another little suburb that’s great to visit near Manchester Airport is Wilmslow.

    Wilmslow has its own train station and it’s possible to get a 10 minute train from Manchester Airport train station to Wilmslow train station, or, you can drive 15 minutes.

    For train times and tickets in the UK, I always use The Train Line

    Wilmslow is a bit bigger than Hale Village and doesn’t have the quintessential English look that Hale does, but it is still a fancy area of Cheshire with independent shops and lots of places to eat making it a good place to visit from Manchester Airport for some food and a walk around on your stopover.

    For food recommendations, I suggest:

    • Gails – a casual cafe for Breakfast or Lunch
    • Juniper Wilsmlow – a casual cafe for Breakfast or Lunch
    • Lusso – a casual cafe for Breakfast or Lunch
    • Smoke – a casual cafe for Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner
    • Buzzy Bee Bakery – bakery for amazing sweet treats
    • Unico Lounge – a casual restaurant for Breakfast or Lunch

    10. Spa Time at Hale Country Club & Spa

    Approx time needed: 10 minutes each way plus 2-3 hours there

    The Wandering Quinn Travel Blog Things to do near Manchester Airport, infinity pool at Hale Country Club and Spa
    The infinity pool at Hale Country Club and Spa

    If you want to relax and wind down between flights and are looking for spa’s near Manchester Airport. I recommend booking a treatment at Hale Country Club and Spa

    Although this is a club for regular members, they have a dedicated spa area offering treatments to non-members and spa day packages like this.

    They have a lovely full-sized indoor pool, heated outside pool and rooftop infinity pool with many saunas, steam rooms etc which are all available to use when you book a spa day with them.

    And best of all, Hale Country Club and Spa is just a 10 minute drive from Manchester Airport making it easy to get to and from between flights.

    Manchester Airport Hotels

    Radisson Blu Manchester Airport – connected to the Airport Terminals – 4* – Book Here

    Holiday Inn Manchester Airport – within Airport complex but a short bus journey to terminals – 4* – Book Here

    Clayton Hotel Manchester Airport – within Airport complex but a short bus journey to terminals – 4* – Book Here

    Holiday Inn Express Manchester Airport – just outside of Airport complex and budget friendly – 3* – Book Here

    Delta Hotel by Marriott Manchester Airport – close to airport complex with leisure facilities – 4* – Book Here

    I hope this helps with things to do near Manchester Airport!