Day trips around Greater Manchester

Manchester is fun, but there’s so much more around. So, why stay put there? Here are some of my favourite spots for a day trip from Greater Manchester any time of the year. If you have been living in Manchester for a while and you still don’t know these places, you better start making arrangements.

A day trip to Buxton

Well-connected by bus or railway, the spa town of Buxton is a great place to visit as a family. Kids can run and play in the gardens, families can have a picnic near the Crescent, friends can have a few pints, and you can even go shopping. There are a few independent shops here! There are a couple of tourist visits you can take here, too. I enjoyed visiting the Poole’s cavern a few years ago -on the expensive side, but interesting anyway-. Finally, Buxton is a good first stop before visiting the Peak District.

A day trip to Liverpool

If walking down the streets towards Albert’s Locks isn’t your thing, you can always book a tour. My family did this pre-Covid, and they loved it. I usually take my visits for a pint to The Philarmonic, a pub for fans of classical music, and to the Cavern Club. My father, as a Beatles maniac, loved the Beatles museum, but I didn’t particularly enjoy it. I know it isn’t a competition, but I still prefer Liverpool to Manchester. Sorry, Liverpoordians!

A day trip to Chester

I keep telling people that Chester is a place to take your parents because it’s too boring for me. The cathedral is spectacular; walking around the city centre, through the medieval houses and the old city walls, is an experience. Still, after two hours wandering around the city, I can only think of a large pint and warm food. None of my visits has ever complained about visiting Chester, so the negativity comes from visiting it repeatedly.

A day trip to Macclesfield

A day trip to Macclesfield… and surroundings! Macclesfield is an excellent place to organise a pub crawl, with many independent pubs. If you drive, the Macclesfield forest and Teggs Nose should definitely be on your list. If you take the train, you can walk down the canal towards Bollington or Poynton and walk back through the Middlewood Way. Or ride your bike down the Middlewood way, of course! If you have time to spare, I suggest you claim the White Nancy in Bollington for superb views.

A day trip to Hebden Bridge

Hebden Bridge was one of the first places I visited when I first moved to Manchester. It’s a market town down in the Upper Calder Valley. Lovely to visit in Autumn. Famous for its vegan cafés, independent shops and creative vibes, it has a river, a canal and a few easy-to-reach paths for walking. If you get there with time, don’t hesitate to visit Hardcastle Crags. It’s breathtaking!

A day trip to the Peak District

There are so many Peak District little villages worth visiting I don’t know where to start: Edale, Castlefield, Hope, Bakewell, Chinley, Flash, Whaley Bridge… all of them with fantastic walks. So, bring on your walking boots and enjoy!

A weekend in Lake District from Greater Manchester

You don’t have a car, don’t you? Don’t panic. You can do loads in the Lake District, even if you don’t drive. You can take a train to Windermere and, from there, cross the lake with a boat or move around in a coach. You’ll miss out on the lovely paths and tiny roads, with water overflowing from all streams and beautiful forest colours, but I’m sure it’ll be an enjoyable trip anyway.

Some of the nature trails start outside of the main towns in Lake District, you can swim in some of the lakes if you’re lucky to visit in the warm season, and you can hire a bike for the weekend to explore around like we did the first time. 100% recommendable!

A weekend in the North of Wales from Greater Manchester

Step on the train to the North of Wales, and you’ll fall in love with its landscapes. One of my favourite areas in the whole country is Anglesey Island. It’s such a stunning place! Sadly, it’s impossible to find great accommodation on short notice without going broke, so I’d suggest you stay in the sore (can we call it sore if Great Britain is still an island?) and drive/take the train for day trips.

We loved the beaches in Anglesey and instantly fell in love with the southern part of the island. It was so peaceful, and there were little people around! The food was spotless, too. I dream of doing the circular cycling route around the island. One day!

A weekend in York from Greater Manchester

Another great spot to spend a weekend if you live in Manchester or happen to fly to Manchester airport. We always drive there from Macclesfield, and it feels like it took forever to drive from Leeds to York! It was 100% worth it, of course. I haven’t seen the cathedral inside, AKA York Minster, but I bet it’s gorgeous. We did walk around the Shambles and the riverside, the York City walls and the Museum gardens. If you have time, you can step on the train/your car once more to visit the Yorkshire Dales and Whitby. Yes, Yorkshire coastal towns are also worth a visit. I promise!

A Weekend Around Greater Manchester: Pick your time wisely

Yes, it’s worth travelling around Greater Manchester and using your weekends to get to know a few places around the city. There’s a huge contrast between the peace of the moors in Lancashire, the homely feel of small towns, such as Hebden Bridge, the beach days on the coast, the green fields in Cumbria and the industrial feel of Manchester City Centre.

I hope you’ve enjoyed my little article. If that’s the case, please, share, share, share!

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Just as I’m 100% sure they’ll start their list with L O N D O N. How not!

Why ask AI for a List of the Ten Must-See places

Why are you asking AI for a list of the Ten Must-See places in England, Marta? you ask. A couple of weeks ago, it was 11 years since I packed my stuff and said ‘Adios’ to my life in Spain, in search of a new life in Cambridge with my back-then new boyfriend, a Catalan guy I now call husband.

That got me thinking… mmm… I should write a post with my favourite places for a short break in England. I say England because I’ve only been once to Scotland, twice to North Wales, and none to Northern Island, so I’m no expert on the whole territory.

Yes, but tell us about the AI bit.

Oh, yes. So, do you remember I do Social Media for a living? One of the software we use has an AI-assisted ghostwriting tool and I thought I could ask (him/her/them… it?) for a list, just for fun and to see if I agreed with the choices.

The 10 of the must-visit places in England that should be on everyone’s list:

Here are the 10 of the must-visit places in England that should be on everyone’s list, according to AI:

1. LONDON

London is the capital of England and a city that’s full of history, culture, entertainment and attractions. I mean, if you’re planning a trip to England, you should definitely make room in your list for London. It’s precisely the first place I stood foot in when I came to the UK back in 2007. I remember loving Camden, Notting Hill, the beautiful gardens with lakes and ducks and the Houses of Parliament. I wasn’t a big fan of Harrods, Notting Hill Market and Buckingham Palace. I did love (and I still do) the Tate Modern.

Hotels in London aren’t on the cheap side, so let me know if you need help with recommendations. I’ve been a few times, for work and for pleasure, so I can drop a few names or suggest some areas.

2. STONEHENGE

One of the most famous prehistoric sites around the world, yet one I’ve only seen on pictures and Windows computers. I’ve been told a trip exclusively to see Stonehenge isn’t worth the time or money, but I’d include it in a trip to Bath and other historic towns in the area. It’s on my travel bucket list.

3. THE LAKE DISTRICT

The Lake District is a stunning national park in the North West of England, perfect for exploring and taking in the natural beauty of England. Oh, I love the Lake District so much I wouldn’t mind moving there, even if I knew we’d have to deal with even more rainy days. I’ve been five times already. We love to stay in this little B&B or somewhere in the area. We’ll definitely be back soon to explore new lakes and new waterfalls, follow new paths and have the best meals. There are always new places to explore and new landscapes to discover in Cumbria.

4. THE COTSWOLDS

The Cotswolds – an area of outstanding natural beauty in central England, with quaint villages, rolling hills and stunning countryside. I’ve only been once to cast a voucher for the Pudding Club. It was a rainy weekend in July, and I was very hungover, so I didn’t have the positive experience one might expect. We should definitely get back to the Costworlds for a second visit.

5. BATH

Bath – a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with beautiful architecture and a fascinating Roman past. And shops! Everyone talks about Bath’s independent shops and cafés. We need to get around here at some point, yes.

6. CAMBRIDGE

Cambridge – a university city with beautiful architecture and a great place to explore. What to say about the city where I first lived when I moved to the UK and where I met my husband? Well, it’s breathtaking. Every street in town pretty much has some stunning buildings, the punting by the river Cams, the walks in the Backs, the naps in Jesus Green… I miss living in a stunning place!

7. THE WHITE CLIFFS OF DOVER

The White Cliffs of Dover – a stunning natural landmark with breathtaking views of the English coastline that I’m yet to visit. Maybe next year…

8. THE YORKSHIRE DALES

The Yorkshire Dales – a national park in the North of England, perfect for exploring and taking in the stunning landscape. I’ve only driven through The Yorkshire Dales on my way to Whitby. We must come back to Whitby and the Dales.

9. THE JURASSIC COAST

The Jurassic Coast – a stunning stretch of coastline in the South West, with amazing prehistoric fossils to spot. (Never been, sorry!)

10. BRIGHTON

Brighton – a vibrant and colourful city on the South Coast, with a great atmosphere and plenty to see and do. I’ve been a couple of times, once to see the Pavilion and the second to attend Brighton SEO. Brighton is definitely a place to visit if you’re around, but I don’t think I’ll be coming back anytime soon. It’s an upgrade from other coastal towns in the UK, but I’d rather see different places.

Which leads me to the following point: What should have made it to the list?

Some beautiful places that didn’t make it to the list of must-see places in England (and should have!)

I should have also asked ChatGPT for their recommendations to have a second opinion on the ten must-see places in England (I might do), but I think this list has missed Oxford and York, which I’d visit before Brighton, and the lovely towns and villages of The Penines and The Peak District. They happen to be closer to Cheshire, where I’m based, so I might be a bit biased here, of course. I wonder which would be the ten must-see places in Scotland or Wales and which of these ten in my list of must-see places to visit in England would get featured in a list for the whole of Great Britain.

Now tell me. Have you been to these ten places in England? What other place should have made it to the list, do you reckon?

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Source: Pexels / CitizenMarta / CitizenMarta

Ten things you should add to your 20s bucket list

1. Travel – Explore the world and experience new cultures and ways of life. If you’re reading this, you probably have an interest in travelling, so well done, you!
2. Take a risk – Step out of your comfort zone and try something new. Listen to this: your 20s are the ideal time to do it. Don’t fear of making mistakes; that’s how you learn and grow. And what if it works?
3. Get financially savvy – Start planning for your future and build up your savings. Don’t do like me and spend it all on your travels, going out and getting wasted. Put some money every month aside in a saving account and don’t touch it until you’ve turned 30. You’ll thank me later.
4. Invest in your well-being – Take care of your physical and mental health. Over the years, you’ll learn to stay away from the toxic people surrounding you in your early 20s. Remember: true friends and loving partners don’t treat you like you are spendable. Caring is loving.
5. Read widely – Broaden your horizons with books from all genres. The more, the merrier.
6. Invest in yourself – Invest time and money in learning new skills and gaining knowledge. Don’t worry about the certifications but the actual value you get. Every new skill you gain will help you through life, either professionally or personally. With a bit of luck, both professionally and personally.
7. Declutter – Get rid of things that no longer serve you and find more joy in life. You don’t need so many clothes; that is for sure -said the person with Diogenes disorder-.
8. Develop a hobby – Develop a passion and find something that you can enjoy and excel in. Mine is blogging, can you tell?
9. Form meaningful relationships – Surround yourself with people who bring out the best in you (go back to point 6 and read again).
10. Live life to the fullest – Make the most of every moment and appreciate the little things.

We only get one chance at life, so make sure to make the most of it

I am closer to my 36s than my 35s, and I’m still working through this list. I hope my tips help you realise how much you can achieve before you turn 30. Or, if you’re already past your best life, leave me a comment. Is it true that the 30s are the new 20s?

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I love going to Teggs Nose county park after a stressful day. We went there a few days ago, but my favourite time is at the beginning of spring when all the fields are green and flowers start to make its appearance. If you are lucky, you can get a sunny day and finish your walk with a cuppa and a sunbathing session.

If it snows, Teggs Nose is pretty packed with families and can get really cold. Last year, for instance, my iPhone collapsed because of the cold. We were frozen, but, still, it was worth the walk. And you can always get your hands warmed in the café out there!

How to get to Teggs Nose

Teggs Nose is in Buxton Old Road (Google Maps). Parking isn’t free, but 2 hours are only about £1.50. Walks are easy to follow. The shortest one is only about 30-40 mins, although you can take other routes, such as walking downhill to Sutton and go back. This is a lovely walk for begginers, but there are a few more routes you can take if you feel more adventurous.

We love packing a few drinks and snacks and stop by on our way back to the parking to catch our breath and look at the sky. From this area you have a clear view of the planes approaching Manchester airport.

Here you have some pictures of Teggs Nose I hope you like! They have zero Photoshop/filters, so that should make you realise how amazing is this place au-natural.

Have you ever walked in Teggs Nose yourself?

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Back to the time when I used to watch Peppa Pig

I’m not talking about my time as a toodler. I was an adult trying to improve my English working two jobs. First, it came the self realisation moment: what I’m supposed to do with my life? Options were a Masters (meaning studying one year only to be unemployed a few months later), movig back to my parents home to keep myself busy while life goes by or moving to another country. I went for the third option and I think I made the right decision.

Alll decided then. I’m moving to United States… WAIT!

I shared the news: I’m moving to the States to be an Au Pair; it’s decided. Visas take time, so I decided to take a 6-week English course in Cambridge on the meantime. Spoiler alert: I never made it to the US. Goodbye, American dream. Hello, England.

So, February 2011 I was officially installed in Cambridge, working as a part time waitress and a part time nanny. My English was pretty poor and I often struggled to make myself understood. I was treated like shit, but I also met amazing people who loved me and supported me. My boyfriend helped me and I want to think that I helped him back. We set our own objective as a couple: to be admitted in uni. And we nailed it.

Why on Earth would you move from Cambridge to Manchester?

That’s exactly what everybody asked us when we decided to move to the North. We had imagined Manchester as a place full of gangsters and crime. We soon realised the idea people had of Manchester was getting curry in the Curry Mille and… pretty much that. They also warned us that Manchester would be very rainy and yes, that was absolutely right. I miss my sunshine.

Settled in Salford (the nice area of Salford), we started our life as university students. Words can’t tell how hard it felt going back to uni to study in another language something you had never studied before. As a journalist, I had a pretty general idea of Marketing. Pretty general is something to emphasise here. Somehow, I manage to finish my Master with distinction while working late hours as a waitress in a 5 star hotel and find a job. Didn’t I say it was hard job? Still, I loved being a student in Salford Business School and getting to meat amazing people from all around the world.

Look at me! I’m in Marketing!

Suddenly, everything was new for me. New job title, new town, new industry… I was quite stressed, but people at work helped me learn and my managers gave me total freedom to do the things my way. What else can anyone ask for?

We now live in Macclesfield in our mini house. We both love our jobs and our life here, but still, from time to time we get asked: Why on Earth did you leave sunny Spain to move to England? Well, now you know the whole story.

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My resolutions for half 2017… or to any other year! 

• To talk about my past travels so that I can remember them with a smile in my face, instead of a deep melancholy.
• Not to complain all the time about how poor I am and how little my holidays days are. Still working on this…
• To keep a studied list of the places I want to visit and what to do in these trips.
• To take pictures of the things I eat before they disappear from my plate so that I can prove how awesome they were. This one is very important, because there must be a number of time a person can burn their tong eating pizza and I’ve surely reached my target a while ago.
• To do my bit to erase the idea of Manchester as synonim of ugly place.

• Not to complain because I am in my 30’s crisis and this means I’m no longer a girl. I’m crying inside!
• To share with you every bit of style I find worth sharing.
• To wear something than jeans or black dress with black tights.
• To hate less.
• To love more.
• To judge less.
• To smile more.
• And last but not least… to write this blog!

What’s in your half year resolution list?

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