1 Hour Away - Public Transport - Shopping/Culture/Food/Sport Manchester is the third largest city in the UK and is a great spot for a day trip or an overnight stay. There are plenty of shops, museums and restaurants, as well as two notable football teams, so something for everyone! Some of our favourite activities: The Museum of Science and Industry, The Washhouse Cocktail Bar, Manchester Art Gallery, Castlefield Viaduct Garden
40 Minutes Away - Car Only - Scientific/Cultural Once the world's largest radio telescope, Jodrell Bank is part of the SETI project (the search for extra-terrestrial intelligence) and a perfect stop for all the science nerds on the guest list.
30 Minutes Away - Public Transport - Quintessential England The village of Disley is where Katie grew up, and the perfect place to visit for a taste of English life. Stop by the village square to find the local pub, The Rams Head, for some food, or if you're more of a craft beer fan, Malt Disley is the place for you. Just outside of the village is Lyme Park, a National Trust property with an impressive house and garden. Walk over to the Cage for views over Manchester, or head to the pond to feed the ducks. Watch out for the herd of deer that roam around the park!
20 Minutes Away - Car Only - Nature/Adventure Buxton is just on the edge of the Peak District National Park, and it's well worth the visit if you have a car. In 20 minutes, you can drive to the cute village of Castleton, home to the world's only deposit of the mineral Blue John. Explore one of the four caverns and the ruins of Peveril Castle, and hike up to Mam Tor for views of the rolling hills. Make sure to stop at Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese Inn to taste the white chocolate cheesecake that Gerhard still dreams about... Elsewhere in the Peak District you can find Eyam, the village that managed to escape the Plague, Baslow, a cute village of with plenty of independent shops and a Michelin starred restaurant, and Bleaklow, the 1948 crash-site of an American bomber.
30 Minutes Away - Car Only - Culture Deserving of its own spot in this list is the spectacular Chatsworth House. It contains an impressive collection of artwork and furniture, as well as sprawling gardens. So set aside a whole day, bring a picnic, and enjoy the hopefully beautiful weather at a classic English country house.
From Just Outside Your Door - Public Transport - Nature/Adventure There are plenty of walks around Buxton or further afield that suit people of all abilities. Check here: https://explorebuxton.co.uk/walks-in-buxton/ for a selection of walks starting in Buxton, or here: https://www.visitbuxton.co.uk/popular-walks/ if you want to explore more of the Peak District. If you're feeling particularly adventurous, you can take the three-day, 35 mile Gritstone Trail that starts at Disley Train Station (on the Buxton Line).
2.5 Hours Away - Public Transport - Shopping/Food/Culture/Sport If you're really stuck for things to do in the North-West, then London is a surprisingly accessible option. In only two hours, a high speed train will take you from Stockport (on the Buxton Line) to London where the world really becomes your oyster!