Waking up in the dark, going home in the dark and spending all day sat at your desk can often leave you craving the outdoors and fresh air when you have some free daylight hours during the weekend.
Luckily, there are loads of villages, nature parks and attractions that are within easy day trip distance of Manchester.
Here are some of our favourites.
5. Chatsworth House
The Peak District sits on Greater Manchester’s doorstep, making it an obvious choice for day trips. There are several villages you can explore, as well as Chatsworth House, a Grade I listed house with 105-acre grounds. It has fountains, mazes, and flower displays, as well as cafes, shops, and a children’s adventure playground. It’s also not far from Bakewell if you also fancy a wander around the village. (Credit: Chatsworth House) | Chatsworth House
6. Brockholes Nature Reserve
The Wildlife Trust site in Preston is ideal for nature lovers, particular bird-watchers. Spread across 205 acres, there are bird hides, plenty of walking trails, a play area, and a whole range of exciting events running throughout the year. When it’s time for a rest, you can head to the idyllic floating Visitor Village. (Photo: Lancashire Post) | National World Photo: Lancashire Post
7. Pendle
Halloween may be over, but it’s still worth a visit to Pendle, the UK’s answer to Salem famed for its witch trials. You can roam Pendle Hill and Ribble Valley, or book onto one of the witch tours to learn more about the area’s dark past. (Photo: Norman Caesar) | Norman Caesar
8. Dunham Massey
Mancunians do not have to travel very far at all to get to Dunham Massey, a National Trust site with a historic 17th century house, free-roaming deer, beautiful gardens and historic parkland. There’s also a restaurant and cafe for when you need some rest and refreshment. (Photo: National Trust) | National Trust