There are many stately homes and gardens in the area but three stand out in particular: Dunham Massey Hall (tel: (0161) 941 1025; website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk) with its impressive red brick house and ornate gardens; Lyme Park (tel: (01663) 762 023; website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk), perched on the edge of the Pennines; and perhaps the most famous of the three, Tatton Park (tel: (01625) 534 435; website: www.tattonpark.org.uk) with its world famous mansion and incredible gardens.

The Pennine Hills in the stunning Peak District National Park (website: www.peakdistrict-nationalpark.com) flank the city on three sides and are an easy train ride out from the city and a must-visit for outdoor enthusiasts for their rugged beauty. Other interesting towns and cities within a 45-minute drive of Manchester include Bolton, Bury, Rochdale, Oldham and Stockport.