10 great days out from Stockport

Are you looking for a great day out from Stockport? Here I’m going to share with you 10 different ideas for days out from Stockport that are about 1 hour away (possibly nearer 90 minutes for 1 or 2). These are all very different ideas but they’re all great days out. I’ve included cities, woodland walks, gardens, family attractions and a beach trip. Find more family days out North West here.

The best days out from Stockport

1. Take a day trip to Liverpool

Liverpool takes about an hour to reach by either car or train from Stockport so it makes a great day off. Liverpool offers a rich history, vibrant culture, and plenty of entertainment options for all ages. The city is home to iconic landmarks such as Liverpool Cathedral, and the Royal Albert Dock.

Visitors can also explore the city’s diverse neighbourhoods, each with its own unique character and charm. From the trendy Baltic Triangle to the historic Georgian Quarter, there is something for everyone in Liverpool.

There are loads of museums and art galleries too including the Beatles Story museum, The World Museum and Tate Liverpool. You can also enjoy a shopping trip to Liverpool ONE. You’ll also find loads of restaurants and cafes to eat in.

Overall, Liverpool is a great day out for those looking for a mix of history, culture, and entertainment. If you are visiting Liverpool with kids, then you need to read my guides to visiting Liverpool with kids of different ages.

Find things to do in Liverpool for teenagers here.

Find my guide for visiting with younger kids here – Things to do with toddlers in Liverpool (you’ll find ideas for older children too.

2. Vist RHS Bridgewater

RHS Bridgewater is the newest Royal Horticultural society garden which opened in May 2021. Whether you are looking for a day out with family, friends, or solo, RHS Bridgewater has something for everyone. There are miles of paths through the gardens to enjoy. The gardens are stunning in all seasons and there are cafes, a children’s play area and a shop and garden centre.

They run loads of great workshops and events throughout the year for families and for garden lovers. There’s always something new to see or learn at RHS Bridgewater too. You’ll love walking around the formal gardens like the paradise garden below or the kitchen garden. There are also meadows and woodland areas to explore too.

Find out more here – RHS Bridgewater

3. Go for a walk at Alderley Edge

Alderley Edge is a great place to go for a walk a short drive from Stockport. Alderley Edge woods are some of my favourite woodlands to explore in Cheshire. There are lots of different walking options, including walking to Hare Hill.

There’s a lovely natural play area for kids and a variety of walking options including ones for little legs and pushchairs. The views from stormy point are spectacular, over the Cheshire plains to Manchester. Find out full details of all the walking options in Alderley Edge here – Alderley Edge walks.

4. Visit BeWILDerwood Cheshire

BeWILDerwood is a fantastic family day out for kids from 2-12 years old. BeWILDerwood is based on magical children’s books written by Tom Blofeld. It is a woodland filled with tree houses, zip wires, slides and more fun outdoor adventures.

There is a craft tent and a storytelling theatre for loads more family fun. Picnics are welcome and there is a cafe too.

BeWILDerwood is a great family day out any time but they also run loads of great family events like at Easter and Christmas.

Find out more here – BeWILDerwood Cheshire

5. Go for a walk in the Peak District

Stockport really isn’t very far from the top side of the Peak District where there are loads of great walks that you can enjoy. You could also visit the stunning Chatsworth house.

There is something for everyone at Chatsworth. You can choose to tour the inside of the house and gardens, walk around the wider estate or visit the farm and playground.

Find out more here – Chatsworth House

6. Visit Delamere Forest

Delamere forest is another gorgeous Cheshire forest to take a walk in. This one is bigger than Alderley Edge and it has sculptures of the Gruffalo’s friends. There are various walking routes and there is usually a Julia Donaldson trail on. For 2023 it’s a Zog trail which you can find more about here – Forestry England Zog trails.

We love the walk up Old Pale. Once at the top you are rewarded with breathtaking views of 7 counties! It’s a short sharp climb, great for kids but not ideal for pushchairs.

Find out more here – Delamere forest walks

7. Visit Bruntwood park, Cheadle

Bruntwood park is a fantastic park to take the kids especially if you’re bored of all the parks in Stockport. There is a fantastic kids play area with equipment for all ages including a sandy play area and a digital game to get kids running between posts.

There is also a BMX track, cafe and opportunities for short woodland walks.

8. Take a day trip to Chester

Chester is a great city to visit for the day. It’s filled with history, shops and museums. Whatever your interests you’ll find something to do in Chester. You might choose to walk the city walks, explore the city centre shops and museums or stroll along the river.

Storyhouse is a great place to go to the cinema, a show or other activities. Make sure you check the website before you visit as they frequently have free events on including children’s crafts.

Of course, you could also go to Chester zoo. There are loads of animals to see as well as play areas.

9. Visit Trentham gardens

Trentham gardens are about an hour’s drive from Stockport. These gardens are absolutely stunning and well worth a day out. I love the beautiful metal fairy sculptures that are dotted around the gardens.

These gardens are huge and you can easily spend a full day here walking around the lake and gardens. There are cafes within the gardens too, an amazing kids’ play area, barefoot walk and maze too. There are plenty of sculptures throughout too.

Just outside the gardens is a large garden centre and small shopping centre with cafes and a mix of independent and high street shops.

Find out more here – Trentham gardens

10. Take a day trip to Talacre beach

This one is probably nearer to 90 minutes, but I think Talcre is well worth the drive if you fancy a trip to the beach. Located on the North Wales coast, this beautiful beach boasts miles of soft golden sand, dunes and a historic lighthouse right on the beach.

There are several car parks nearby and a cafe right by the beach, great for ice creams. We love the fish and chip shop just down the road at Talacre beach resort. You can’t beat ending a day on the beach with fish and chips!

There’s a coastal path that goes as far as Prestatyn. We’ve only made it as far as the Haven holiday park so far though but I’m sure as my girls get a bit older we’ll go further.

Where to next?

Fancy somewhere a little closer to home? Find loads of free things to do in Manchester with kids here.

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