Stopovers are frustrating waiting games that leave travellers sitting willingly, wasting hours. However, you can make the most of your time by finding something to do nearby.
Sitting in an airport for hours on end can be draining, especially when you’re so close to Manchester, a city brimming with attractions and hidden gems waiting to be explored.
Whether you have a few hours or half a day to spare, there’s a wealth of things to do near Manchester Airport that will transform your layover into a memorable experience.
From serene parks to cultural landmarks and unique shopping destinations, there’s something for every traveller just a short distance from the airport.
Manchester City Art Gallery
The Manchester Art Gallery houses an extensive collection of artworks spanning centuries.
Escape the madness of the airport and explore various exhibitions, from classical pieces to contemporary installations.
The gallery is just over 9 miles from the airport. Admission is free, though some special exhibitions may require a fee.
Legoland Manchester
If you’re looking for things to do with kids near Manchester Airport, the LEGOLAND Discovery Centre is a standout choice.
The indoor attraction is about 8 miles from the airport and will keep both parents and children aged three to ten happy and occupied.
It features interactive rides, a 4D cinema, and plenty of opportunities to create your own LEGO masterpieces.
Admission fees start from £18.50 per adult when booked online in advance. If you can book ahead of time, look for deals online. They often offer combination tickets with the Sea Life Manchester Aquarium, which is next door.
The Trafford Centre
The Trafford Centre is one of the UK’s largest shopping malls and a great place to spend a good few hours on a layover from Manchester Airport.
It’s still about 9 miles from the airport, but it won’t take as long to get there as there is no City Centre traffic to battle through.
Here, you’ll find a wide range of shops and restaurants, as well as multiple entertainment options, including a cinema and mini-golf.
Imperial War Museum Manchester
Situated approximately 9 miles from the airport, the Imperial War Museum North offers an incredible look into the impact of conflict on society.
Here, you can explore a range of interactive exhibits and personal stories that will help you gain a deeper understanding of history.
Admission to the museum is free, though donations are welcomed.
The Lowry
The Lowry is a great place to escape to if you’re cultural and are looking for things to do near Manchester Airport. With theatres, galleries and exhibitions, it’s a great place to leisurely spend a few hours.
With performances ranging from drama to dance, it also houses works by artist L.S. Lowry.
Entry to the galleries is free, but theatre performances will need tickets.
The Printworks
The Printworks is open from 6.30am till 4am, so if you’ve got a stopover at Manchester Airport in these times, there’s bound to be something to fill your time with.
Located roughly 9 miles from the airport, The Printworks entertainment complex offers dining, a cinema, a gym, mini-golf, karaoke, and more.
If you want to spend your time in Manchester doing something fun, The Printworks is a great place to head to.
National Football Museum
Football fans can spend stopover time at Manchester Airport visiting the National Football Museum.
Located over 10 miles from the airport, it’s worth the journey if you’re a football fan.
It’s a must-visit place for football fans, with interactive exhibits, memorabilia, and a unique insight into the sport’s history.
Entry prices start at £5 for children and £14 for adults; those under 5 go free.
Quarry Bank Mill
National Trust site Quarry Bank Mill is a beautiful site just over two miles from Manchester Airport. On the site, you’ll find the preserved textile mill, the Apprentice House, Quarry Bank House, 400 acres to roam with picturesque gardens, a children’s playground and plenty of spots for eating and shopping.
If you’re a member of the National Trust, it’s free to visit. Those who aren’t will need to pay an entrance fee; prices start at £11 for children and £13 for adults.
Runway Visitor Park
If you have a short layover but still want to leave Manchester Airport and find something nearby to do, the Runway Visitor Park is the ideal solution.
Located adjacent to the airport, it offers the chance to watch aircraft take off and land and a retired aircraft is on display.
Entrance is free, but there are parking charges.
White Peak Alpaca Farm
White Peak Alpaca Farm is another great option for those looking for things to do with kids near Manchester Airport.
It will take you nearly 8 miles to get to this destination, and here, you’ll have the opportunity to meet and walk with alpacas in a picturesque setting. Any animal lover will enjoy the visit here.
Booking in advance is needed. Entrance to the farm is £5 per person, a meet-and-greet with the alpacas is £10 per person, and a walking experience will cost £25 per person. Under 2s go free, and the walking experience is not recommended for those under the age of 6.
Tatton Park
Tatton Park is another National Trust site that is a great place to visit if you’re looking for things to do near Manchester Airport.
The historic estate features a mansion, gardens, and a deer park. Visitors can enjoy scenic walks and explore the estate’s rich history. Tatton Park is definitely an idea to bookmark for layovers in spring and summer.
Access to the mansion, gardens, and farm will cost £7 per child and £9 per adult. Parking charges also apply.
Football Stadiums
Old Trafford and Etihad Stadium are two more sites that football fans might want to visit on a stopover at Manchester Airport.
Stadium tours are available at the homes of Manchester United and Manchester City, offering behind-the-scenes access to these popular clubs.
Prices for tours at the Etihad Stadium start at £26 per adult, and for tours at Old Trafford Stadium, they start at £28 per adult.
Dunham Massey
Just over 9 miles from Manchester Airport, Dunham Massey is a stunning Georgian house set within a deer park.
Visit this site to explore the historic house, gardens, and parkland. It’s a great place to stretch your legs and get some fresh air between flights.
Entry prices start at £3 for children and £6 for adults.
Manchester Gin Distillery
Calling all gin lovers who are looking for things to do near Manchester Airport, the Manchester Gin Distillery is the top location to have on your list.
Here, you can go on a guided tour to learn about gin production and, of course, enjoy tastings along the way.
Tour ticket prices from £30 per person.
Ensure that your layover at Manchester Airport is enjoyable and memorable with one of these attractions, which offers unique experiences and ample memories.
If you’re looking for reliable transportation to get you to and from these airport excursions, then get in touch with Sky Transfers, who will be happy to help you make the most of your layover time at Manchester Airport and ensure that you arrive back in time for your next flight.
Leave a Reply