There’s nothing quite like a good day out shopping. Whether you’re hunting for a designer bargain, browsing independent boutiques, or simply fancy a wander round a traditional market with a coffee in hand, there are some brilliant shopping destinations within easy reach of Manchester.
From bustling cities and outlet villages to charming market towns and festive Christmas markets, there’s something for every kind of shopper. And the best part? When you travel by coach, there’s no worrying about parking, and no carrying your bags back across a busy car park!
So, if you’re planning your next retail therapy session, here are some of our favourite shopping day trips from Manchester.
1. Chester & Cheshire Oaks
📍 Chester and Ellesmere Port, Cheshire
~1hr 🚌
Why choose one shopping trip when you can have two?
Chester is one of the most picturesque shopping cities in the country. Its famous Rows, the two-tiered, galleried shopping streets in the heart of the city, are home to a lovely mix of high street names and independent shops, all set against a backdrop of timber-framed buildings and Roman city walls.
Just down the road, Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet is one of the UK’s best-known outlet destinations, with a huge range of designer and high street brands at reduced prices.
Bullocks run a Chester Special trip, giving you the choice of spending the day in Chester, at Cheshire Oaks, or visiting both. Perfect for those who like a bit of history with their bargain hunting! Organising a trip for your own group? We also offer coach hire to Chester.
2. York
📍 York, North Yorkshire
~1hr 40 mins 🚌
If you like your shopping with a generous helping of charm, York is hard to beat.
The city’s winding medieval streets are packed with independent shops, tearooms and boutiques. The Shambles, with its overhanging timber buildings, is a must-see, and there’s plenty more to discover around every corner.
And when you need a break from the shops, York Minster, the city walls and the Jorvik Viking Centre are all close by.
Bullocks run regular York Shopper trips throughout the year. And come December, our trips to York’s St Nicholas Fayre are a festive favourite, with Christmas stalls filling the city streets. You can also book private coach hire to York for your group.
3. Liverpool
📍 Liverpool, Merseyside
~1hr 🚌
Just down the road from Manchester, Liverpool is a fantastic choice for a city shopping day.
Liverpool ONE brings together a huge range of shops, restaurants and leisure spots in the heart of the city, while Bold Street is the place to go for independent shops and cafés. Add in the historic Royal Albert Dock and stunning waterfront, and there’s plenty to fill your day.
Bullocks run Liverpool for the day trips, so you can enjoy the atmosphere, food and shopping without the hassle of driving into the city.
4. Boundary Mills
📍 Colne, Lancashire
~1hr 30 mins 🚌
For the serious bargain hunters among us, Boundary Mills is something of a legend.
This huge store is packed with famous name brands at reduced prices, covering everything from fashion and footwear to homeware and gifts. It’s the sort of place where you pop in for one thing and come out with ten!
There’s also a café on site, so you can refuel before heading back for round two.
Bullocks run Boundary Mills Shopper trips, so you can spend the day shopping and leave the driving to us.
5. Fleetwood Market & Cleveleys
📍 Fleetwood and Cleveleys, Lancashire
~1 hr 30 mins 🚌
Fancy a traditional market day with a seaside twist?
Fleetwood Market is an award-winning traditional market on the Fylde Coast, and it’s well loved by visitors from all over the North West. With a wide variety of stalls selling everything from clothing and household goods to local produce, it’s a great place to while away a few hours.
Bullocks combine Fleetwood Market with a visit to nearby Cleveleys, so you can enjoy a stroll along the promenade and a breath of fresh sea air too. And if you love the Fylde Coast, don’t miss our Blackpool day trips.
6. Southport
📍 Southport, Merseyside
~1hr 20 mins 🚌
Southport offers a shopping experience with a touch of Victorian elegance.
Lord Street is one of the most attractive shopping streets in the country, lined with trees and beautiful glass-canopied verandahs. You’ll find a mix of well-known shops, independent stores and plenty of cafés along the way.
And with its sandy beaches and famous pier, Southport makes for a classic British day out. Bullocks run day trips to Southport, too!
7. Skipton
📍 Skipton, North Yorkshire
~1hr 20 mins 🚌
Known as the gateway to the Yorkshire Dales, Skipton is a delightful market town with plenty to explore.
The high street hosts a bustling market, and you’ll find independent shops, local produce and cosy cafés tucked away along its streets and alleyways. If you fancy a little history, Skipton Castle sits at the top of the town.
Skipton is particularly special at Christmas, and Bullocks run trips to the Skipton Christmas Market - one of the biggest events in the town’s calendar.
8. Bakewell
📍 Bakewell, Derbyshire
~1hr 20 mins 🚌
We couldn’t finish without a trip to the Peak District!
Bakewell is a charming market town on the River Wye, full of independent shops, gift shops and delis. And of course, no visit would be complete without trying a famous Bakewell pudding.
Bullocks run trips to the Bakewell Christmas Market, giving you the chance to pick up some unique gifts in a beautiful festive setting. And if you’d like to make it extra special, our Chatsworth for Christmas trip includes entry to Chatsworth House and its famous Christmas market. Chatsworth is one of our favourite gardens to visit in the UK, too!
Enjoy a shopping day out with Bullocks
With so many brilliant shopping destinations within easy reach of Manchester, a shopping day trip is a wonderful way to treat yourself, or get ahead on your Christmas list!
And when you travel by coach, getting there is all part of the fun. There’s no need to worry about navigating busy city centres, finding a parking space or lugging your shopping bags back to the car. Just sit back, relax and enjoy the journey.
Whether you’re planning a trip with friends, a community group, a social club or simply fancy a day out on your own, Bullocks Coaches can help make it a day to remember.
From designer outlets and city centres to traditional markets and festive Christmas fayres, there’s plenty waiting to be discovered.
Ready to plan your next shopping trip? Get in touch with Bullocks Coaches today, book onto a leisure trip or a private coach, and let us do the driving.
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