Manchester is an excellent location, as it’s in the middle of lots of different cities and interesting places; it also has great travel links so it’s perfect for days out. Here are four places you can directly visit from Salford Crescent train station for a bit of exploring or a fun day out.

1. Liverpool

Liverpool has got to be one of my favourite cities – it’s such a fun place to visit with your uni friends due to its great nightlife and aesthetic Albert Docks. I especially recommend visiting during October to November time as they put on the ‘River of Light’, an absolutely free event where Liverpool is lit up with interactive illuminations, featuring designs and sounds made by local and international artists. I visit every year to walk around and to just take in all of the illuminations and beautiful pieces of art scattered all over Liverpool – it definitely isn’t one to miss and it’s perfect for all ages. Liverpool is also the hometown of The Beatles , so if you’re a Beatles fan or even just a music lover, Liverpool is a great visit.

2. Blackpool

From theme parks and aquariums to the iconic Blackpool Tower, Blackpool is a great little escape from university if you’re looking for some adrenaline fun! From Salford Crescent, the train is only an hour long and once you arrive, a short 10 minute walk will take you straight to the beach where you’ll find a promenade of stores, restaurants and things to do. Tickets to visit Blackpool Pleasure Beach are around £33 for an adult if you fancy riding their classic ‘Big Dipper’ coaster and their famous hyper-coaster ‘Big One’. If you’d like to do something a little more festive in the colder months, the Blackpool Illuminations are a must visit, which is where thousands of lights are switched on around Blackpool, lighting up the seaside resort with twinkles and colours alike. The illuminations are on until January 2025 so make sure you visit.

3. Leeds

The city of Leeds awaits. It’s only an hour away when boarding the train at Salford Crescent and is a great city to tick off your list. Leeds is known for its large number of retail stores and shopping centres, so if you’re a shopaholic like me and love a bit of retail therapy, Leeds is for you! Leeds Trinity shopping centre was opened in 2013 and holds a crazy 1 million square feet of retail space, including 120 stores, so you’re bound to find everything you could possibly want in a shopping centre there. On top of this, it’s also the home of Bramham Park, which holds Leeds Festival annually. The festival presents some of the biggest artists and acts every year, such as Lana Del Rey, Arctic Monkeys, Post Malone and many more, so if you love a festival and enjoy your music, it’s a must visit, especially with it being only a city away from Manchester.

4. Peak District

If you fancy a scenic walk and some time in the countryside but you live in the city, why not visit the Peak District for some fresh air and quality time with your friends in nature? From Salford Crescent to Glossop, the train ride is just under an hour and even the journey is a picturesque route, smothered in greenery and hills. Whether you’re wanting to go on a hike or just having a picnic with your uni friends and explore the area, the Peak District is certainly the perfect spot.