From countryside walks to exploring stately homes and historic buildings – here are some of the nearest National Trust estates
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Whether it's a scenic lake or picturesque park, there are a whole range of National Trust estates to visit in and around Greater Manchester.
So if you are looking for some weekend inspiration then look no further than our guide to the best National Trust spots in the area.
Many offer breathtaking scenes, great walks, cosy tearooms, cafes and even gift shops.
National Trust buildings also host regular and varied exhibitions to help inject culture into your weekend.
Most also have family-friendly gardens for children and allow dogs on guided walks – so there's something for everyone.
The National Trust is a charity that works to protect and preserve historic sites of interest as well as spots of natural beauty, opening them up for everyone to see and enjoy.
Here's our pick of 11 you can visit in our region.
Recently devastated by a number of fires over the Easter bank holiday, there's no better time to show your support for the precious moorland escape.
The trust has set up the Marsden Moor appeal where donations will go towards restoring the landscape over the coming months and years.
The varying moors change throughout the seasons making the area a spectacle whatever time of the year.
Landscapes include Pule Hill, where you can find the engraved poem by local poet Simon Armitage hidden in the quarry; Buckstones, which casts panoramic views; Eastergate, home to the ancient monument packhorse bridge, which used to transport wool; and Wessenden Valley, dominated by four reservoirs.
What's on
The annual spring plant fair takes place on Sunday May 19, 10:30am – 3pm, in the Old Goods Yard carpark.
Dog friendly?
Most of the guided walks are dog friendly, however dogs must be kept under close control during nesting season (March 1 to July 31).
Fastest way to get there
Transpennine Express train (30 mins) or A62 (54 mins)
Dark Peak is the perfect place to discover wild bluebells. Flowering from late April to early May or June, the flowers can be found paving the woodlands blue.
As well as spotting bluebells, there's also the chance to catch sight of mountain dwelling hares.
What's on
On May 31 at 11:00-2:30pm, you can take part in the Moorland Meander – Derwent Dams walk, which offers some of the best valley and moorland walking in the Dark Peak.
Dog friendly?
Dogs on leads are welcome to take part in all guided walks.
Fastest way to get there
Northern rail train (50 mins)
or A6 (1hr12)
Lyme Park near Disley is one of the closest National Trust destinations to offer a range of activity; showcasing a glorious 1400 acre deer park, grand gardens and moorlands, a varied events calendar, as well as hosting a number of places to eat, drink and shop.
It's also home to one of Cheshire's greatest houses where you can explore the stories of daily life dating back to the Regency. You can step back in time to discover the delights of the ballroom, or even have a spot of afternoon tea at the traditional tea parlour.
What's on
As well as unique events, Lyme hosts an array of regular social groups and if you're wanting to up your walking to running, there's even a ParkRun every Saturday morning.
Lyme caters for all eaters with two tearooms (open Friday – Tuesday), an ice cream parlour, and the Timberyard Cafe, which serves hot and cold sandwiches, soup, salads, jacket potatoes.
If you're in search some gift buys, then you're in luck with Lyme which includes Hall Shop, for a range of kitchen buys and treats, Timber Yard Shop for gardening, and for all bookworms, the Pre-Loved Bookshop.
Dog friendly?
Dogs have a great time at Lyme, and there's even a dog walking social group that takes place twice a month.
Fastest way to get there
via A5103 and A555 (49 mins)
A visit to this National Trust promises, which is between Macclesfield and Stoke, is an enlightening weekend of artist collections, a unique discovery of where geology meets theology, and the viewing of exotic gardens.
What's on
Theres loads to see and do at Biddulph, including a visit to the Egypt Garden, The Pinetum, which is a stone tunnel that weaves its way through conifers and oaks, and the unveiling of French hand-painted designs featured in the Drawing Room of the estate.
The next big event is in July where you get to meet the ground's gardener in the Meet our Gardener and Tour guide.
As well as the beautiful gardens, there's a tea room, gift shop, and garden shop.
Dog friendly?
Only assistance dogs are allowed in the garden so it's probably best to keep the four-legged friend at home for this one.
Fastest way to get there
via A34 (1hr6)
Northern rail and 94 bus (1hr29)
For all Tudor lovers, this is your chance immerse yourself in their daily life with talks, walks and events on offer at the Hall. Located in Cheshire it is less than an hours drive away from the centre of Manchester.
What's on
There are free guided tours inside the hall which are definitely worth taking part in. Here, you can become one of the Tudors and even dress like one, have a go at crafting a stained glass window, and even have the chance of making homemade butter – a staple to the tudor diet – with the Hall's May half term event, 'Get your body Tudor ready'.
The current exhibition, The Other Side of the Hall, also allows you to discover stories of four families from the twentieth century who lived there.
If you find yourself peckish after learning so much about the Tudors, luckily there's a locally sourced tearoom at hand.
Dog friendly?
Dogs are welcome on leads on the front lawn, but not inside the property due to the hall's listing as a grade one building.
Fastest way to get there
via M6 (58 mins)
Hare Hill near Maccelsfield is a haven for relaxing in a woodland garden surrounded by parkland, which makes it an ideal picnic spot.
The Wind in the Willows trail returns to Hare Hill at the end of May featuring original images by E.H Shepard. The adventures are re-enacted in the gardens making for a family-fun spectacular.
Although a fun spot for the children, dogs are not permitted in the gardens.
via A5103 (47 mins)
Nether Alderley Mill is a 500-year-old watermill close to the village of Nether Alderley in Cheshire.
It is one of only four virtually complete corn mills in Cheshire.
This weekend celebrates National Mills Weekend (May 11-12) where the medieval corn mill at Nether Alderley will come to life.
What's on
The pop-up exhibition discovers images of Nether Alderley Mill through the ages, documenting it's long history within the local landscape and community.
You can take a guided tour of the working machinery and discover the life of a miller. As well as this, you can see how Elizabethan bread differed from the bread we enjoy today, by making your very own loaf.
Dog friendly?
Only guide dogs are allowed inside the Mill.
Fastest way to get there
via A5103 (43 mins)
Northern rail and 130 bus (49 mins)
There are a number of walks at Alderley Edge varying in lengths and ability levels, which can ultimately lead you to the cosy Wizard Inn pub or tearoom.
What's on
There are a number of guided walks that can offer impressive views and some trails enlighten walkers about the legends that make the edge such a special place.
Dog friendly?
Dogs are welcome along the Cheshire countryside, and they offer a guide on keeping dogs safe in the area.
Fastest way to get there
via A5103 (42 mins)
Quarry Bank, near Styal, is one of Britain's greatest industrial heritage sites.
There's plenty of things to see and do here including a stroll through the gardens, the estate grounds, and a step inside the history of Hannah Greg in the Quarry Bank House.
What's on
Quarry bank hosts a number of exhibitions, ranging from storytelling sessions to outdoor activities. The full events calendar can be found here.
On your way out, you can grab a bite to eat as well as taking a piece of Quarry Bank home with you from the mill or garden shop, including homemade fabrics and clothes made at the Bank's heritage looms.
Dog friendly?
Only guide dogs are allowed inside the Bank and gardens.
Fastest way to get there
via A5103 (33 mins)
Northern rail (59 mins)
This national park beauty unbelievably lies only a short distance away from Manchester city centre and includes an historical estate with a neo-classical mansion, 50 acres of landscaped gardens, 1000 acres of deer park, a rare breed farm, and if that wasn't enough, a medieval Old Hall.
There's lots to do at Tatton Park, with a varied array of activities on offer, including The Tatton Ball, historic exhibitions, guided tours and photography skills workshops. The full list of events can be found here.
The Stableyard offers a wide selection of gifts, plants, local produce, and delicious treats are on offer in the restaurant and tearoom.
Dog friendly?
Only guide dogs are allowed on the grounds of Tatton Park and in the estate.
via A5103 and M56 (34 mins)
Like Tatton Park, Dunham Massey isn't far from Manchester centre and puts on a whole host of outdoor activity that brings its gardens to life with theatre and music. It even has its very own ancient deer park.
What's on
You can pack a picnic and relax with live music in the gardens every weekend throughout May and June. As well as this, theres a number of Spring events for the children to get involved with, including Percy the Park Keepers 30th anniversary.
In addition to live music, this summer the Chapterhouse Theatre Company presents three adaptations of classic books: Wuthering Heights, The Secret Garden and Pride and Prejudice.
If you're looking for a warming soup after being outside, the café and 18th century stable restaurant both serve hot meals as well as a selection of cakes.
Theres also a gift shop, outdoor cinema events, wildlife spotting and artist exhibitions.
Dog friendly?
Dogs are welcome on leads within the deer park, and can walk off lead in North Park.
Fastest way to get there
via A5103 and M56 (38 mins)
Green line tram and 5 Cat5 bus (1hr7)