Manchester’s excellent road links make it easy to visit the city’s top attractions, as well as venture further afield.

Ringed by the M60 and a network of A roads, you can follow the A56/Chester Road to visit Manchester United’s home ground, Old Trafford, as well as The Lowry, a contemporary hub at the heart of Salford Quays housing theatres, galleries, restaurants, cafes and bars.

For a spot of retail therapy, head along the A56/Bury New Road to find Manchester’s clutch of shopping centres, as well as the independent boutiques of the Northern Quarter. The sprawling Trafford Centre with its more than 200 stores and restaurants is also within easy reach of Manchester city centre.

Once you’ve explored all Manchester has to offer, a hire car will enable you to head further afield to discover some other great northern cities. 

Follow the M62 to Liverpool, home to footballing rivals Everton and Liverpool. Along with its footballing roots, the birthplace of the Beatles has an equally rich musical heritage and the largest collection of museums and galleries outside of London.

In the opposite direction, the M62 will take you to Leeds, where the array of stylish shops and trendy boutiques have justifiably earned this reborn Yorkshire city the nickname ‘Knightsbridge of the North’.

The Peak District National Park is on Manchester’s doorstep and worlds away from the fast-paced city. Soak up the stunning landscapes of this natural beauty spot and head out on an expedition through its rolling hills.

The Yorkshire Dales National Park, 90 minutes away from Manchester via the A56, offers otherworldly scenery and plenty more opportunities to amble, as well as a clutch of quintessentially English country pubs. What can beat a hearty pie after a long walk?

Just like in Ireland, you’ll drive on the left-hand side in the UK. All occupants must wear seatbelts and the use a mobile device while at the wheel is banned. Speed limits vary by type of road and conditions, ranging from 70mph (112km/h) on motorways to 30mph (48km/h) or lower in urban areas. Remember to keep a close eye on road signs to avoid a fine.

Visit Manchester and you’re likely to find its effervescent spirit quickly rubbing off on you. Once the birthplace of the industrial revolution, the city now offers an eclectic mix of shops, restaurants, museums and galleries. Squeeze in as much as you can before heading out into its neighbouring cities and countryside.

Two teams, one city

Manchester is home to not one but two top-class football teams, who are among the most successful clubs in the Premier League era.

You’ll find the Reds, Manchester United, in the Trafford area a couple of miles south-west of the centre, while the home of the Blues of Manchester City lies to the east, adjacent to the A6010.

If you’re able to bag tickets it’s well worth experiencing the electric atmosphere first-hand – if not, tours of both stadiums are highly recommended to learn more about the history of these great clubs.

Art, theatre and thriving nightlife

Manchester isn’t short of cultural gems – from museums to theatres and historic landmarks, this is a city with plenty to discover.

Elizabeth Gaskell's House is a beautifully restored Victorian home where the author of novels including Cranford and Mary Barton lived with her family. With the help of knowledgeable guides, you’ll be given a fascinating window to the past.

The Manchester Museum on Oxford Road houses everything from ancient Roman and Egyptian artefacts to live reptiles, but the undoubted highlight is Stan – the second most complete Tyrannosaurus Rex ever unearthed.

Manchester is also blessed with some great live entertainment venues – check out a show-stopping production at the Palace Theatre or enjoy some of the world’s best music, comedy and more at the huge Manchester Arena.

Manchester’s nightlife is world-famous. Take your pick from an array of lively bars and fine restaurants. Head to the vibrant and quirky Northen Quarter for hip independent bars and great eating options that take in everything from quick bites to elegant dining.

Head for the hills

It’s just a short drive from Manchester to several national parks, but the pick of the bunch is the Peak District. Drive here and you’ll be whisked away to a place of tranquillity and epic scenery.

Once you park up, high moorland and limestone dales provide the backdrop to exploration on foot or two wheels. Each trail is different – some offering a short leisurely stroll, others a longer, more challenging hike or bike ride.

Whichever you choose, finish off your day with a trip to the quaint town of Bakewell. Here you can try the market town’s famed pudding – much deserved after a day roaming the great outdoors. 

Feel the music in Liverpool

If any city in the UK can rival Manchester’s musical and footballing heritage then it has to be Liverpool. And it’s only an hour’s drive away on the M62.

A UNESCO World Heritage site and City of Music, Liverpool’s museums and galleries are second only to those in London. Most famously, of course, this is the birthplace of The Beatles and you’ll find plenty of opportunities to indulge in a pilgrimage to the Fab Four.

A trip here wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Albert Dock, where you can admire the incredible memorabilia at The Beatles Story museum, gaze upon contemporary masterpieces at the Tate Liverpool and learn about the city’s maritime heritage at the Merseyside Maritime Museum.

Take a trip to the seaside

If you’re visiting Manchester with little ones in tow then a trip to the seaside could be just what you’re looking for.

The lively resort of Blackpool is just over an hour away from Manchester via the M61.Use the famous Blackpool Tower as your marker – this iconic landmark has stood since 1894 and offers spectacular views from the top.

But that’s not all. Inside the tower you can enjoy the the fun of the circus or take a step back in time inside the spooky dungeons. Head over to the Pleasure Beach, where thrill-seekers can relish riding white-knuckle roller coasters against a backdrop of the glistening sea.

If you’re looking for a more sedate seaside experience, the M61 is also your route to the charming Lytham St Annes and traditional resort of Southport. The latter boasts scenic parks and gardens, plus a range of family attractions including a water park and the Pleasureland fun park.

Car rental in Manchester will enable you to travel in and around this major northern city, taking in all the great sights and spots at your own pace.