Manchester has a great network of roads which makes it easy to navigate in and around the city. Once you’ve collected your hire car from the airport, drive along Ringway Road to get on to the M56 motorway. You can head west for Chester and Liverpool or travel east to make your way to Manchester city centre.

The M60 ring road gives you access to Manchester’s main attractions including MediaCity, the Trafford Centre and Old Trafford. It’s also a gateway to surrounding towns such as Rochdale, Bolton and Bury.

Once you’re in the city centre all major routes are clearly signposted. If you’re heading to Salford look for signs for the M602, while the A6010 will take you to Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium.

The Lake District isn’t far from the airport, accessible via the M61 and M6. To reach some of Yorkshire’s best destinations, such as York and Leeds, make your way to the M62.

Large parts of the city are pedestrianised and in order to ease congestion through the city there are one-way systems in place. The good news is Manchester has more safe car parking spaces than almost anywhere else in the UK, with more than 55,000 spaces spread across nearly 100 car parks.

As in Ireland, you’ll drive on the left-hand side of the road. Speed limits will vary depending on the location – on motorways and dual carriageways it’s 112 km/h, for single carriageways it’s 96 km/h and it’s 48 km/h in built up areas.

The unofficial capital of northern England wins hearts with its vibrant atmosphere and unique character. Boasting a well-balanced blend of history, art and culture, its home to an abundance of sights and attractions that’ll keep you busy during your northern break.

Explore Manchester’s treasures

Sport and shopping fans are both well catered for in Manchester. Retail therapy is available at the Trafford Centre, the UK’s second largest indoor shopping centre, or browse the cluster of independent boutiques in the Northern Quarter.

Sports fans can worship at two temples of football – Manchester United and Manchester City. Take the guided tour of your favourite stadium and pick up tickets for a match. If you want to indulge in the local way of watching a game, do it with a pie in hand.

You can also take a step back in time at the National Football Museum near the Arndale Shopping Centre and journey through the sport’s history.

Galleries and museums pepper Manchester’s city centre. The Museum of Science and Industry is one of the best, with an eye-popping collection of steam engines and locomotives. To get your art fix, make your way to the Manchester Art Gallery. Here you can wander exhibits filled with British art as well as works from European masters.

Escape the city centre

Tear yourself away from the heart of Manchester and explore the surrounding area. Salford Quays is home to MediaCity, featuring the BBC’s northern HQ as well as the famous Coronation Street set. Take a tour of the BBC studios and get a behind the scenes glimpse of some of the UK’s most loved shows.

Wander further down the Quays to the Lowry. Browse the shops of this ultra-modern arts centre and take in a performance – there’s everything from comedy to theatre to enjoy.

Discover foodie paradise at Altrincham Market, just a 15-minute drive from Manchester Airport. Here you can indulge in a myriad of lip-smacking dishes, with stalls selling everything from wood-fired pizzas to award-winning pies. The stalls showcasing artwork and jewellery are sure to hold a unique souvenir to take home with you.

Head out into the country

When you’ve finished exploring the city and suburbs, there are plenty of destinations on Manchester’s doorstep for you to explore, including the three Ls –Liverpool, Lancaster and Leeds.

Head north to discover the raw beauty of the Lake District. This incredible national park is filled with fells and lakes – the perfect stop for intrepid explorers. Pull on your walking boots and amble along trails through lush greenery, stopping off at quaint villages for a bite to eat.

More rural wonders can be found when you travel east to the Peak District. Wander around rocky outcrops and wild moorland, relishing the opportunity to breathe in the fresh country air.

While you’re in the area stop off at Bakewell, one of the area’s most beautiful towns. Pick up a Bakewell Pudding, the jam-filled pastry this market town is so well known for, then work it off with a gentle stroll around Chatsworth House, a beautiful estate with manicured grounds.

Whether you want to explore Manchester from top to bottom or go far and wide visiting various surrounding locations, car hire from Manchester Airport will allow you to do it all.