Hotels near Manchester Airport
Manchester International Airport is one of the UK’s busiest airports, with three terminals operating just under 600 flights daily. Whether exploring European destinations like Amsterdam, Spain or Portugal or catching a long-haul flight to New York, Mexico or Hong Kong, travelling from Manchester Airport means plenty to do nearby.
The best things to do near Manchester Airport include:
- The Trafford Centre
- Science and Industry Museum
- National Football Museum
- National Trust – Quarry Bank
- Tatton Park
Things to do near Manchester Airport
Looking for things to do near Manchester Airport? Between the bustling terminals packed with shops, restaurants and bars to the vibrant city on your doorstep, you won’t be short of options whether you’re inside the airport or out.
1. The Trafford Centre
10 miles from Manchester Airport
If shopping makes you smile, you’ll be beaming at The Trafford Centre. This vast indoor shopping and entertainment centre is among the best in the North West, a world-renowned retail destination home to favourite brands, restaurants and family activities.
Browse high-street and designer shops, plus sprawling department stores, including Selfridges and John Lewis. Visiting with little ones? Paradise Island Adventure Golf, Laser Quest and an arcade should be enough to keep them amused.
2. Science and Industry Museum
9 miles from Manchester Airport
If you have time to head into Manchester City Centre, hop on the train from the airport and reach the Science and Industry Museum in 35 minutes. Once there, you’ll learn about Manchester’s industrial heritage and come face to face with groundbreaking machinery that shaped the world.
Permanent galleries at the Science and Industry Museum include ‘Experiment’, where all ages can play and discover with interactive displays. The Textiles Gallery tells the story of Manchester’s famous cotton trading. The museum also hosts changing special events and exhibitions for something different each time you visit.
3. National Football Museum
10 miles from Manchester Airport
Manchester’s National Football Museum is a world-leading institution that preserves and displays football memorabilia. Whether you support one of Manchester’s Premier League teams or your loyalties lie elsewhere, football fans can come together to enjoy the impressive collections at the museum.
The Football Heritage Collection houses over 40,000 objects, including art, photographs, posters, kits, medals and trophies. See Pelé’s passport, Roger Hunt’s 1966 World Cup final shirt, the order of service for George Best’s funeral and more when you spend a couple of hours exploring.
4. National Trust – Quarry Bank
3 miles from Manchester Airport
A stone’s throw from Manchester Airport, Quarry Bank is one of Britain’s most significant industrial heritage sites. The imposing historic cotton mill sits against a backdrop of landscaped gardens and green space, making Quarry Bank a place of contrasts.
Learn what it was like to work in a cotton mill and see heritage machinery in action. You can also find out about the life of Samuel Greg, the founder of Quarry Bank, and enjoy the lush Cheshire countryside that surrounds the mill today.
5. Tatton Park
9 miles from Manchester Airport
For a breath of fresh air close to the airport, make a beeline for Tatton Park. The Tudor mansion is the gem of this historic estate, surrounded by acres of landscaped gardens and a vast deer park. Explore the beautiful hall or head out for a long walk in the park; Tatton is a perfect place for picnics or dog walks year-round, with a cosy café and museum to warm up on chilly days.
Questions about hotels near Manchester Airport
Looking for your perfect hotel near Manchester Airport? Whether you want to enjoy the local area for a few days before your flight or spend a weekend resting after a long-haul journey, Manchester is an exciting place to hang around.
How far is Manchester Airport from the city centre?
Manchester Airport is nine miles from the city centre, a journey which takes around 20 minutes by car or 15 minutes by train. Because the city and airport are so well connected, it’s easy to pop into Manchester during a long layover or visit the city before or after your flight. Explore the many local attractions, shops, restaurants and bars, or wander around the vibrant streets and get a feel for the North West gem.
How do I get from Manchester City to Manchester Airport?
There are four ways to get from Manchester City Centre to Manchester Airport on public transport: taxi, train, tram or bus. Taxis pick up and drop off outside the terminal buildings; hop in or book a ride from the city and reach departures in no time. Or take the train from Manchester Piccadilly station to the airport and back. Metrolink tram services depart from Manchester Victoria station, while buses travel between many local neighbourhoods and the airport.
Where are the best hotels near Manchester Airport?
Our hotels in Manchester offer the best of both worlds: easy access to the airport and the whole city on your doorstep. Leonardo Manchester Central is minutes from Oxford Road train station and Manchester Art Gallery. Meanwhile, Leonardo Manchester Piccadilly is within walking distance of Manchester Piccadilly, where trains can take you to and from the airport in around 15 minutes.