Birmingham-Manchester. Anywhere nice to stop?

[Holdingtherope]

Just as title says.

Is there anywhere nice between brum and Manchester particularly with. I’ve independent shops, charity shops, nice views? Little town somewhere

Thanks

Anyone.

Nice market town?

Knutsford?

Depends on the route? A roads of M6? Peak district would be lovely but ot close to the motorways. Bakewell, Buxton, Hathersage etc

In my opinion the stretch between Birmingham and Manchester is to be got past and quickly and effectively as possible. It is blowing my mind that someone may want to stop somewhere.

(Disclaimer: I am usually driving south from Scotland and that stretch normally the busiest traffic wise, so all our route calculations are done to whizz past there in the least amount of time. I don't know the area at all)

Not quite what you asked for but this place is fabulous for a few hours explore and nice lunch www.nationaltrust.org.uk/biddulph-grange-garden

Seconding Knutsford

I am a member though so it would be free for me (£7 a month for 1 adult 2 kids - well worth it imho)

Is Stone still nice?

Nantwich is a very atmospheric town with old black and white timber buildings dotted around the cobbled streets. There is a range of quirky gift and speciality shops including Dagfield’s crafts and antiques and Mandi Boo. Visit Ginger & Pickles for an amazing afternoon tea. Nantwich has both an indoor and outdoor market which is open on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturdays.

Knutsford is a shopping haven. It has a wonderful selection of boutiques, including a perfume boutique, but as well as fashion there’s everything else to buy too. It’s an excellent place to buy a unique gift. Knutsford Maker’s Market is on the first Sunday every month where they sell amazing food, drink, arts and crafts and there’s a real buzz.

The Castle Quarter in Macclesfield has an array of unique and eclectic shops, bars and restaurant. Macclesfield markets are known as Treacle Market and is one of the largest artisan markets in the UK. They are held on the last Sunday of every month.

Depends how close to the m6 you want, and how long a break you want to take really 🤷🏼‍♀️

Do you really need a break between Birmingham and Manchester?? It's only about 90 miles. Knutsford is nice. As is Wilmslow.

Well if you are M6 bound I'd certainly just do it in one.

If you need a break

Nantwich

Trentham Gardens

Both close to M6

Trentham Gardens is just off the M6 at junction 15. The gardens are beautiful and they have an outlet shopping centre alongside it.

I don’t need a break due to short distance.

Just wanted to make a day of it.

Thanks so much.

Think I’ll try Buxton

Buxton seems further north then I would like.

I have done Knutsford.

Nantwich might be an option. Is sandbach nice or keele?

Buxton is miles off M6 unless

Making a day of it and not using motorway you could route through

Macclesfield, Buxton, Ashbourne and Lichfield if time isn't an issue.

Beautiful drive

Unless it's changed dramatically in the past few years there's nothing in Keele unless you want to have a look round the university or play a round of golf.