Day Trips in Liverpool by Train

With its maritime history, iconic music scene and unique architecture, Liverpool is a UK city with a lot going for it. From the beautiful waterfront and docks, to buzzing neighborhoods, filled with independent shops, galleries and pubs, Liverpool offers visitors a mix of culture, heritage and local charm. Whether you’re drawn to Liverpool by the legacy of The Beatles or a passion for football, the city has something for everyone.

As a big part of North England travel, Liverpool boasts excellent rail connectivity, making it a perfect base for the North of England. Thanks to Northern Railway, day trips from Liverpool are straightforward, scenic and affordable, linking the city with picturesque towns, landmarks and countryside in under two hours.

Thanks to its excellent rail links, Liverpool is easy to reach from major cities and airports, and also well-connected for exploring the North of England. Northern Railway plays a key role in making train travel in Liverpool convenient, comfortable and scenic, perfect for travelers planning day trips or extended adventures during their time in the UK.

Northern Railway - exploring Liverpool and the surrounding areas

Liverpool is served by trains from many other cities, including London, Manchester, Birmingham and nearby airports. From London Euston, direct trains operated by Avanti West Coast take between two and three hours, depending on the service you choose. These run frequently throughout the day.

Manchester Airport is the closest major entry point to Liverpool, with direct Northern Railway services taking around an hour to reach Liverpool Lime Street. For those flying into Liverpool John Lennon Airport, the quickest way into the city is by bus or taxi.

Northern Railway operates frequent services from Liverpool to a wide range of destinations across the North of England, including Manchester, Leeds, Blackpool, Wigan and Chester. Trains run regularly, with exact times depending on the route and time of day. Services are modern and comfortable, with features like wifi, power sockets, accessible seating and onboard toilets.

Main train stations in Liverpool

The city’s main station is Liverpool Lime Street, located in the heart of the city and within walking distance of many key attractions, including St George’s Hall, the Walker Art Gallery and the shopping district around Church Street. The station has restaurants, cafes, ticket offices and everything else you would expect from a busy train station. If you’re going on day trips from Liverpool, you’ll likely start your journey at Liverpool Lime Street.

Liverpool Central Station is also close by, offering convenient access to the Liverpool ONE shopping center and the Albert Dock area.

North England travel: scenic routes and memorable journeys from Liverpool

Train travel from Liverpool isn’t just about getting from A to B, it’s also a chance to enjoy the beautiful landscapes of the North West. One particularly scenic route is the journey to Windermere via Oxenholme Lake District Station, where rolling hills and lakes offer stunning views along the way. The route to Chester passes through peaceful rural villages and the Cheshire countryside, while trips to Leeds showcase the beauty of the Pennines.

There’s no shortage of things to see and do in Liverpool. Whether you’re enjoying a day in the city in between day trips from Liverpool, or you’re stopping off as part of a larger North England travel itinerary, you won’t find yourself struggling to find things to experience.

Sightseeing and culture in Liverpool

• See key sites by wandering through Royal Albert Dock, home to the Merseyside Maritime Museum and Tate Liverpool, ideal for art and history lovers.
• For quieter walks, explore the Georgian Quarter and local pubs with Victorian flair.

Dining and foodie favorites

• Head to the Baltic Triangle for impressive restaurants where dishes reflect both Liverpool’s industrial past and northern produce.
• Explore the city’s independent cafes, restaurants and cocktail spots, and enjoy everything from relaxed brunches to fine dining.

Tours, festivals and experiences

• Take a free walking tour to get an overview of Liverpool’s history and local legends.
• Heading to Liverpool for the music? Explore its legacy with a Beatles themed day tour.
• If you’re going to Liverpool in the summer, check out the Liverpool International Music Festival (LIMF) featuring big names and emerging artists.
• Global Scouse Day on February 28th pays tribute to Liverpool’s signature stew and Scouse, celebrated across bars and restaurants.

Chester

A day trip from Liverpool to Chester is convenient, taking only 45 minutes by train from Liverpool Lime Street. Northern Railway runs frequent services, making it easy to travel there and back in a day. Once you arrive in Chester, you can explore the city’s heritage by walking the ancient city walls, visiting the impressive Chester Cathedral, and enjoying the shops in the medieval Rows. Tickets are affordable and easy to book online or through Trip.com with off-peak options and Railcard discounts available.

Windermere and the Lake District

If you’re craving a break from city life, take a day trip from Liverpool to Windermere and the Lake District. Trains from Liverpool Lime Street to Oxenholme take between one and two hours, depending on the route you choose, with easy changes via Preston. It’s the perfect day trip from Liverpool if you want lakeside walks, boat trips or hikes for panoramic views of the national park.

Blackpool

If a classic seaside experience is more your thing, a day trip from Liverpool to Blackpool can’t be missed. It’s full of family fun, nostalgia and bright lights. With a train that takes approximately one hour and 20 minutes, from Liverpool Lime Street to Blackpool North, you can be in the heart of the town in no time. Blackpool offers everything from the iconic Blackpool Tower to the rides at the Pleasure Beach. You can also wander along the sandy beach, explore the piers or visit Madame Tussauds.

Book your train travel in Liverpool via Northern Railway and explore everything the city and its surrounding area have to offer. Head over to Trip.com and use the code NORTHERNUK2025* to get 10% off UK train tickets in Liverpool and other cities across the UK.

*Offer valid on Northern services only until December 31, 2025, for new registered Trip.com users outside the United Kingdom. This offer can be used in combination with flash sale discounts, welcome offers, and Railcard discounts.

Check out some of our other UK travel blogs, giving you an unmatched insight into North England travel and day trips from some of the UK’s busiest cities.

Day Trips in Leeds by Train

Day Trips in Newcastle by Train

Day Trips in Sheffield by Train

Day Trips in York by Train

Day Trips in Manchester by Train