James Martin McCarthy’s extreme daytrip to Manchester (Image: James Martin McCarthy)
The trend of ‘extreme daytripping’ has been gaining traction on social media, with creators snapping up cheap flights to a different country and returning home on the same day after a quick tour of their destination.
Manchester is no exception to this trend. Despite the seemingly impossible task of experiencing all that the city has to offer in just a few hours, BelfastLive’s James Martin McCarthy decided to give it a shot.
He embarked on a journey across the Irish Sea, spending a mere £28 on his flight, and described it as one of the most unusual days he’s had in a long time.
James shared his experiences. The concept of extreme daytripping was something I’d heard about, but the expense of flying somewhere for just a few hours had always deterred me.
However, when I discovered that return flights from Belfast to Manchester were available for just £28, it seemed like a bargain compared to the cost of a taxi from my house to Belfast City Centre, which can range from £27 to £35 each way.
James Martin McCarthy’s extreme daytrip to Manchester (Image: James Martin McCarthy)
How could I resist? £28 is probably less than what I’d spend on lunch. So, I convinced my cousin, booked the flights, and our plan was in motion.
We boarded the 7:05 am flight, tired but filled with excitement. The new security measures at Belfast International made navigating through the airport a breeze.
From parking my car in the long-stay car park to sitting in the departure lounge, it took less than 10 minutes, which was a pleasant surprise.
Our flight to Manchester was delayed due to a welfare issue with the first officer, but once we were airborne, it took less than an hour. Before we knew it, we were landing and trying to cram as much into our day before our 8pm return flight.
The journey from the airport to the city centre was swift, straightforward and surprisingly affordable at £5.90 for a return train ticket. Navigating the city was also easy thanks to the trams’ tap on and off system, which saw us spend £3.50 on multiple trips throughout the day.
Our first stop was one of those unusual destinations you don’t typically find in travel guides. But for anyone like me who grew up watching Blue Peter, the garden is a nostalgic must-see.
Hidden in Media City, the Blue Peter Garden felt oddly tranquil for being in the heart of a bustling city centre hub. There it was, the classic sunken pond, the statue of Petra the dog, and of course, the iconic Blue Peter ship.
James Martin McCarthy’s extreme daytrip to Manchester (Image: James Martin McCarthy)
I half-expected a presenter to pop out and give me another badge to add to my childhood collection of six. It was a strangely soothing start to the day as we strolled through the small garden, reminiscing about time capsules and DIY projects gone awry.
Just a stone’s throw away from Media City, you’ll find the set of Coronation Street. Devoted fans can book a trip to their visitor experience, where they can wander through replica sets and on weekends, tours of the backlot are available.
Here, you can stroll down the famous cobbles and snap a photo outside the iconic Rovers Return.
As our visit fell on a Tuesday, we opted out of the experience due to ongoing filming which meant no access to the actual set. However, we did meander around the perimeter, catching sight of the Weatherfield Police Station, the community centre, and a Freshco delivery van – a familiar sight for regular viewers of the show.
Our next stop was Old Trafford. Even as someone who isn’t a huge football fan, stepping into the Theatre of Dreams was an awe-inspiring experience.
Time constraints prevented us from taking a full tour, but simply standing outside the colossal stadium, beneath the towering statues of legends like Sir Alex Ferguson and Sir Matt Busby, gave us a sense of its rich history. We could almost feel the electric atmosphere of a match day, walking with the crowds towards the stadium.
A handful of tourists were scattered about, snapping selfies and purchasing overpriced merchandise. We resisted the temptation to buy anything, aware of the stops still ahead, but it was tempting to grab a scarf as a memento of our visit.
Perhaps next time. After all, we still had Manchester to conquer.
As lunchtime approached, we were drawn to Manchester’s Chinatown, the second-largest in the UK. The striking red archway greeted us as we meandered through the bustling streets, brimming with eateries, bakeries and shops offering everything from dim sum to bubble tea.
We popped into an Asian supermarket for some snacks to add to our backpacks before exploring the area and capturing a few photographs.
No city visit is complete without indulging in some retail therapy, and Manchester’s Arndale Centre certainly delivers on that front. As we entered, I was immediately struck by the sheer number of shops stretching out before us, ranging from high street staples to more unique finds, and even a market reminiscent of the iconic Inn Shops.
We ambled around for a bit longer, but with time constraints, we didn’t dwell too long in any one store. There was still much more to see.
James Martin McCarthy’s extreme daytrip to Manchester (Image: James Martin McCarthy)
Our final significant stop was Canal Street, renowned as Manchester’s vibrant LGBTQ+ district. As the day transitioned into late afternoon, Canal Street was buzzing with its characteristic lively energy.
Rainbow flags adorned buildings, and there was a palpable sense of enjoyment as people savoured drinks at outdoor tables alongside the water. Opting not to stop for a drink, we chose instead to stroll around a little longer before heading back towards the city centre and the iconic Afflecks, a treasure trove of all things quirky and unusual.
As the evening drew near, we found ourselves heading back to the airport. We navigated through security, tired yet exhilarated from the day’s adventures.
Settling into our plane seats, I was astounded by how much we’d managed to do. All of this, and still back home before 9pm.
For a mere £28, it was one of the most extraordinary and memorable days I’ve experienced in a while. There’s something inherently absurd about jetting off to another city, squeezing in a full day of exploration, and returning the same night.
Yet, it’s often these moments of absurdity that make the experience all the more unforgettable.