With cobblestone streets, cosy cottages and rustic pubs, there’s something about villages which make them magical places to visit. Maybe the charm comes from the slower pace of life or the picturesque buildings - either way they can provide a place to escape to, away from the stresses of modern life, even if it’s just for a day out.
You don’t have to travel far from Greater Manchester to discover pretty villages in stunning locations. There are the quaint hamlets you’ll find in the Peak District, while Cheshire boasts more than its fair share of picture-perfect settlements.
Lancashire has several hidden gems waiting to be discovered too, one of which is the beautiful village of Croston. Less than an hour’s drive from Manchester, it’s nestled in the countryside halfway between Chorley and Southport.