A Travel Price Comparison for United Kingdom Manchester vs. Loch Lomond National Park for Food, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Manchester or Loch Lomond National Park?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Manchester and Loch Lomond National Park can help you decide which place is right for you.

Manchester

Manchester is a vibrant, dynamic, and diverse city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It's also popular because of the nightlife, live music, and food.

Loch Lomond National Park

Loch Lomond National Park is a serene, peaceful, and relaxing national park. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include hiking.

Manchester and Loch Lomond National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
  • Big city activities
Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Public transit not as usable


Is there more to do in Manchester or Loch Lomond National Park?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Manchester than Loch Lomond National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Manchester is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Loch Lomond National Park is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. Manchester is more touristy than Loch Lomond National Park and is known for its strong music culture as well as being home to the world-renowned Manchester United Football Club. Also, Manchester is famous for The National Football Museum. Loch Lomond National Park is well known for becoming the first designated national park in Scotland in 2002.

How is Manchester different from Loch Lomond National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Loch Lomond National Park and Manchester. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Manchester or Loch Lomond National Park?

Manchester
Loch Lomond National Park

Manchester is a great city for its historical sights. However, Loch Lomond National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Manchester. Head to the Science and Industry Museum, the Imperial War Museum North, Manchester Cathedral, or John Rylands Library & Manchester Central Library to see some of the cities most interesting sights.

Loch Lomond National Park does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Manchester or Loch Lomond National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Manchester
Loch Lomond National Park

Manchester is a great city for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Loch Lomond National Park is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Manchester has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. You'll find a great food scene with diverse restaurant options that include international flavors, vegetarian options, and more. There are also many great places to try craft beer.

Loch Lomond National Park offers some easy restaurants to choose from. You'll find some traditional Scottish food to sample but in general for the best food, head to one of the nicer hotels in the area.

Is Manchester or Loch Lomond National Park Better for Nightlife?

Manchester
Loch Lomond National Park

Manchester is a great city for its evening party scene. However, Loch Lomond National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

The nightlife in Manchester has something for everybody. The nightlife scene is diverse and high energy. Head to Deansgate or the Northern Quarter for some of the best nightlife venues. You'll also find a huge rave scene in town.

Loch Lomond National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Manchester or Loch Lomond National Park Better for Music?

Manchester
Loch Lomond National Park

Manchester is a great city for its music scene. However, Loch Lomond National Park is not a live music destination.

Manchester has a thriving music scene. There's a long running music reputation here. Some of the iconic bands that began here include Oasis and Stone Roses.

Loch Lomond National Park is not a live music destination.


Is Manchester or Loch Lomond National Park Better for Hiking?

Manchester
Loch Lomond National Park

Loch Lomond National Park is very good for hiking. However, Manchester is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting Loch Lomond National Park. You can choose from relaxing walks or more strenuous hikes and options run along the shoreline or into the surrounding hills and forests. Some of the more popular hikes in the area include Ben Lomond, Conic Hill, and Callander Crags.

Manchester is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Manchester or Loch Lomond National Park?

Manchester
Loch Lomond National Park

Manchester is a great city for its shopping areas. However, Loch Lomond National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Manchester. From jewelry to boutique clothing outlets, there are many places to shop around town. Head to Manchester Arndale, Trafford Centre, or Market Street for some of the best shopping.

Loch Lomond National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Manchester or Loch Lomond National Park Better for Families?

Manchester
Loch Lomond National Park

You'll find superb kid-friendly activities in either Manchester or Loch Lomond National Park.

Manchester is a very family-friendly destination. You'll find a number of kid-friendly activities around town including the popular Legoland Discovery Center. Another fun activity is taking a behind the scenes CBBC interactive tour at MediaCityUK. Animal lovers will enjoy visiting the SeaLife Aquarium or the Chester Zoo and sports enthusiasts will not want to miss a visit to the National Football Museum or doing a tour of Old Trafford where you can also visit the Manchester United Museum.

Loch Lomond National Park is a very kid-friendly city. You'll find a wide range of diverse activities for kids around the park. They can explore the maze at the Lodge Forest Visitor Center, get up close with animals at Loch Lomond Bird of Prey Centre, Blair Drummond Safari and Adventure Park, or Loch Lomond Pony Trekking, or have an adventure at Doune Castle. Other highlights for the kids include Wellsfield Farm and the Maid of the Loch Paddle Steamer.


Is Manchester or Loch Lomond National Park Better for Couples?

Manchester
Loch Lomond National Park

Both Manchester and Loch Lomond National Park are superb destinations to visit as a couple.

Manchester is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Couples can enjoy a visit to a spa, a nice meal out, or simply wandering down the canal. For a unique experience, you can hit to slopes at Chill Factore.

Loch Lomond National Park is a very popular place to visit for couples. There are many waterfront accommodation options that make for a beautiful and peaceful couples retreat. The nature and serenity is perfect for couples who want to get away from it all.

Is Manchester or Loch Lomond National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Manchester
Loch Lomond National Park

For backpackers, both Manchester and Loch Lomond National Park are notable places to visit.

Manchester is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. You'll find hostels around town and a number of visitors, particularly during the sports season.

It's common for backpackers to visit Loch Lomond National Park. There are some camping options available for backpackers and those who want to experience nature in its fullest.

Is Manchester or Loch Lomond National Park Better for Students?

Manchester
Loch Lomond National Park

Manchester is a great city for its student-friendly activities. However, Loch Lomond National Park is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Manchester. There's a large number of students as well as a great music scene and tons of festivals that make this a great city to do your studies.

Loch Lomond National Park is not popular with students.


Is Manchester or Loch Lomond National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Manchester
Loch Lomond National Park

Manchester is a great city for times when you don't have a car. However, Loch Lomond National Park is not known for its public transit.

Manchester offers a very effecient public transportation network. The city has bus, train, and tram options for travel.

Public transit is generally limited in Loch Lomond National Park. You can reach the park by train, but transportation option within the area are generally limited.

Is Manchester or Loch Lomond National Park a more walkable city?

Manchester
Loch Lomond National Park

Manchester is a city with good options for its ease of walking around. However, Loch Lomond National Park is not a walkable destination.

Manchester is a somewhat walkable city. Some neighborhoods are more walkable than others.

Loch Lomond National Park is not a walkable destination.

For even more information, also check out Is Manchester Worth Visiting? and Is Loch Lomond National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Loch Lomond National Park or Manchester?

How long in Manchester or Loch Lomond National Park?

It's fun to spend time in either Manchester or Loch Lomond National Park. In our opinion, Manchester has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Manchester than Loch Lomond National Park. However, 2-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Manchester than Loch Lomond National Park. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Manchester, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Manchester than Loch Lomond National Park. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Manchester that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Manchester than Loch Lomond National Park if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Manchester.


  • How many days in Manchester or Loch Lomond National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Manchester 2-4 
    Loch Lomond National Park 2-4

One day in Manchester or Loch Lomond National Park?

Manchester is a diverse city where you can fill many days. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

With around the serene national park of Loch Lomond National Park, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.


A weekend in Manchester or Loch Lomond National Park?

Manchester is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

With around the destination of Loch Lomond National Park, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this national park.

Five days in Manchester or Loch Lomond National Park?

Manchester is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. It offers something for everyone.

Loch Lomond National Park, a popular national park, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Manchester or Loch Lomond National Park?

Manchester is a popular choice for travelers. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Loch Lomond National Park is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Edinburgh, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United Kingdom, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United Kingdom, and The Best Historical Tours in United Kingdom.


Which place is cheaper, Loch Lomond National Park or Manchester?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Manchester is £184, while the average daily cost in Loch Lomond National Park is £61. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Manchester and Loch Lomond National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Manchester £71
    Loch Lomond National Park £31
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Manchester £142
    Loch Lomond National Park £62
Compare Hotels in Manchester and Loch Lomond National Park

Looking for a hotel in Manchester or Loch Lomond National Park? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Manchester


Hotels in Loch Lomond National Park


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Manchester Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Manchester £19
    Loch Lomond National Park £20
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Manchester

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Manchester are as follows:


  • Rail to Airport
    £11
  • Parking in Manchester
    £3.00

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Manchester

Also for Manchester, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Round-Trip Transfer From Manchester Airport to Old Trafford Stadium: $279
  • Private Transfer from Manchester Airport (MAN) to Hull: $276
  • Manchester Airport (MAN): Private Transfer to Liverpool City: $249
  • Private Transfer from Manchester Airport (MAN) to Wrexham: $233
  • Private Transfer from Manchester Airport (MAN) to Goole: $228
  • Private Transfer from Manchester Airport (MAN) to Conwy: $200
  • Private Transfer from Manchester Airport (MAN) to Harrogate: $198
  • Private Transfer from Manchester Airport (MAN) to Burton-upon-Trent: $190
  • Private Transfer from Manchester Airport (MAN) to Doncaster: $187
  • Private Transfer from Manchester Airport (MAN) to Fleetwood: $172
  • Private Transfer from Manchester Airport (MAN) to Liverpool City Centre: $158
  • Manchester Airport(MAN) to Liverpool- Round-Trip Private Transfer: $157

Is it cheaper to fly into Manchester or Loch Lomond National Park?

Prices for flights to both Loch Lomond National Park and Manchester change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Manchester £55
    Loch Lomond National Park £15

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Manchester

For Manchester, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Hard Rock Cafe with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $30
  • Hard Rock Cafe Manchester with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $33
  • Pistachio LOVERS Italian Dinner Experience: $35
  • Private Italian Dinner with a Romantic Night Experience: $63
  • 2 Hours Sicilian Wine Tasting and Dinner at Manchester: $76
  • Manchester Food Tour with a Local Guide: $87
  • Half-Day Manchester Food Tour with Lunch: $89
  • 3-Hour Guided Manchester Food Tour with Lunch : $95
  • Private Food Tour with Local Guide: $199

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Manchester £30
    Loch Lomond National Park £16

Tours and Activities in Manchester

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Manchester.

  • SEA LIFE Manchester Admission Ticket: $21
  • 3-Hour Manchester Shopping Tour with a Stylist: $119
  • 3-day Yorkshire Dales and Peak District Tour from Manchester: $522
  • A Silent Disco Adventure in Manchester: $21
  • Alcotraz Prison Cocktail Experience in Manchester: $51
  • Breathtaking Manchester – Walking Tour for Couples: $235
  • Breathtaking Manchester – Walking Tour for Couples: $463
  • Chatsworth and Peak District Small-Group Tour from Manchester: $74
  • Christmas Charms of Manchester – Private Walking Tour: $566
  • City River Tour: $15
  • Craft Beer Tour around Manchester: $51
  • Craft Brews of Manchester – A Private Beer Tour: $666

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Manchester £9.90
    Loch Lomond National Park £3.93

Sample the Local Flavors in Manchester

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Manchester:

  • Bar Maid-led Pub Crawl for Special Events: $47
  • Four hour walking wine tasting tour of Manchester's best bars: $101


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Manchester and Loch Lomond National Park, we can see that Manchester is more expensive. And not only is Loch Lomond National Park much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Loch Lomond National Park would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Loch Lomond National Park and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Manchester would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Manchester than you might in Loch Lomond National Park.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Manchester Expensive? and Is Loch Lomond National Park Expensive?.


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