After arriving in Manchester in mid-April '08, I'm wondering if we are better off going to the Peak District or the City of Chester for the day. I'll be arriving on a redeye that morning with my wife and two children, ages 9 and 10.

Thanks for your input!

well - that sort of depends on what sorts of things you want to see/do. Both have a lot to recommend.

(But do you really want to be driving around on unfamilar roads after an overnight flight?)

I echo the concern about driving after a long overnight flight.
The A537 to Buxton is the second most dangerous road in the UK.
I'd either stay in Manchester or settle for Chester.

Better yet, stay in the charming village of Great Budworth, not at all far from the airport...

The driving issue matters.

It's quite difficult to get much mileage from the Peak District unless you can drive around, or unless you're doing some serious walking (probably too serious for 10 yos)

But a train from the airport to Chester (OK, you have to change, but the airport website might show a direct bus) gives you a pretty, once Roman, city, with lots the kids can play with, and that doesn't demand too much from a flight-fugged brain. And it's totally unpredictable when any of your brains will start functioning

I'd say Chester wins hands down. Which is absolutely not to say I'd stay than that night

I am a bit concerned with "for the day" It could be read as if he is planning a day trip!! Hope I am wrong. If you mean, which is best after arrival for a longer stay I would ask--How did you manage the last time you did the redeye? or is this your first trip? If this is in fact your first trip I would really suggest you follow the advice of janis and MissPrism.

We would be departing Manchester at around 10am and then driving to either location. Would most likely find a place to stay near that location so that we don't have to make two trips during our first jet lagged day.

W/ the latest info - Chester is the only one that makes sense. The Peak district is not a "place" where you arrive and park the car. It is a scenic region where you'd have to drive around all day to see the sites.

Chester is a destination where you can park the car at your B&B while you off to explore the town. Plus it is motorway all the way from MAN so you wouldn't need to navigate narrow country roads.

Driving still isn't recommended - but of the two Chester would be the best choice.

Thanks Janis. Looks like Chester is the top choice right now. Seems to be less than an hour drive from Manchester and we should certainly be able to find a b&b close by that would allow us to crash early if needed.

I'm still trying to figure out if dropping the car off at Heathrow is the best choice or staying on the outskirts of London and taking the train in each day. Any advice here?

I may have posted this to one of your other threads - My rec is to drop the car off at LHR and stay in central London. You have little enough time in the city as it is. To spend 30-60 minutes each way commuting in/out of London will really eat into your sightseeing time. Plus having a hotel nearby allows you to pop back during the day of need be. To drop off shopping, or change clothes, or just rest a while. Not possible if you are 20 miles out of London.