Land at Manchester and check into your Manchester stay; use this morning to drop bags, freshen up and get an Oyster-like travel card (or buy a railcard) for cheaper travel later.
Have a quick breakfast at your Manchester base before catching the train; trains to Bath Spa depart from Manchester Piccadilly and take ~3h (buy advance tickets).
Early breakfast and train from Bath Spa to London Paddington; advance fares are cheapest — journey ~1h30 to Paddington then tube to Colindale (Northern line via Euston or Jubilee + Overground).
Explore Camden Market for street food and affordable buys; walk along Regent’s Canal to Little Venice for scenic views — markets open daily though busiest weekends.
Light breakfast then take public transport to Kew Gardens; it’s slightly pricier to enter but peaceful and beautiful if you want a nature day (open ~10:00–18:00 seasonally).
Take the tube to explore Brick Lane for bagels, vintage shops, or Borough Market for food stalls — great budget food choices and open most days (Borough busiest Fri–Sun).
If you want theatre, try day-of discounted tickets at TKTS/lottery offers for West End shows; otherwise continue exploring museums or galleries (free options exist).
Walk the waterfront at Salford Quays, visit the Lowry Centre (small fee for some exhibitions) and the Imperial War Museum North (free entry), open ~10:00–17:00.