Manchester is pretty much out for small aircraft and so Barton is the obvious alternative...and it is as bumpy as you imagine it is,but it really is no problem...just make sure that we ain't sinking with the rain when u want to come but otherwise it's a great place to visit.Not much alternative to using the low level corridor other than a transit of the MAN airspace which is all honesty is unlikely (though IMHO the controllers at MAN are always friendly and ready to help,but I would personally not call them in the LLR).Check out your map,come up through the LLR and hang a right(ish) at warrington.Landings are cheap... coffee is crap (go for the hot chocolate instead)...welcome is very warm...and it is much much closer to Manchester than MAN is.
Best Wishes,
Beethoven