North West

It is the contrast and contradictions in the North West that makes it so special.

Although dominated by the breathtaking scenery of the Lake District, urban attractions such as cosmopolitan Manchester and maritime Liverpool have much to offer. Journey a bit further to discover the Roman and Medieval roots of Chester, the wealth of Lancashire’s historic houses and gardens, a rich industrial heritage, vast canals and waterways, and exciting events.

Cheshire 

Peaceful countryside and stunning vistas are only a partial view of what Cheshire brings to the North West.
The charms of the old walled city of Chester and the scenic towns and villages dotted through the county are a world away from industrial towns like Runcorn and Warrington. Years on from the industrialisation, popular cities, Manchester and Liverpool, are the centre of Cheshire’s social scene, but if that’s not your thing then it has plenty of rural and historic treasures to discover.
Visit Iron Age forts, Roman ruins, Tudor cottages, medieval churches and stately homes like Arley Hall, Tatton Park and Capesthorne Hall.

Unlock the wonders of Cheshire’s waterways at the National Waterways Museum, learn about the big bang and explore the invisible universe at the Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre, or enjoy the award-winning Ness Botanic Gardens overlooking the Dee Estuary.
Serious outdoor enthusiasts can also enjoy the native terrain of the nearby Peak District and North Wales.

Cumbria

Do not be fooled by the idea that the Lake District is all Cumbria has to offer.
Albeit the destination is one of great beauty with its mountains, lakes, woods, and outdoor pursuits, this magical corner of England has a lot to behold for both newcomers and frequent visitors.

The peaceful Eden Valley to the east of the county is sheltered by the towering hills of the Pennines and populated with charming little red sandstone villages and reminders of the Roman era, is perfect for gardens and the area is particularly famous for rhododendrons and azaleas.
In Spring, you can discover the delights of the magical, constantly changing light and the joy of finding carpets of wild flowers. In Autumn, the deciduous woodlands and bracken coloured hillsides glow with colour, and in Winter, the snow covered mountain tops dazzle enchantingly against blue skies.
In terms of outdoors pursuits, everything from walking, climbing and orienteering to potholing, cycling, riding, golf, sailing, sailboarding, canoeing, fishing and waterskiing, is available here. If you find yourself wanting a break from the great outdoors, Cumbria boasts a special collection of heritage sites, including significant stately homes that have stood for centuries, a wealth of historic houses, small cottages where famous writers have resided and attractions to entertain the whole family, including The World of Beatrix Potter. Cumbria’s beauty finds much favour as a film and TV location – the cobbled streets of Alston, on the River South Tyne and the highest town in England, has been used for numerous TV sets.

Lancashire

Lancashire’s natural beauty shines through its superb walks, wild crags, valleys, fells and streams. Taking its name from Lancaster, a city that has stood since Roman times, Lancashire boasts a magnificent past just waiting to be uncovered.
Find fine museums, explore atmospheric castles including Lancaster and ruined Clitheroe, and discover intriguing monuments including an imitation of the Taj Mahal, the Ashton Memorial in Lancaster.
Southport, Lytham St Annes, Morecambe and Fleetwood offer fantastic attractions including golf, bracing walks and glorious beaches.

The most famous of Lancashire’s destinations, Blackpool, is renowned for its stunning display of lights which draw millions of holiday makers every year.

Manchester

Often referred to as the Capital of the North, Manchester is bursting with culture, excitement and activity and really hits the spot for those with a craving for a city break. The arts are never too far away with galleries, museums, libraries and theatres on every corner.

The City Art Gallery displays its famous pre-Raphaelite collection while the Halle Orchestra regularly fills the Bridgewater Hall. Manchester’s prosperity can be traced back to the 14th century when Flemish weavers arrived to transform a market town into a thriving boom city at the forefront of the Industrial Revolution and these days has plenty of reminders of its historic past with buildings like the medieval Chethams Library and Manchester Cathedral.
Castlefield is the site of the 79AD Roman fort of Mamucium, the 1761 Bridgewater Canal and the Manchester end of the world’s first passenger railway (which ran between Manchester to Liverpool) in 1830, now celebrated as part of the extensive MoSI (the Museum of Science and Industry).
Once you’ve explored the area’s great heritage, shop ‘til you drop or dine in style at Manchester’s unique Salford Quays waterside development – in one spectacular square mile, you’ll find shopping, sports, restaurants, the arts, history and world-class architecture.

Merseyside

Cosmopolitan Liverpool, with its exciting attractions, unbeatable sporting and musical heritage, fabulous events, and contemporary shopping and dining, has always aimed high.
Growing rapidly from a small settlement into a prosperous port where emigrants sailed for the New World and immigrants arrived from Ireland, through the swinging sixties of The Beatles and massive urban regeneration, to today’s modern and increasingly hip tourist and shopping destination, Liverpool is a dynamic city with ‘a boat load’ to see and do.
Today the ocean going liners are fewer, but the Liverpool waterfront has been revitalised and is now home to a diverse range of activities and attractions with a backdrop of breathtaking architecture, new and old. The majestic Three Graces Cathedral and Liver Building are stunning examples of Liverpool’s architecture and only a glimpse of the fascinating history of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. The revitalised Albert Dock complex was at the forefront of the 1980s regeneration and a trip to the waterfront is incomplete without a boat tour on the River Mersey for the stunning views.
Culturally, Liverpool has the largest collection of museums and galleries outside London, including Tate Liverpool, the Merseyside Maritime Museum, the Bluecoat (a cutting-edge arts centre housed in a 300-year-old building), The Beatles Story, The Liverpool FC Museum, The Walker Art Gallery, the fabulous new Museum of Liverpool and the International Slavery Museum.
The city is also renowned for theatre and music at venues from The Playhouse (Britain’s oldest repertory theatre) to the Symphony Orchestra and the Cavern Club, famously associated with the Beatles. A vast collection of mouth-watering bars, cafés and all kinds of restaurants means you are spoilt for choice on every visit – enjoy everything from a relaxing cup of coffee to a romantic dinner à deux. Outdoors, there are plenty of scenic parks and gardens - the stunning Palm House in Sefton Park, one of Liverpool’s best loved green spaces, is particularly spectacular.
Another Place is a piece of modern sculpture by Sir Antony Gormley which has become a major tourist attraction on Crosby Beach North of Liverpool. The area is also home to a wealth of industrial heritage and a historic coastline. Wirral’s Port Sunlight is a unique 19th century garden village created for the Sunlight Soap factory workers with a fascinating museum experience, while Southport is a traditional seaside town set on over 22 miles of natural coast, with the UK’s oldest iron pier and a world class golf course.