Landscapes filled with lakes, estuaries buzzing with birdlife and revolutionary cities with sporting histories: the North West has something for everyone. Explore iconic cities that are as famous for their music scenes as their grand industrial buildings and museums. Hear The Beatles resonate from street corners in Liverpool and the Stone Roses and Oasis rock in fashionable Manchester. Switch off the sound in the Lake District as you retrace trails between ethereal peaks, fells and tarn lakes. Or head for the bright lights of the seaside under hedonistic Blackpool's blazing seafront illuminations. Welcome to a sports lovers' paradise with county crickets grounds, iconic horse races and Premiership football clubs to boot.
North West England
Take the plunge canyoning in Cumbria
Ever looked at a waterfall and rather than reaching for the camera, thought ‘I’d like to climb down that’? If so, you’re about to discover your new favourite sport – canyoning.
Location: Bowness, Cumbria
Enjoy a boat trip on Canal River Trust's Waterways
Spend your weekend exploring Cheshire’s incredible waterways, at Anderton Boat Lift and the National Waterways Museum.
Location: Anderton, Cheshire
Glide through the waterways of unspoilt Cheshire
Take in quaint villages, welcoming country pubs, majestic industrial heritage sites and even castles on a boat trip through the county’s canals.
Location: Audlem, Cheshire
Discover The Lakes by Canoe
Canoe along the Derwentwater and discover something special about being close to the water.
Location: Keswick, Cumbria
Explore the historic and lively city of Lancaster
Uncover Lancaster’s ancient and haunting history at its hilltop castle and enjoy the vibrant nightlife in one of England’s Heritage Cities.
Location: Lancaster, Lancashire
Go barging round Lancashire
Abandon the hustle and bustle of everyday life and head for the peace and stunning scenery of Lancashire, with a canal boat cruise
Location: Burnley, Lancashire
Rest and romance in the iconic Lake District landscape
Leathes Head Country House Hotel is the ideal spot to spend some much-needed time for two in the heart of the Lake District.
Location: Borrowdale, Cumbria
Enjoy a canal boat adventure on Lancashire's Waterways
Enjoy the stunning Lancashire countryside in all its winter glory on a slow, dreamy holiday cruise along the Leeds to Liverpool Canal as featured on ITV’s Barging Round Britain.
Location: Lancashire
Pick a favourite lake from a tour of ten
Not for nothing is this tour named the ‘Ten Lakes Spectacular’ – it takes you to see some of the Lake District’s show-stopping sights in one day.
Location: Lake District, Cumbria
Take a leisurely and scenic cruise on the Lakes
The Lake District is one of the country’s most famous beauty spots, and where better to take it all in that from the lakes themselves?
Location: Lake District, Cumbria
Visit the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution
By 1860, Lancashire was producing half of the world's cotton via its mills, hills and waterways, which you can now explore.
Location: Pennine Lancashire