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
June events: Country fair fun at the Royal Cheshire County Show
Spend the day tasting delicious local produce, watching monster truck displays and meeting birds of prey at the Royal Cheshire County Show.
Location: Knutsford, Cheshire
November events: Join the highbrow chit-chat at Chester Literature Festival
There’s no shortage of wordy stimulation and novel debate for book worms at the Chester Literature Festival.
Location: Chester, Cheshire
December events: Start off your Christmas season in Chester
Visit Santa, sip on mulled wine and spend the weekend celebrating all things festive in the beautiful city of Chester.
Location: Chester, Cheshire
Love cheese, love Cheshire
Sample Cheshire’s signature food product at local cheese shops or splash out on a cheese and wine tasting evening.
Location: Nantwich, Cheshire
July events: Bluedot festival
Go stargazing while being star struck by an out-of-this-world line-up of musical talent at bluedot festival.
Location: Blackden, Cheshire