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
Get in touch with your inner Tarzan at Go Ape
Looking for some active fun? Stop monkeying around and spend the day at Go Ape where you can fly down a zip wire or leap off Tarzan Swings.
Location: Northwich, Cheshire
Land Rover driving and falconry fun at Peckforton Castle
Always wanted to test drive the latest Land Rover? Spend the day at Peckforton Castle and get ready for the drive of your life.
Location: Tarporley, Cheshire
Family fun at Blakemere Village
If you're looking for a day out that’s great for adults and also family-friendly, why not head to Blakemere Village?
Location: Northwich, Cheshire
View Chester from an open-top vintage bus
Ride the open-top vintage bus on a Chester Tour and see the city’s archaeological and architectural heritage.
Location: Chester, Cheshire
Romans, racing and the famous Rows in Chester
Discover Roman walls, medieval shopping galleries and England’s oldest racecourse in the historic city of Chester.
Location: Chester, Cheshire
Discover King Richard II's hidden fortune at Beeston Castle
A magical site with stunning views, long walks through rich woodland and plenty of nooks and crannies to explore.
Location: Beeston, Cheshire
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
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
A thrilling day at Chester Races
You can’t beat a fantastic day at the races, so get dressed up and pick up your race card for a day of fun and socialising.
Location: Chester, Cheshire
Rainy Day Activities: Uncover underwater secrets at Blue Planet Aquarium
Discover clown fish, reef magic, giant octopus and plenty more indoor activities as you immerse in this underwater world.
Location: Ellesmere Port, Cheshire
Take the whole family to Chester Zoo
Venture to tantalising tropical islands in the heart of Cheshire with innovative exhibits at the UK’s most popular zoo.
Location: Upton near Chester, Cheshire
Get your thrills and spills at Gulliver’s World
With more than 50 rides and attractions suitable for the whole family, a short break to Gulliver's World is sure to leave you giddy with glee.
Location: Warrington, Cheshire
Retail heaven at Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet
Spend the day in the incredible shops with fabulous discounts across hundreds of designers, there’s every reason to splurge.
Location: Ellesmere Port, Cheshire
A weekend of champagne and romance at The Chester Grosvenor
Spend a romantic break at The Chester Grosvenor in the heart of the ancient city of Chester. Enjoy a couple’s massage, drink champagne and eat spectacular food in this beautiful hotel.
Location: Chester, Cheshire
Stirring parkland and rural heritage at Tatton Park
Spot deer as you wander around ancient parkland, explore richly furnished rooms and see a real working farm at this stately home in the Cheshire countryside.
Location: Knutsford, 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