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
Rainy Day Activities: Get hands on at the National Football Museum
Explore the world's largest football collection, learn about the history and culture of England's national sport and take part in other footy-related indoor activities at Manchester's National Football Museum.
Location: Manchester, Greater Manchester
Rainy Day Activities: Visit Manchester’s Science and Industry Museum
Find out how Manchester’s famous inventions helped shape the modern world, from the world’s first steam-powered mill to the splitting of the atom, at this fantastic indoor attraction.
Location: Manchester
Imperial War Museum North
Get an insight into the wars and conflicts that have shaped both England and the world at the Imperial War Museum North.
Location: Manchester, Greater Manchester
Rainy Day Activities: Aim for a strike at All Star Lanes
Bowling, dining, cocktails and perhaps a touch of karaoke - a simple combination of indoor activities that guarantee a memorable boutique experience.
Location: Manchester, Greater Manchester
Discover England’s home of football in Manchester
Experience the history and drama of the nation’s favourite sport on a Manchester United Museum and Stadium tour, and at the National Football Museum.
Location: Trafford, Greater Manchester
Get the inside story on Manchester’s music scene
See the sights of the city that inspired Manchester’s legendary music scene and made it the envy of the world, with Manchester Music Tours.
Location: Manchester, Greater Manchester
Head down to The Quays for a day out on the docks
There's always something happening at The Quays, Greater Manchester's most exciting waterfront destination.
Location: Salford and Trafford, Greater Manchester
Uncover the secrets of HiDDEN Manchester
Unlock a wealth of history and culture with HiDDEN, a collection of eight ‘hidden gem’ attractions dotted in and around Manchester’s city centre.
Location: Manchester and Salford
Celebrate Roald Dahl’s life and adventures at Tatton Park
Let imaginations run wild at Tatton Park this autumn on a magical journey exploring the lifeworks of one of Britain's most-loved children’s authors.
Location: Manchester, Greater Manchester