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
September events: Be blown away at St Annes International Kite Festival
St Annes hosts the spectacular annual Kite Festival, featuring magnificent kites from all over the world.
Location: St Annes on Sea, Lancashire
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
Admire Blackpool's light fantastic
Every autumn, Blackpool lights up the Lancashire skies with a sparkling spectacle that has to be seen to be believed.
Location: Blackpool, Lancashire
November events: Experience Kendal’s version of the Oscars
Kendal is a magnet for mountaineers who don’t just come to climb, but to gather and celebrate all things mountainous at its annual festival.
Location: Kendal, Cumbria
November events: Eyes on the sky for Light Up Lancaster
See the skies over Lancaster light up this autumn at the North’s biggest firework display.
Location: Lancaster, Lancashire
September events: Go to the World Black Pudding Throwing Championships
This annual competition between Lancashire and Yorkshire, which dates back to the 1980's, sees black puddings hurled at a pile of Yorkshire puddings on a 20-foot-high plinth.
Location: Manchester, Greater Manchester
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
