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
Explore the tranquil gardens at Tatton Park
Spread across the grounds of a historic estate in Cheshire, Tatton Park have been carefully expanded and cultivated since Edwardian times.
Location: Knutsford, Cheshire
Enjoy a picnic, zoo & make pottery at Walton Hall & Gardens
Spend the day enjoying the gardens, testing your golf skills and entertaining the kids at Walton Hall and Gardens.
Location: Warrington, Cheshire
Discover 1,000 years of history at Chester Cathedral
Journey through hundreds of years of history and discover hidden spaces as you climb to the top of the cathedral tower.
Location: Chester, Cheshire
Discover Chester's Roman, heritage and spooky history
On a guided tour of Chester you’ll meet Roman soldiers, float along the River Dee and find out the spine-chilling tales of the city’s past.
Location: Chester, 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
Step into the Industrial Revolution at Quarry Bank
This fascinating industrial heritage site transports visitors back to 18th century Northern England and the life of a thriving cotton mill community.
Location: Styal, 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
Picture Mr Darcy coming out of the lake
The magnificent house, gardens and deer park at Lyme Park was the filming location for the BBC version of Pride and Prejudice.
Location: Lyme Handley, Cheshire
Romance at Peckforton Castle and Combermere Abbey
Combermere Abbey and Peckforton Castle make for a romantic trip you’ll never forget.
Location: Nantwich, Cheshire
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
Go behind the scenes of Manchester’s Town Hall
Explore the spectacular staterooms and corridors of the Victorian gothic-style Manchester Town Hall.
Location: Manchester, Greater Manchester
Explore England’s industrial past on a Manchester city break
Discover Greater Manchester’s historic canals, the world’s first railway station and picturesque countryside on a city break.
Location: Manchester, Greater Manchester
Take a tour of Lancaster Castle
Uncover the history of this former court and prison, including it most famous “residents”, the Lancashire Witches.
Location: Lancaster, Lancashire
Explore The Lake District's Secret Valley
Rannerdale lies between the smaller lakes of Buttermere and Loweswater, a true hidden gem in a place brimming with atmosphere and local legend.
Location: Buttermere, Cumbria
Step back in time and live like Wordsworth in Cumbria
A visit to Wordsworth House and Garden is a unique opportunity to experience late 18th-century life at first hand.
Location: Cockermouth, Cumbria
Discover Lowther Castle & Gardens
Of the many treasures waiting to be discovered in the Lake District, Lowther Castle is a particular gem.
Location: Penrith, Cumbria
Explore world-famous gardens at Levens Hall
Discover the Elizabethan house and world-famous gardens, a place of discovery, a place to drink in its rich history, a place that all ages enjoy.
Location: Kendal, Cumbria
Take a guided tour through a Cumbrian mine
Explore the relationship between the geology of the Lake District area and the quarrying of local limestone, sandstone, granite and slate in Cumbria.
Location: Threlkeld, Cumbria
Delve in to the past of Hadrian’s Wall
Home to the longest visible stretch of Hadrian’s Wall, Cumbria is one of the best places to start exploring Roman Britain.
Location: Cumbria