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
Discover a medieval house at a Cumbrian gateway
An imposing Cumbrian castle boasting an award-winning rock garden.
Location: Kendal, Cumbria
Marvel at Liverpool’s architectural heritage
Stroll along the waterfront for some of Liverpool's many architectural treasures.
Location: Liverpool, Merseyside
Hunt for the witches in the woods of Pendle
Embark on the interactive Pendle Sculpture Trail, and find the witches ceramic plaques in an atmospheric woodland setting.
Location: Pendle, Lancashire
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
Carlisle
Follow in the footsteps of the Roman sentries who once patrolled in the city of Carlisle.
Location: Carlisle, Cumbria
Take your pick from Liverpool’s rich cultural gems
Liverpool is a thriving capital of culture with museums and galleries for every taste, many of which are free to explore. Dip in and emerge inspired.
Location: Liverpool, Merseyside
Experience the Blitz spirit at Stockport Air Raid Shelters
See how Britain survived the Blitz as you negotiate this dark labyrinth of tunnels at Stockport Air Raid Shelters.
Location: Stockport, Greater Manchester
Rainy Day Activities: Venture beneath the city on the Mersey Tunnel Tour
Take a sneak peak at the famous Queensway Mersey Tunnel - a unique indoor attraction close to Liverpool's bustling docks.
Location: Liverpool, Merseyside
Uncover Blackpool’s Victorian heritage and charm
Explore the Winter Gardens innate beauty and enjoy afternoon tea in the iconic Blackpool Tower Ballroom.
Location: Blackpool, Lancashire
Titanic & Liverpool: the untold story
Titanic & Liverpool: the untold story tells Titanic’s story from unique Liverpool perspectives, including Captain Smith and the 120 crew with Merseyside links.
Location: Liverpool, Merseyside
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
Experience life in a WWI trench at the Lancashire Museum
Tens of thousands of proud Lancastrians perished in the Great War, whose experiences in the trenches are brought to life at the Museum of Lancashire in Preston.
Location: Preston, Lancashire
Visit the Wizard Merlin's sleeping place in Alderley Edge
Spend the day exploring the magical area in Cheshire’s Alderley Edge where Merlin and King Arthur are reputedly sleeping in enchanted repose.
Location: Alderley Edge, Cheshire
Let the little ones run wild at Lowther's Lost Castle
The Lost Castle at Lowther Castle and Gardens is an enchanted world of twists and turrets will give visitors little and large a place of adventure and play like no other.
Location: Penrith, Cumbria
Uncover Manchester’s hidden gems
Get a taste of the city’s secret side and discover a plethora of unusual and wonderful places.
Location: Manchester, Greater Manchester
Explore the historic and lively city of Lancaster
Uncover Lancaster’s ancient and haunting history at its hilltop castle and enjoy the vibrant nightlife in one of England’s Heritage Cities.
Location: Lancaster, Lancashire
May events: Step back in time at East Lancashire Railway
Join the East Lancashire Railway to party like its 1949 in Rawtenstall, Lancashire where the blitz spirit is still going strong.
Location: Rawtenstall, Lancashire
Go back in time at Lancashire's halls and houses
Wander through Lancashire’s stunning historic houses and imagine the many extraordinary episodes and events that have played out within their walls.
Location: Lancashire wide
Follow Lancashire's Mythical Coastline Sculpture Trail
With stunning wildlife displays, a beautiful coastline and a rich maritime history, a visit to Fleetwood and Cleveleys won’t break the bank.
Location: Cleveleys, Lancashire
Follow the last journey of the ‘Pendle Witches’
The Trail of the Pendle Witches tells a tale of witchcraft and suspicion woven through the moors, valleys, villages and castles of Lancashire county.
Location: Forest of Bowland AONB, Lancashire
Step Inside Lancashire's Historic Houses
Uncover Lancashire’s turbulent religious history via ghostly tales, priest holes, sacred relics, castle cells and holy buildings.
Location: Lancashire
