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
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
Wander like Wordsworth around Ullswater
Take a trip to Ullswater and enjoy the fabulous lake and the crowd of golden daffodils which inspired the poet William Wordsworth.
Location: Ullswater, 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
Take in 'Swallows and Amazons' landscapes on a relaxing cruise
Take a trip around the landscape used in the film ‘Swallows and Amazons’ and discover what inspired Arthur Ransome to write his famous book.
Location: Derwentwater, Cumbria
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
Follow in the footsteps of filmmakers in Lancashire
For film fans visiting Lancashire for the first time can lead to a feeling of déjà vu... Lancashire is no stranger to the small or big screen.
Location: Lancashire
Cast a spell at Arley Hall and Gardens
Explore the magical home of multi-part movie, 'Evermoor', a Disney production filmed at Arley Hall and Gardens in Cheshire's Northwich.
Location: Northwich, Cheshire
Take a tour of Beatrix Potter's Lake District
Mountain Goat offer superb minibus tours of the Lake District – discover much-loved author Beatrix Potter’s favourite countryside on a half-day trip.
Location: Lake District, Cumbria
Journey to the centre of England
Head to the geographic centre of England, the Forest of Bowland, via pretty English villages, traditional pubs and film and literature locations.
Location: Ribble Valley, Lancashire
Rainy Day Activities: Visit much-loved author Beatrix Potter’s home
Uncover the life of the children’s author and illustrator as you explore the enchanting landscapes that inspired her.
Location: Near Sawrey, Hawkshead, Cumbria
Visit poet William Wordsworth's most famous home
See where the author of ‘Daffodils’ was inspired to write most of his work and take a guided tour of Dove Cottage, his home.
Location: Grasmere, Cumbria
Discover the fictional home of Home Fires
Follow in the footsteps of the Great Paxford Women’s Institute with a visit to the picturesque Cheshire village of Bunbury.
Location: Bunbury, Cheshire
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
Follow in the footsteps of Tolkien on the Tolkien Trail
From the twin towers of Stonyhurst College to the dramatic countryside of the Ribble Valley, follow in the footsteps of JRR Tolkien.
Location: Hurst Green, Lancashire
Enjoy Bronte rambles in Lancashire
Head off the beaten track and walk in the footsteps of the Bronte sisters in Lancashire.
Location: Wycoller and Burnley, Lancashire