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
Ride a steam train on the East Lancashire Railway
This beautifully restored heritage railway puffs through stunning countryside, quaint villages and historic towns.
Location: Bury, 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
Explore Manchester’s canals on a city cruise
Choose from one of the city’s sightseeing cruises and get ready to discover Greater Manchester and its industrial history by boat.
Location: Manchester, Salford, Trafford and beyond
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
Enjoy a romantic winter break in Manchester
Experience everything Manchester has to offer this winter, with a charming romantic city break in the Northwest’s cultural hub.
Location: Manchester
Enjoy a festive day out to one of Europe's biggest Christmas markets
Wrap up warm and head down to the Manchester Christmas markets this winter to experience a festive array of sights, smells and sounds.
Location: Manchester
Experience the UK's largest indoor ski slope at Chill Factore
With a huge range of indoor and outdoor attractions to visit, there’s loads in Manchester this winter for those looking for activity and adventure.
Location: Manchester
Discover Manchester's historic gems
Popular attractions include medieval libraries, fascinating museums and ancient sites across the city.
Location: Manchester
Treat the family to a magical winter break
Manchester really does have something for everyone to enjoy, with a huge range of family friendly activities and attractions.
Location: Manchester
Explore Greater Manchester’s scenic countryside on an Instagram tour
Manchester is a thriving metropolis well-known for its busy city scene, but there's a quieter side to the region with acres of beautiful countryside.
Location: Manchester, Greater Manchester
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