Are you planning a visit to the North West of England? Consisting of the counties of Cumbria, Lancashire, Merseyside, Cheshire and Greater Manchester there are not only fantastic cities to visit but also areas of outstanding natural beauty to explore.
So whether you are in search of lakes, mountains and natural landscapes or the buzz of city life you will find what you are looking for in the North West.
- 1. Visit the Lake District
- 2. Take a Beatles Tour in Liverpool
- 3. Visit the seaside town of Blackpool
- 4. Take a stroll around Albert Dock in Liverpool
- 5. Visit Anthony Gormley's "Another Place" on Crosby Beach
- 6. Take the Settle to Carlisle train journey and cross the Ribblehead Viaduct
- 7. Go to a football match or take a tour of the grounds (Liverpool & Manchester)
- 8. Have a night out in Manchester's Northern Quarter after a day exploring the city
- 9. Step back into the past at Little Moreton Hall or Arley Hall and Gardens
- 10. Visit the historic city of Chester
Top 10 places to visit in North West England
1. Visit the Lake District
One of the most popular destinations for visitors to the UK is the beautiful Lake District.
Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2017 the area is popular with walkers as well as those in search of stunning scenery, quaint villages, a wonderful literary heritage and landscapes more closely associated with Switzerland than England.
Read more | A guide to visiting the Lake District
2. Take a Beatles Tour in Liverpool
If you are a Beatles fan then make sure to visit Liverpool’s waterfront to snuggle up to the statue of the Fab Four. Unveiled in 2015 the statue and was donated by the famous Cavern Club where the Beatles were first discovered.
If you are a Beatles fan check out this Beatles-themed itinerary to Liverpool which includes what to see, where to stay and the best Beatles tours to take to make the most of your visit.
Read more | Complete guide and itinerary for Liverpool
3. Visit the seaside town of Blackpool
You can’t miss the iconic Blackpool tower when you arrive in town. Inspired by the famous Eiffel Tower Blackpool’s version was opened in 1894.
Inside the tower, you will find a circus, a dungeon and a pretty spectacular view of the town. The main attraction is however the Blackpool Tower Ballroom which is one of the most beautiful in the world. It is here that the famous TV show “Strictly Come Dancing” holds one round of competitions every year.
Learn more | Blackpool Tower
4. Take a stroll around Albert Dock in Liverpool
Yes, we are back in Liverpool! The city was one of the largest trading ports in the world and the docks and Grade 1 listed buildings that surround it are now UNESCO World Heritage-listed.
If you visit the docks you will find a wide selection of restaurants, bars, cafes and shops as well as some excellent museums.
If you enjoy art head to the Tate Liverpool. Beatles fans will love “The Beatles Story.”
For those with an interest in history head to the Slavery Museum and the Merseyside Maritime Museum.
Learn more | Complete guide to visiting Liverpool
5. Visit Anthony Gormley’s “Another Place” on Crosby Beach
This is an absolutely fantastic sight and highly recommended if you enjoy art.
Take the train from Liverpool to Crosby Beach to see sculptor Anthony Gormley’s famous art installation.
Consisting of 100 life-size case iron identical figures placed along a 1 1/2 mile stretch of beach, and facing out to sea, Another Place is truly a sight to behold.
Read more | Another Place
6. Take the Settle to Carlisle train journey and cross the Ribblehead Viaduct
Described as one of the most scenic train journeys in the UK the Settle to Carlisle route travels 73 miles through the Yorkshire Dales and North Pennines.
Passing through 14 tunnels and over 20 viaducts including the Ribblehead viaduct in North Yorkshire this is one train journey any rail travel lover has to do when in the UK.
Of course, the best way to actually see the viaduct is to drive close to it, park the car and walk.
Read more – 10 train journeys to take in the UK
7. Go to a football match or take a tour of the grounds (Liverpool & Manchester)
If you are a football fan taking a tour of one of these famous grounds will no doubt be on your bucket list?
Whilst not my cup of tea I could not leave this off the list as I am aware of just how popular football is and in particular these 2 football teams!
Make sure to book ahead if you want to join a tour.
Read more | Tour of Anfield | Tour of Old Trafford
8. Have a night out in Manchester’s Northern Quarter after a day exploring the city
Full of bars, restaurants, vintage shops and street art the Northern Quarter in Manchester is the hip and happening side of the city.
The Northern Quarter is the place to head for a night out if you are staying in Manchester.
During the day head for some of the city’s museums. Popular choices include the Science and Industry Museum or the Imperial War Museum North.
9. Step back into the past at Little Moreton Hall or Arley Hall and Gardens
This beautiful Tudor half-timbered manor house is located in Cheshire. For those with an interest in Tudor England, this will be the perfect day out.
Owned by the National Trust this is a super summer destination with beautiful gardens as well as the hall to enjoy. Don’t miss a cup of tea and a cake at the tearooms.
Arley Hall is located in the heart of Cheshire and has some of the most beautiful gardens in England. With lots on around the year, this is the perfect destination for families. Arley Hall is dog friendly too with dogs on leads welcome on the grounds.
Read more | Little Moreton Hall
10. Visit the historic city of Chester
Chester is the perfect destination for a weekend break. The city has bags of character and historical interest.
In particular make time to visit the “Rows” – a shopping district comprised of 2 level arcades and Tudor buildings. The city walls are pretty neat too and date back to Roman times.
Read more | Chester Travel Guide
Fast Facts – North West England
- WHAT TO READ – Best books to read before you visit the Lake District
- WHERE TO STAY : Click here to find the best accommodation in the Lake District – Best places to stay in the Lake District (Location & Accommodation Guide)
- WHAT TOURS TO BOOK : Click here for recommended tours of the North West
- WHAT TO EAT – Grasmere gingerbread, Lancashire Hotpot, Cumberland sausage, Morecambe Bay shrimps
- PRINCIPLE TRAIN STATIONS – Manchester Piccadilly & Oxford Road, Liverpool Lime Street & Central
ⓘ TIPS
- Avoid visiting Liverpool or Manchester during football home matches. Trains will be busy and there may be a heavier police presence.
Where will you go in North West England?
I am confident these 10 North West England points of interest and places to visit will provide lots of ideas for your trip.
Want to explore some of England’s other regions? Head over to my other area guides to England which include the North East, East Midlands, West Midlands, Yorkshire, South West, South East and East of England.
Visiting Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland? Check out my top 19 places to visit in Scotland and the top 10 choices to add to your travel itineraries for Wales and Northern Ireland.
Find more inspiration for your travels in my England Travel Guide which includes information about what to see, where to stay, how to get around, travel tips, recommended reading and more to make the most of your trip.