A Guide to the best things to do in the North West
There are many great things to do in the North West – a great region that spans over five counties: Cumbria, Lancashire, Greater Manchester and Cheshire. Therefore, it is easy to have exciting days out in the North West, from buzzing cities to fantastic scenery, mountains and world-class museums and attractions.
You can learn about Manchester’s industrial past, or go on a tour of one of the best pop bands in the world in Liverpool or explore the beauty of a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Lake District or explore the Roman City of Chester. There are too many remarkable places to visit in the North West. The tricky part is deciding where and when to go.
We have compiled this list of the best places to go in the North West and the best things to do whilst you visit in the hope to inspire and encourage exploring the best of this incredible region of England. We have included cities, national parks and even whole counties to give you a feel for what you can do when you visit or search for a day out in the North West.
8 Best Places to Visit and Things to do in North West England
Blackpool
One of the best places to visit in the North West is Blackpool, a seaside town popular with the Victorians when the railway arrived. Of course, it is not as popular today as it once was, but we still believe that it has a lot to offer and visiting the seaside town is one of the best things to do in the North West.
Have you heard of the Blackpool illuminations? Or maybe you have listened to a northerner say to turn off the big lights in a room because and we quote ‘it looks like the Blackpool illuminations in here’. Blackpool was one of the first places to use electric lights to light up the town in preparation for Christmas. It still does this now, and whilst some think it’s tacky, we believe it’s worth visiting.
The best things to do in Blackpool:
1. Visit Blackpool Pleasure Beach to ride on the magnificent rides and have a family-friendly day out.
2. Go up the 116m Blackpool Tower for views of the town and beyond.
3. Go to the Amusements to have a go at the penny slots.
4. Stroll down the beach and have some chips from the local chippie.
5. Go on the Blackpool Tramway.
Manchester
We may be biased because we live in Manchester, but we think the city is an exciting place to visit in the North West because it is full of energy. Once an industrial city, it has transformed into a vibrant destination known for its impressive football teams, music, and friendly people.
We love the architecture and how there is always something new to do or something new that has opened. Indeed, you cannot get bored in this beautiful city, so a visit is certainly one of the best things to do in the North West.
The best things to do in Manchester:
1. Visit the National Football Museum.
2. Enjoy a tour of either Old Trafford or the Etihad, depending on your team of choice.
3. Check out the unique street art, vintage shops and bars in the Northern Quarter.
4. Explore Castlefield and its historical canals and Roman ruins.
5. Visit the magnificent John Rylands Library for the Harry Potter-like magic.
6. Go to a suburb to experience local life, such as Chorlton, Didsbury or New Islington.
Are you interested in visiting Manchester? Please read 24 hours in Manchester and Free Museums in Manchester and Best Parks in Manchester.
The Lake District National Park
The Lake District is a UNESCO World Heritage Site (2017), and therefore, it quickly gets a spot on the best things to do in the North West; it is probably one of the best places to visit in the country.
It is accessible too, with many people arriving at the popular spots by train or car. The Lake District is an excellent day out in the North West for those searching for charming villages, world-class hiking, literary connections and outstanding dramatic landscapes. Did you know this is the only place in England where you can see a mountain range?
The best things to do in the Lake District:
1. Go on a boat in Windermere- the largest lake in England.
2. Explore the charming towns and villages. For example, Ambleside is a good place to start.
3. Go hiking from casual strolls to the highest peak in England – Scafell Pike or tackle Helvellyn’s striding edge.
4. Follow literary legends and visit Wordsworth’s Grave and House
Are you interested in the Lakes? Please read Best Things to do in Ambleside and Best Walks from Ambleside.
Cheshire
One of the best days out in the North West is to Cheshire. The county is known for its beautiful vistas, green spaces and charming towns and villages. The county has numerous museums, almost 20 gardens and lots of independent shops – if that’s your thing.
The best things to do in Cheshire:
1. Walk around Tatton Park in Knutsford and search for deer.
2. Visit Lyme Park (the filming location of Pride and Prejudice)
3. Climb up Tegg’s Nose
4. Visit Lion Salt Works
5. Visit Gulliver’s World Resort for a child-friendly attraction
Cumbria
A trip to the county of Cumbria is one of the best things to do in the North West because it is so beautiful and an excellent option for anyone craving their next adventure. The county has 180 miles of coastline and is home to the Lake District, but there is much more to do beyond the lakes, which is why we have separated them on this occasion.
The best things to do in Cumbria:
1. Take a day trip to Arnside and Silverdale – one of England’s AONB
2. Walk the western end of Hadrian’s Wall
3. Visit the Eden Valley, another AONB
4. Visit the Lakes
Liverpool
Liverpool is one of the best days out in the North West because the city has so much to offer and the people, known as the Scousers, are friendly and helpful. The city will welcome you with open arms and is alive with people, live music and fun.
The best things to do in Liverpool:
1. Visit some of the fantastic museums – the Merseyside Maritime Museum, The Museum of Liverpool and the TATE
2. Stroll around the Albert Dock area and go on the Mersey Ferry Cruise whilst singing along to the song
3. Feel the Beatles Magic and go to The Beatles Story, John Lennon’s House, Penny Lane, Strawberry Fields and of course, the Cavern Club.
4. Go to Lark Lane or Bold Street for independent shops and dining!
5. Visit the bombed-out church and the two Liverpool Cathedral
6. Feel the football magic with a tour of Anfield Stadium
7. Visit the Baltic Triangle and the Baltic Markets
Are you interested in Liverpool? Please read A Weekend in Liverpool and Free Things to do in Liverpool.
The Peak District National Park
Visiting the Peak District is one of the best outdoor activities in the North West. However, we know and understand it is not only in the North West and is shared because most of it falls in Derbyshire. Although we love it so much and it is the oldest national park in the country (1951), it deserves a spot on the list of the best things to do in the North West. It spans over 555 square miles, so it is pretty big, so you could even head out of the North West if you want. We won’t tell…
The best things to do in the Peak District:
- Hiking and cycling
2. Hike to Pots and Pans
3. Walk around Dovestone Reservoir and find the Trinnacle
Please head to our landing page about the Peaks – there are numerous hikes and valuable guides for more information.
Chester
Chester dates back to the 1st-century AD and is a proud Roman city. Unfortunately, it can be overlooked in favour of Liverpool and Manchester. Still, there is a lot to do, especially if you are a history lover due to the Roman influence. You can see a Roman Amphitheatre and Roman walls. Yes, that’s right – you do not need to go to Italy! However, we hope you have your camera ready because Chester is charming. Undeniably, it is one of the best places to go in the North West.
The best things to do in Chester:
1. Visit the Chester Rows that dates back to the 13th century
2. Admire the beautiful Chester Cathedral
3. Walk the Roman walls
We hope you enjoyed this list of places to visit in the North West. Let us know if we missed anything in the comments. There is so much more to explore, which is so great about this exciting region.
Photo Credits:averalives.com
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