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
June events: Country fair fun at the Royal Cheshire County Show
Spend the day tasting delicious local produce, watching monster truck displays and meeting birds of prey at the Royal Cheshire County Show.
Location: Knutsford, Cheshire
May events: Celebrate nature at Keswick Mountain Festival
Enjoy outdoor activities, world class speakers, sporting events, camping, and live music at this unique festival in the heart of the Lake District.
Location: Keswick, Cumbria
June events: Lytham Festival
Enjoy a new week-long summer festival in June and July that promises music, comedy and literature in the Lancashire seaside resorts of Lytham and St Annes.
Location: Lytham St Annes, Lancashire