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
Tickle your taste buds on the Lancashire Cheese Trail
Discover the Lancashire Cheese Trail, and watch cheese being made at Dewlay Cheese.
Location: Garstang, Lancashire
Take a walk round Cumbria with Jennings Adventure Ale Trails
Stunning scenery, cosy accommodation, good food and real ale are all on offer with Jennings Adventure Ales trails in the Lake District.
Location: Ambleside, Cumbria
Go on a cheese tasting at Thornby Moor Cheese Dairy
Integrity, great flavour and nutritional value is what's on offer at Thornby Moor Cheese Dairy.
Location: Thursby, Cumbria
Sip cocktails and soak up panoramic views of Manchester at Cloud 23
If you’ve got a head for heights and a taste for good cocktails, go to Manchester’s highest bar with a view.
Location: Deansgate, Manchester
Enjoy a taste of Grasmere Gingerbread
Stock up on one of the Lake District’s most famous exports: Grasmere Gingerbread.
Location: Ambleside, Cumbria
Enjoy fine dining at The Samling
Top grub and sweeping views of Lake Windermere.
Location: Windermere, Cumbria
Enjoy beer and cycling at Manchester Beer & Cider Festival
There are hundreds of beers, ales and ciders to test out as you watch the cyclists whizz by at the Manchester Beer & Cider Festival.
Location: Manchester, Greater Manchester
Enjoy a romantic escape at Overwater Hall
Book a table and a room at this elegant 18th century country house hotel within the Lake District.
Location: Ireby, Cumbria
Breathtaking views and an incredible menu at Holbeck Ghyll
Plan that perfect foodie break to a gorgeous country house hotel set against a perfect Cumbrian backdrop.
Location: Windermere, Cumbria
Enjoy luxury by the lake at Storrs Hall Hotel
Perched on the edge of the famous Lake Windermere, this Grade-II-listed Georgian mansion is surrounded by 17 acres of neatly trimmed grounds – plus the obligatory folly (in this case a temple).
Location: Windermere, Cumbria
Enjoy a romantic city break at Oddfellows
With its gorgeous Georgian architecture, Oddfellows is the perfect place to have a romantic break away.
Location: Chester, Cheshire
Delve into delicious food in Manchester’s Exchange Square
Enjoy fine food, delightful drinks, impressive architecture and remarkable views in some of Manchester’s best and newest restaurants and bars.
Location: Manchester, Greater Manchester
Indulge in a tripple at Manchester’s Beer and Cider Festival
If beer and cider are your passion don’t miss this CAMRA-organised festival at Manchester the Velodrome between 25th - 27th January 2018.
Location: Manchester, Greater Manchester
Spread the joy at the World’s Original Marmalade Festival
Unleash your inner Paddington Bear on a visit to the World’s Original Marmalade Festival, which will be held on the historic Dalemain estate in Penrith.
Location: Penrith, Cumbria
Celebrate Lewis Carroll’s Cheshire
From fabulous stained-glass windows in his father’s church to sumptuous Mad Hatter’s tea parties, delight in Cheshire’s Carroll connections.
Location: Daresbury, Cheshire
Love cheese, love Cheshire
Sample Cheshire’s signature food product at local cheese shops or splash out on a cheese and wine tasting evening.
Location: Nantwich, Cheshire
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
New Michelin stars make Cumbria foodie heaven
Sample delicious menus of quality produce at four different Michelin star restaurants.
Location: Cumbria
Take a tour of the award-winning Bowland Brewery
Enjoy a tour of the micro-brewery before watching the action from the stunning Beer Hall whilst you enjoy a pint of Hen Harrier ale.
Location: Clitheroe, Lancashire