Explore the Lake District in North West England
With its vibrant cities, traditional beach towns and idyllic lakelands, the North West is one of England’s most captivating regions, with plenty of destinations to add to your itinerary. From cheering along with the crowds at a football game to hiking through a national park, here are the five top experiences to have in North West England.
1. Hiking in the Lake District
A jaw-dropping landscape of rolling hills, misty lakes and thatched-roofed cottages, England’s Lake District has inspired a long list of artists, writers and poets over the years, not least William Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter. Hiking in the Lake District National Park remains the principal pastime for visitors, with 885 square miles to explore and marked routes including England’s highest peak, Scafell Pike; the Claife Heights Potter Walk; and a number of Wainwright walks.
2. Watching a Football Game in Manchester
English football fans are among the most passionate and spirited in the world, and for sports enthusiasts, there’s no experience quite like watching a football game in Manchester. Both of the city’s Premier League football teams (Manchester United and Manchester City) are hugely popular, but Manchester United is the most universally adored, with famous players over the years including icons like David Beckham, Ryan Giggs and Wayne Rooney. Football season is from August to May, so pre-book tickets to see them at the legendary Old Trafford Stadium and combine it with a tour of the stadium and a visit to Manchester’s National Football Museum.
3. See the Blackpool Illuminations
Britain’s most popular seaside resort is renowned around the world for its dazzling illuminations, which stretch over 10 kilometers along the entire seafront. The spectacular light display brightens up the city every night from September to early November, starting with a grand switch-on ceremony and using more than one million bulbs to illuminate landmarks like the Blackpool Tower and Pleasure Beach amusement park, alongside special tailor-made installations.
4. Follow in the Footsteps of the Beatles in Liverpool
The lively cultural capital of Liverpool is well-deserving of a spot on your itinerary, and you can’t visit the city without paying tribute to its most legendary former residents — the Beatles. Follow in the footsteps of the world’s biggest pop group with a Beatles tour of Liverpool, visiting the bands’ childhood homes, music venues like the Cavern Club and landmarks like the grave of Eleanor Rigby, Strawberry Fields and Penny Lane.
5. Marvel at the Architecture in Chester
With its remarkably preserved Roman and medieval city walls as well as striking collection of Tudor and Victorian-era buildings, Chester is one of North West England’s most beautiful towns. Admire the photogenic spires, gabled roofs and timber-framed facades along Watergate Street and Bridge Street, shop at the unique galleried stores of the Rows, and check out landmarks like Chester Cathedral and the Chester High Cross, then take a walk along the scenic River Dee.
– Contributed by Zoe Smith
Top Five Experiences in North West England from England Things to Do
