Top 10 places to Visit in North West England (From a Local Who’s Been There!)
Hey there, adventure seekers! If you’re plotting a trip to North West England, buckle up—you’re about to discover a mix of hidden gems and iconic spots that’ll make your Instagram pop. I’ve trekked, eaten, and gotten lost here more times than I can count, so let’s dive into my personal favourites. 🏴
1. Lake District National Park – Where Nature Shows Off
Picture this: misty mornings on glassy lakes, trails that make your legs burn (in the best way), and cozy villages straight out of a storybook. Windermere’s great, but if you’re up for a challenge, hike Scafell Pike.
Pro tip: Post-hike, hit a pub in Keswick—their sticky toffee pudding is legendary. And yes, Beatrix Potter’s house is as whimsical as you’d imagine.
Recommended Tours: Winderemere 10 lakes tour
Related Article: My Top 10 Places to Visit in England
2. Manchester – Gritty Glamour & Football Fever
Manchester’s vibe? Think indie music meets industrial chic. The Northern Quarter’s street art will make your phone’s camera weep with joy. Catch a gig at Band on the Wall, and for the love of soccer, tour Old Trafford—even if you’re not a fan, the stadium’s energy is contagious. Food rec: Go to Mackie Mayor for a food hall experience that’ll spoil you rotten.
For a deeper look: Discover the Best of Manchester: A Local’s Guide to the City
3. Liverpool – More Than Just The Beatles
Liverpool is a great city! Yeah, you’ll wanna snap a pic at Penny Lane, but don’t miss the Baltic Market for street food that’s next-level. The Cavern Club’s live bands had me dancing till midnight, and the Albert Dock’s sunset views? Pure magic.
Fun fact: I accidentally photobombed a wedding there—10/10 would do again.
4. Chester – Time Travel, Anyone?
Walking Chester’s Roman walls feels like you’ve hopped into a history book. The cathedral’s Gothic arches are chef’s kiss, and the Rows (those medieval shops) are perfect for quirky souvenirs. Definitely one of my favourite places to visit!
Bonus: Chester Zoo’s giraffes once licked my hand, and the tapirs got over excited! Long story.
Don’t forget to visit Beeston Castle: Cheshire’s Clifftop Stronghold
Find Your English Trip...
5. Blackpool – Tacky Fun & Neon Nights
Embrace the chaos! Blackpool is where I spent many a childhood day! The Pleasure Beach’s roller coasters are scream-worthy, and the Illuminations in autumn are like Christmas threw up rainbows. Ride the tram along the promenade—it’s rickety, charming, and costs less than a coffee.
6. Lancaster – Castles & Coffee
Lancaster Castle’s ghost tours are spookily awesome (ask about the witch trials). Afterward, grab a flat white at Atkinson’s Coffee Roasters—their brew got me through a rainy afternoon. Williamson Park’s views? Worth the uphill walk.
For Your Consideration: All Our Guides to England
Recommended Tours & Tickets in England
7. Southport – Victorian Vibes & Ice Cream
Southport Pier’s the spot for salty air and people-watching. I once ate a “99 Flake” ice cream here while dodging seagulls—it’s a rite of passage. King’s Gardens’ flower beds are so pretty, I considered proposing to a tulip.
8. The Wirral – Secret Beaches & Artsy Villages
Port Sunlight feels like a fairy-tale town. I stumbled into an art gallery there and ended up chatting with a painter about her obsession with sheep, yes it was weird! Hilbre Island’s tidal walks are epic—just check the tide times unless you fancy swimming back.
Accommodation in England
9. Forest of Bowland – Peace, Quiet, & Sheep
This place is where stress goes to die. Hike through heather-covered hills, then stargaze with zero light pollution. I met a farmer in Slaidburn who swore his sheep could predict the weather. Still waiting for proof… It does rain a lot, so it might just stay inside most of the time!
10. Ribble Valley – Foodgasms Ahead
Clitheroe’s Saturday market is foodie heaven. Try the black pudding scotch eggs—life-changing. The Inn at Whitewell’s Sunday roast had me questioning my life choices. Why don’t all meals come with Yorkshire puddings?
What to know How to Plan or Save for a Trip? Here are our best:
North West England’s like that friend who’s equal parts wild and cozy. Whether you’re sipping ale in a Manchester pub or hiking Bowland’s silent trails, you’ll leave with stories.
P.S. If you spot a confused bald man singing Beatles songs off-key… that’s probably me. Say hi!
Your turn…
Got your own fave spot? Spill the beans below—I’m always hunting for new excuses to explore my home some more! 🎒✨
Adventure on,
The Travel Tinker Crew 🌍✨
Simliar Articles:
- The Best Time to Visit London: A Seasonal Guide
- 12 Natural Wonders You Need to Visit in Yorkshire
- England Unveiled: Fun Travel Facts & Surprising Stats
Recommended Websites and Resources:
FAQs (Because You’re Probably Wondering…)
What’s the best time to visit North West England?
Spring and summer (April–September) offer the best weather for outdoor activities, but autumn is great for stunning foliage and winter for festive markets.
Which is the best city for nightlife in North West England?
Manchester and Liverpool both offer buzzing nightlife, from live music venues to trendy cocktail bars.
Is North West England good for family trips?
Absolutely! The Lake District, Blackpool, Chester Zoo, and Southport are all fantastic for families.
How do I get around North West England?
Trains connect major cities, while buses and car rentals are great for exploring rural areas like the Lake District and Forest of Bowland.
Are there any hidden gems in North West England?
Yes! Check out Port Sunlight, Williamson Park in Lancaster, and the lesser-known trails in the Forest of Bowland.
Travel Planning Resources
Ready to book your next trip? These trusted resources have been personally vetted to ensure a smooth travel experience.
Book Your Flights: Kick off your travel planning by finding the best flight deals on Trip.com. Our years of experience with them confirm they offer the most competitive prices.
Book Your Hotel: For the best hotel rates, use Booking.com . For the best and safest hostels, HostelWorld.com is your go-to resource.
Find Apartment Rentals: For affordable apartment rentals, check out VRBO. They consistently offer the best prices.
Car Rentals: For affordable car rentals, check out RentalCars.com. They offer the best cars, mostly brand new.
Travel Insurance: Never travel without insurance. Here are our top recommendations:
- EKTA for Travel Insurance for all areas!
- Use AirHelp for compensation claims against flight delays etc.
Book Your Activities: Discover walking tours, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more on Get Your Guide. They have a vast selection of activities to enhance your trip. There is also Tiqets.com for instant mobile tickets.
Book The Best Trains: Use Trainline to find the most affordable trains or Rail Europe for rail passes!
Need More Help Planning Your Trip? Visit our Resources Page to see all the companies we trust and use for our travels.
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Nick Harvey
Hi, I am Nick! Thank you for reading! I created The Travel Tinker as a resource designed to help you navigate the beauty of travel, allowing you to tinker your own travels! Let's explore!
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