North West England Travel Guide

Explore the best places to visit, things to do, local culture and customs, safety & health, and transportation options in North West England with this comprehensive tour guide.


Introduction to North West England

North West England is home to some of the most captivating landscapes, iconic landmarks, historically significant places, and thrilling outdoor adventures in the United Kingdom. From the bustling cities of Manchester and Liverpool to the serene Lake District National Park, North West England has something for everyone.

Located in the northern part of the country, the North West region of England boasts a diverse cultural heritage, including Viking and Roman history, industrial revolution heritage, and unique dialects that add a charming character and a warm welcome to visiting travelers.

This comprehensive tour guide will provide a list of places to visit, natural and cultural attractions to explore, hiking and biking routes, activities and tours, food and drink scene, where to stay, local culture and customs, transportation options, and nearby destinations to plan your itinerary.

List of Places to Visit in North West England

  • Manchester
  • Liverpool
  • Chester
  • Blackpool
  • Lancaster
  • Morecambe
  • Southport
  • Lake District National Park
  • Peak District National Park
  • Isle of Man

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

North West England is home to an array of museums and historical places, showcasing the region’s rich cultural heritage, history, and art. Here are some must-visit cultural attractions:

  • The Beatles Story Museum, Liverpool
  • The Museum of Liverpool, Liverpool
  • The Walker Art Gallery, Liverpool
  • The Merseyside Maritime Museum, Liverpool
  • Chester Cathedral, Chester
  • Jorvik Viking Centre, York
  • National Football Museum, Manchester
  • Manchester Art Gallery, Manchester
  • The Lowry Gallery, Salford
  • The Imperial War Museum North, Manchester

Natural Attractions of North West England: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

North West England is blessed with stunning natural landscapes, national parks, hills, forests, and beaches that offer a range of outdoor activities and scenic views. Here are some popular natural attractions to explore:

  • Lake Windermere, the largest natural lake in England, located in the Lake District National Park
  • The Three Peaks, a challenging hike covering the highest mountains of Yorkshire
  • The Forest of Bowland, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), offering scenic walks and wildlife sightings
  • Tarn Hows, a pristine lake located in the Lake District National Park, famous for its serene and picturesque views
  • The Cavern Club, a legendary live music venue in Liverpool, known for its association with The Beatles

Hiking/Biking Routes of North West England

North West England has some of the best hiking and biking trails in the United Kingdom, catering to different skill levels and preferences. Here are some top hiking and biking routes:

  • The Lake District, home to England’s highest mountain, Scafell Pike, offers stunning hiking and biking trails across rugged landscapes, forests, and lakes.
  • The Tissington Trail, an 18-mile long biking trail in the Peak District, offering scenic views of the limestone hills and picturesque villages.
  • Helvellyn, a challenging hiking route offering impressive views of the surrounding landscape, including the Lake District and Pennines.
  • The Wirral Way, a popular biking trail offering scenic views of the Wirral coast and diverse wildlife sightings.

Best Things to Do in North West England: Activities and Tours

North West England has a range of activities and tours catering to different interests and preferences. Here are some of the best things to do in North West England:

  • Take a Beatles-themed tour in Liverpool and explore the famous landmarks associated with the band.
  • Explore Blackpool Pleasure Beach, a popular amusement park featuring thrilling rides, shows, and attractions for all ages.
  • Take a cruise on Lake Windermere and enjoy the scenic views of the Lake District
  • Visit the Chester Zoo, the UK’s most visited zoo home to over 21,000 animals.
  • Visit the stunning Chatsworth House, one of the most iconic stately homes in the UK, located in the Peak District National Park.

Week-Long Itinerary for North West England

Day 1: Manchester City Tour (Manchester Art Gallery, National Football Museum, Manchester Cathedral)

Day 2: Liverpool City Tour (The Beatles Story Museum, The Museum of Liverpool, The Merseyside Maritime Museum)

Day 3: Chester (Chester Cathedral, Chester Wall, River Dee)

Day 4: Lake District National Park (Lake Windermere, Tarn Hows, Grizedale Forest)

Day 5: Peak District National Park (Chatsworth House, Tissington Trail, Bakewell village)

Day 6: Blackpool (Blackpool Pleasure Beach, Blackpool Tower, Blackpool Zoo)

Day 7: Isle of Man (Peel Castle, Calf of Man, TT races)

Food and Drink Scene of North West England

The North West region of England boasts a diverse and a vibrant food and drink scene, featuring some local and traditional dishes. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

  • Hotpot, a hearty meat and vegetable stew, originating from Lancashire
  • Liverpool Scouse, a meaty potato stew that traces its roots to Liverpool
  • Manchester Tart, a dessert featuring a layer of jam, custard, and coconut, famously associated with the city of Manchester
  • Cumberland Sausage, a traditional British sausage originating from Cumbria
  • Lancashire Cheese, a hard and crumbly cheese made from cow’s milk, with a distinctive tangy flavor
  • Local beers and ales, such as Lancaster Bomber, JW Lees, and Robinsons Brewery.

Where to Stay in North West England: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

North West England has an array of accommodation options catering to different budgets and preferences. Here are some recommendations:

  • Luxury Hotels: The Lowry Hotel (Manchester), Titanic Hotel (Liverpool), Gilpins Hotel & Lake House (Lake District).
  • Budget Hotels and Hostels: YHA Hostels (Lake District and Liverpool), Tune Hotels (Liverpool and Manchester), Hatters Hostel (Manchester).
  • Guesthouses: The Birches (Cumbria), The Grove (Chester)

What to Buy in North West England: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

North West England has some unique and locally produced products that make great souvenirs. Here are some recommendations:

  • Kendal Mint Cake, a traditional mint-flavored confectionery originating from Kendal in Cumbria.
  • Soap from Bomb Cosmetics, a handmade cosmetics brand based in Bournemouth but with stores across the northwest.
  • Local ales and beers, such as Lancaster Bomber from Thwaites (Lancashire) and Robinsons Brewery (Manchester).
  • Traditional ceramics, such as pottery by Emma Bridgewater, featuring local designs and themes.

Local Culture and Customs of North West England

The people of North West England are known for being friendly, welcoming, and proud of their cultural heritage. Here are some local customs and culture to keep in mind:

  • The locals may have a distinctive dialect, especially in Liverpool, known as ‘‘Scouse’’.
  • The afternoon tea is a popular tradition in North West England, with many places offering this afternoon treat.
  • Football, or soccer, is an essential part of the local culture, with two of the most successful clubs in English football history, Manchester United and Liverpool FC, located in the region.

Best Time to Visit North West England

The best time to visit North West England is from late spring (May) to early autumn (September), when the weather is mild, and the days are longer. The Lake District will be popular in the summer months, so plan to visit on weekdays to avoid crowds. The autumn months are also a great time to visit, offering beautiful autumn colors in the forests, and quiet towns after the summer tourism leaves.

Do’s and Don’ts of North West England

Do:

  • Try local food and beverages, such as Lancashire hotpot, scouse, Cumberland sausages, or local ales and beers.
  • Respect the locals’ customs and cultural heritage, and learn something about the local history and culture by visiting museums and attractions.
  • Take care of the natural environment, and follow local hiking and biking trails or other outdoor activities, and be aware of any specific rules or regulations that apply to the area you are visiting.

Don’t:

  • Don’t litter, pick wildflowers or damage plants or trees.
  • Don’t leave any cigarette butts or any other waste behind.
  • Don’t disrespect other visitors or locals, or ignore any rules or regulations that apply to public spaces.

Safety and Health

Safety in North West England

North West England is generally a safe region to visit for tourists, with relative low levels of crime. However, as in all areas, it is always wise to take normal precautions for your safety and security whilst traveling. Here are some safety tips:

  • Avoid carrying valuables and expensive items where possible, and ensure to lock up your room or property if out for the day.
  • Use common sense when it comes to personal safety on city streets, especially at night, and stay in well-lit areas.
  • Take additional precautions when withdrawing cash from ATM’s.

Health in North West England

There are no health risks associated with traveling to North West England. However, it’s recommended to have travel insurance to cover any medical emergencies during your stay. It is also worth carrying a first aid kit with you on any hikes, and paying attention to signs or warnings in national parks.

Getting to North West England: Transportation Options and Logistics

North West England is easily accessible by air, rail, and road. Here are the transportation options and logistics to consider:

Airports Near North West England

  • Manchester Airport (largest airport in the region, offering international and domestic flights)
  • Liverpool John Lennon Airport (international and domestic flights)
  • Isle of Man Airport (domestic and regional flights)

Bus Stations Near North West England

  • Manchester Coach Station
  • Liverpool ONE Bus Station
  • Windermere Bus Station

Other Options

  • Train (Preston, Manchester and Liverpool have mainline rail stations with international services)
  • Car (for visitors driving or renting a car, the M6, M60, and M62 are major routes running through the region and can be used to access different parts of North West England)

How to Get Around in North West England

Here are some options for getting around North West England:

  • Train (with Northern Rail and TransPennine Express operating in the region)
  • Bus (local buses operate in towns and villages to connect them to the larger cities and national parks)
  • Car (rental cars are available at the airports and major cities, but be aware that some areas of the Lake District and Peak District have limited parking or may require permits)
  • Ferry (Isle of Man ferries operate from Liverpool and Heysham)

Where to Go Next from North West England: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

North West England is a gateway to a range of other exciting destinations across the United Kingdom. Here are some nearby destinations and excursions to consider for your itinerary:

  • York (Roman history, the Minster, and the historic City Walls)
  • Edinburgh (Scottish capital, Edinburgh Castle, Royal Mile, and Arthur’s Seat)
  • London (National Museums, Buckingham Palace, and West End Theatre)

Conclusion

North West England has something unique and exciting to offer every type of traveler, from history enthusiasts to outdoor adventurers. This guide has provided a comprehensive overview of the must-visit places, cultural and natural attractions, hiking and biking routes, food and drink scene, where to stay, local customs and culture, transportation options, nearby destinations, and safety and health tips. The world-class cities, beautiful countryside, and iconic landmarks make North West England the perfect destination for a memorable trip.

Narrowboat Narrowboat The rail network of the North West's largest conurbations - Greater Manchester and Merseyside. Includes the two rapid transit systems Metrolink and Merseyrail. The rail network of the North West's largest conurbations - Greater Manchester and Merseyside. Includes the two rapid transit systems Metrolink and Merseyrail.


    Arnside and Silverdale
    Cheshire
    Cumbria
    Greater Manchester
    Lancashire
    Merseyside