North West England attractions

The Peak District became Britain’s first national park in 1951 and remains one of its most popular outdoor destinations. From fertile farmland and stately homes to towering peaks and underground caves, there’s much to explore across the 143,700-hectare park, including the beginning of Britain’s best-known trail, the Pennine Way.

The Lake District’s third-largest lake, Coniston Water is known for its depth and its scenic surrounds, which offer prime conditions for water-based activities. The area’s human history reaches back to the Bronze Age, and more recent notable locals include Victorian thinker John Ruskin and the writers Arthur Ransome and Beatrix Potter.

Discover Liverpool’s status as a British port city at the Merseyside Maritime Museum. Its three exhibition floors reveal the city’s nautical history, from its role in both World Wars to its darker past as a slaving port, as well as waterfront views of the UNESCO World Heritage–listed Royal Albert Dock and its industrial architecture.

Also known as the University of Manchester Library, the John Rylands Library is widely considered one of the world’s most beautiful libraries. Built in 1900 and celebrated for its Victorian, neo-Gothic architecture—which includes a soaring, vaulted entryway and ornamental carvings—the landmark houses a vast collection of rare books.

Situated on the Wensleydale moors, Bolton Castle is one of England’s best-preserved medieval castles. Built in the 14th century as a fortified residence by Sir Richard le Scrope—whose descendants still own the property today—the building is one of the Yorkshire Dales’ most distinctive landmarks.

With its stone station building, crow-stepped gables, and steam trains puffing by, this quaint little station in the rural North Yorkshire Moors is a relic of a bygone era. The station’s good looks have not gone unnoticed, with it having been chosen as the set for Hogsmeade Station in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.

The Aysgarth Falls lie on the River Ure, in the heart of Yorkshire Dales National Park. The falls—made up of three tiers that cascade down limestone steps, surrounded by lush trees—have been popular with tourists for more than 200 years. To visit, hike through the surrounding woods and farms and enjoy the area’s natural beauty.

Set at the foot of Loughrigg Fell, Rydal Water is one of the Lake District’s more modest-sized bodies of water, though its strong literary connections, multitude of walking opportunities, and scenic beauty means it rides high on travelers’ wishlists. William Wordsworth’s former residence, Rydal Mount, sits at the eastern end of the lake.

With its slate-roofed heritage buildings, cozy old pubs, and cobbled lanes, Hawkshead Village is the picture of English country idyll. Home to William Wordsworth’s old school and Beatrix Potter’s home, the village has got some impressive literary links. Green forests and fells on its doorstep, plus a car-free center, add to its appeal.

In the midst of the Wiltshire plains, this 29-acre (12-hectare Iron Age settlement stands as a testament to England’s long history of invasion, defense, and development. Explore the foundations of Salisbury’s first cathedral, soak up views from the hilltop castle, and learn about the Roman, Norman, and Saxon influence on the English culture and countryside.

High on an escarpment on UNESCO-listed Hadrian’s Wall, Housesteads Fort is one of 16 forts along what was the Roman Empire’s stone-built north-western frontier. The ruins of the AD 123-built camp, and a museum and visitor center take guests back to the days of Roman Britain 2,000 years ago.

Flanked by grassy peaks, this scenic glacier-sculpted valley includes three lakes: Loweswater, Buttermere, and Crummock Water. With easily scalable fells such as Haystacks, pretty lakeside footpaths, and natural wonders including Scale Force Waterfall—the highest waterfall in the Lake District—Buttermere is prime turf for walkers.

The mighty Etihad, also known as the City of Manchester Stadium, is the home of Manchester City Football Club. Built for the 2002 Commonwealth Games, the award-winning venue is among the UK’s largest with seating for more than 55,000. In addition to football games, the stadium hosts live concerts, other sports matches, and stadium tours.

Built by the order of William the Conqueror in 1072, Durham Castle has stood the test of time and remains one of England’s most important Norman attractions, as well as a striking example of the elevated “motte-and-bailey” fortress style. While the structure is now home to university residences, history buffs will still enjoy the vast Great Hall, the 17th-century Black Staircase, and the Bishop’s Rooms.

Delve into Manchester’s inventive and industrial heritage at the Science and Industry Museum. Housed in a building that served as the world’s first passenger railway station, the museum includes a wide collection of vintage vehicles, historical machinery, hands-on exhibitions, and other engaging offerings.

At 4 miles (6.4 kilometers long and 0.75 miles (1.2 kilometers wide, Bassenthwaite Lake is among the biggest in the Lake District. Surrounded by gentle fells and without a single settlement on its shoreline, this tranquil lake offers hiking, wild swimming, and bird-watching opportunities, with fish-eating ospreys coming here to hunt.

Opened in 2018, the Magical Beatles Museum tells the story of the Fab Four through a 1,200-strong collection of memorabilia, which belongs to the brother of first Beatles drummer, Pete Best. Highlights includes John Lennon’s Sgt. Pepper medals, theI Am the Walrus cello, and Starr’s Ludwig snare drum.

The Beatrix Potter Gallery is a popular destination for families and all fans of the famous author’s children's books. This 17th-century building in the town of Hawkshead, in the Lake District, was once the office of Potter's husband, the solicitor William Heelis, and now houses much of her original artwork.

The furniture, books, and personal possessions of William Wordsworth still sit inside Rydal Mount, where the Romantic poet lived from 1813 up until his death in 1850. Visitors can explore the house, which is owned by Wordsworth’s descendants, and wander the landscaped gardens, which were largely designed by Wordsworth himself.

Enjoy a break from the bustling city center and discover the historic grounds of Sefton Park, a 200-acre (81-hectare) green getaway that hosts nature trails, children’s play areas, and a boating lake teeming with wildlife. Stroll leafy avenues, explore a Victorian conservatory, or relax in one of the park cafes to absorb the atmosphere of the Grade I English Heritage site.

At 138 meters (452 feet), Radio City Tower is a prominent feature of the Liverpool skyline, and its observation platform provides aerial views of the city and beyond. Built in 1969, the tower began life as St. John’s Beacon—a ventilation shaft topped with a revolving restaurant—and is now a regional communications tower.

Take time out from the bustling city streets with a visit to the Walker Art Gallery, home to a diverse collection of artwork that spans eight centuries. Peruse masterpieces by artists, such as Monet, Rembrandt, and David Hockney, and enjoy an experience in the Big Art for Little Artists gallery, a hands-on space designed for young children.

Craggy peaks rise up around the clean, clear water of this large stream-fed lake, creating a postcard-worthy panorama. Scenic walking trails run along part of the shoreline and into the surrounding fells, leading to overlooks and beauty spots including Scale Force, the highest waterfall in Cumbria’s Lake District.

One of Manchester’s premier museums, the Manchester Art Gallery was founded in the early 19th century and boasts a collection of more than 25,000 objects. It’s particularly renowned for its Victorian-era artworks (including multiple Pre-Raphaelite masterpieces) and places a strong focus on the decorative arts.

Stretching for 70 miles (110 kilometers), the River Dee (Afon Dyfrdwy) flows from the mountains of Snowdonia in Wales to the sea along the Wirral Peninsula, passing Bala Lake, Llangollen, Chester, and the Dee Estuary along the way. The scenic river offers opportunities for outdoor recreation, wildlife spotting, and industrial transport.

Running right through the heart of the city, the Mersey River is the lifeblood of Liverpool, and the city’s iconic ferries have sailed its shores for more than 800 years. Today, the Mersey Ferries remain a must-see attraction for visitors to Liverpool.

With a depth of 243 feet (74 meters, Wastwater is England’s deepest lake. Not only that, but it sits in the shadow of England’s highest peak, the 3,209-foot (978-meter Scafell Pike, which rises up to the northeast. The scenery here is among the most wild and dramatic in the Lake District, with scree slopes towering over inky waters.

Home to immersive habitats, interactive rock pools, and thousands of sea creatures, SEA LIFE® Manchester is one of Manchester’s most popular family-friendly destinations. Both entertaining and educational, exhibits such as the ocean tunnel, shark shipwreck, and rocky hideout invite visitors to get up close and personal with aquatic species.

Known as the home of Hadrian’s Wall, Northumberland National Park in the northwest of England is dominated by incredible, untouched countryside—from the peaks of the Cheviot Hills to the lush heather-covered moorland—and a wealth of typical English towns and villages. Combining the ancient with the modern, there’s plenty to see and do, whether you prefer markets, hikes, or pints at the pub.

Located on Blackpool’s promenade, SEA LIFE® Blackpool is a popular, family-friendly attraction. The center houses more than 2,000 sea creatures, allowing visitors to marvel at the marine life of the UK’s shoreline and the world’s deepest oceans—from sharks and rays to seahorses, reef fish, and turtles.