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5 days in north west England

Photo by: VisitBritain

Location: Liverpool, England

Rooftop terrace restaurant with expansive city views.

Introduction

England’s mighty north west is a cultural powerhouse. Its two iconic cities, Liverpool and Manchester, have a friendly rivalry that encompasses everything from football to music – but are you Beatles or Britpop? The region is home to some of England’s finest nature, too. Explore the vast waters and towering peaks of the Lake District, making sure to stop in its quintessentially British towns. And let’s not forget the historic charm of Chester, with its ancient city walls, cobbled streets and Roman amphitheatre.

Here’s our pick of the top things to see and do over five days in north west England:

Day 1 – Manchester

Day 1 - Manchester

Manchester is as cool as it gets. Packed with live music venues that birthed the likes of Oasis and The Smiths, its nightlife scene is absolutely buzzing. It also includes the Gay Village, one of Britain’s busiest LGBTQIA+ neighbourhoods. Football fans can tour the stadiums of Manchester’s two mighty football teams, while hipsters can hunt through the vintage shops and record stores of the artsy Northern Quarter.

Photo by: Adam Pester/Escape to Freight Island

Location: Manchester, England

Exterior of Escape to Freight Island, Manchester

Things to do in Manchester

Manchester is the world-famous home of football – so why not go behind the scenes at its iconic stadiums?

Take a tour of Old Trafford

Photo by: VisitBritain/Andrew Pickett

A man and boy in stadium tunnel looking out to pitch
Football in Manchester

In a beautiful gothic building at the heart of the city, this free museum is full of treasures from all over the world.

Be inspired by Manchester Museum

Photo by: mcrmuseum

Manchester Museum
Manchester Museum

This street food and nightlife venue is chock-full of amazing eats, craft beer and artisan cocktails.

Explore Escape to Freight Island

Photo by: Adam Pester/Escape to Freight Island

Cocktail bar at Escape to Freight Island, Manchester
Freight Island

Take a tour of Britain’s oldest public library and the home of Chetham's School of Music.

Plan a tour of Chetham’s Library

Photo by: Sara Porter/Marketing Manchester

Location: Manchester, England

Rows of bookcases in Chetham's Library, the oldest public library in England
Chetham's Library

Enjoy live gigs, club nights and more, at one of Manchester’s leading music and cultural venues.

Enjoy live music and more at Band on the Wall

Photo by: Jody Hartley

Location: Manchester, England

A live performance on stage at Band on the Wall in Manchester
Band on the Wall

With its inclusive bars, shops and clubs, the area around Canal Street is a hub for LGBTQIA+ nightlife and events.

What’s on at Manchester Gay Village

Location: Manchester

Crowds of people walking along Manchester's Canal Street
Manchester Gay Village

Manchester is the world-famous home of football – so why not go behind the scenes at its iconic stadiums?

Take a tour of Old Trafford

Photo by: VisitBritain/Andrew Pickett

A man and boy in stadium tunnel looking out to pitch
Football in Manchester

In a beautiful gothic building at the heart of the city, this free museum is full of treasures from all over the world.

Be inspired by Manchester Museum

Photo by: mcrmuseum

Manchester Museum
Manchester Museum

This street food and nightlife venue is chock-full of amazing eats, craft beer and artisan cocktails.

Explore Escape to Freight Island

Photo by: Adam Pester/Escape to Freight Island

Cocktail bar at Escape to Freight Island, Manchester
Freight Island

Take a tour of Britain’s oldest public library and the home of Chetham's School of Music.

Plan a tour of Chetham’s Library

Photo by: Sara Porter/Marketing Manchester

Location: Manchester, England

Rows of bookcases in Chetham's Library, the oldest public library in England
Chetham's Library

Enjoy live gigs, club nights and more, at one of Manchester’s leading music and cultural venues.

Enjoy live music and more at Band on the Wall

Photo by: Jody Hartley

Location: Manchester, England

A live performance on stage at Band on the Wall in Manchester
Band on the Wall

With its inclusive bars, shops and clubs, the area around Canal Street is a hub for LGBTQIA+ nightlife and events.

What’s on at Manchester Gay Village

Location: Manchester

Crowds of people walking along Manchester's Canal Street
Manchester Gay Village

Getting to Manchester

Manchester Airport is a major global travel hub, welcoming hundreds of flights each day from around the world. It’s easy to reach Manchester city centre from here, with regular trains taking around 20 minutes.

Manchester is around 200 miles (321 km) from London. Regular train services from London Euston take around two hours and 15 minutes.

While you're here...

Manchester, England

Looking for something unique? You’ve come to the right place. Afflecks is renowned for its quirky independent boutiques.

Photo by: VisitBritain/Jacob Niblett

Couple at 'Ginger's Comfort Emprium' Afflecks Palace
Manchester, England

A once-disused Victorian bridge transformed into an urban sky park and ‘garden in the sky’, where lush planting combines with its original 19th-century features.

Photo by: National Trust/Annapurna Mellor

A woman taking a picture of plants and flowers in the gardens of Castlefield Viaduct, Manchester
Manchester, England

This foodie tour visits fantastic cafes, food stalls, delis and more, tasting multiple dishes as you walk.

Photo by: VisitBritain/Jacob Niblett

Girl taking a picture of her food at Mackie Mayor

Days 2-3 – The Lake District

Days 2-3 – The Lake District 

England’s largest national park is a showcase of epic nature, from the nation’s highest mountain, Scafell Pike, to its biggest lake, Lake Windermere. There’s no end of adventurous things to do in the Lake District. From mountain climbing to windsurfing; ziplining to abseiling, step outdoors and embrace England’s most impressive natural wonders.

Photo by: VisitBritain

Two men in swimming shorts jumping off a boat into the lake

Things to do in the Lake District

Feeling adventurous? Try wild swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding and windsurfing on England’s largest lake.

Make a splash at Lake Windermere

Photo by: VisitBritain/Adam Burton

Stile over a drystone wall overlooking landscape of valleys
Lake Windermere

For invigorating mountain hikes, you’ve come to the right place: Langdale is famous for its lofty peaks, with cosy pubs and guesthouses too.

Plan your Langdale Valley adventure

Photo by: VisitBritain/Jack Anstey

Man skateboarding down valley paths. Green landscape
Langdale Valley

Whether you’re an intrepid climber or just admiring the view, tackle Scafell Pike, England’s tallest mountain.

Enjoy the view from Scafell Pike

Photo by: @i_am_asish

Location: Lake District

Young man poses on the highest point in England
Scafell Pike

Gaze in awe at Castlerigg Stone Circle, one of the most dramatic of its kind in the UK.

Marvel at Castlerigg Stone Circle

Photo by: Alamy Stock Photo

Location: Lake District

People attending the Winter Solstice celebration at Castelrigg Stone Circle near Keswick in Cumbria
Castlerigg Stone Circle

Step into Beatrix Potter’s enchanting stories, with a chance to meet Peter Rabbit, Mrs Tiggy-Winkle and friends.

Discover The World of Beatrix Potter

Photo by: www.stevenbarber.com

Peter Rabbit 2013 credit photograper Steve Barber
The World of Beatrix Potter, Lake District

Embrace your romantic side with a visit to Dove Cottage, William Wordsworth’s Lake District home.

Wander back in time at Wordsworth Grasmere

Location: Lake District

Wordsworth Grasmere TM4_credit Tom McNally Photography
Wordsworth Grasmere

Enjoy unforgettable cuisine in an unforgettable location at this Michelin-starred restaurant with boutique-style rooms.

Escape to The Cottage in the Wood

Photo by: Rob Whitrow

Location: Lake District

The Cottage In The Wood
The Cottage in the Wood

Taste and buy the good life at Low Sizergh Barn, producing organic milk in the Lake District.

Shop the crop at Low Sizergh Barn

Photo by: Graham Carlow Photography

Location: Lake District

A tour group watching cows being milked at Low Sizergh Barn
Low Sizergh Barn

Feeling adventurous? Try wild swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding and windsurfing on England’s largest lake.

Make a splash at Lake Windermere

Photo by: VisitBritain/Adam Burton

Stile over a drystone wall overlooking landscape of valleys
Lake Windermere

For invigorating mountain hikes, you’ve come to the right place: Langdale is famous for its lofty peaks, with cosy pubs and guesthouses too.

Plan your Langdale Valley adventure

Photo by: VisitBritain/Jack Anstey

Man skateboarding down valley paths. Green landscape
Langdale Valley

Whether you’re an intrepid climber or just admiring the view, tackle Scafell Pike, England’s tallest mountain.

Enjoy the view from Scafell Pike

Photo by: @i_am_asish

Location: Lake District

Young man poses on the highest point in England
Scafell Pike

Gaze in awe at Castlerigg Stone Circle, one of the most dramatic of its kind in the UK.

Marvel at Castlerigg Stone Circle

Photo by: Alamy Stock Photo

Location: Lake District

People attending the Winter Solstice celebration at Castelrigg Stone Circle near Keswick in Cumbria
Castlerigg Stone Circle

Step into Beatrix Potter’s enchanting stories, with a chance to meet Peter Rabbit, Mrs Tiggy-Winkle and friends.

Discover The World of Beatrix Potter

Photo by: www.stevenbarber.com

Peter Rabbit 2013 credit photograper Steve Barber
The World of Beatrix Potter, Lake District

Embrace your romantic side with a visit to Dove Cottage, William Wordsworth’s Lake District home.

Wander back in time at Wordsworth Grasmere

Location: Lake District

Wordsworth Grasmere TM4_credit Tom McNally Photography
Wordsworth Grasmere

Enjoy unforgettable cuisine in an unforgettable location at this Michelin-starred restaurant with boutique-style rooms.

Escape to The Cottage in the Wood

Photo by: Rob Whitrow

Location: Lake District

The Cottage In The Wood
The Cottage in the Wood

Taste and buy the good life at Low Sizergh Barn, producing organic milk in the Lake District.

Shop the crop at Low Sizergh Barn

Photo by: Graham Carlow Photography

Location: Lake District

A tour group watching cows being milked at Low Sizergh Barn
Low Sizergh Barn

Getting to the Lake District from Manchester

A direct train from Manchester Piccadilly to Windermere in the heart of the Lake District takes around two hours. Alternatively, reach the south lakes in one hour and 20 minutes with a train from Manchester to Oxenholme.

The Lake District has a range of public transport options for travelling between destinations. For greater freedom, consider renting a car to explore independently around this epic national park.

While you're here...

Lake District, England

On the shores of Derwentwater, this pretty market town is a hive of activity – with festivals, hotels, watersports and more.

Photo by: VisitBritain/Ruby Nicholson/Alpacalyeverafter

Location: Keswick

A bearded man wearing a wool hat holding two white alpacas
Grasmere, England

Get your fill at The Grasmere Gingerbread Shop – the site where the spicy treat was invented.

Photo by: grasmeregingerbread

Location: Lake District

Closeup of Grasmere Gingerbread on a rock by a lakeside
Lake District, England

Take notes at The Derwent Pencil Museum, a delightful draw for all the family and stationery fans.

Photo by: Derwent Pencil Museum

Location: Lake District

The Derwent Pencil Museum

Explore more

Catch a game or book a tour at some of the stunning stadia around Britain. As Welcome to Wrexham returns, we’re turning the spotlight onto Wrexham AFC.

Photo by: VisitBritain/Andrew Pickett

A man and boy in stadium tunnel looking out to pitch

Discover one of 15 National Parks, which are dotted all across the country, from England’s south coast to the far reaches of Scotland.

Photo by: VisitBritain/Ben Selway

Horses and riders trotting through the shallow water.

From the Beatles’ Childhood Homes in Liverpool, to Abbey Road and David Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust street in London, discover the UK’s most iconic musical landmarks.

Photo by: VisitBritain

Pianist playing in a moodily lit bar. Red lighting

Day 4 – Liverpool

Day 4 - Liverpool

Liverpool is a UNESCO City of Music and the birthplace of the biggest-selling band of all time, The Beatles. Explore their legacy in the live music bars of the Cavern Quarter, wander the Royal Albert Dock and Tate gallery, and enjoy independent shopping on quirky Bold Street. The city is never more electric than on a Liverpool or Everton match day — whether you’re watching in a stadium or a pub, an unforgettable atmosphere is guaranteed.

Photo by: Matador Network/Alexa Moore

Location: Liverpool, England

A woman poses on sidewalk outside of The Cavern Club neon sign.

Things to do in Liverpool

For striking modern art, look no further than this outpost of the Tate galleries. Currently closed for renovations, RIBA North, Mann Island, is its temporary home.

Be inspired by Tate Liverpool

Photo by: Tate Liverpool Photo © Tate Liverpool (Rikard Österlund)

Liverpool Biennial
Tate Liverpool

The vibrant heart of the city, Royal Albert Dock is home to restaurants, museums, bars, shops and the Tate Liverpool art gallery.

Explore the Royal Albert Dock

Photo by: VisitBritain/Kathryn Ramsden

Location: Liverpool

Dog in a life jacket on a stand-up paddle-board
Royal Albert Dock

Even if Liverpool FC isn’t your team, the club’s mighty stadium is super impressive – and yours to discover on a behind-the-scenes tour.

Book your tour of Anfield

Photo by: officialsyviaajayi

Location: Liverpool

A woman posing while on a stadium tour of Anfield, Liverpool.
Anfield, Liverpool

One of the most famous music venues in the UK, The Cavern Club helped launch the career of The Beatles.

Visit The Cavern Club

Photo by: VisitBritain/Rod Edwards

Location: Liverpool

Inside club showing arched ceilings, coloured lights and stage
The Cavern Club

Rock, pop, punk and rave you way through popular music history.

Discover the sounds of the British Music Experience

Photo by: British Music Experience, Liverpool

British Music Experience, Liverpool
British Music Experience

Take a tour of this Liverpool icon, and enjoy 360º city views from its 15th-floor viewing platform.

What’s on at the Royal Liver Building

Photo by: Jason Roberts

Gentleman photographing the tower in the skyline from the roof of the Royal Liver Building 360, Merseyside. Silver winner of the Small Visitor Attraction of the Year in the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2022
Royal Liver Building

For striking modern art, look no further than this outpost of the Tate galleries. Currently closed for renovations, RIBA North, Mann Island, is its temporary home.

Be inspired by Tate Liverpool

Photo by: Tate Liverpool Photo © Tate Liverpool (Rikard Österlund)

Liverpool Biennial
Tate Liverpool

The vibrant heart of the city, Royal Albert Dock is home to restaurants, museums, bars, shops and the Tate Liverpool art gallery.

Explore the Royal Albert Dock

Photo by: VisitBritain/Kathryn Ramsden

Location: Liverpool

Dog in a life jacket on a stand-up paddle-board
Royal Albert Dock

Even if Liverpool FC isn’t your team, the club’s mighty stadium is super impressive – and yours to discover on a behind-the-scenes tour.

Book your tour of Anfield

Photo by: officialsyviaajayi

Location: Liverpool

A woman posing while on a stadium tour of Anfield, Liverpool.
Anfield, Liverpool

One of the most famous music venues in the UK, The Cavern Club helped launch the career of The Beatles.

Visit The Cavern Club

Photo by: VisitBritain/Rod Edwards

Location: Liverpool

Inside club showing arched ceilings, coloured lights and stage
The Cavern Club

Rock, pop, punk and rave you way through popular music history.

Discover the sounds of the British Music Experience

Photo by: British Music Experience, Liverpool

British Music Experience, Liverpool
British Music Experience

Take a tour of this Liverpool icon, and enjoy 360º city views from its 15th-floor viewing platform.

What’s on at the Royal Liver Building

Photo by: Jason Roberts

Gentleman photographing the tower in the skyline from the roof of the Royal Liver Building 360, Merseyside. Silver winner of the Small Visitor Attraction of the Year in the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2022
Royal Liver Building

Getting to Liverpool from The Lake District

Trains from Oxenholme to Liverpool take around 1 hour and 45 minutes and require a transfer, usually in Preston or Lancaster.

While you're here...

Liverpool, England

Liverpool’s first street food market is a celebration of the city’s best bites. From frozen gins to gluten-free treats, it’s the perfect place to catch-up and refuel.

Photo by: VisitBritain

Man sitting at table, sprinkling cheese on pizza
Liverpool, England

From vintage shops to global delis and indie stores of all descriptions, wander down the charming cobbles of Bold Street.

Photo by: VisitLiverpool

Location: Liverpool, England

Shop in style at Liverpool's indie Bold Street
Liverpool, England

Featuring 100 statues, Antony Gormley’s artwork brings a new dimension to this seaside spot.

Photo by: VisitBritain/Marketing Liverpool

Location: Liverpool, England

People standing beside Antony Gormley's Another Place sculptures on Crosby Beach, Liverpool

Day 5 – Chester

Day 5 - Chester

It may be a small city, but there are some amazing things to do in Chester . Dive into history as you wander its cobbled streets, stopping to admire Chester Cathedral and the 2,000-year-old Roman city walls. Modern-day Chester has no shortage of creative eating and drinking options. Sample street food from around the world at Chester Market, or dine before a show at cultural hub Storyhouse.

Photo by: Getty Images/iStockphoto/trabantos

Location: Chester, England

View of residential houses alongside river Dee in Chester, England.

Things to do in Chester

There’s a kingdom of animals waiting for you at Chester Zoo, from black rhinos to waddling penguins, and some of its rarest residents, Sumatran tigers.

Book your Chester Zoo tickets now

Photo by: Marketing Cheshire

Two people taking a picture of a ring-tailed lemur in Chester Zoo
Chester Zoo

Enjoy the fresh and vibrant atmosphere celebrating local produce and indie traders as you shop at this foodie, vintage and gift market.

Visit Chester Market

Photo by: Chester Market

People eating food and drinking in Chester Market
Chester Market

A city centrepiece, this ancient monument stands proud. Book a Tower Tour to climb the central tower and soar over the city, county and look across to Wales.

Explore Chester Cathedral

Photo by: Chester Cathedral

Two people touring Chester Cathedral
Chester Cathedral

With a theatre, cinema, city library and restaurant, join Chester’s cultural scene for a comedy show, stage performance or new film screening.

Get cultural at Storyhouse

Photo by: Marketing Cheshire

A group of people sitting on a bench eating food at the Storyhouse in Chester
Storyhouse

And they’re off! Get a buzz for the racing as the packed annual events calendar and fixtures sees Summer Festivals, Ladies Day and Cup days bringing the action.

Off to the races at Chester Racecourse

Photo by: Charlotte Giddings Photography

Horses racing past the grandstand at Chester Racecourse
Chester Racecourse

Roam like the Romans did and uncover 2,000-year-old Deva, Britain’s biggest Roman fortress and home to the Twentieth Legion.

Learn about Roman Chester

Photo by: Marketing Cheshire

Two people sitting and listening to a tour guide on a Roman themed tour of Chester
Chester Roman Tours

There’s a kingdom of animals waiting for you at Chester Zoo, from black rhinos to waddling penguins, and some of its rarest residents, Sumatran tigers.

Book your Chester Zoo tickets now

Photo by: Marketing Cheshire

Two people taking a picture of a ring-tailed lemur in Chester Zoo
Chester Zoo

Enjoy the fresh and vibrant atmosphere celebrating local produce and indie traders as you shop at this foodie, vintage and gift market.

Visit Chester Market

Photo by: Chester Market

People eating food and drinking in Chester Market
Chester Market

A city centrepiece, this ancient monument stands proud. Book a Tower Tour to climb the central tower and soar over the city, county and look across to Wales.

Explore Chester Cathedral

Photo by: Chester Cathedral

Two people touring Chester Cathedral
Chester Cathedral

With a theatre, cinema, city library and restaurant, join Chester’s cultural scene for a comedy show, stage performance or new film screening.

Get cultural at Storyhouse

Photo by: Marketing Cheshire

A group of people sitting on a bench eating food at the Storyhouse in Chester
Storyhouse

And they’re off! Get a buzz for the racing as the packed annual events calendar and fixtures sees Summer Festivals, Ladies Day and Cup days bringing the action.

Off to the races at Chester Racecourse

Photo by: Charlotte Giddings Photography

Horses racing past the grandstand at Chester Racecourse
Chester Racecourse

Roam like the Romans did and uncover 2,000-year-old Deva, Britain’s biggest Roman fortress and home to the Twentieth Legion.

Learn about Roman Chester

Photo by: Marketing Cheshire

Two people sitting and listening to a tour guide on a Roman themed tour of Chester
Chester Roman Tours

Getting to Chester from Liverpool

Trains from Liverpool Lime Street to Chester run several times a day and take around 45 minutes.

While you're here...

Warrington, England 21st - 24th August 2025

Regarded as one of the leading dance music festivals on the planet, enjoy four days of house, techno, drum and bass, electronic dance, trance music and more!

Photo by: Anthony Mooney

Location: Liverpool, England

Crowd at Creamfields Festival
Chester, England

Float along the River Dee on the Chester Town Kayak Tour, or opt for the pacey White Water sessions to take on the rushing weir.

Photo by: Marketing Cheshire

People smiling and laughing while kayaking down a river in Chester
Chester, England

Prepare yourself for a chilling journey through Chester’s streets as you embark on a ghoulish tour, through the ‘wicked old rows’ and ancient cobbled streets.

Photo by: Marketing Cheshire

People listening to a tour guide at night as part of a ghost walk in Chester

Ready to discover north west England?

Find out about passport requirements, what to expect at customs and immigration, as well as tips on travelling to Britain, getting around and some handy ways to save money while you’re here.

Photo by: Getty Images/SolStock

A multiracial family of four, a mother, father and their two little boys standing Newcastle railway station platform waiting for their train.

World-class football and a music scene that brought Oasis to centre stage – there’s lots to love about Manchester.

Photo by: VisitBritain/Manchester Craft Beer Festival

DJ playing to groups of people at Manchester Craft Beer Festival, in Depot Mayfield, Manchester

From The Beatles to Frankie Goes to Hollywood, Liverpool is a UNESCO City of Music with seriously cool credentials.

Photo by: Oh Me Oh My

Location: Liverpool

Rooftop of Oh me oh my restaurant in Liverpool

From the tip of England’s tallest peak to the nation’s deepest lake, this national park is stacked with super-sized scenery.

Photo by: VisitBritain/Ryan Lomas

Location: Lake District, England

Rear view of young woman on a hillside with two dogs

Chester’s charm is captivating and unmissable, from city walls oozing with Roman history to Chester Zoo's magnificent animal kingdom.

Photo by: Getty Images/iStockphoto/trabantos

Location: Chester, England

View of residential houses alongside river Dee in Chester, England.