North West England has been a traditional holiday location for domestic travellers since the Victorian era, but does not often attract as many international visitors as its southern or Scottish counterparts.
Thanks to its cosmopolitan cities, historic sights and beautiful scenery, the United Kingdom has been a long-held favourite destination for travellers across the world. However, much of its international tourism has focussed on a few specific areas. As the capital and one of the world’s largest cities, London naturally attracts the highest share of visitors from overseas. Other favourites with travellers from abroad include the Scottish Highlands and Islands, the ancient university towns of Oxford and Cambridge, Shakespeare’s birthplace Stratford-upon-Avon and the prehistoric monument of Stonehenge.
However, there are other attractive locations that receive less attention from global tourists. The north west of England, for instance, has been a traditional holiday location for domestic travellers since the Victorian era, but does not usually attract as many international visitors as its southern or Scottish counterparts. If you’re considering a visit to North West England, here are a few sights that you cannot miss.
From the beautiful Lake District to the musical streets of Liverpool
Perhaps one of the UK’s crowning glories, the Lake District National Park is nestled in the north western county of Cumbria. Famous as the home and primary inspiration of the Romantic poet William Wordsworth, the Lake District boasts superb walking trails, mountainous scenery and picture-postcard English towns. What’s more, its many water bodies offer ample opportunities for boating and the seaside is in close proximity, making it the ideal destination for a family getaway. Travellers with a particular interest in the region’s literary heritage should be sure to visit Wordsworth House, the poet’s childhood home, in Cockermouth, as well as Windermere and Coniston Water, which reportedly inspired Arthur Ransome’s Swallows and Amazons book series for children.
To the south of the Lake District, travellers will find several cities to explore – in particular, Manchester and Liverpool. Manchester has seen its reputation revived from a grey, post-industrial centre to one of the UK’s trendiest urban centres in the last decade. Strong musical heritage and a large university population means that this city is overflowing with concert venues and lively bars, as well as its fair share of museums, stately buildings and bustling shopping centres. Its neighbour Liverpool is similarly replete with activities for travellers and has seen the reputation of many of its galleries and museums – including the celebrated Tate Liverpool – transformed since its stint as European Capital of Culture in 2008. What’s more, as the home of The Beatles, there’s plenty of sights dedicated to the world-famous foursome that can’t be seen anywhere else, such as The Beatles Story museum, the Magical Mystery Tour of the city and the Cavern Club, the music venue at which they were discovered.
And if you’re in the mood for a cheesy British treat, a trip to the seaside resort of Blackpool is unmissable. Once the UK’s premier seaside destination, Blackpool’s glamour has faded throughout the years. However, it continues to attract local holidaymakers to its ride-filled Pleasure Beach, its annual illuminations and the iconic Blackpool Tower.
Finding hotels in England’s north west
Accommodation in North West England offers a variable experience so thorough research is strongly advised before booking. Rest assured, however, that high quality hotels outnumber those offering a sub-standard service and visitors will be able to find a comfortable place to rest whatever their budget. The Lake District, for instance, is home to many charming and affordable bed and breakfasts, while large hotel chains are easily found in cities like Manchester. Luxury hotels in the area have also been celebrated.
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