Outdoors and Activities

Family fun

From toddlers and teenagers to the big kid in you, here there’s plenty to occupy even the most inquisitive of minds. Whether you want to wow them with a show, encourage them to learn about science, nature or art, or just tire them out, this is the perfect place for family fun all year round.

The best locations for a relaxing retreat

The Northwest’s scenic countryside provides the calming atmosphere that is needed for a relaxing holiday where you can unwind.

Top 5 campsites

The Northwest is a place with natural abundance begging to be explored.

City break in Liverpool

This world-famous city of Liverpool has everything for the weekend visitor. From arts and culture to wining and dining, everything you could possibly want out of a city break is here ready and waiting, and the shopping potential is unlimited.

Weekend in the Wilderness

There’s no excuse necessary to enjoy a weekend unwinding while taking in the wilderness, especially during summer months when the region’s flora and fauna bring coast and countryside alive.

National Trust Properties

If you long to spend leisurely days wandering around the region’s best kept treasures, imagining you really are the Lord of the manor, then visiting some of our National Trust Properties will make you feel like you’re right at home.

Northwest rock climbing venues

The Northwest is dotted with many great indoor and outdoor climbing faces.

Scenic surroundings

If it’s stunning views you’re after then we have those too! As the home of England’s highest point and several of its biggest mountains, you’d be right to expect to see some naturally spectacular sights here.

Castles in the Northwest

Reconstructed Roman forts, keeps, dungeons, and kingly residences; the Northwest's proximity to Wales and Scotland means that castle-building was one of its earliest necessities.

Cultural Cumbria

Cumbria’s not all about lakes and mountains, beautiful as they are. This is one of the region’s cultural hotspots, with a cultural calendar as busy as any major regional city.

Exploring on foot

With some of the most beautiful and varied countryside you’ll find in the UK, there’s nowhere better to enjoy long walks along majestic peaks, tranquil lakes and stunning coastline.

Thrills & spills

If you’re a regular thrill seeker then we have an abundance of activities that will leave even the biggest adrenaline junkies satisfied.

Bike breaks

Whether you prefer recreational cycling or hardcore mountain biking, the Northwest has cycle routes in abundance, both on and off road.

City breaks in Manchester

Manchester’s history as the world’s ‘original modern’ city is writ large on its impressive Victorian streets, now juxtaposed with thoroughly up-to-the-minute shards of steel and glass as the city’s skyline comes over all Manhattan.

Beach activities in and around Merseyside

The Northwest's beaches are the best they’ve ever been. With winding sandbars, rolling dunes, and excellent water sports opportunities, there has never been a better reason to visit and enjoy our beautiful coastline.

City break in Chester

Head for Chester, where the city’s remarkable Roman and medieval heritage is mixed with a tempting selection of contemporary charms, ranging from chic new boutiques and restaurants to a leisurely boat cruise along the tree-lined River Dee.

Eco chic

If, like most of us, you feel a little guilty about the mark your size-nine carbons are making on our planet, we’ve got plenty of ways to ease your conscious here in England’s Northwest. And you don’t have to slum it either; from luxurious B&Bs to five-star holiday parks, green doesn’t mean mean in this corner of England.

Days out seeing Cheshire’s best

From medieval keeps and space-age research, to utopian societies and secret underground bases, Cheshire has been at the forefront of many historical moments.

Outdoor art

Motorways and lakes, old buildings and woodlands; every place provides a canvass for outdoor art. This is a creative region, and whilst we have an abundance of galleries showcasing everything from modern masters to Tiffany glass, we’re not confined to four walls, or even public squares. You’ll be surprised at the breadth, and the locations, of some of the country’s best outdoor art.

Spending a week in the Lakes

The Lake District is full of appeal, and, if you’ve never visited this majestic part of England’s Northwest, you’re certain to enjoy a huge variety of spectacular events and breathtaking scenery.

Northwest markets

From homemade chutneys and local meats ready to roast, to delicacies from across the globe, you’ll find plenty of treats to take home with you at one of our markets.

Weekend with the boys

If it’s a weekend with your best mates that you’re looking for, spending time enjoying activities galore, then head this way.

Things to do with the kids when it’s sunny

There’s nothing better than being out in the fresh air when the weather is good and the kids are off. So, if during the holidays you find yourself looking for outdoor attractions to keep your little ones entertained and active, look no further – we have everything you’ll need for fun-filled, family activities outdoors.

Romantic retreats

It’s all about the love here in England’s Northwest and with so many cosy boltholes and delicious delicacies to share, we guarantee you’ll be smitten. For honeymoons, anniversaries, Valentines breaks or just because you can, this is the perfect place to spoil your significant other.

Spa breaks in Manchester

The cosmopolitan city of Manchester is an attractive location for a city centre escape. But if you’re more interested in quiet time for relaxation, well, we have that too.

Glamping in style

Forget your wellies, rain coat and thermals – this is camping with a very chic twist. It’s the latest trend for holiday-goers in the UK, and the Northwest is the prime location for glamping hotspots.

Weekend with the girls in Liverpool

There are four essential ingredients to create the perfect weekend away with your closest friends. First of all, there must be a variety of cocktail bars where you can enjoy a mojito or two. You’ll also need a superb selection of shops, a good helping of fancy restaurants and some fantastic bars to dance the night away.

Top 5 botanical gardens

Whether it’s a formal English garden or a wild and dense collection of flora, the Northwest is home to some of the most exciting botanical collections.

By the sea

With more than 1,000 km of changing coastline, 80% of which is designated for its wildlife importance, it’s no wonder the Northwest is a prime location for sun seekers and sightseers.

Spending a week in Blackpool

Known as the UK’s favourite holiday destination, Blackpool has plenty on offer for every visitor.

What's on this weekend

Great ideas to entertain all the family this weekend

Late summer festivals in Cumbria

You can always rely on Cumbria to offer up its calendar of home-grown and eccentric festivals.

Seeing the animals in Cumbria

Cumbria is home to some of the best wildlife attractions in Britain. Here you’ll discover acres of open land, conservation areas and a home-grown love for native species and plants.

Spa breaks in Chester

If utter relaxation, combined with the complete pamper package, is what you desire then Chester has luxurious hotels and spa hotspots just for you.

Outdoor swimming in the Northwest

On a baking hot day, the rush, freedom, and fun of outdoor swimming is a difficult one to top. Generally you'll be told that, apart from a few choice spots on the south coast, England has little to offer in the way of good spots to take the plunge.

Rainy day adventures in Lancashire

Because the Northwest isn't famed for its cloudless summers, we've learned to get around the unreliable weather with a host of great activities indoors.

Ideas & inspirations

Family fun

The best locations for a relaxing retreat

Top 5 campsites

City break in Liverpool

Weekend in the Wilderness

National Trust Properties

Northwest rock climbing venues

Scenic surroundings

Castles in the Northwest

Cultural Cumbria

Exploring on foot

Thrills & spills

Bike breaks

City breaks in Manchester

Beach activities in and around Merseyside

City break in Chester

Eco chic

Days out seeing Cheshire’s best

Outdoor art

Spending a week in the Lakes

Northwest markets

Weekend with the boys

Things to do with the kids when it’s sunny

Romantic retreats

Spa breaks in Manchester

Glamping in style

Weekend with the girls in Liverpool

Top 5 botanical gardens

By the sea

Spending a week in Blackpool

What's on this weekend

Late summer festivals in Cumbria

Seeing the animals in Cumbria

Spa breaks in Chester

Outdoor swimming in the Northwest

Rainy day adventures in Lancashire