North West England encompasses the dramatic splendour of the Lake District, the industrial heritage of Manchester and Merseyside, and the walled city of Chester, perched on the border with Wales.

The Lake District has long been a favourite subject for artists - the impressive mountains reflected in tranquil lakes. Of course each of the lakes has its own character - Windermere (the largest lake in England) is known for its boating, watersports and tourist attractions whilst Bassenthwaite Lake is altogether more peaceful.

William Wordsworth, the poet, and Beatrix Potter, the children's writer and benefactor of the National Trust, are just two of the famous historical figures connected with the Lake District and Cumbria.

Although Manchester and Liverpool are known as industrial cities, there are interesting things to see in both.

Manchester has many fine Victorian buildings, examples being the imposing Gothic Town Hall, the Royal Exchange (housing the Royal Exchange Theatre) and the unusual circular Central Library in St. Peters Square.

Many visitors to Manchester like to tour the home of the famous British soap-opera "Coronation Street" at the Granada Studios. There are numerous museums and art galleries, including the Whitworth Art Gallery, the Museum of Science & Industry and the City Art Gallery.

Liverpool is situated on the River Mersey - it has seven miles of waterfront, which once made up one of the world's largest ports. No longer needed, the docks are being re-generated, and the Albert Dock Complex is an example of this.

It houses a maritime museum, the Liverpool branch of the Tate Gallery, and many other exhibitions in the renovated dock and warehouse buildings. Liverpool boasts two cathedrals - the Roman Catholic Cathedral built in the modern style, and the Anglican Cathedral built in the more traditional neo-Gothic style.

Liverpool is the home of the Beatles - there is a faithful reproduction of the Cavern Club where their musical career was launched, and "The Beatles Story", where you can experience the sights and sounds of the sixties.

The Isle of Man is in the middle of the Irish Sea, equidistant between England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales.

It is 33 miles long by 13 miles wide, and has its own parliament, known as the Tynwald. The Isle of Man is famous as the home of the TT races - an annual motorbike road racing festival. Of course there is much more besides motor sport to see on the island - the railway, many castles and museums, and miles of countryside.

Chester is famous for its well-preserved city walls, which were built in Roman times, and its elegant black and white half-timbered buildings which were built not in medieval but in Victorian times!

Attractions in North West England

Towns in North West England