Complete Guide to North West England (2025)

Gateshead is a vibrant town located on the southern bank of the River Tyne, directly opposite Newcastle upon Tyne in the North East of England. Its riverside setting offers stunning views and easy access to some of the region’s most iconic landmarks, including the striking Millennium Bridge and the Sage Gateshead, a renowned centre for music and performing arts. Visitors can enjoy a lively cultural scene combined with scenic walks along the Quayside.

The town centre and nearby Quayside area provide a mix of shopping, dining, and entertainment options. Gateshead Market is a bustling spot where locals and tourists alike browse fresh produce, crafts, and unique goods. For those interested in art and exhibitions, the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art stands out as a major attraction, hosting cutting-edge exhibitions in a dramatic converted flour mill overlooking the river.

Beyond the urban attractions, Gateshead is surrounded by green spaces such as Saltwell Park, which offers beautifully landscaped gardens, playgrounds, and walking paths. This balance of vibrant city life and natural beauty makes Gateshead a great destination for visitors looking to experience culture, leisure, and relaxation all in one place.

Visiting Carlisle, nestled in the far north of Cumbria near the Scottish border, offers a unique experience that blends urban charm with striking natural surroundings. The city acts as a gateway to both the Lake District and Hadrian’s Wall Country, making it an excellent base for exploring northern England’s landscapes and heritage sites. Whether you’re here for a weekend or just passing through en route to Scotland, Carlisle offers a compact yet diverse selection of cultural attractions, green spaces, and riverside walks.

The centre of Carlisle is easily walkable and home to a mix of historic and contemporary highlights. The red sandstone Carlisle Cathedral provides a peaceful respite in the middle of town, while nearby you’ll find stylish cafés, independent shops, and a lively covered market. The Tullie Museum offers insight into local culture and has art exhibitions and Roman artefacts. The pedestrianised core of the city makes it easy to explore, and public squares often host live performances or markets throughout the year.

Carlisle’s location makes it ideal for day trips by car, bus or even bike. Hadrian’s Wall begins just a short distance from the city centre, with walking trails leading to forts such as Birdoswald. The Solway Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is also within easy reach, offering dramatic seascapes and birdlife. For those venturing into the Lake District, it’s just a 40-minute drive south, giving visitors the chance to enjoy both city comforts and the raw beauty of Cumbria’s countryside in a single trip.

Brampton is a small market town, civil parish and electoral ward within the City of Carlisle district of Cumbria, England, about 9 miles (14 km) east of Carlisle and 2 miles (3.2 km) south of Hadrian’s Wall. Historically part of Cumberland, it is situated off the A69 road which bypasses it. Brampton railway station, on the Newcastle and Carlisle Railway, is about a mile outside the town, near the hamlet of Milton.

Brampton, with a population of some 4000, is built of local sandstone, and situated in a hollow formed by glacial action which took place during the ice-age.

In the centre of the town is the octagonal Moot Hall, built in 1817, with an external staircase to its upper entrance, pointed windows and a square turret. The building now houses the Tourist Information Centre. East of the town is an exceptionally large motte, about 135 feet high. On it is a statue of the 7th Earl of Carlisle.

Bowness-on-Solway is a small village of fewer than 100 houses in Cumbria in northwest England. It is situated to the west of Carlisle on the southern side of the Solway Firth estuary separating England and Scotland and has spectacular views across the Solway estuary to Dumfries & Galloway. The village is part of the Solway Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and home to nationally and internationally important species. It is a great place for walking, cycling, and bird watching and there are several nature reserves nearby.

The parish consists of four villages – Anthorn, Bowness, Glasson and Port Carlisle, and the smaller settlements of Cardurnock, Drumburgh, Easton, Fingland, Longcroft and Whitrigg.

The village is at the western end of Hadrian’s Wall and was the location of the Roman fort Maia which guarded the approach from the Solway. The village is built on the site of the fort and Roman stones can be seen in the local buildings, including the Norman church of St. Michael.

‘Bowness’ means ’rounded’, or bow-shaped headland’, from either the Old English ‘boga’, ‘bow’, and ‘næss’, or, more probably, the Old Norse ‘bogi’ and ‘nes’. The headland at Bowness on Solway once led to a crossing point over the Solway Firth into Scotland, known as a ‘wath’.

Manchester, in the heart of North West England, is a dynamic city known for its creativity, music, and sport. Whether you’re walking through the Northern Quarter with its independent boutiques and graffiti-covered walls or relaxing in leafy suburbs like Didsbury, there’s a clear sense of character throughout the city. Its compact size makes it easy to navigate, but the experiences on offer are anything but small—from global food halls to hidden jazz bars.

One of the city’s biggest draws is its deep connection to football. Fans from all over the world come to visit the Etihad Stadium or Old Trafford, home to two of the most famous clubs in the world. But Manchester’s appeal isn’t limited to sport—its music scene is legendary, and live venues like Band on the Wall or the Albert Hall regularly host big-name acts and emerging talent. If you’re into culture, institutions like the Whitworth and HOME Manchester offer brilliant rotating exhibitions and events.

Beyond the city centre, Manchester is a great base for exploring the rest of the region. Day trips to the Peak District, Liverpool, or the Pennines are all within easy reach. Transport links are excellent, with a well-connected tram system and trains running frequently to cities across the UK. Whether you’re staying for a weekend or longer, Manchester’s mix of grit and glamour makes it one of the most exciting cities to visit in England.

Visiting Liverpool offers a vibrant experience in the northwest of England, blending cultural richness with a lively urban atmosphere. The city is well known for its maritime heritage, but visitors will find much more—from world-class museums and galleries to thriving music and arts scenes. Liverpool’s compact city centre makes it easy to explore on foot, with landmarks such as the iconic waterfront and the bustling Albert Dock area providing a picturesque backdrop for sightseeing.

Liverpool’s cultural offerings extend beyond the museums. The city boasts numerous theatres, live music venues, and festivals that celebrate everything from classical performances to contemporary pop. Visitors can enjoy a stroll down Mathew Street, famed for its connection to The Beatles, or spend time at the Liverpool ONE shopping complex for retail therapy and dining. The city’s diverse neighbourhoods, including the Georgian Quarter and Baltic Triangle, offer unique experiences with trendy cafes, street art, and boutique shops.

Nature lovers and families can explore the nearby parks and waterfront promenades that provide a refreshing contrast to the city buzz. Liverpool’s waterfront itself is a UNESCO World Heritage site, perfect for leisurely walks with views across the River Mersey. With its welcoming vibe, excellent transport links, and a mix of cultural, historical, and recreational options, Liverpool stands out as a dynamic destination well worth a visit.

Lancaster, situated in the North West England region, offers a charming mix of urban energy and rural serenity. Its position on the River Lune gives it a scenic appeal, with riverside walks and open spaces like Williamson Park providing peaceful escapes. The city centre blends independent shops, cafes, and heritage architecture, making it a compact and walkable place to explore at a leisurely pace.

A visit to Lancaster can include a wide variety of cultural attractions, from galleries and theatres to music venues and literary festivals. Its vibrant student population from the local university adds a youthful dynamic to the city, fuelling a busy events calendar throughout the year. The local food scene is also on the rise, with farmers’ markets and gastropubs offering hearty Lancashire fare and modern dishes.

Lancaster is also a convenient base for visiting the surrounding countryside. It’s a short drive from both the Forest of Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Morecambe Bay’s coastal charm. The city has excellent rail links to the Lake District, Preston, and Manchester, making it a well-connected spot for travellers looking to experience the wider North West region while enjoying a relaxed urban stay.

Visiting Preston offers a vibrant experience in the heart of Lancashire, a lively area known for its blend of modern amenities and cultural heritage. The city provides a mix of shopping, dining, and entertainment options, with bustling markets and contemporary shopping centres like Fishergate Shopping Centre. Visitors can enjoy a variety of cuisines in restaurants and cafés spread throughout the city, reflecting Preston’s diverse community and welcoming atmosphere.

Preston is also a great base for exploring the surrounding Lancashire countryside and coastal towns. Its location in the region means visitors can easily access nearby attractions such as the Ribble Valley’s scenic trails or the beaches along Morecambe Bay. The city itself boasts parks and green spaces, perfect for leisurely strolls or picnics, making it a refreshing urban stop with plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities.

For those interested in arts and culture, Preston offers several galleries and theatres showcasing local talent and touring productions. The Harris Museum and Art Gallery is a highlight, featuring fine art, decorative arts, and exhibitions that reflect the region’s creativity. Throughout the year, the city hosts festivals and community events that celebrate its vibrant spirit, ensuring there’s always something happening for visitors to enjoy.

Visiting Chester offers a charming blend of urban life and scenic surroundings in the North West England region. The city is famous for its well-preserved Roman walls, but beyond history, it boasts a vibrant shopping district with unique boutiques, traditional markets, and modern retail outlets. The city centre is compact and walkable, making it easy to explore landmarks, shops, and cafés without needing transport.

Chester’s riverfront area along the River Dee provides picturesque walking routes and plenty of spots for dining and relaxing by the water. Visitors can enjoy boat trips or simply stroll along the promenade, soaking in views of the city’s historic architecture and green spaces. The city also hosts numerous festivals and cultural events throughout the year, which add to its lively atmosphere.

For those looking to enjoy local cuisine, Chester offers a variety of dining experiences, from traditional British pubs to contemporary restaurants featuring seasonal and locally sourced produce. The city’s vibrant nightlife includes cozy pubs, stylish bars, and live music venues, ensuring there is something for everyone after dark. Chester’s welcoming atmosphere and mix of activities make it a rewarding destination in the North West England area.