Summer Fun in the North West: Your Ultimate Summer Holidays Guide!

Embrace the Great Outdoors

The North West boasts some of the UK's most breathtaking natural beauty, making it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts.

• The Lake District National Park (Cumbria): A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Lake District is an absolute must-visit. Spend your days hiking scenic trails like those around Windermere, take a boat trip across the iconic lakes, or try your hand at watersports like paddleboarding and kayaking.  Picturesque towns such as Bowness-on-Windermere offer charming shops, restaurants, and easy access to the water.  Don't forget to pack a picnic and find a secluded spot to soak in the views!

• Peak District National Park (Cheshire/Greater Manchester Borders): While largely in Derbyshire, the western edges of the Peak District extend into Cheshire and Greater Manchester, offering fantastic opportunities for walking, cycling, and exploring charming villages.  Discover dramatic landscapes and enjoy fresh air.

• Forestry England Sites: Across the North West, you'll find beautiful forests managed by Forestry England.  These offer well-marked walking and cycling trails suitable for all abilities, exciting adventure play areas for the kids, and even Go Ape tree-top adventures for those seeking a thrill amongst the canopy.

• Coastal Gems and Sandy Shores: The North West coastline offers diverse beach experiences.

  • Formby Beach (Merseyside): Famous for its vast sandy dunes, the rare red squirrel reserve, and striking views, Formby is perfect for a day of sandcastle building, picnicking, and nature exploration.

  • Blackpool Beach (Lancashire): For a classic seaside resort experience, Blackpool delivers with its expansive sandy beach, three iconic piers, and the famous Blackpool Tower.  Enjoy traditional amusements and plenty of family-friendly entertainment.

  • Lytham St Annes (Lancashire): A more refined seaside town, Lytham St Annes offers a wide expanse of golden sand, a beautiful promenade, and a more relaxed atmosphere than its lively neighbour.

  • Crosby Beach (Merseyside): Home to Antony Gormley's 'Another Place' art installation, featuring 100 cast-iron figures gazing out to sea, Crosby Beach offers a unique and thought-provoking coastal walk.

Thrills, Spills & Family Fun

For those seeking excitement and entertainment, the North West has a fantastic array of attractions to keep all ages entertained.

• Blackpool Pleasure Beach (Blackpool, Lancashire): A true British institution, this iconic theme park offers a plethora of rollercoasters, family-friendly rides, and Nickelodeon Land for younger visitors.

• Chester Zoo (Chester, Cheshire): Consistently ranked as one of the UK's top zoos, Chester Zoo is home to thousands of incredible animals and offers immersive habitats and conservation efforts.  It's a full day out for the entire family.

• Knowsley Safari Park (Prescot, Merseyside): Get up close and personal with magnificent animals on a five-mile safari drive or explore the Foot Safari with its cheeky meerkats and sea lion displays.  It's an educational and exciting adventure.

• Gulliver's World (Warrington, Cheshire): Specifically designed for families with younger children (ages 2-13), Gulliver's World provides a fantastic range of rides, shows, and attractions.

• LEGOLAND Discovery Centre (Manchester): A paradise for LEGO lovers, this indoor attraction features rides, a 4D cinema, and millions of LEGO bricks for creative building.

• Sandcastle Waterpark (Blackpool): If the sun is shining (or even if it's not!), cool down and have a splash at the UK's largest indoor waterpark.

• Chill Factore (Manchester): Experience winter sports in the middle of summer at the UK's longest indoor real snow slope.  Enjoy skiing, snowboarding, or simply playing in the snow park.

Dive into History & Art

The North West is rich in history and culture, with vibrant cities offering world-class museums, galleries, and unique experiences.

• Manchester:

  • Science and Industry Museum: Delve into Manchester's rich industrial past and discover amazing scientific innovations with interactive exhibits for all ages.

  • National Football Museum: A must for football fans, this museum celebrates the history and culture of the beautiful game.

  • Imperial War Museum North: Explore the impact of conflict on people's lives through powerful exhibitions.

  • Castlefield Viaduct: Discover a unique urban "sky garden" transformed from a Victorian-era steel viaduct, offering a green oasis in the city centre.

• Liverpool:

  • World Museum: Explore ancient Egypt, natural history, and an aquarium all under one roof.

  • Museum of Liverpool: Learn about the city's unique history, from its maritime past to its musical heritage.

  • The Beatles Story: Immerse yourself in the lives and times of the Fab Four at this award-winning attraction.

  • Tate Liverpool: Enjoy modern and contemporary art in a stunning Albert Dock setting.

• Historic Houses & Gardens: The National Trust and other organisations manage numerous stunning historic properties and gardens across the North West, perfect for a leisurely day out.

  • Speke Hall (Liverpool): A rare Tudor manor house with a fascinating history, woodland play areas, and beautiful gardens.

  • Dunham Massey (Altrincham): Explore a magnificent Georgian house, ancient deer park, and stunning gardens that change with the seasons.

  • Quarry Bank (Wilmslow): Discover one of Britain's greatest industrial heritage sites, a working cotton mill set in picturesque gardens and countryside.

  • Lyme (Stockport): A glorious house surrounded by gardens, moorland, and a deer park, offering a glimpse into grand estate life.

Budget-Friendly & Local Gems

You don't need to spend a fortune to have a brilliant time in the North West.

• Local Parks and Playgrounds: Never underestimate the joy of a local park!  Pack a picnic, a ball, and enjoy hours of free fun on the swings and slides.

• Cycling Trails: Many areas boast fantastic disused railway lines or canal paths perfect for family bike rides. 

• Picnics: Find a scenic spot – a local park, a viewpoint, or even your own back garden and enjoy an easy, affordable meal outdoors.

• Libraries and Community Centres: Check your local library for free summer reading challenges, story times, and activity sessions.  Community centres often host affordable holiday clubs or workshops.

Click here for more free and budget days out in and around Cheshire 

Summer Events & Festivals: Check What's On!

Summer in the North West is often packed with a diverse range of events and festivals.  Keep an eye out for:

• Flower Shows: Events like the Chorley Flower Show offer stunning displays and family entertainment.

• Music Festivals: From large-scale events to smaller, local gigs, there's often live music to enjoy.

• Outdoor Theatre: Many stately homes and parks host open-air theatre performances, which is a magical way to enjoy a summer evening.

• Local Fetes and Markets: Experience local charm and discover unique crafts and produce at community events.

• Special Exhibitions: Museums and galleries often have special summer exhibitions. For example, Liverpool Biennial and Manchester International Festival (MIF) are recurring highlights for arts and culture.

Top Tip for a Smooth Summer Holiday:

• Plan Ahead: Especially for popular attractions, booking tickets online in advance can save you time and sometimes money.

• Check Opening Times: Always verify opening hours and any specific booking requirements before you set off.

• Weather Watch: The North West weather can be unpredictable, so pack layers and be prepared for both sunshine and showers!

• Consider Public Transport: For city explorations, public transport can be a convenient and eco-friendly option.

• Pack a Picnic: Save money and enjoy the beautiful scenery by bringing your own food and drinks.