Crystal lakes, isolated meres and tarns, deep, mysterious woodland, craggy fells towering over traditional cottages - this is the Lake District. There is more to this region than meets the eye; the resorts and ponds of the peninsulas in the south, the quiet lakes, sea and beaches in the west, the rolling green hills of the Eden Valley and North Pennines stretching up to Carlisle and the wild border country.
Historic Carlisle is a city where rich heritage rubs shoulders with modern day facilities. The great border city stands proudly as the Gateway to the Borderlands, steeped in the colourful legacy of myths and romantic legends. At Tullie House Museum & Art Gallery, discover these fantastic legends of Emperor Hadrian, Robert the Bruce, Rob Roy, Bonnie Prince Charlie and the notorious Border Reivers. Explore the mighty sandstone castle, which played a part in these historical dramas.
The peace and tranquillity of the Western Lakes and Fells provide a backdrop of breathtaking beauty for the dramatic coastline with its long sandy beaches and spectacular cliffs. Here you will find England's highest mountain - Scafell Pike (977m), and the deepest lake - Wastwater (86m). The charming Victorian town of Silloth-on-Solway with its cobbled streets and marvellous views of Scotland is designated as an area of outstanding natural beauty.
Further down the coast is Maryport. Other attractions include the Aquaria & Roman museum and along the coast, the award winning beach at Allonby and Roman Mile Fortlet at Crosscannonbury.
Workington, the market town with 14th century ruins of Workington Hall once provided shelter for Mary Queen of Scots. Workington along with Whitehaven is the starting point for the Sea-to-Sea cycleway and completes the Rivers Cycle Route. Further South lies the elegant Georgian town of Whitehaven. Whitehaven has an amazing social, industrial and maritime heritage, which can be experienced at Brecon, where you can also monitor, forecast and broadcast the weather. The coast from Burgh-by-Sands to Ravenglass has an abundance of family attractions. La'al Ratty, the narrow gauge steam locomotive, runs on the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway, passing through some of the most beautiful countryside in the heart of Eskdale.
Nestling within this magnificent landscape are picturesque villages, such as Gosforth, Ireby and Caldbeck. The bustling market town of Cockermouth has a host of interesting museums and Wordsworth House, birthplace of William and Dorothy Wordsworth.
The Eden Valley is rich fertile valley, which draws trout and fishermen from far and wide. The North Pennines is an area of outstanding natural beauty, with rolling hills and wide-open moorland of grouse and curlew country. The famous Settle to Carlisle railway line is one of the most scenic routes in the country. Villages en route are most attractive including Armathwaite, Kirkoswald and Lazonby.
Penrith has much to offer the visitor, ancient castles, alleyways and squares, market with traditional shopping and superb hospitality and refreshments. Appleby with its riverside setting and broad tree- lined street linking the church and castle make this market town one of the most attractive in the valley.
Brimming with events and attractions from Morecambe in the North to the Wirral in the South, the Festival Coast encompasses household names such as; Blackpool, Fleetwood, Lytham St Annes and Southport all these towns provide an ideal holiday for all the family. Blackpool the most popular destination in this area attracts over seven million visitors each year. The three piers offer traditional seaside day and night entertainment including the Blackpool Pleasure Beach, the famous Blackpool Tower and Ballroom and the illuminations. Fleetwood has an excellent reputation for its fine fish and also boasts a Maritime Museum; from here you can catch a ferry to the Isle of Man during the summer.
Lytham St Annes is famous for golf and excellent hotels and the location - it's very close to Blackpool.
Morecambe is a haven for families with a wide range of hotels, Frontierland and Wild West Theme Parks, home to the famous shrimps and stunning sunsets, Morecambe has plenty to keep the children occupied.
If shopping is your favourite pastime why not visit the very elegant Southport. The Victorian canopies on Lord Street make it one of the oldest undercover shopping malls in the country. The marine lake is great for those who enjoy boating and later you could take in a show at the Floral Hall. Whatever the type of holiday you are planning the North West's 50 miles of coastline provide a wealth of attractions second to none.
Visit the vibrant cities in the North west; Liverpool birthplace of the Beatles, Aintree Racecourse for the Grand National, this city has many unexpected delights including Tate Gallery showing 20th century art and the Walker Art Gallery.
Manchester is full of cultural buildings, art galleries and museums, also home to the biggest Chinatown in Britain.
The Roman city of Chester has unique galleried arcades, two miles of city walls, Roman remains, and museums, the Castle and of course Chester Zoo one of the best modern zoo's in Europe.
The small county town of Lancaster is full of character with the fantastic Lancaster Castle. Lancaster used to be a port, a must see is the Maritime Museum and several other interesting museums can also be found.