You're never short of things to do in the North West of England. From iconic cities home to world-famous museums and art galleries to historical hubs that showcase the North through the years, the hardest part of planning a day out is choosing where to go! We've pulled together some of our favourite places to visit in the North West to help make things easier, all accessible via Northern stations. With a great range of ticket types to choose from, whether you're going on a family day out, solo adventure or couples trip, there's no better way to explore the North.
1. Manchester Art Gallery
Nearest station: Manchester Piccadilly
Right in the heart of Manchester city centre, you'll find Manchester Art Gallery, home to an incredible collection of art spanning six centuries. The building itself has stood for almost 200 years and is the perfect precursor to what's inside. The gallery hosts an extensive collection of British art, including pieces from the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, as well as a selection of European paintings and sculptures from the likes of J.M.W. Turner and Gainsborough.
Since late 2023, the gallery has been Taking Stock of its large collection, reviewing over 6,600 objects to understand the significance of these and where there may be underrepresentation. Visitors can get a glimpse of this process at the Gallery 17 entrance or book a guided tour to hear more details.
2. Manchester's Northern Quarter
Nearest station: Manchester Piccadilly
Manchester’s Northern Quarter is a vibrant and eclectic neighbourhood that has become a cultural hotspot known for its independent shops, trendy cafés, vibrant street art, and dynamic nightlife. With its history deeply rooted in Manchester's industrial past, many of the buildings were originally warehouses and factories, making a cool backdrop for the modern offerings. Choose from a fantastic selection of bakeries, bars, restaurants and more, from Sicilian NQ serving traditional Sicilian food and drink to The Koffee Pot, a true Mancunian institution since 1978.
The Northern Quarter is also famed for its independent retailers with vintage clothing stores, record shops, boutiques, and more to browse. Afflecks is an iconic indoor market that offers a range of stalls from eclectic traders, perfect for finding a unique bargain. Swing by the Northern Quarter on your next day out in Manchester for a treasure trove of things to do.
3. Liverpool ONE
Nearest station: Liverpool Lime Street
Liverpool ONE combines shopping, food and drink, and entertainment all in one place. Located right by the waterfront in the city centre, browse over 170 shops and a variety of restaurants and cuisines, including Maggie Fu for authentic Asian street food, Slim Chickens for Southern hospitality, and many more.
If you're looking for fun activities in Liverpool, Gravity MAX offers a range of things to do with a modern twist like E-Karting with electric go-karts, AR Bowling with transforming lanes, and AR Digital Darts with interactive boards. You can also try your hand at an escape room at Escape Live, watch a movie at the Odeon or visit the Junk Yard Golf Club for a day (or night) of crazy golf, drinks and neon!
4. Royal Albert Dock
Nearest station: Liverpool Lime Street
The most-visited free tourist attraction in Liverpool, we have to recommend the Royal Albert Dock for a day out in the North West! You're spoiled for choice of things to do here, including the Maritime Museum showcasing Liverpool's nautical past, Splash Tours taking in the sights of the city on both water and land, The Beatles Story exhibiting the lives of Liverpool's most famous musicians, and more.
The Royal Albert Dock also has plenty of food and drink options to keep you going on your day out, from coffee shops like Francie's Focaccia & Coffee to restaurants like Madre offering some of the best tacos in town. The Dock is also a great place to find unique gifts in boutiques like Nature's Treasure with gemstones, jewellery, and more.
5. Preston Market
Nearest station: Preston
In the heart of the city, you'll find Preston Market. The covered market dates back to the 13th century and is one of the oldest markets in England showcasing an elegant Victorian style. Today, the market is home to over 200 stalls selling a variety of goods, including fresh produce, flowers, clothes, and jewellery.
There is also a variety of food on offer with cuisines from around the world, like Chacha's Indian street food offering delicious samosas, curries and more; Redmans with a range of local produce; and Nurcan's Café selling authentic Turkish food (as well as their beloved ice cream and milkshakes). Buy a family ticket and take the whole gang to Preston for a fun day out!
6. Harris Museum, Art Gallery & Library
Nearest station: Preston
Just a two-minute walk from Preston Market, you'll find the Harris Museum, Art Gallery & Library, which is well worth a visit in itself. Currently undergoing a huge restoration, the Harris Your Place project is a £16 million initiative that aims to restore and reimagine the space for a 21st-century audience. Expect the same building and collections you know and love but in an enhanced, accessible space that everyone can enjoy.
While this transformation takes place, the Harris has temporarily moved the library and all events to the Preston Guild Hall. Great for the summer holidays in particular, keep the kids amused with a great line-up of activities, from fun workshops to shows and storytimes. The library also offers more than books – improve your skills with computer lessons, attend sing-along baby classes, and more.
7. Sandcastle Waterpark
Nearest station: Blackpool South
For the perfect family day out, head to Sandcastle Waterpark in Blackpool, the UK's largest indoor waterpark. So even if the sun isn't shining, you can still enjoy a splash! Home to 18 fun water slides and attractions, there's something for all ages. For the more adventurous, try the Masterblaster – the UK's longest indoor roller coaster waterslide – or the world's first indoor half-pipe waterslide, the Sidewinder!
Younger guests will love the HMS Thunder Splash, an abandoned shipwreck that's waiting to be discovered, as well as the Shimmerin' Shallows, perfect for little explorers. For an extra special day out, you can book your very own Tiki Cabana, a private space in the waterpark that comes with your own fridge, TV, private hot tub and more! Book with travel to Blackpool with Northern and remember, kids go half price and under 5s completely free.
8. SEA LIFE Blackpool
Nearest station: Blackpool North
Sticking with the water theme, Blackpool is also home to one of the best aquariums in the North. SEA Life Blackpool has a host of great attractions for all ages to enjoy on a day out with ticket deals throughout the year. Inside you'll find a variety of interactive zones, including rock pools with crustaceans and other creatures; the Atlantic Depths with lobster, octopus and more; the Rainforest Adventure with turtles, frogs and other native species; and so much more.
The aquarium also hosts a fantastic selection of events, including Quiet at the Aquarium, which takes place on the first Sunday of every month. Perfect for those with sensory needs or those who just prefer a quieter experience, you can enjoy the aquarium with no music and minimal disruption from TV screens. Sound like your kind of day out? Book an Anytime ticket with Northern for full flexibility on when you travel.
9. Lancaster Castle
Nearest station: Lancaster
For any history buffs out there, Lancaster Castle is a must-see. Often known as John O'Gaunt's Castle, it dates back to Roman times when it commanded over the town of Lancaster and the River Lune. It has seen its fair share of historical events, including the Lancashire Witch Trials in 1612, and was still a functioning prison until as recently as 2011.
Today, the castle welcomes visitors but entry to each building is only allowed via an official guided tour. There is plenty to see on a tour, including the medieval Keep, a four-storey tower that served as a stronghold; the Gatehouse, which has two 20-metre towers; the Witches' Tower, so named as it housed the Lancashire Witches prior to their trial; and more.
10. The Judges' Lodgings Museum
Nearest station: Lancaster
Reportedly the oldest townhouse in Lancaster, explore the regency rooms and stunning Gillow furniture at the Judges' Lodgings Museum. Aptly named as it housed visiting judges for 200 years, the building was converted into a museum in the 1970s and welcomes visitors to step back in time. It now hosts the largest collection of Gillows furniture in the world with historic features only revealed during restoration, as well as items signed by Richard Gillows himself.
You can also find the Museum of Childhood here, which invites you to take a trip down memory lane. From the Victorian Schoolroom showcasing life as it was over 100 years ago to present-day toys, there is always something new to see in the temporary exhibition that changes each season. Book your tickets in advance with Northern to save up to 65% when you travel.
Northern App
Streamline your journey and get tickets straight to your phone. Making your journey contact-free.
Northern App
Streamline your journey and get tickets straight to your phone. Making your journey contact-free.