A visit to London is the trip of a lifetime for many people.
With so much to see and do in England’s capital city metropolis you could spend weeks here and only brush the surface of what the city has to offer.
England, however, is so much more than just London and one shouldn’t be fooled into thinking they have experienced English life and culture without stepping foot outside of the city.
On your next trip to the UK why not leave the capital city behind and head to the North West of the country? There is so much to see and do, and it will save you a pretty penny too!
Lake District
The Lake District is the biggest and most visited national park in the UK, and with good reason. This is picture postcard England at its best, with sweeping green mountains dipping down into crystal clear lakes.
This is the landscape that inspired writers such as William Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter, both of whom called the area home throughout their lives.
Set yourself up in a quaint holiday cottage in the Lake District and spend some time exploring this beautiful area, a favourite with the English and visitors alike.
Manchester
Manchester is the largest city in the North West of the country and is most famous for its musical pedigree. This is the city that gave birth to the Brit pop powerhouse Oasis in the 90s, but the citiesmusical heritage is much longer than that. With the popularity of bands such as the Stone Roses and the Happy Mondays the popularity of the city boomed and was soon dubbed Madchester due to its wild nightlife.
Rock clubs and pubs still abound but there is more to Manchester then just the music. The city boasts two top Premier League football teams, Man U and Man City, and the city centre shopping is said to be the best in the region.
Liverpool
Liverpool is one of the largest cities in the UK and is famous for many things – namely its maritime history, football, and The Beatles. It also has a bit of a reputation for being a bit rough around the edges, but over the last decade a lot of effort has been put into shining the city up and making it a top tourist destination.
No trip to Liverpool would be complete without The Beatles, and you have no end of choices on how to commemorate the Fab Four in the city. The Beatles Experience in the Albert Dock area of the city is a museum dedicated to the life and times of the band and is filled to the brim with memorabilia.
The city is also filled with great museums, including Tate Liverpool and the Merseyside Maritime Museum.
Chester
The Cathedral city of Chester is one of the best preserved historical cities in the country, and one of the most beautiful as well. Set along the banks of the River Dee in the county of Cheshire, there has been a settlement here since AD 79. The city still bears the marks of its Roman past, with the largest uncovered amphitheatre in England and the most complete Roman and medieval defensive town wall system in Britain.
You might come to Chester for the history, but you’ll stay for the charm! The city centre is filled with lovely shops and restaurants, and holds its own for a fun night out as well. Chester is also home to one of the most visited zoos in England, which boasts over 7000 animals, including elephants, lions, and afruit bat experience like no other.
On your next trip to the UK make sure that you visit somewhere a little bit different and see another side to this fascinating country. The North West of England might not be at the top of every traveller’s itinerary today, but it will only be a matter of time until it is!
If you’re heading to the North West of the country on vacation and are looking for holiday accommodation then why not consider a holiday cottage? Self catering cottages are a comfortable and economical alternative to the traditional hotel and with so many different homes to choose from there is sure to be the perfect one out there for you. Visit www.sykescottages.co.uk for a full range of cottage located throughout the UK and Ireland.
Photo Credits:
- Lake District: http://www.flickr.com/photos/rorrison/505747795/
- Manchester: http://www.flickr.com/photos/salford_ian/2438805503/
- Liverpool: http://www.flickr.com/photos/14171139@N08/1498245839/
- Chester: http://www.flickr.com/photos/friarsbalsam/4878447440/
