England's North West

From your base in Chester & Cheshire, the rest of England’s Northwest is easy to explore. The great cities of Manchester and Liverpool – European Capital of Culture in 2008 – are both right
on our doorstep, both famously fashionable and passionate about sport.

Get a taste of Merseyside’s sporting action with a tour of Liverpool Football Club’s stadium and museum or a ride on the simulator at Aintree Racecourse, home to the world’s most famous
steeplechase, the Grand National. In Manchester, visit Manchester United’s Theatre of Dreams, just a stone’s throw from Lancashire County Cricket Club’s Old Trafford Cricket Ground.

This is England’s Golf Coast. Follow in the footsteps of golfing champions on some of the UK’s most challenging and naturally beautiful links courses, including Royal Birkdale, Royal Lytham &
St Annes and Royal Liverpool.

Further afield lie the landscapes and unspoilt villages of Cumbria, and the Lake District National Park and Lancashire’s Forest of Bowland are of outstanding natural beauty. And of course, on Lancashire’s coast is Britain’s biggest seaside resort, Blackpool.

Liverpool’s 800th!

If you’re looking for an energetic destination where centuries of history meet a dizzying
array of attractions and events – then look no further than Liverpool, European Capital of
Culture 2008. Before the ‘08 celebrations begin, the city will celebrate a very special birthday. In 2007, Liverpool will mark 800 years since King John granted its first Charter. With a 12-month programme of heritage-themed festivities planned, it’s shaping up to be
a great birthday party.

Throughout the year there will be a number of key events to mark the anniversary, including the re-opening of St George’s Hall in April following a £20m make-over, and a spectacular firework display fired from landmark buildings. The centrepiece of the celebrations will be a four-day party extravaganza over the August Bank Holiday weekend, marking the date King John granted the Royal Charter – 28th August 1207. For more information on 2007 and European Capital of Culture 2008 visit liverpool08.com (external link)

Don’t Miss!

Take a Magical Mystery tour in Liverpool – to see the Beatles Story, Penny Lane, Strawberry Fields and the new ‘Hard Days Night’ Hotel.

• A visit to Manchester isn't complete without seeing The Quays. With The Lowry, Imperial WarMuseum North, Lowry Outlet Mall and Manchester United, The Quays is Manchester's unique waterfront destination.
• Fall in love with the lakes, from the rejuvenating beauty of the landscape and the indulgent quality of accommodation to the inspiring food and drink…you’ll be spoilt for choice in Cumbria – The Lake District.
• From tales ofwitchcraft to a rich industrial past, Lancashire is alive with Living Legends. Come and hear first hand our fascinating stories.
• Britain’s favourite seaside resort, and home of the spectacular Pleasure Beach, is a must for everyone looking for fun and excitement. Come and join the party now!
• Explore Lancashire’s Forest of Bowland on foot or on bike, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with gentle lowlands criss-crossed with dry stone walls and dotted with picturesque villages.