Looking for things to do on the North West Coast? This contrasting coastline offers an interesting mix of popular seaside resorts, industrial heritage and stunning landscapes set against the backdrop of the world-famous Lake District and the home of The Beatles, Liverpool!
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A day out in Liverpool
Take the famous ‘Ferry across the Mersey’ or road tunnel to the Wirral.
Start your visit at Birkenhead Park, the first publicly funded park in the world. Go on to West Kirby and the wildlife haven of Hilbre Island, accessible only at low tide. Spend the afternoon at Port Sunlight, a must-see village founded by a Victorian entrepreneur to house his factory workers, don’t miss the museum and Lady Lever Art Gallery. Take the ferry back to Liverpool or alternatively the scenic route via the Runcorn Jubilee bridge.
Sefton and Fylde Coast
Head north out of Liverpool to Crosby Beach to see ‘Another Place’, Anthony Gormleys’ impressive art installation featuring 100 cast iron life size figures on the beach.
Stop for a walk at Formby, a glorious beach with dramatic sand dunes surrounded by sweeping pinewoods. Next drive along the ‘Golf Coast’ to Southport, home to 3 Open Championship courses. Walk or take the tram along Southport pier, the oldest iron pier in England. Then stop off in Lytham for a stroll along the headland before reaching the UK’s top seaside resort of Blackpool. Here, visit the Blackpool Tower which is home to seven attractions including the world-famous Tower Ballroom.
At night, check out one of the shows at The Grand Theatre, Winter Gardens or Pleasure Beach.
Great views at Morecambe Bay
Visit Fleetwood, with its Victorian promenade and harbour, before stopping off in Heysham to walk along the coastal path to the ancient St Patrick’s Chapel.
In Morecambe don’t miss the TERN project, a series of award winning sculptures on the seafront. Enjoy lunch at the art deco Midland Hotel, offering spectacular views across Morecambe Bay.
Explore Arnside and Silverdale area of outstanding natural beauty and the landmark Warton Crag. Visit Holker Hall, a richly furnished Victorian style home in beautiful gardens. Alternatively, head to Ulverston for spectacular views from the Sir John Barrow monument. Enjoy a walk to Piel island for dinner at the Ship Inn.
The best of the Cumbria Coast
Spend today exploring the Cumbrian Coast starting with a trip on the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway. Then visit Muncaster Castle, known for its Great Hall, maze and splendid grounds.
Don’t miss the highest and most westerly point in England, the red sandstone cliffs at St Bees.
Drive on to Whitehaven to learn about the coal and iron industry at the Beacon Museum. Or discover the town’s rum-making history at the Rum Story. End your day in Maryport, a bustling harbour town with Roman roots which is also the gateway to the Solway Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
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There’s more to Cumbria than just the Lake District, head for the coast!
Regional Airports: Manchester and Liverpool.
Several trains an hour from central London to Liverpool (2 hrs 30) and Blackpool North (3 hrs)
Regular coaches from central London to Liverpool (6 hrs 30) and Blackpool (7 hrs 30)
Daily ferries from Liverpool to Dublin, Liverpool Birkenhead to Belfast and services from both ports and Heysham to the Isle of Man.
