Days Out in the North West

Published on: 26/07/22

Welcome to the North West, and this week, we’re ducking in just underneath Cumbria. Stunning as the Lake District is, we give it plenty of attention on its own, so this week, let’s have a look at some “hidden jewels” to be found among the uppermost corners of North Lancashire and East Yorkshire. Experience the untamed ruggedness of Lancashire’s Trough of Bowland; a secretive area of bleak fells, thick forests and sparkling streams, perfect hiking, cycling and motoring territory. Head out to the open coast for wide views and wild winds- or Blackpool’s Golden Mile for wild times and wide-eyed visions!

Take a city break to iconic maritime and industrial destinations; revolutionary cities with their grand industrial buildings, museums and theatres- and treat yourself to a shopping spree whilst there. Retrace the Beatles’ backstory around the streets of Liverpool, or the Gallagher brothers living it large in mad-for-it Manchester. Welcome to a sports lovers' paradise with county crickets grounds, iconic horse races and Premiership football clubs to boot. Time for kick-off!

White Scar Cave

Deep beneath Ingleborough hill and the picturesque craft village of Ingleton, in the Yorkshire Dales National Park, lies a hidden subterranean landscape with gushing streams and waterfalls, exotic cave formations, and a huge ice-age cavern adorned with thousands of stalactites. This is White Scar Cave, Britain’s longest show cave, formed by the movement of water through the natural limestone rock over millions of years. Only discovered by intrepid explorers in 1923, it’s been expanded and equipped as a visitor attraction like no other, with full ventilation and atmospheric electric lighting throughout.

Kitted out with safety helmets, your friendly, fun and knowledgeable guide will lead you into the hillside itself, and back into time. With no crawling or tight spaces, just the odd forward bend, walk along tunnels carved into the rock, with streams gushing under the metal flooring beneath your feet. Discover alien-looking stalactite and stalagmite formations including the Devil's Tongue, the Arum Lily, and the Judge's Head, before emerging into the stunning 200,000 year old Battlefield Cavern; over 100 metres long and up to 30 metres high, clad with thousands of glow-in-the-dark stalactites! After around eighty enthralling minutes, emerge into the daylight again to enjoy sweeping views of the Yorkshire Dales- and of course, yummy refreshments in the café.

Peter Rabbit Explore and Play

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The North West is synonymous with Beatrix Potter, who drew her beloved characters from her home at Fell Top, in the Lake District. Now characters from the award-winning Peter Rabbit animated CBeebies TV series have hopped down the coast to Blackpool’s famous seafront, to star in their own adventures. Situated just beside Madame Tussauds Blackpool, take a trip down the rabbit hole and enjoy 45 minutes of curated bunny-sized adventure. Hop, skip and jump through five fluffy-tailed themed zones, including splashing in Jeremy Fisher's Pond, trespassing in Mr McGregor's Garden, discovering amazing creations in Mr Bouncer's Invention Workshop and snuggling up in The Burrow.

Kids will be completely enchanted, needing to think like a rabbit, move like a rabbit and deploy rabbit-like senses with a whole burrow-full of creativity in order to complete the challenges and earn badges and colouring-in puzzles. They’ll also get to meet, greet and ‘high-paw’ Peter himself, and qualify as a Secret Treehouse Club Member! And of course, once you emerge from this bumper bunny adventure, you have the whole of Blackpool’s Golden Mile attractions to hop along to!

The Blackpool Tower Dungeon

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The screams in Blackpool aren’t just coming from the rollercoasters, as you’ll discover (if you dare!) at the Blackpool Dungeon, set deep in the belly of the theatrical Blackpool Tower. Take a trip through 1,000 years of Lancashire’s gruesome, dark, mysterious and funny history and experience the trip of a lifetime- and beyond? Authentic 360° sets, a full cast of brilliant actors, gripping storytelling, ten shows backed with laughs and frights, amazing special effects and an exciting drop ride make The Blackpool Tower Dungeon the best attraction for those who like a mix of fun and fear.

You’ll scream, shiver and laugh your way round, guided by not-all-they-seem characters like the Jester, the Plague Doctor’s Assistant and the Torturer (he sounds nice!). Rumours have been flying around of a witch- will you get to hear the legend of Meg Shelton before a case of mistaken identity sees you condemned? Don’t rely on Judge Blackheart; he’s pretty sure you’re guilty, and could send you for the thrilling Long Drop. If you survive, calm you nerves and share your giggles in the Red Lion pub. If you’re a glutton for more punishment, there’s the onsite escape room- but will you get out alive?

Blackpool Pleasure Beach

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The epitome of Great British seaside fun, and the North West’s most-visited attraction since 1896, Blackpool Pleasure Beach is Britain's favourite seafront amusement park. Packed with white-knuckle action, it’s the UK’s most ride intensive amusement park. Right on the dramatic seafront, thrill-seekers can spend the day screaming on rollercoasters like Avalanche, Big Dipper and brand new ICON. Or dare you take on the famous Big One, Britain’s highest rollercoaster, which reaches speeds of up to 85 mph around a full-throttle twisty course with dizzying almost-vertical plunges?

With lots of variety, rollercoaster aficionados can add to their list the Grand National, a unique 70-year-old wooden coaster. Valhalla, a spooky indoor coaster taking you through trials of fire and water, promises gut-twisting fun, while there’s lots of games and arcades for those who’d rather keep their feet on the ground. Kids can meet beloved Nickelodeon characters at the UK's only Nickelodeon Land, six acres packed with 12 exciting rides plus games stalls. Join SpongeBob SquarePants, Chase, Marshall & Skye from PAW Patrol at the only place in the UK where they make daily appearances. A full day’s adventure that takes on a whole new dimension at night, all you need to round it off is a stick of rock!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

We have also put together a list of frequently asked questions at the link below, which include some Top Tips and Did you know information, which you can use to show off with your friends and family

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We hope that you have enjoyed reading our article called Days Out in the North West and that you have found the information above include our FAQ page helpful in deciding on which venue you to choose for your Activities and Days Out

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