Top Things to do in North West England
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What to do and see in North West England, England: The Best Nature & Parks
Discover the best top things to do in North West England, United Kingdom including Lake District National Park Guided Walks, Catbells Lakeland Walk, Loughrigg Fell, Helvellyn, Ullswater Lake, Derwentwater, Turbary Woods Owl and Bird of Prey Sanctuary, Gauntlet Birds of Prey, Chester Zoo, Walton Hall and Gardens.
Restaurants in North West England
1. Lake District National Park Guided Walks
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 298 reviews
The Lake District National Park is a national treasure and World Heritage Site. It boasts England's largest lake, Windermere, and its highest peak, Scafell Pike. One of the best ways to discover this unique living, cultural landscape, is by going on a Lake District National Park guided walk. Join one of our local experts to summit world famous fell tops, exploring ancient caves, paddle in the sea, stare up at wild waterfalls, explore historical houses, gazing across vast valleys and of course look across the beautiful lakes that give this special place it's name. All of our guided walks are led by passionate, local volunteers who love nothing more than to share their love of the Lake District with you. And all the money from our walks goes back to looking after the National Park for generations to come.
2. Catbells Lakeland Walk
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,648 reviews
Reviewed By gburge - Basingstoke, United Kingdom
Who doesn’t visit Cat Bells when visiting Keswick or its surrounding villages. I lovely climb with a lovely view from Newlands or ascend via Little Town to Hause Gate and also visit Maiden Moor or even do a ridge route horse show and descend via Robinson’s for the more experienced walker.
3. Loughrigg Fell
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 597 reviews
Reviewed By mgsnorwich - Norwich, United Kingdom
From Skelwith Bridge follow the footpath round Loughrigg Tarn to the Grasmere road and then take the footpath on the right to Loughrigg Terrace where you are rewarded with a panoramic view over Grasmere. There is a path down to the waterside but continue on the terrace down to the waterside path round Rydal Water. When you come to the road turn right and follow the road by the river until it turns sharply left at which point leave the road and climb up a steep path to the shoulder of Loughrigg whence the path goes all the way back down to Skelwith. The”Loughrigg Round” is an excellent half day’s walk.
4. Helvellyn
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 280 reviews
This is England's 3rd highest mountain at 3,118 feet.
Reviewed By sjh1404 - Weston super Mare, United Kingdom
This was our first attempt at climbing this awe inspiring peak. We took the route from Glenridding with a planned figure of eight taking in Striding Edge, the Summit, Swirrals Edge and then skirting Red Tarn to return close to Patterdale and Lanty’s Tarn back to Glenridding. The weather was beautiful and the scenery unsurpassed. I must stress that Striding Edge is a challenge and should not be undertaken lightly. It is a climb where you will be looking for foot and handholds but so worth it. I am not a super fit experienced hiker so if I can manage it then most people can and the sense of achievement is a great incentive to keep going. There are plenty of other routes to the summit of this, the third highest peak in England, so it caters for all abilities. One hiker we met on the descent had undergone a double knee replacement and was putting us all to shame. Give this a go. Check the weather. Take plenty of water and wear the right footwear. I am sure you won’t be disappointed.
5. Ullswater Lake
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 370 reviews
Reviewed By Ollieking82 - Cambridge, United Kingdom
Ullswater is one of the finest parts of this world. Fact. We also boarded the steamboat from Pooley Bridge to Glenridding. The social distancing on the boat was well organised. We spent a couple of hours by the lakeside in Glenridding, eating and just taking in the stunning scenery. Granted we were blessed with a beautiful day. But what ever the weather, you can't be anything but inspired by this place. Oh I will be back.
6. Derwentwater
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2,871 reviews
Reviewed By carljones1 - Preston, United Kingdom
One of my favourite lakes Just walk down a short way to friars crag for one of the best views The sight is like a panoramic view with mountains lake shapes and valleys see the island opposite and fills the senses with peace and beauty. Perfect when no one else is around though it is very popular. For even better treat visit in spring may time when sun is going down and the bottom of the lake is lit up with shades and colours reflecting in the water one of the most memorable sights you can see. Just pergect
7. Turbary Woods Owl and Bird of Prey Sanctuary
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2,467 reviews
Turbary Woods Owl and Bird of Prey Sanctuary is a pure volunteer based, non profit group of volunteers. The flying display give you the visitors, Children & Adults, the chance to participate in the flying display and have our birds land on your gloved hand as they fly to you for their food. We have a collection of over 80 birds of prey including eagles, hawks, falcons, owls, vultures and more unusual species. All the birds are housed in large open fronted aviaries, sheltered in a woodland setting. We assist conservation and education of these beautiful Birds and we are involved with an average of 50 rescues each year.
Reviewed By Deborah047 - Blackpool, United Kingdom
Thoroughly enjoyed our day at Turbary Woods today. The sanctuary is right next to a garden centre which has a cafe, which also has toilets. The cafe was reasonably priced and the food was delicious. We were allowed to get really close to the birds and the staff were all friendly and informative and you can see that they are all passionate about the birds. We learnt lots and were encouraged to get involved with the bird display which was really entertaining and interesting, Will definitely visit again, thanks for a great afternoon. Family of four ticket was £18.00, adults £6, children £4 and oap's £4. I think the fees are reasonable as the upkeep of the place must be expensive.
8. Gauntlet Birds of Prey
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 556 reviews
Gauntlet, Eagle & Vulture park is the largest bird of prey park in the Northwest of England. With over 120 birds of prey, ranging from the smallest owls to the worlds largest eagle and Vultures it really is a haven for animal lovers. Gauntlet has two daily shows at 12.30 and 3 during the months March-Oct and during the winter months weekends only. As well as our two daily displays we have vulture feeding and meet & greet. We have a large children's play area with plenty of room for picnics. We are on the same site as Fryers garden centre and you can leave at anytime and come back for our displays. For those wishing to get closer we have bird of prey experiences which are run 7 days a week throughout the year. This gives people the opportunity to handle and fly the birds.
Reviewed By TRACY632013 - Belper, United Kingdom
We visited the park with my elderly parents and two young grand children aged 6 and 11. We all had a wonderful experience with Meet and Greet sessions , the Vulture experience and the wonderful flying experience at the end of the day when over 30 birds gave an awe inspiring display set to music. What a great day out and very reasonable. We had a snack type lunch and coffees from the little cafe area but my daughter and partner along with their children went to the Garden Centre next door as they are gluten free. The birds are well looked after, well loved , staff are knowlegeable and enthuiastic. I cannot fault it at all.
9. Chester Zoo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 15,328 reviews
We're the UK's number one charity zoo, with over 21,000 animals and 500 different species, including some of the most endangered species on the planet. With 1.9 million visitors every year, the zoo is an all-year round, full-day visitor attraction for everyone. We're open daily from 10am, except for Christmas Day and Boxing Day. Car parking is free and on site. Facilities for disabled visitors, including self-drive electric scooters and wheelchairs.
Reviewed By C740IWjaneb
Every time I come to this zoo I see a different animal so I have a different experience meaning that an annual pass is the best value for money. The zoo is a great all weather attraction because of all of the indoor areas which includes the monkey house, the tropical house, the jaguar house, butterfly house, bat house, the new Islands house and the aquarium. You can also hop on the monorail to get a different view of the enclosures out of the cold. Plenty of picnic area if you don’t want to buy food with huge play zones for children The elephants are always impressive. What a privilege to see the zoo everyone is talking about since the series secret life of the zoo was aired! A great educational experience.
10. Walton Hall and Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,188 reviews
Reviewed By Ollerbarrow - Altrincham, United Kingdom
With its Hall, extensive gardens and playgrounds, petting zoo, pitch and putt and other attractions this is a great place to bring young and old for a day out on a nice sunny day. Parking is cheap at £3 for the day and there are plenty of food outlets dotted around, although it is invariably cheaper to bring a picnic. Short term attractions will lighten your pocket, yet keep any youngsters expending more energy. A great place.
