North West England: An Artistic Legacy

This tour will introduce you to the North West’s stunning Lake District countryside, dynamic cities and historical houses while simultaneously guiding you through the rich cultural history of the region.

Tour highlights can include:

See the homes of two of England’s greatest writers
Take a spin around the Blackpool Tower Ballroom
Discover The Beatles Story
The shades of Pemberley
A night at Manchester’s famous Royal Exchange

What's included...

Day 1 - Creative Cumbria...

We kick off with a visit to Wordsworth House and Gardens, the birthplace and childhood home of one of Britain’s most treasured poets. After exploring this 18th century house and garden, brought to life by the National Trust, we will take a scenic drive through the glorious Lake District and see for ourselves the landscapes that inspired Wordsworth’s Romantic poetry. Our journey takes us to Hawkshead where we will visit the Beatrix Potter Gallery as well as Hill Top, the author’s lovingly preserved cottage.

Day 2 - Shall We Dance...

Blackpool is the North West’s ultimate seaside town and one of the UK’s most popular tourist destinations. We will take a trip up the Blackpool Tower and visit the world famous Tower Ballroom, where we can take afternoon tea and even trip the light fantastic on the renowned dancefloor. From one cultural icon to another… This afternoon we visit Rufford Old Hall, an incredible Tudor building which was once visited by a young William Shakespeare.

Day 3 - 'Alright Our Kid...

Welcome to Liverpool! First off is the Walker Art Gallery which houses an incredible collection of beautiful paintings, decorative art and sculpture from the 13th Century to the present day. Next we take the time to celebrate Liverpool’s most famous sons; John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr. The Beatles Story is an award-winning exhibition that guides visitors through the lives, times, culture and music of The Beatles.

Day 4 - Literary Links...

As we venture into the Cheshire countryside we’ll stop at Quarry Bank to discover the compelling story of mill workers, entrepreneurs and the Industrial Revolution. The mill transports you to Victorian England as hand-spinners work while machines clatter and steam engines hiss. The experience is reminiscent of scenes from Elizabeth Gaskell’s famous novel, North and South and it was stories from the Quarry Bank archives which inspired television drama The Mill. After a guided tour of the mill and its surrounding grounds and buildings we move on to Lyme Park. This magnificent country estate once doubled as Pemberley, home of Mr Darcy, in the BBC adaptation of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice.

Day 5 - Music and More in Manchester...

There is something for everyone on the last day of our tour. Liverpool may have given us The Beatles but Manchester has produced more musicians per capita than any other city in the world. On a walking music tour of the city we will discover more about the city that inspired and supported bands such as Joy Division, The Smiths and Oasis. Book lovers will not want to miss a visit to the awe-inspiring John Rylands Library; the architecture of this Cathedral-like building is stunning both inside and out, and the calm and quiet of the reading rooms provides a welcome respite from the roar of Manchester’s busy streets. Finally, we end the tour with a performance at the award-winning Royal Exchange Theatre which shows the very best local and touring drama in everything from classic to contemporary style.