LOCAL & NORTH WEST ATTRACTIONS

For anyone who may be making a short break of the weekend then here is a list of North West tourist attractions & places to visit:

Alton Towers - Britain's major theme park is approx 40 minutes drive from Crewe in Alton, Staffordshire. There is also a themed hotel on site. Information is available at: www.altontowers.com

Crewe - The Crewe Heritage Centre explores the town’s strong connections with railways while the Phoenix Leisure Park offers a cinema and bowling alley. For a bit of peace and quiet visit Queens Park next to the BMX track at Tipkinder Park.
CGR run gate practice on Tuesday & Thursday nights.
The Hack Green Secret Nuclear Bunker, just south of Nantwich, is undoubtedly one of the North West’s most unusual places to visit as is Snugburys Ice Cream farm at Nantwich.

Chester & Chester Zoo - A good way to get acquainted with Chester is to take a leisurely walk along its famous city walls. This will take you past many attractions including the 1000 year old Cathedral, the magnificent Eastgate Arch, the Nine Houses and the Roman Garden.
Several companies offer cruises along the River Dee. Landlubbers can relax in
Chester Zoo is the largest zoological garden in the UK & well worth a visit.
Westminster Park BMX track.

Manchester - Has some fantastic museums. Its rich industrial heritage is explored by the Museum of Science and Industry and the People’s History Museum while Urbis, one of the city’s most striking buildings, offers an insight into cities and how they work. Venture west across the River Irwell and you’ll find the Quays, one of the UK’s finest examples of urban regeneration, and home to the Lowry and Imperial War Museum. For many a visit to Manchester United will be the highlight and sole purpose of a trip to the city, although ABUs (Anyone But United) can tour the impressive stadium of their underachieving City rivals.
The Trafford Centre & indoor real snow ski slope "Chill Factor" are also worth a visit.
Manchester BMX Club hold gate practice on a Thursday night.

Liverpool - The European Capital of Culture 2008 boasts the largest number of museums and art galleries in the UK after London. Albert Dock is Liverpool’s biggest attraction and home to the Merseyside Maritime Museum, Tate Liverpool and the Beatles Story. Just north of this is Pier Head, an area dominated by a trio of Edwardian buildings known as the Three Graces. The whole waterfront was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004.
In the city centre you’ll find the Walker Art Gallery, frequently referred to as the ‘National Gallery of the North’ and FACT, an innovative media centre. Beatles fans will be drawn to Matthew Street, home of the Cavern Club and many shops selling the band’s memorabilia.
Sports fans will not leave disappointed. Football fanatics can take guided tours of two of the UK's most famous stadiums; Anfield and Goodison Park. Just outside Liverpool is Aintree Racecourse, the home of the famous Grand National horse race.

The Lake District - There are few places on earth that can match the beauty of the Lake District. Each year over 12 million visitors come to experience its famous lakes, snow-capped mountains and picturesque villages.
The area is England’s largest national park and covers 880 square miles. Most of the land (60%) is privately owned, the rest is owned by the National Trust (25%) and other public bodies.
Popular areas include:
Ambleside, Bowness & Windermere (town & lake areas)
Coniston & Hawkshead
Grasmere
Keswick & Bassenthwaite Lake
Ullswater
The Lakes is approx 1.5 hours from Crewe.

All information taken from www.visitnorthwest.com - check the site for more details & other attractions in the area