North West England

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20 FORTHLIN ROAD

Paul McCartney's former Liverpool home, where he spent his teenage years with his father, Jim, and his brother, Mike. This is where Paul and John went when they 'slagged off' from school to play the guitar and compose, later joined by George Harrison. Several of the Beatles' hits were written at Forthlin Road, including 'I Saw Her Standing There'. The house been restored back with incredible attention to detail to how it was when Paul and Mike McCartney lived in it and includes several of Mike's photos of 'the boys' on the walls.

Entry into 20 Forthlin Road is only possible by booking a minibus tour with the National Trust. This also takes in John Lennon's former home in Menlove Avenue. Knowledgeable guides greet you at both properties. You can also view 20 Forthlin Road from the outside - many do - though bear in mind this is a residential area and respect the privacy of those that live nearby.

Region/Nation
Location/Address
20 Forthlin Road
Allerton
Liverpool
County
Merseyside
Post Code
L18 9TN
Main Historic Period
Modern
Link to featured article
Tip/Nearby
Penny Lane is a 'bus ride away...
Primary Management
National Trust
ABBOT HALL Art Gallery

Abbot Hall Art Gallery is one of Britain’s preeminent small art galleries, run by the Lakeland Arts Trust and set in a restored Grade I-listed Georgian house on the banks of the River Kent in Kendal. The gallery holds an exceptional collection of 18th-20th century fine art, including (allegedly) works by George Romney, John Ruskin, JMW Turner, Barbara Hepworth, David Hockney, LS Lowry and Graham Sutherland. The gallery also runs a temporary exhibition programme throughout the year.

A gallery refurbishment project is due to be completed in 2022.

Region/Nation
Location/Address
Kirkland
Kendal
County
Cumbria
Post Code
LA9 5AL
Main Historic Period
N/A
Tip/Nearby
Museum of Lakeland Life, Kendal Museum, Kendal Castle
Primary Management
Other
ACORN BANK

Acorn Bank offers an attractive garden and partially open 17th century red sandstone manor house. The estate at Acorn Bank dates back to the medieval order of the Knights Hospitaller. The main attraction now is the 17th century walled garden, with its fascinating medicinal and culinary herbs, pretty formal area, traditional orchard, woodland walks and industrial past complete with restored working watermill dating from the 16th century.

Region/Nation
Location/Address
Temple Sowerby
Nr Penrith
County
Cumbria
Post Code
CA10 1SP
Main Historic Period
Georgian
Tip/Nearby
Brougham Castle
Primary Management
National Trust
AIRA FORCE

Aira Force is a fairly spectacular waterfall with a 65 foot drop surrounded by what was once fairly cultivated parkland. A pleasant (though relatively steep) walk to the top of the falls from a car park, or as part of a longer trek.  There's a network of trails nearby and some lovely views.

Aira Force is immensely popular and therefore can get very crowded.  It is also popular with families.  Get there via Kirkstone Pass on the A592 from either Windermere or Ambleside - Aira Force is a bit past Glenridding. Or from the A66 between Penrith and Keswick, take the A5091 through Dockray.

Region/Nation
Location/Address
Nr Watermillock
Ullswater
County
Cumbria
Post Code
CA11 0JS
Main Historic Period
N/A
Link to featured article
Tip/Nearby
Wear stout shoes or boots. Nearby - spectacular countryside.
Primary Management
National Trust
ALBERT DOCK

Albert Dock is Liverpool's famous Victorian dock area, originally built of iron, stone and brick, now fully restored and claiming to be the largest group of Grade I listed buildings in the country. The complex includes car parking, hotels, shops, restaurants and several museums, including: Slavery Museum; Maritime Museum; Beatles Story; and Tate Liverpool. Albert Dock is about a 20-30 minute walk from Lime Street station and handy for the lively Cavern Quarter.

Region/Nation
Location/Address
Liverpool Waterfront
Liverpool
County
Merseyside
Post Code
L3 4AA
Main Historic Period
Victorian
Useful Website Address
Tip/Nearby
5 minutes from Mathew Street and the Cavern Quarter
Primary Management
Private - open to the public
ANOTHER PLACE

Art installation by the sculptor Antony Gormley. 100 cast-iron, life-size figures spread out along the foreshore and out to sea.

Region/Nation
Location/Address
Mariners Road
Crosby Beach
Crosby
County
Merseyside
Post Code
LE23 6SX
Main Historic Period
Modern
Primary Management
Local Authority
Arnside, Cumbria

Arnside was a tiny fishing village until it grew as a holiday destination in Victorian times. It is located on the estuary of the River Kent on the north-eastern corner of Morecambe Bay, within the Arnside and Silverdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is predominantly residential. There's a small pier, a collection of shops and cafes, a couple of pubs and easy walks along a modest promenade with lovely views of the Cumbrian mountains. The tides at Arnside go out a long way, and turn very quickly creating a tidal bore when the water floods back. It is also highly dangerous to venture onto the sands. Nearby Arnside Knott, a limestone hill, provides woodland and open hillside walks and is famous for its views over Morecambe Bay - and its butterflies and flowers. On the Silverdale side of Arnside Knott is Arnside Tower, a Pele tower built as a defence against border (Scottish) raiders. The railway (Furness Line) between Lancaster and Carlisle via Barrow-in-Furness crosses the River Kent via the Arnside viaduct.

Region/Nation
Location/Address
Arnside
County
Cumbria
Post Code
LA5 0HE
Main Historic Period
Victorian
Useful Website Address
Tip/Nearby
Arnside Knott, Levens Hall, Carnforth, Kendal
Primary Management
Local Authority
ARNSIDE KNOTT

A limestone/sandstone hill offering grassland, meadow and woodland walks, with great views over the Kent estuary and Morecambe Bay. Famous for wildflowers and butterflies. Nearby Jack Scout's cliffs are good for bird watching and sun sets. Limited parking. Signposted from Arnside.

Region/Nation
Location/Address
Arnside
County
Cumbria
Post Code
LA5 0BP
Main Historic Period
N/A
Tip/Nearby
Arnside, Sizergh Castle, Morecambe
Primary Management
National Trust
The Rebel Tree in Clifton

The Battle of Clifton Moor took place on 18 December 1745 and was, many believe, the last battle on English soil. It depends on your definition of ‘battle’. The rumpus at Clifton Moor was more of a skirmish and formed part of the Jacobite rebellion of 1745, which culminated in the Battle of Culloden in 1746. The rebel Jacobite army was retreating from Derby and its rearguard met up with an advance part of the Government army that was in pursuit. 10 Government troops were killed and 12 rebels. The action delayed the Government force and facilitated the Jacobite retreat. There are a number of points of interest in the village of Clifton. Firstly, the Rebel Tree in the south part of the village marks the possible site of the fighting and is the traditional burial place of the Jacobites. There is a small plaque underneath the tree which, until fairly recently, was surrounded by fields; it is now surrounded by a small residential estate. Across the road, opposite the George and Dragon pub, is the Kelter Well – an old village well where someone has placed another memorial plaque to the battle. A memorial stone in St Cuthbert’s churchyard (north end of the village) marks the burial place of the Government soldiers. The cottage where the Duke of Cumberland spent the night is still there.

Region/Nation
Location/Address
Clifton
County
Cumbria
Post Code
CA10 2ER
Main Historic Period
Georgian
Tip/Nearby
St Cuthbert's Church and Clifton Hall, both in the village. Eamont Bridge has prehistoric remains. Brougham Castle and Penrith nearby also.
Primary Management
Local Authority
BEATLES STORY (The)

A museum that, literally, tells the story of the Beatles - from childhood, to when Paul met John, the early days in Hamburg, the Cavern, meeting Brian Epstein, George Martin, worldwide success, messy divorce and solo life afterwards. The Beatles Story claims to be the biggest permanent exhibition dedicated to the Fab Four. In any event, it is excellently done, with walk-through life-like displays, fascinating exhibits and plenty of music - an absolute must for any fan of John, Paul, George and Ringo - or anyone wanting to know about the world's greatest rock 'n' roll pop band.

Region/Nation
Location/Address
Britannia Vaults
Albert Dock
Liverpool
County
Merseyside
Post Code
L3 4AD
Main Historic Period
Modern
Useful Website Address
Tip/Nearby
Albert Dock is a World Heritage Site that includes several museums and places to eat
Primary Management
Other

This is a growing listings directory – over 950 entries have been listed as of September 2022. 

Entries have links for further information, such as opening times and entry fees.

If your favourite attraction is not listed yet, and you have a good quality digital photograph of it that you are able to freely send, please get in touch

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