Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
THE
NORTHWEST
by Rhonda Carrier
World-class cities within easy reach of wonderful,
unspoiled countryside make the often-neglected
northwest of England a must-see for those who
really want to get to know modern Britain. The star turns are
Manchester and Liverpool, reasserting themselves after decades in the
doldrums while remaining firmly rooted in their industrial heritage, but
there's rich history elsewhere, including Chester with its Roman
amphitheatre, Lancaster with its witchhunter's castle, and even tacky
Blackpool. There's also wildlife in the open spaces of Cheshire and
Lancashire, plus seaside fun, unexpectedly good beaches, and tradi-
tional resorts.
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CITIES & TOWNS
It may not be Britain's prettiest landscape, but the
21st-century revival of
Manchester's Salford Quays,
new home to
much of the BBC, makes for a fascinating case study in urban regenera-
tion—especially when contrasted with historical depictions of the area in
the world-famous paintings of L. S. Lowry, many of them displayed in the
state-of-the-art cultural center named after him.
COUNTRYSIDE
The narrow, steep-sided valley of the
Trough of
Bowland
remains a bit of a hidden gem for walkers and cyclists, com-
pared with the more touristy Lake District and Yorkshire Dales, with
winding paths, blissful picnic spots, and a wild boar park, where kids can
enjoy animal encounters and woodland walks.
EATING & DRINKING
Eating out is a serious business all over the
northwest, but
Lancashire's Inn at Whitewell
particularly stands
out for having featured in the 2010 BBC comedy
The Trip,
about a
restaurant critic taking a friend on a foodie road-trip around the north
of England.
COAST
Antony Gormley's
Another Place
raises the status of
Crosby,
north of Liverpool, from unremarkable seaside town to globally significant
art site, with its beach studded with 100 cast-iron casts of the sculptor's
own body, faces turned to the horizon in silent expectation.
