A brief guide to the towns and villages of the North West of England

Blackpool
Britain's largest fun resort, with Blackpool Pleasure Beach, 3 piers and the famous Tower. Host to the spectacular autumn illuminations.

Chester
Roman and medieval walled city rich in treasures. Black and white buildings are a hallmark, including 'The Rows' – two-tier shopping galleries. 900-year-old cathedral and the famous Chester Zoo.

Chipping
Charming, well-preserved 17th century village, on the Pendle Witches' Trail. Ancient church, pub, craft shops. A superb base for walking and touring the area. Best Kept Village award.

Knutsford
Delightful town with many buildings of architectural and historical interest. The setting of Elizabeth Gaskell's "Cranford". Annual May Day celebration and decorative "sanding" of the pavements are unique to the town. Popular Heritage Centre.

Macclesfield
Cobbled streets and quaint old buildings stand side by side with modern shops and 3 markets. Centuries of association with the silk industry; museums feature working exhibits and social history. Stunning views of the Peak District National Park.

Nantwich
Old market town on the River Weaver made prosperous in Roman times by salt springs. Fire destroyed the town in 1583 and many buildings were rebuilt in Elizabethan style. Churche's Mansion (open to the public) survived the fire.

Poulton-Le-Fylde
Old market town, listed in the Domesday Book, whose most notable feature is the church of St Chad which has an early 17th century Perpendicular tower, Romanesque chancel, Georgian interior and wall monuments to the Fleetwoods and Heskeths.

Silverdale
On the shores of Morecambe Bay, this picturesque village is in the centre of a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Southport
Delightful Victorian resort noted for gardens, sandy beaches and 6 golf courses, particularly Royal Birkdale. Attractions include the Atkinson Art Gallery, Southport Railway Centre, Pleasureland and the annual Southport Flower Show. Excellent shopping, particularly in Lord Street's elegant boulevard.

Stockport
Once an important cotton-spinning and manufacturing centre, Stockport has an impressive railway viaduct, a shopping precinct built over the River Mersey and a new leisure complex. Lyme Hall and Vernon Park Museum nearby.

Tosside
Small hillside hamlet with village school, church, public house and early 18th century Congregational Chapel. In beautiful countryside on the edge of the Forest of Bowland, close to the Stocks Reservoir.