Preston
Preston's old dock is now a picturesque marina with shops, restaurants and other attractions, including the Ribble Steam Railway and Museum. Take a 1.5 mile steam-hauled train journey along the riverside and see a fine selection of locomotives.

Colne
Parts of Colne parish church date to the 11th Century and the ancient market town was, with neighbouring Nelson, the heart of the Lancashire cotton industry. It was also birthplace of Wallace Hartley, the heroic bandmaster lost on the Titanic. 40,000 lined the streets for his funeral and his statue is in Albert Road. The Municipal Hall houses exhibits from model soldiers, uniforms and military regalia of the British Empire to a Japanese flag captured in the 1944 Battle of Kohima.

Rochdale
Rochdale's town centre is dominated by the fine Gothic Town Hall with fine gardens. It is fronted by an esplanade thought to be the widest road bridge in Europe, where you'll find the Touchstones arts and heritage centre. Gracie Fields was born in Rochdale, as was the Co-operative Movement, the story of which can be seen at the Rochdale Pioneers Museum. Medieval St Chad's church is also worth a visit.

Liverpool – European Capital of Culture 2008
Visit Albert Dock for the Tate, Merseyside Maritime Museum and the Beatles Story and take in Mathew Street where the world famous Cavern Club still rocks. Don't miss the Ferry ‘Cross the Mersey to Spaceport at Seacombe Terminal – it's out of this world.

Blackburn
With over 400 stalls, Blackburn is the North West's biggest market, and this classic Lancashire town is also known for its mill shops. The Museum and Art Gallery is famous for the unique Hart bequest – an incredible treasure trove ranging from coins and art to an Egyptian mummy.

Manchester
Fantastic shopping is reason enough to visit Manchester, but there's so much more on offer. At Salford Quays you can visit the Imperial War Museum North and the Lowry Art and Entertainment Centre. The Museum of Science and Industry is superb and the many excellent art galleries and exhibitions include Urbis - a unique look at cities from Tokyo to LA, starting with a thrilling skyglide up the MEN Glass Elevator.

Blackpool
The UK's biggest, most popular seaside resort, has more to do than you can shake a stick of rock at! The Pleasure Beach has over 125 rides, attractions and spectacular shows, including the Pepsi Max Big One - Europe's tallest and fastest rollercoaster. Take a tram ride along the Golden Mile of food, fun, amusements and exhibitions, including Louis Tussaud's and the new Sea Life Centre. At Blackpool Tower you can see the Circus or shows and, on a clear day, even the Isle of Man. Take a dip in the sea or dive into the Sandcastle Waterworld of pools, waterslides and white-knuckle chutes. Kids also love Blackpool Zoo with over 400 animals, including lions, tigers, elephants and gorillas.

Morecambe
This traditional seaside town is famous for a sweeping 5-mile promenade with amazing views of Morecambe Bay and its wide range of birdlife - celebrated around the town by the bird sculptures of the TERN Project. The statue of comedian Eric Morecambe, himself a keen birdwatcher, takes pride of place on the seafront.

Lancaster
Medieval Lancaster Castle was the prison where the Pendle Witches were tried and sentenced to death. Williamson Park has a Butterfly House and tropical birds, and there are eagles, hawks and owls at neighbouring Carnforth's Leighton Hall Falconry.

Clitheroe
At the heart of the Ribble Valley lies the historic market town of Clitheroe. Retaining much of its old charm and character, Clitheroe is famed for its family run shops, specialising in a range of produce from sausages and wine to coffee and tea. The town is dominated by a huge limestone rock crowned by the 800 year old keep of an ancient castle. The Castle grounds include a large open-air auditorium hosting many concerts in the summer months. Once the battleground of the Scots and Normans, Edisford Bridge Picnic Area is a pleasant family area on the outskirts of the town.