Settle
With its awe-inspiring views over the curving 24-arch Ribblehead Viaduct, the train journey between Settle and Carlisle is arguably Britain’s most famous, and the pretty market town of Settle is also something to be seen. The Museum of North Craven Life is housed in the Folly, built in 1679, and the historic Shambles overlooking the Market Place has shops on two levels.

Carlisle - The Great Border City
At Carlisle Castle you can explore chambers, stairways and dungeons and see the ‘licking stones’ which gave prisoners lifesaving moisture. The Citadel, once a prison, is an interesting place to spend time.

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.

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.

Halifax
The historic Piece Hall has three tiers of shops surrounding a courtyard. Thursday and Saturday markets are held there as well as a popular Thursday flea market. Eureka! is Britain’s top interactive museum for kids, with over 400 hands-on exhibits and fun activities.