Right out on the windy west coast of Cumbria is The Beacon, which has provided a well-used museum service for local families and visitors since it reopened in purpose built gallery spaces in 1996. It draws on rich collections – fine and decorative arts, social history, archaeology and natural sciences – that tell the story of the area, in particular the maritime history of Whitehaven. The interpretation is lively, with lots of activities for children.
Experience the art of Abbot Hall in a hands on and creative way with their monthly Sketch and Stroll tours.
from £0.00
Lancaster Literature Festival, or Litfest to its friends, is rolling out its 46th programme, having created a variety of events for its audiences since 1978.
from £3.00
Step into the majestic Blackpool Tower Ballroom for an experience like no other. With stunning architecture, live music and treats galore, Afternoon Tea here is highly recommended.
from £60.00
Come face to face with SEA LIFE Blackpool’s hungriest resident. This unique experience gives you the chance to feed Phoenix the green sea turtle and learn about this endangered species.
from £75.00
A new festival is born as Outer Waves takes over Invisible Wind Factory and Make Liverpool over two days this May.
from £49.00
‘Bees: A Story of Survival’ seamlessly marries art and science to tell the fascinating story of bees and their essential role in nature.
from £0.00
Enjoy hands-on printmaking activities.
from £5.00
Darkly funny and fiercely personal, Elaine Collins’ new semi-autobiographical solo show about memories, misfits and the messy side of showbiz is a must-see this May.
from £12.00
Lowes Court Gallery in Egremont aims to showcase the quality of traditional and contemporary Cumbrian craft, led by a membership of artists.
Florence Mine has been transformed into a centre for cultural activity, offering workshops, gallery space, cinema and music venue.
A cosy theatre, offering a diverse range of arts and entertainment, in an exceptional setting on the outskirts of Whitehaven.
Calling steam train enthusiasts big and small! The Ravenglass & Eskdale heritage train is ready to transport you back in time.
The Muncaster Castle estate takes in a haunted castle, bluebell woods, Hawk and Owl Centre and more.
An historic and atmospheric country house complete with roaring fires and wood panelling and set in its own grounds.
Independent hotel in an idyllic setting.
A theatre-cum cinema in Cockermouth offering a wide programme of touring theatre, music, independent film and events to townsfolk and visitors.
Percy House Gallery in Cumbria is a contemporary art gallery which majors in painting, photography, and craft from local Cumbrian artists and makers.
A snazzy wine and food joint, with a lovely terraced beer garden.
Privately-owned Cockermouth Castle dates back to Norman times and is occasionally open to the public.
With these lighter, brighter days and warmer temperatures, it's really starting to feel like summer here in the North West!
Willow weaving, textile collages, digital arts and ecology - all this and more in our exhibition top picks this month
Eclectic as ever. You'll find inventive reworkings, world-class contemporary dance and Greater Manchester's inaugural Improv Festival in our guide.
We've got many a good time in store this month as we round up the best walking tours, cultural classes and makers markets in the land.
We've got laughs and we've got leftfield on the live literature radar this month. Something for everyone, from poets playing with form to short story writers looking long.
Open air clubs, new festivals and long-awaited gigs. The North West's live music scene is heating up this spring.
Read our latest highlights from the live classical music offer in Manchester and the North, taking in a number of the region's most cherished orchestral forces and venues.
Live scores, midnight movies and the latest from Wes Anderson are just some of our upcoming film highlights.
Notifications
