New Homes in the North West
A stone’s throw from cultural cities, historic sites and sprawling countryside
Whether you love the hustle-and-bustle of Manchester, traditional seaside fun at Blackpool or the idyllic landscapes of the Lake District, your new home in the North West puts you close to some of the most popular sights and attractions in all of the UK. Encompassing the counties of Greater Manchester, Merseyside, Cheshire, Lancashire and Cumbria, the North West is a large and diverse region, and is home to some of the country’s best schools and universities along with a growing number of both big-name and small-scale businesses.
The North West through the ages
The North West dates back to Roman times, when cities including Manchester were just small settlements. From the 11th century onwards, Manchester and later Liverpool began to grow quickly, especially as industry around the local ports, mills and factories became more and more successful. The Industrial Revolution was the real making of the North West, especially once the railway lines linked the biggest cities in the 19th century, making transportation of goods much easier.
Although many towns and cities were bombed during the Second World War - including Blackburn, Barrow-in-Furness and Burnley - the North West is now one of the most exciting and cutting-edge regions of the UK. Today, you can relive the North West’s history by visiting the Hat Works Museum in Stockport, walking through the old hospital at Dunham Massey near Altrincham, or exploring the 14th century Whalley Abbey Gatehouse. Other popular historic sites in the region include the International Slavery Museum in Liverpool, Lancaster Castle in Cumbria, and Lowther Castle and Gardens in Penrith.
Must-know info for families
If you’re moving to the North West with children in tow, you’ll be keen to know more about the schools in the local area. Whether your little ones are about to start school or are moving into higher education, there’s no doubt the North West is home to some of the best institutions in the country.
Top-rated secondary schools in the region include The Blue Coat School in Liverpool, Lancaster Girls’ Grammar School, Withington Girls’ School in Manchester, Altrincham Grammar School for Girls, Altrincham Grammar School for Boys, Manchester High School for Girls, and Clitheroe Royal Grammar School in Lancashire.
There are also lots of well-respected universities to choose from, including the University of Manchester, Manchester Metropolitan University, the Royal Northern College of Music, the University of Liverpool, Liverpool John Moores University and the University of Cumbria in Lancaster.
Places to see and things to do
For families, there’s plenty to keep you entertained, whether you’re snowboarding at Chill Factore in Manchester, exploring the World Museum in Liverpool, getting an adrenaline rush at Blackpool Pleasure Beach or discovering wildlife at Chester Zoo. There are also a number of outdoor attractions and sights in the North West, so you can get a breath of fresh air at Tatton Park in Knutsford, explore Whinfell Forest in Penrith, or take a hike along one of the Lake District’s many walking routes.
What about business?
Although business in the North West has traditionally centred around industry including flour milling and wool making, the region is now home to a diverse number of companies spanning retail, finance, energy, sport and more.
The biggest employers in the region include the local councils, universities, airports and football clubs as well as big-name brands. Some of the most recognisable companies with headquarters in the North West include Bentley Motors in Crewe, Shop Direct and Matalan in Liverpool, Betfred Group in Warrington, Pets at Home in Handforth, JD Sports in Bury, and Kellogg's UK and The Co-operative Group in Manchester. Amec Foster Wheeler, Certas Energy UK, Essar Oil (UK) and United Utilities are also based in the North West.
For travel
If you live and work in the North West, there are many options for commuting including driving, taking the train or using the Metrolink in Manchester. There are a number of motorways linking Manchester, Liverpool, Preston and Lancaster, such as the M6, M56 and M62, good for regional travel or journeys to other parts of the UK.
If you opt to travel by train, the journey from Manchester Victoria to Liverpool Lime Street takes just 35 minutes, while Manchester can be reached in just over 1 hour from Chester and 1 hour from Lancaster. For journeys further afield, the train from Manchester Piccadilly to London takes just 2 hours 15 minutes, while there are domestic and international flights from Manchester Airport and Liverpool John Lennon Airport.