The North West Coast

The North West Coast is a fantastically diverse and unique place. Stretching over 1400km from the Welsh to the Scottish borders, and encompassing everything from small fishing villages to vibrant cultural cities, enveloping windswept coastal wildernesses in-between, it has something for everyone.

An area rich in history, industry fauna and flora, it is a region of contrasts. Nationally important ports brush shoulders with internationally important wildlife habitats and vibrant resort towns nestle alongside constantly shifting sands.

From an environmental perspective, the region has been recognised as an area of international significance, with over 80% of the coastline protected for its habitat and wildlife importance. The coast is also home to the second largest tidal range in the UK at the Mersey Estuary and further north, on the Sefton Coast areas of coastal retreat have revealed preserved prehistoric footprints and submerged ancient forests. The dune system on the Sefton coast is the largest continuous system in England, whilst Morecambe Bay has the largest intertidal area in Britain.

Culturally, the Maritime history of Liverpool is recognised in the World Heritage status of its docks, whilst Morecambe and Blackpool are two of the oldest and most loved seaside resort towns in the country, with Blackpool Pleasure Beach one of the most visited attractions in the country. The Lake District draws 12 million of visitors every year and many more are attracted by the range of outdoor pursuits the coast offers.