Settle
With its jaw-dropping views over the curving 24-arch Ribblehead Viaduct, the train journey between Settle and Carlisle is arguably Britain's most famous. In the delightful market town's 1679-built Folly you'll find the Museum of North Craven Life, and the historic Shambles overlooking the Market Place has shops on two levels.

Carlisle - The Great Border City
As well as exploring mysterious chambers, stairways and dungeons at Carlisle Castle and seeing the 'licking stones' (once a source of lifesaving moisture for prisoners), you'll also find the Border Regiment Museum there. The magnificent cathedral has superb oak carvings and the Citadel, once a prison, is as captivating as ever.

Blackburn
Blackburn is the North West's biggest market boasting over 400 stalls, and the classic Lancashire town is also famed for its mill shops. The Museum and Art Gallery is noted for the unique Hart bequest - a remarkable treasure trove ranging from art and coins to an ancient Egyptian mummy.

Lancaster
Medieval Lancaster Castle was the prison where the Pendle Witches were tried and sentenced to death. There are tropical birds and a butterfly house at Williamson Park, and eagles, hawks and owls at Leighton Hall Falconry in neighbouring Carnforth.

Halifax
Three tiers of shops surround the courtyard of the historic Piece Hall, where there are Saturday markets, a popular Thursday flea market and other events. If you're looking for Britain's top interactive kids' museum, with hundreds of hands-on exhibits and fun activities, Eureka! - you've found it.