Excursions

At WSA, we are well-placed for exploring the north-west region. The Lake District itself attracts millions of visitors each year, drawn by its dramatic landscape and rugged beauty.

As a location, it provides the perfect base from which to visit other towns and cities. As the excursions are planned in advance, teachers often take this opportunity to encourage their students to take an interest in a particular topic or to visit a particular location.

This year, planned excursions include: Blackpool, Manchester, Liverpool and Kendal.

Manchester
Perhaps most famous for its winning combination of football and shopping, Manchester is a city of culture too. With its roots in the Industrial Revolution of the 19th century, Manchester has many galleries and museums celebrating the city’s proud heritage.

Hugely regenerated over the past decade, Manchester’s skyline has been virtually redrawn; the city now offers some of the best and brightest buildings in the UK. Music, theatre and the performing arts are particularly well catered for and there’s always plenty to see and do in this lively northern metropolis.

Liverpool
With a starring role as European Capital of Culture 2008, Liverpool has a big reputation for innovation. Once prominent as a centre of international trade and commerce (the River Mersey is still an important commercial artery), this remarkable city is now famous for its cultural connections and its impressive architecture – Liverpool actually has more museums and art galleries than any other city in the UK.

Of course, Liverpool is synonymous with its most famous sons – The Beatles – and still has a strong and thriving musical tradition. Great shopping and great entertainment in a historic city centre – what more could you ask?

Blackpool
The traditional destination of regional holidaymakers in search of fun and excitement, and famous the world over for its charming blend of Victorian gentility and 20th-century kitsch, Blackpool still offers visitors a bucket-load of seaside thrills.

Dominated by its landmark Tower and with a vast promenade stretching for miles along the resort’s golden sands, Blackpool provides a memorable experience. As part of the excursion, we’ll visit the legendary ‘Pleasure Beach’, where you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy some of the best rollercoaster rides in the world.

Kendal
Within a stone’s throw of Windermere, neighbouring Kendal has much to offer. This venerable and ancient market town is steeped in Cumbrian history and overlooked by the ruins of its 12th-century castle, one-time home of Catherine Parr, Henry VIII’s sixth – and final – wife. Kendal also boasts a magnificent 13th-century parish church and many other historic buildings.

Located on the meandering River Kent, Kendal is characterised by quaint narrow yards and lanes running off the main street, many of which are home to speciality shops, restaurants and tea rooms.