NOW that Christmas and New Year are out of the way, what on earth can we do to while away those winter hours? Forget the current sales, says Karen Stephen, and get out and about to enjoy what the North-west has to offer. Here, she looks at six of the best tourist attractions, all just a short drive from Bolton.

THE LOWRY

WINNER of Building of the Year 2000, The Lowry in Salford is one of the North-west's most exciting visitor attractions, offering something for everyone -- day and night.

The Galleries play host to a selection of works by LS Lowry displayed alongside new talent. You can shop, eat, drink and see some amazing theatre and comedy shows.

Where to find The Lowry: Set in the heart of Salford Quays just 1.5 miles from Manchester city centre and a 40-minute motorway drive from the centre of Bolton. By rail, from Manchester Victoria and Piccadilly you can get to The Lowry by Metrolink tram and get off at Harbour City. Tel 0161 876 2000.

WIGAN PIER

ANOTHER multi-award winning attraction, Wigan Pier is truly a day of fun for all the family. Take an unforgettable journey through time and visit the Victorian classroom -- watch out for the strict schoolteachers though! Walk through the recreated coal mine and you'll appreciate the horrors men, and children, had to face on a daily basis.

Visit Piper Alley and watch youngsters play traditional street games before going to the seaside or even the old time music hall. Then take a trip across the canal to Opie's Museum of Memories -- an interactive tour through 100 years of domestic life in Britain -- before visiting Trencherfield Mill, the world's largest original working mill steam engine.

Where to find Wigan Pier: By road, follow the brown and white Wigan Pier signs from all major road networks. By rail, Wigan North Western and Wigan Wallgate stations are both five minutes walk from Wigan Pier. Tel 01942 323666.

BOTANY BAY

A 19th century mill converted into a unique retail and leisure destination, Botany Bay, Chorley, really does have something for everyone.

There are lots of different outlets selling the most beautiful and extraordinary gifts and, for those of you looking for something bigger, it sells some very unusual, albeit, traditional furniture.

There is a Victorian market place with a Victorian penny arcade. If hunger pangs kick in on your shopping trip there are two period style restaurants to choose from. Children are well catered for with Puddletown Pirates, a themed indoor play centre.

Where to find Botany Bay: At junction 8 of the M61 at Chorley, it's just 20 minutes along the motorway. Botany Bay, Canal Mill, Chorley. Tel 01257 261220.

CEDAR FARM

CEDAR Farm in Mawdsley is a contemporary cornucopia of arts, crafts, unique shops, a lively cafe, farm animals and a funky playground.

It first opened its doors in 1987 and recently opened art@cedar farm -- exciting studios where visitors have a unique opportunity to buy artwork made by some of the most creative people in the region.

This year there will be a Chinese Year of the Horse exhibition and, alongside it, will be a children's exhibition.

Children are well catered for at Cedar Farm. There is is a safe and well constructed play area and a selection of small farm animals which can be fed with food bought from the Gallery.

If you can, please try the cafe -- the food is delicious and the puddings -- well, put that New Year's diet on hold.

Where to find Cedar Farm: Cedar Farm, Back Lane, Mawdsley, Ormskirk is found by following the signs from Parbold or Rufford -- it's just 10 minutes from Junction 27 of the M6. Tel 01704 822101.

IMPERIAL WAR MUSEUM NORTH

SITUATED at Salford Quays, the museum opened to visitors on July 5, 2002 and quickly became one of the most talked about museums of the year.

It was created to give northern audiences access to the national collections and it has already welcomed more than 280,000 visitors. The astounding building was designed by Daniel Libeskind and complements the dramatic displays which illuminate how people's lives have been, and still are, shaped by the war.

Huge ranges of subjects are tackled at the museum, looking at conflict in the broadest sense through social history.

The year 2003 has a fantastic calendar of events including Holocaust Memorial Day on January 27, War Talk -- Radio Drama in February, International Women's Day on March 8 and V E Day on May 8.

Where to find The Imperial War Museum: Situated at The Quays on Trafford Wharf Road, Trafford Park, Manchester close to Harbour City Metrolink and Junction 9 of the M60. Tel 0161 836 4041.

SAMLESBURY HALL

A 14th century manor house situated in Samlesbury, a small township on the south bank of the River Ribble, Samlesbury Hall is well worth a visit if only for its historical interest.

The first hall was built on the banks of the Ribble by the D'Ewyas family and was subsequently destroyed by Robert the Bruce. The Great Hall, the oldest part of the present building, was built in 1325 by Gilbert de Southworth, who had married Alice D'Ewyas.

Visitors are free to wander round most of the rooms since there are no conducted tours. For those who want to make a day of it, a rather attractive tea room provides full meals or light snacks.

Where to find Samlesbury Hall: The hall is three miles from Junction 31 off the M6 along the A59 and A677 towards Blackburn and about 45 minutes from the centre of Bolton. There is also an attractive cross-country route to the hall via Belmont, Abbey Village, Houghton and Samlesbury Bottoms. Tel 01254 812229.

Please note: Do ring the venue to find out about prices, opening times and other important details.