Do you want to explore the north of England? Perhaps you’ve lived here all your life but have taken it for granted, or maybe you’re completely unfamiliar with the area. Whatever the case, the region is packed full of beautiful national parks, bustling cities and historic villages and towns to discover!
One thing to bear in mind is that, while there is a perceived economic and social north/south divide, there’s no real defining physical line. Still, whatever you class as officially ‘north’, you’re bound to have plenty of destinations worth visiting. The hardest part might be narrowing down your options and fitting it all in!
Here are five of the top places in northern England to add to your travel itinerary.
Lake district
An official UNESCO protected national park, the Lake District is a spectacular place to start as a newbie to the north. It consists of around sixteen lakes of various sizes, surrounded by stunning mountains and rolling hills that are immensely popular with walkers.
You can also enjoy scenic paddleboarding, boat trips and plenty of cosy country pubs!
York
York is a relatively small but incredibly historic and popular northern city. However you arrive, whether by train from Scarborough or car from Salford, you’ll find stunning architecture, narrow streets and fun museums to explore.
York has plenty of modern twists to it too though, including great shopping and an excellent food and drink scene.
Bamburgh
The small settlement of Bamburgh is nestled on the stunning coastline of Northumberland. The main draw is its imposing castle and pristine beaches, offering gorgeous views of the area.
There’s plenty to enjoy in the town too, including traditional book shops and delicious local seafood!
Scarborough
Scarborough is a classic seaside holiday town which has managed to retain much of its charm of old. It boasts gorgeous beaches plus a picturesque harbour, panoramic viewpoints from the castle, sea life and heritage railway centres and other great family attractions.
Make sure to indulge in some traditional fish and chips to end the day!
Leeds
Leeds is one of the largest cities in northern England and a rising powerhouse, attracting the likes of Channel 4 to set up here.
Its vibrant city centre is packed with great independent restaurants, bars and shops as well as lots of the big names, many of which are housed in gorgeous arcades. Outside the centre, the likes of Kirkstall Abbey, Harewood House and Roundhay Park all make for relaxing afternoons!
With so many great places to visit in the north, the only question is where to start!
