tourist attractions north england

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30 of the Best Places to Visit in the North of England

• Last Updated 20 August 2024

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There are so many amazing places to visit in the North of England! Some of the country’s largest cities call the region home, while cute English villages dot vast areas of picturesque countryside.

When it comes to scenery, there are no shortage of epic views to be found. Especially given that some of the country’s most famous National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) can be found here.

From the famous lakes and peaks of the Lake District to lesser-known spots like the Durham Dales… there’s plenty to entice if you’re looking for countryside views, hiking, or adventure! 

For culture, dive into some of the region’s vibrant cities like Manchester , Liverpool, and Leeds. Or go looking for history in places like York and Harrogate.

With so many amazing places to visit on your trip to the North of England, the only difficulty is knowing where to choose.

So I asked some amazing bloggers – many of them locals – to recommend their favourite spots. Get ready to discover the very best of Northern England… 

8 Cities to Visit in Northern England

22 places to visit in the north of england, map & quick list: best places to visit in the north of england.

Short on time? There’s a map and a quick version of this list at the bottom of this page. Use the contents menu above or scroll down to the end for the quickest version – otherwise, read on for my guide to the best cities, towns and places to visit in the north of England…

It may not be the largest, but York is probably one of the most popular cities to visit in the North of England. This compact city in Yorkshire has a rich cultural heritage, but it’s also a vibrant, lively city with two universities. 

There are loads of great things to do in York so you’ll have plenty to discover. Walk the city’s medieval walls, which are the longest in England. Take a trip to the iconic cathedral, York Minster, and climb the tower for some of the best views in town.

And don’t miss a trip to the cluttered pedestrian shopping street, The Shambles. Lined with unique shops with overhanging first floors, it’s easy to see why this street is said to have inspired Diagon Alley from the Harry Potter series. 

RECOMMENDED TOUR: York City Chronicles – History walking tour (from £11.50pp)

2. Liverpool

Recommended by: Caroline and Neil, CK Travels

Despite what you may have heard, Liverpool isn’t just about football or The Beatles! The UK’s fifth biggest city is a seamless mix of hipster hangouts and heritage precincts.

In fact, several of the more historic areas on and around Liverpool’s waterfront have been granted UNESCO World Heritage Status. For example, the beautiful buildings along the cobbled William Brown Street, as well as the Royal Albert Dock Area.

There are also many things to do in Liverpool’s regenerated spots. The highlight is the creative Baltic Triangle neighbourhood. Here you’ll find numerous bars, cafes, and vintage shops, as well as street art and street food pop-ups.

RECOMMENDED TOUR: Liverpool Guided City Walking Tour – from £14pp

3. Manchester

Manchester is another of the best places to visit in the North of England. England’s first largest city was once at the heart of the country’s industrial revolution. But Manchester has experienced a rejuvenation in recent decades. Where there were cotton mills and factories, now you’ll find museums, bars and restaurants.

Known as one of the best UK cities for nightlife – but also for its many museums, galleries and other attractions – Manchester has plenty to entice visitors. And, of course, the city is home to two of England’s most famous Premier League football teams. You can visit both stadiums for a tour ( click here for ticket prices ), or head to the National Football Museum to learn more about the “beautiful game”.

For a night out, the Northern Quarter is popular for its Indie pubs and bars, while Deansgate is overflowing with sophisticated cocktail bars.

RECOMMENDED TOUR: Northern Quarter Street Art Walking Tour – from £15pp

4. Newcastle

Recommended by: Charles, McCool Travel

Hadrian’s Wall starts in Newcastle, and the city’s name can be traced back to the “new” castle built in 1080. On a castle tour, see the oldest surviving castle features (Castle Keep and Black Gate) and England’s oldest medieval fireplace. You’ll also get some great views of Newcastle.

Countless other things to do in Newcastle include vibrant nightlife and culture, exploring Chinatown and Grainger Town (Grainger Market has a unique Marks & Spencer), crossing funky Millennium Bridge and gazing at the futuristic Sage Gateshead Performing Arts Centre, and visiting the impressive Angel of the North art installation (a few km outside Newcastle). Be sure to hoist a pint at Old George Inn (est 1582) – a favourite pub of King Charles I.

RECOMMENDED TOUR: Self-Guided City Sightseeing Treasure Hunt Game – from £9.99pp

Recommended by: Claire, Tales of a Backpacker

There are so many fabulous  things to do in Leeds City Centre , there really is something for everyone. Kirkgate Market is one of the largest indoor markets in Europe and is full of fresh produce and food stalls to grab some lunch. The beautiful Victoria Arcade and Corn Exchange shopping centres are perfect for buying something special or simply admiring the architecture.   

Leeds also has a huge range of bars and restaurants. From the best Thai and Indian homestyle cooks to Michelin-starred chefs, foodies will be in heaven here. Culture fans won’t be disappointed either. The Royal Armouries Museum is exceptional, while Leeds Art Gallery has a wonderful collection. And both are free to visit!

RECOMMENDED TOUR: Leeds Guided City Center Walking Tour – from £13pp

6. Durham, County Durham

Perhaps not as well known as the other cities in the region, Durham is definitely one of the best places to visit in Northern England. The capital of County Durham is a small, pretty city with loads to keep visitors busy.

It’s also one of the few places where you can actually stay in a CASTLE! Durham Castle is an impressive, historic building which is part of the University. During the holidays, you can stay in the rooms which are usually accommodation for students – and rates are surprisingly affordable!

Beyond the castle, Durham Cathedral is considered one of the best in England. It was also a filming location for the Harry Potter movies, and several other films. The tower reopened last year and is well worth the steep climb for some of the best views in the city. 

RECOMMENDED TOUR: Durham Walking Tour and Tales of Crime and Punishment – from £25pp

Recommended by: Amy, the Travel Fairies

One of the best places to visit in the North of England is Hull. Hull makes a great base for exploring more of the Humber River and the East Yorkshire Coastline. But the city itself is a perfect blend of city and countryside, so it’s well worth a visit.

Named the UK City of Culture in 2017, Hull is full of history and culture. The city has long been an important trading and port town so there are many historical landmarks celebrating this. But recent regeneration has created a modern feel when visiting too. It’s the perfect blend of old and new. 

There are several excellent museums around the city, such as the Streetlife Museum of Transport and the Wilberforce House Museum. This latter celebrates William Wilberforce, who was born in Hull and was instrumental in the abolition of the slave trade. While the Maritime Museum showcases Hull’s fishing, whaling and shipbuilding industries. 

8. Sheffield

Another formerly industrial city in the North of England, Sheffield is a great place to visit. Especially if you want easy access to the nearby Peak District. With top-notch museums and galleries, such as the Millennium Gallery or the Kelham Island Museum (which focuses on Sheffield’s history of steelmaking) there’s plenty of culture and history to explore. 

One of the best things to do in Sheffield is to explore the vibrant street art scene . You can find many local and internationally recognized street artists in and around the city streets. Throw in an emerging food scene and great nightlife – especially around the popular West Street area – and you have plenty of reasons to visit Sheffield on your trip around Northern England!

RECOMMENDED TOUR: Self-Guided City Sightseeing Treasure Hunt – from £9.99pp

1. The Lake District, North West England

Recommended by: Angela, Where Angie Wanders

The Lake District in Cumbria is England’s largest National Park. It’s also a UNESCO Heritage Site offering mountains, valleys, and quintessentially English villages. And, of course, world-renowned lakes.

The Lake District comprises 16 lakes, with the largest being Lake Windermere. From here, boat trips, kayaking, walking and hiking can all be enjoyed. The circular walking route of Lake Windermere is a must!

Hiking trails throughout the Lake District cater for all tastes and abilities. If you’re looking for a challenge, Scafell Pike is the highest mountain in England.

The Lake District offers natural beauty in abundance, so it’s the perfect place to stop on a visit to the North of England.

RECOMMENDED TOUR: Lake District Day Trip from Manchester – from £73pp

2. Hadrian’s Wall

Recommended by: Wendy, The Nomadic Vegan

There are many ancient Roman sites to visit in Britain, but Hadrian’s Wall is probably the most famous of them all. Emperor Hadrian had this 73-mile-long wall built in 122 AD to defend the Roman province of Britannia from the barbarians.

It across runs virtually the whole breadth of England, from Bowness-on-Solway to Wallsend (so named because it’s where the wall ends). Keen hikers can  walk the entire length of Hadrian’s Wall  in six or seven days.

But if you don’t have that much time, you can use the AD122 hop-on-hop-off bus to visit some of the best archaeological sights and attractions along the wall, such as Milecastle 42. You can also book a 4-hour guided walking tour (from £55 – click here to check prices ) to explore with an expert guide.

3. Haworth, West Yorkshire

Recommended by: Helen on her Holidays

Haworth is a small village in West Yorkshire that was home to three of the world’s most famous writers – Charlotte, Emily and Anne Brontë. The Brontë sisters moved to Haworth in 1820 when their father became the parish priest at Haworth church. They moved into the Parsonage, now the Brontë Parsonage Museum.

Visiting the Brontë Parsonage Museum  is a must-do for all visitors to Haworth. The house has been beautifully restored to be as close as possible to the way it would have been when the sisters lived there.

Other things to do in Haworth include taking moorland walks, as the Brontë sisters loved to do, and going for a ride on the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway. You can even take a

RECOMMENDED TOUR: The Brontes, Wuthering Heights & Jane Eyre Tour – from £149pp

4. North York Moors

Recommended by: Maja, Away with Maja

There is so much to see and do in the North York Moors National Park ! You can visit the coast in small towns like Staithes or Robin Hood’s Bay. Postcard-perfect quaint villages are dotted throughout the national park. Some of the most charming villages are Helmsley, Thornton-le-Dale, Hutton-le-Hole, and Goathland.

There are also some amazing hikes in the area. Roseberry Topping is known as the “Yorkshire Matterhorn” and gives great views over the area. The Hole of Horcum is another fantastic walk – about a 2-3 hour loop. August is probably the best time of year to visit the North York Moors, when purple heather blooms all over!

RECOMMENDED TOUR: Day Trip to Whitby and The North York Moors from York – from £59pp

5. Durham Heritage Coast

The Durham Heritage Coast is one of the more “off the beaten path” places to visit in Northern England. This isn’t really buckets-and-spades seaside, but a rugged, adventurous coastline. Think clifftop walks with waves crashing below and gulls squawking overhead.

The coastal path at Nose’s Point in Seaham has some particularly spectacular views, as well as a picturesque wildlife sanctuary. The grasslands at the top of the cliffs are filled with wildflowers, orchids, and birdlife, while all kinds of marine life call the shoreline home – from colourful sea anemones to seals and basking sharks! 

6. Whitby, North Yorkshire

Recommended by: Ivan, Mind the Travel

Whitby is an ever-popular seaside resort town in the North of England. The town was once home to Bram Stoker, who drew a ton of inspiration for his 19th-century classic novel ‘Dracula’ here. A large portion of Old Town clusters around the harbour lodged in the River Esk estuary and the Whitby Sea Front. 

Britain’s greatest explorer, Captain Cook, sailed on one of his earliest voyages from Whitby harbour. His famous ships, the Discovery, Endeavour & Resolution, were also built here. The Captain Cook Memorial Museum tells the story of his famous voyages through its collection of paintings, documents, and artefacts.

To fully appreciate the charm of Whitby, make your way to West Cliff Beach, which is lined with colourful beach huts. Explore the town centre with a self-guided audio tour (from £6.28, click here to check prices ).

7. North Pennines

At almost 770 square miles, the North Pennines is the second-largest AONB in the UK. The Pennines are a mountain range stretching through Northern England, often called the “backbone of England”. The North Pennines AONB is also a UNESCO Global Geopark, known for its spectacular landscapes.

With open heather moors, rolling dales and meadows, tumbling upland rivers, and rich woodlands, this AONB has plenty of stunning backdrops for all kinds of outdoor adventures. This truly is a hiker’s paradise, with miles of walks and trails to suit any ability. And the area is filled with all kinds of wildlife, including a few rare critters such as red squirrels, short-eared owls, and otters. 

8. Harrogate, North Yorkshire

Recommended by: Jonathon, Journey Maxx

Harrogate is definitely one of the best places to visit in the North of England. This well-kept spa town thrived during Victorian days, with wealthy elites flocking to the illustrious spas for their healing purposes.

Although many of them have since closed, the Turkish Baths still operate today, keeping Harrogate’s spa tradition intact. You can visit the Royal Pump Rooms to learn more about the medicinal waters and the health benefits that put Harrogate on the map.

Harrogate also makes for the perfect base for exploring the stunning landscapes of the Yorkshire Dales and quaintly preserved towns nearby. A little closer is the Nidderdale AONB and the bizarrely fascinating Brimham Rocks structures that have to be seen to be believed. And of course, no guide to Harrogate can be complete without a reference to tea. This is the home of the world-famous Yorkshire institution, Betty’s Tea Rooms, with its mouth-watering afternoon tea and cakes.

9. Yorkshire Dales

Recommended by: Sinead, Map Made Memories

The Yorkshire Dales offers something for every visitor. The Dales are famous for stunning scenery with fantastic hiking opportunities including the ‘Yorkshire Three Peaks’ of Ingleborough, Pen y Ghent and Whernside.

Admire the view from the top of Malham Cove, a natural stone amphitheatre 230 feet high. View Hardraw Force, England’s highest single-drop waterfall, or the Yorkshire favourite, Aysgarth Falls.

Learn about Yorkshire’s history at Bolton Abbey or Skipton Castle. Stop for a drink at Britain’s highest pub, the Tan Hill Inn, or devour the cheese from the Wensleydale Creamery.

Try your hand at traditional country crafts at the Dales Countryside Museum in Hawes. Or, for something more adventurous, join a guided caving trip to explore the Dales underground!

RECOMMENDED TOUR: Fans of the TV show Vera can take a day tour of filming locations (from £70pp, click here to check prices ).

10. Northumberland Coast AONB

Recommended by: Anuradha from Country Hopping Couple

A designated Area of Natural Beauty (AONB), the Northumberland Coast boasts 40 miles of sweeping coastline. It’s dotted with stunning castles and charming villages and towns, and is home to abundant wildlife. Starting from Berwick Upon Tweed and stretching up to Cresswell, the Northumberland coast offers some of the finest coastal walking routes.

Explore the tidal island of Lindisfarne. Bird watchers should head to the Farne Islands (a bird reserve consisting of 15-20 tidal islands) or Coquet islands (a small island located 1.2kms off the coast). Visit the castles of Bamburgh, Dunstanburgh, Alnwick or Warkworth and marvel at their architecture. For coastal walks and beaches visit Seahouses, Budle Bay, Alnmouth and Amble.

11. Blackpool, Lancashire

Recommended by: Jenni, Cruise Mummy

Blackpool is a seaside resort in Lancashire. It’s famed for Blackpool Tower, a landmark which was built in 1894 as a replica of the Eiffel Tower. The tower houses seven attractions, including a glass walkway, a circus, and a beautifully ornate Victorian ballroom.

Other attractions to visit in Blackpool include Blackpool Zoo and Blackpool Pleasure Beach, which has some thrilling rollercoasters. Visit between early September and early November and you can see the famous Blackpool Illuminations, made up of over one million lightbulbs!

Blackpool is very much a traditional seaside town. You’ll find fantastic fish and chips, plenty of two-penny slot machines and not just one but three piers. It has everything that couples or families could want for a weekend away in the North of England.

Top tip: You can visit several local attractions for one low price of £35 if you purchase the Blackpool Attractions Pass – click here to find out more .

12. Lindisfarne Holy Island, Northumberland

Recommended by: Heather, Conversant Traveller

Also known as Holy Island, Lindisfarne is a tidal island off the windswept north-eastern coast of England, not far from Berwick-upon-Tweed. Accessible across a causeway at low tide, the island makes a great day trip during a weekend in Northumberland . It would also make a great base for a holiday, as there are several rental cottages within the small local community.

Famous for its medieval heritage, the highlights of Holy Island are the 16th-century castle and the remains of Lindisfarne Priory. This latter was once one of the most important centres of early Christianity. You can walk around the island, watch the fishing boats bobbing around in the harbour, and sample the traditional Lindisfarne mead, a local drink made from herbs, grapes and honey.

13. Helmsley, North Yorkshire

Recommended by: Tammy, Travelling Tam

As the only historic market town in the North Yorkshire National Park, Helmsley offers visitors the perfect blend of fascinating history (from periods such as the Stone Ages and Middle Ages), as well as tranquil protected landscapes.

Helmsley Castle, Rievaulx Abbey and Helmsley Walled Gardens are some of the most popular activities. There are also award-winning boutique shops, a microbrewery, and a centre for birds of prey.

Helmsley is a great day trip , but if you have longer, there are plenty more historic sites and fantastic walking opportunities in the town and beyond. As the starting point of the Cleveland Way National Trail, Helmsley is also the gateway to hiking in Yorkshire.

14. Saltaire, West Yorkshire

Recommended by: Tracy, UK Travel Planning

The UNESCO World Heritage-listed village of Saltaire is located in the county of Yorkshire not far from Leeds. The village was created in the 19th century by Titus Salt, a wealthy mill owner, to provide housing and amenities to his factory workers. This was revolutionary for that time and Titus Salt is recognised as one of the greatest Victorian philanthropists.

Follow the Heritage Trail around the village to discover the many points of interest. You can pick up a guide in the Mill which is opposite the train station. Saltaire is still lived in today and you can get a sense of how well Salt provided for his workers with almshouses, a school and Church.

Don’t miss a visit to the Mill. Today it houses shops, cafes and restaurants – as well as the largest collection of works by local artist David Hockney. You even have the opportunity to own your very own Hockney as he designed the logo on the paper serviettes in Salt’s Diner!

15. Durham Dales, County Durham

The Durham Dales are a vast area of countryside in the west of County Durham, on the edge of the North Pennines AONB. Filled with picturesque English countryside, the Dales are a joy to explore – and one of the less known places to visit in the North of England. 

Across the Dales, you’ll find tranquil moors, picturesque villages, dramatic valleys, winding rivers, and verdant farmland. Bowlees Picnic Area was recently voted as one of the top 20 picnic spots in Britain by Countryfile Magazine ! The pretty town of Barnard Castle makes an excellent base for exploring, or there are plenty of lovely country hotels to choose from. Don’t miss a trip to Raby Castle for lots of history – not to mention the stunning grounds and gardens.  

16. Hawkshead, Cumbria

Recommended by: Carole, Berkeley and Beyond

Many people find themselves in the tiny village of Hawkshead, in England’s Lake District, just because its half-timbered buildings and narrow cobblestone streets are so charming. But the town is also worth visiting for the Beatrix Pottery Gallery. This is situated within a 17th-century building which was once the author’s husband’s legal offices.  

If you need a place to stay, try the delightful Queens Head Hotel in the centre of town. Here since the 16th century, it was around when William Wordsworth attended the local grammar school and when Beatrix Potter lived on her farm just up the road! 

17. Settle, North Yorkshire

Recommended by: Kat, Wandering Bird 

If you’re looking for beautiful places to visit in the north of England, head to Settle in the Yorkshire Dales.  This pretty market town is full of picturesque stone houses, and has an impressive market held on Tuesdays in the town centre.

Settle is also home to several yearly festivals, including the Settle Cuckoo Festival (where the entire town becomes one big street market) and the Settle Folk Festival (held in September and always worth a visit). There’s also the family favourite – the Settle Flowerpot Festival, where homes create incredible displays out of flowerpots and display them in their front gardens! 

Whilst you’re in the area, be sure to visit Catrigg Force. This is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the UK and is only 3 miles from the town.

18. Bamburgh, Northumberland

Recommended by: Sarah, Northumberland’s Best

Dominated by the magnificent Bamburgh Castle and fringed by miles of golden sandy beach, Bamburgh is a glorious place to visit in England’s most northerly country of Northumberland. This quaint small town is most famous for being the home of Victorian England’s heroine, Grace Darling.

Along with her lighthouse-man father, Darling rescued survivors of the wreck of the SS Forfarshire in 1838. Explore the RNLI museum of her life in Bamburgh (and find out about sea safety in general). Then, take a trip to the wildlife-filled Farne Islands and visit the Longstone Lighthouse where Darling lived with her family.

19. Alnwick, Northumberland

Recommended by: Stuart, Go Eat Do 

There’s an array of things to do in Alnwick , a historic market town which makes a great base for walking breaks in Northumberland’s countryside.

Alnwick Castle has been the home of the Percy family, the Dukes of Northumberland, since 1309. The fact it was used as a set for Harry Potter movies makes the historic landmark a hit with visitors of all ages.

Beautifully landscaped, the nearby Alnwick Garden is one of the most-visited attractions in the region. The gated section where poisonous plants grow remains locked between guided tours explaining their dangers.

20. Malham, North Yorkshire

Recommended by: Pauline, Beeloved City

Located within the Yorkshire Dales National Park, Malham is one of the best places to visit in Northern England. Not only because the village features some beautiful houses, but also because the surroundings are breathtaking!

Everything you expect from the English countryside: sheep, cows, limestone walls… you will find it in Malham! The village is also a paradise for hikers. There are many walks in the area including Malham Tarn, Janet’s Foss and Gordale Scar.

The most popular one, Malham Cove, is only a 25-minute hike. It will take you from the visitor centre up to the cove. From there, you can admire this stunning geological formation and jaw-dropping views over Yorkshire. It’s also well known for being one of the few Harry Potter filming locations in Northern England !

RECOMMENDED TOUR: Yorkshire Sightseeing Day Trip from Manchester – from £69pp

21. Scarborough, North Yorkshire

Recommended by: Anjali, Cheerful Trails

Scarborough is one of Northern England’s most popular holiday destinations. This resort town is known for its gorgeous beaches, vibrant atmosphere, exquisite parks, vintage fairs and upbeat events that take place throughout the year.

The town has a huge coastline which offers breathtaking views from its beaches and panoramic viewpoints, as well as the famous Scarborough Castle. For history buffs, the Rotunda Museum in Scarborough exhibits about 5500 fossils, and is one of the oldest purpose-built museums in the UK. There are many more great things to do in Scarborough , including SEA LIFE Scarborough , the heritage railway, or riding the dragon boat around Peasholm Park. 

22. Saddleworth, Greater Manchester

The Saddleworth villages – particularly Greenfield, Uppermill and Dobcross – are fantastic places to visit in Northern England. They’re also surprisingly unknown! The villages are around 25 minutes by train east of Manchester on the northern edge of the Peak District, where the urban sprawl opens out into magnificent scenery.

Things to do in Saddleworth include taking walks in the hills, going on a canal boat ride and visiting one of Uppermill’s many cafes and restaurants.

If you do visit Saddleworth, try to time your visit to coincide with one of the many local events. The highlight of the year in Saddleworth is the annual Whit Friday Band Contests which attracts brass bands from all over the world.

• The Lake District
• Hadrian’s Wall
• North York Moors
• North Pennines
• Yorkshire Dales
• Northumberland Coast AONB
• Lindisfarne Holy Island
• Durham Dales
• Scarborough
• Saddleworth

Are there any other amazing places to visit in the North of England that you think should be added to this list? Let us know in the comments!

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6 thoughts on “30 of the Best Places to Visit in the North of England”

Coming from Leeds I’m a little biased but I think the North is the best part of England and many times overlooked by visitors who only know London. Pleased to see so many places from Yorkshire here too as the area is really stunning. The Yorkshire Dales in general is a fantastic area full of charming villages and great hiking. Great post!

Thanks so much Stuart!! I was worried there was a bit of a Yorkshire bias to the post but it’s such a huge area and there really are some amazing spots!! I’ve still hardly scratched the surface with the north of England – so many amazing places for me to explore next!!

Thanks for allowing me to contribute pretty Helmsley to this list! And proud to see so many places in Yorkshire! I always feel like the south steals all the limelight haha :)

Thanks so much for contributing!! There are so many amazing places to see in the north – curating this post has definitely made me want to travel up there again asap! :)

Thank you for such lovely places with descriptive content. Very-well written article and informative one. Really helpful and worth reading.

Thank you so much for reading :)

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17 Things to Do In Northern England in 2023

Some of the best places to visit in England can be found in the North of England. I spent several weeks exploring North England and below I share my favorite places to visit in Northern England including historic castles, quaint towns, Unesco World Heritage sites like Hadrians Wall, great foodie experiences, and more. 

London is one of the world’s top tourist destinations, so it makes sense that most trips to England start in this capital city. I’ll admit, that my previous visits to the United Kingdom all started in London or focused solely on London. While there is a lot to do in London, there are quaint towns and beautiful countryside in Northern England that are filled with pubs, castles, wonderful B&B’s and so much more! 

Ads are how we pay our bills and keep our blog free for you to enjoy. We also use affiliate links; if you make a purchase through them, we may receive a small commission at no cost to you.

I spent a week exploring Northern England and loved every minute of it! From metropolises such as Manchester to sleepy villages like Wark on Tyne to the rich history as well as world heritage sites; Northern England offers numerous opportunities to explore much more than London alone can offer. I was beyond surprised at how many beautiful places to visit in North England weren’t on my radar. 

Related: 6 Spectacular Hotels in Northern England

Northern England Map

Northern England, also known as North of England and North Country is the northern part of England.

This entire region of England is located south of the border with Scotland and north of the River Trent and the Midlands.  The North of England is home to some of the UK’s most stunning countryside – with The Yorkshire Dales, The Lake District National Parks and Northumberland.

Northern England includes the counties of Cumberland, Northumberland, Westmorland, County Durham, Lancashire, Yorkshire, and Cheshire. In 1974, the counties of Cumbria, East Riding of Yorkshire, Greater Manchester, Merseyside, North Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, Tyne and Wear, West Yorkshire, and parts of northern Lincolnshire were also included as part of Northern England.

The largest city in Northern England is Manchester.

There are a lot of places with rich heritage to visit in North England and it’s well worth planning a trip to this beautiful part of the country. England’s national parkland of Northumberland is especially worth a visit.

Fun Fact: The official England-Scottish border was established in 1237 by the Treaty of York, between England and Scotland. The border runs for 154 km from Lamberton, north of Berwick-upon-Tweed in the east, to Gretna near the Solway Firth in the west.

17 Things to Do In Northern England & Places to Visit in North England in 2023

Looking for the best family days out UK trip ideas? Below is a list of best places to Visit in Northern England for a day trip or weekend getaway.

If you’d like to see some of the unique tourist attractions in the UK and some of the most beautiful countryside in the UK, these Northern England locations are perfect for a day out. Here are the best unique things to do in Northern England

1. Durham Cathedral

Durham was my first stop in Northern England and I loved everything about it. It’s a historic city that sits on the River Wear. It’s also a university town with quaint cobblestone streets. There are narrow walkways between buildings that open into quaint courtyards.

The town’s two famous sites are Durham Castle and Durham Cathedral. The castle serves as the dorms for the university and if you happen to arrive in summer, they are available as lodging. The castle and the cathedral are both located in the city center and an easy walk from anywhere in Durham. 

While the castle is a gorgeous Northern England landmark, it’s the cathedral that is the shining star of this town. Originally built as a monastic cathedral for Benedictine monks, Durham Cathedral has some of the most intact surviving monastic buildings in England and a very interesting and long history.. Construction began in 1093 it took 40 years to finish.

Durham Cathedral is the only cathedral in England to retain almost all of its Norman craftsmanship. The nave is believed to be the world’s first structural pointed arch. What is very interesting about the cathedral is it is a combination of twelfth-century late Norman style and also has parts built in the Gothic style.

The cathedral has been used as a filming location for many movies and TV shows. Most notably, many parts of the cathedral were used for the first two Harry Potter movies, including the below courtyard. Durham is one of the best places to visit in North England. Both Durham Castle and Cathedral are Unesco World Heritage sites.

2.  Hadrian’s Wall

Hadrian’s Wall is one of the most popular things to do in England. Nearly 2000 years ago, on the orders of the Roman Emperor Hadrian, the Romans built a coast-to-coast wall to protect Roman England from the tribes who lived in Scotland.  

I visited the section of the wall called Housesteads. This section of Hadrian’s Wall is the best-preserved Roman fort in the country. From the ridge, you can see Northumberland National Park and the wall snaking into the distance.

Fun Fact: The Roman fortress of Hadrian’s Wall is also known as the Roman Wall, Picts’ Wall, or Vallum Hadriani in Latin

The Roman emperor, Hadrian ordered the construction of his wall in 122 AD, ‘to separate the Romans from the barbarians’. It stretched in its heyday from coast to coast, with a pair of turrets and a castle or small fort every mile. Whether you’re covering a short section of the wall in an afternoon or spending a week walking its entire length, it’s a fascinating piece of history to explore to understand more about Roman times.

Fun Fact: Hadrian’s Wall was the north-west frontier of the Roman empire for nearly 300 years.

Housesteads is one of 16 bases along Hadrian’s Wall and an iconic landmark in Northern England. It is the most complete example of a Roman fort in Britain. It is also the best place to see many of the original features of a Roman fort.

There are barrack blocks, hospital, and below are said to be some of the oldest toilets you can find. Hadrian’s Wall is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

3. Drift Mine Tour in Beamish

Beamish is a 300-acre open-air living, working museum in the Durham countryside. This is one of the best places to visit in North England for families. Adults can revel in the history and kids will love 

Employees dress up in period clothing and help share what it was like to live in 1820s, 1900s and 1940s in Northern England.

There are pathways throughout the museum grounds or you can jump on a trolley to visit the different sections of the museum.

The main street in town has shops and homes that you can wander into to get a peek at what life might have been like not so long ago. The highlight for many is the confectioner’s shop that actually sells sweets!

The highlight of my visit was a tour of a drift mine. 1913 was the height of coal production in Northern England and there were 304 coal mines in Durham 165,246 men and boys who worked in the mines. Tours are given by previous miners. Hearing what day-to-day life is like from an actual miner brings a much bigger sense of the experience.

4. Battlesteads Dark Sky Observatory

The Battlesteads Dark Sky Observatory is a public astronomical observatory located at the Battlesteads Pub, Hotel & Restaurant.   The observatory offers a range of weekly events including   Aurora Hunting of the Northern Lights, an Astronomy for Absolute Beginners evening that includes the basics in stargazing and Dark Sky Discovery Night.

The observatory is located in the Northumberland International Dark Sky Park which is part of the largest area of the protected night sky in Europe. This makes it officially the best place in England for people to go to enjoy the heavens. It is also one of the most unique places to visit in North England. 

5. Alnwick Castle

Best known for its starring role as Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in the first two Harry Potter films, Alnwick Castle has made many appearances in film and television over the years. Most recently starring as a location for Downton Abbey. Tours of the castle run spring through autumn. Make sure to check the calendar before your visit!

6. Poison Garden at the Alnwick Garden

The Alnwick Garden is a complex of formal gardens adjacent to Alnwick Castle in Northumberland. The garden recently went through a £42 million update and features various themed plantings designed around a central water cascade feature.

While the Alnwick Gardens are gorgeous, it’s the Poison Garden that was the highlight of my visit! Beind the locked gates of the Poison Garden, guides share tales of deadly plants. Myths and legends are uncovered, along with facts from science and history.

7. Lancaster Castle

This castle is one of the most unique things to do in Northern England.

Lancaster Castle is not your ordinary British castle. It was a working prison with inmates until very recently and is currently a court that tries Lancanshire residents for everything from murder to mayhem.

Take a step further back and you’ll find it has a truly fascinating and somewhat horrific history. Guided tours are offered daily that share the famous story of the Pendle Witch Trial and its ties to the Salem Witch Trials in colonial Massachusetts.

During my tour, I learned that many convicted felons were shackled together and forced to walk miles to board a boat and be sent to America and later to Australia. And yes, they do have a room of shackles and other torture devices.

I visited the hanging corner where public hangings that took place. During the time hangings took place, the bodies were buried in the ground next to the corner. Today that ground serves as a parking lot. A bit creepy to know you are walking over the dead as you are staring at the corner where they died.

Coming from America, it’s amazing to me how far back the history of a building can go. Visiting a castle that is over 750 years old is truly a treat.

8. Drive through the Forest of Bowland

The Forest of Bowland has been designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) since 1964. This 312 miles of countryside is home to the geographic center of Great Britain at Dunsop bridge. It’s a beautiful drive through miles of farmland, green pastures, barren gritstone fells, deep valleys, and peat moorland.

When I visited, I drove from Lancaster to Downham, which is just over 50 miles. You’ll want to rent a car to make this drive and plan for extra time for plenty of photo stops.

9. Stonyhurst College

Walk in the footsteps of author J.R.R. Tolkien who regularly stayed at Stonyhurst College in the Ribble Valley. This walk explores the richly beautiful surrounding that inspired him and a number of names occur in ‘The Lord of the Rings’. One of the largest buildings in the North West. This magnificent 16thC manor house is home to a famous Catholic co-educational independent boarding and day school. Tours include dormitories, library, chapels and school rooms.

10. Pendle Hill (Home of the famous witch trials of 1612)

From Lancaster to Pendle Hill you can find monuments for the Pendle witches. Pendle Hill is located in Downham and one of the most visited Lancashire walks. During my visit, I had very limited time in the area and arrived late and left at dawn.

Although my hotel provided a wonderful view of Pendle Hill I didn’t get a chance to experience the 6.5-mile hike. It is on my travel ‘to do list’ for my next trip to Northern England and based on several conversations, I’d recommend the hike for anyone who enjoys a good walk and a bit of witch history!

11. Afternoon Tea at Opus One at the Radisson Blu in Manchester

It’s just not right to visit England and not enjoy afternoon tea at least once. I indulged in a scrumptious afternoon tea at Opus One at the Radisson Blu which is located in the historic Free Trade Hall and the original home to the Hallé Orchestra in Manchester. The beautiful Opus One Bar and Restaurant offers indoor dining and an enclosed patio with views of Albert Square.

As well as serving a traditional Afternoon Tea, Opus One at the Radisson Blu offers a gluten-free and vegan option. They also offer a Gentleman’s Afternoon tea, with mini Yorkshire puddings, warm pork pie with mini fish & chips, rustic sandwiches, and scones.  Along with your tea, you can also add a glass of champagne or a pint of beer.

While the sweet treats were delicious, my favorites were the finger sandwiches and the scones with clotted cream and preserves. The scones were moist and delicious (which is not easy with gluten-free) and not like anything I have tried in the States. I think I’ve been spoiled forever for a proper scone and will be on the lookout for one that compares for a long time.

12. John Rylands Library in Manchester

The train between London and the city of Manchester is just two hours and one of the best day trips from London by train.   

John Rylands library is a late-Victorian neo-Gothic building that opened to the public in 1900. It was founded by Enriqueta Augustina Rylands in memory of her husband, John Rylands. Don’t let the title “library” fool you. This is a must-visit spot for architecture and history aficionados.

The library is part of the University of Manchester and houses collections of rare books and manuscripts including includes the oldest known piece of the New Testament, the St John Fragment. It feels more like a castle than a library as you wander the dark rooms and halls. The library offers tours, events, and special exhibitions.

5 Bonus Places to Visit in Northern England

This article started with my favorite 11 things to do in Northern England. After more research and another visit, I realized some of the best places to visit in England can be found in the North of England. There is truly a wide variety of places to visit in North England and wanted to add to this article by suggesting a few more things to do if you are planning a trip to England. 

13. The Holy Island of Lindisfarne

Holy Island is a tidal island off the northeast coast of England. To get here there is only one road and that is covered twice a day by the North Sea. About three miles of road can be covered by the tide but coming by car is still the easiest and most common way of visiting. Many visitors will attempt the Pilgrims Way, the ancient route across the sands marked by wooden posts.

14. Yorkshire Dales National Park

The Yorkshire Dales National Park encompasses thousands of miles of moors, valleys, hills, and villages. Located on the River Wharfe, the Bolton Abbey Estate includes the ruins of a 12th-century monastery. Malham Village features a towering cliff, and a footpath leading to Gordale Scar, a limestone ravine with waterfalls. A historic 5-arched bridge crosses the river at Burnsall Village.

15. River Tyne

The River Tyne is a river in Northern UK, flowing for 62 miles until it reaches the North Sea below Newcastle upon Tyne. One of the best places to visit in Northern England in summer is this river for outdoor activities.

Some come just to drive over or take photos of the Tyne Bridge. Built in 1928, the Tyne Bridge is famous for its engineering. The arch bridge over the River Tyne in North East England links Newcastle upon Tyne and Gateshead and is one of the more popular things to do in North England in summer.   

16. Castle Howard

A very popular tourist attraction is Castle Howard . A short drive from York is this castle that took over 100 years to complete. Construction began in 1699 and didn’t finish until 1811, spanning the lifetimes of three Earls. A visit to the house and gardens is a great value at £15. The food in the cafe is very good and not expensive, so do plan to pop in for lunch or a treat. 

17. Beeston Castle Ruins

Beeston Castle was a 13th-century castle that was strategically built on a 500-foot high cliff of red sandstone, providing excellent views of the surrounding countryside.

People have lived and worked at Beeston since prehistoric times and in the Bronze Ages it was an important settlement and metalworking center. The site was first used as a fortress in the Bronze Age. The castle was begun in 1226 by Ranulf, Earl of Chester.

There is a fun legend attached to this castle about a vast treasure that was hidden there by Richard II. Supposedly he hid is fortune of “100,000 marks in gold coin and 100,000 marks in other precious objects” before he went on a trip to Ireland in 1399. On his return, he was captured and eventually killed by Henry Bolingbroke, Duke of Lancaster (also known as Henry IV). To this day the fortune has not been recovered. 

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Have you visited Northern England? What places to visit in North England do you want to go to?

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  Thank you to Visit Britain for hosting my travels through beautiful Northern England and making this article possible. As always, all opinions are my own. 

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Alexa Meisler is the editorial director of 52 Perfect Days. Born in Paris, France she has since lived in Chicago, San Francisco, Los Angeles and Portland, Oregon. She currently resides in San Diego with her husband and son where they enjoy exploring California and Mexico.

Travel has always been a part of her life; traveling to such places as Morocco, Tangiers and Spain as a young child as well as taking many road trips to Mexico with her grandparents as a young girl. Since then, she has traveled abroad to locations such as Russia, Taiwan and throughout Europe.

Prior to working at 52 Perfect Days she was a freelance travel writer; focusing on family and women’s adventure experiences.

11 Comments

Wonderful article about Northern England, Alexa. I visited the area this past March and loved it. I visited about half of the places you listed and definitely want to visit the others. I am ready for a return trip!

Wow! so many incredible places to visit, beautiful landscapes, quaint villages and amazing castles! I really need to go there! thank you for sharing!

oooh, great list! I’m saving this for when we’re planning our UK trip next autumn! Thanks!

One of the things I love most about England is all the old architecture. I love how they honor it and continue to make us of it rather than ripping it down in favor of something more modern. The poison garden looks so COOl! Thank you so much for sharing this!!

This is a really fascinating piece on Northern England, I am especially enamoured by Beamish, a live Museum sounds so interesting, and to see slices of life of times gone by would be indeed an great experience.

I’m British but I really haven’t explored much of North England! All these places seem wonderful and definitely look like they’re worth a visit. Have you spent much time in South West England?

I seriously want to book a flight right now. I would love to stay at the Durham castle dorms and see the ruins at Hadrians wall! Witch trials were a crazy time, so I have to do the hike sometime in Pendle Hill.

I’ve travelled to England often but somehow never focussed much on this area: I had no idea there was so much to see! Durham in particular really appeals to me and I’d love to spend a night there – Only in England do dorms look like that 🙂

All these places are stunning. It reminded me a lot my trip to Scotland. Though I’m not a big fan of “cold” places and prefer Asia, Scotland is a beautiful souvenir. The first pic is very similar to Stirling, one of the places I enjoyed the most there.

This looks beautiful. I love that church. It reminds me of the seating in Westminster Abbey and the church that is at Windsor castle. I’m now curious as to what style churches have that.

The pictures are just amazing. It makes me want to visit this place right now. Did not know about the Harry Potter part. And that makes me want to go right now.

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15 Best Places In The North Of England To Visit

England is an incredible country to explore. We’ve got some stunning history, beautiful villages and gorgeous national parks that dotted all across the lands. That being said, sometimes, the best places in the north of England are forgotten in lieu of amazing cities like London or the pretty spots in the south of England .

That being said, the north of England is pretty vast, with a whole heap of beautiful places to explore. This is exactly why I wanted to share some of my favourite and best places in the north of England to visit on your next trip.

Now, for clarity, there’s no real defining line of what constitutes, north and south England, it seems like everyone has their own cutoffs of where this border exists. To make things simpler, I’m going on the notion that anything lower than the Peak District National Park is south.

With that in mind, take a look below at the best places in the north of England to see. Have the best trip around England, we really have a beautiful country. 

1.) The Lake District

One of the UNESCO protected national parks , the Lake District is one of the best places in the north of England to visit if you love the countryside. Consisting of around sixteen lakes, the Lake District is filled with stunning mountains, rolling hills and a heap of lakes that are nestled within the countryside.

Now, with the Lake District, you do have ‘popular’ lakes and some that are much quieter. For me, I prefer the quiet ones like Ullswater Lake that is totally pristine.

Here, you can head out paddleboarding, hiking and even take the historic Ullswater Steamer that crosses the lake itself. 

That being said, don’t forget Windermere Lake, too. It’s probably the most famous lake in the Lake District with plenty of little places to explore around the shores. 

Read more: Best things to do in the Lake District

Perched on the north-east coast of England, Whitby is a pretty historic fishing town to visit. 

The town’s skyline is overlooked by the historical ruins of Whitby Abbey, a gothic structure which inspired Bram Stoker to write his classic horror masterpiece, Dracula. They’re incredible to see and easily one of the best places in the north of England to see if you love history. 

Afterwards, pop over some classic fish and chips from the Magpie Cafe. For dinner, don’t forget the Star Inn (the harbour) for some yummy fresh seafood and local treats. 

Finally, if you fancy a little jaunt from the town itself, head over to Robin Hood’s Bay , it’s a stunning little smugglers village that is so beautiful to see. 

Read more: Visiting Whitby and Robin Hood’s Bay

3.)The Holy Island of Lindisfarne

Nestled on a small tidal island off the coast of Northumberland, the holy island of Lindisfarne is beautiful to see.

First off, to get here, you have to pay attention to the tides, each day, the island gets cut off from the mainland when the sea washes over the road. Only ever attempt to travel this road when it is safe to do so as your car can get washed away. You can see the safe crossing times, here . 

Once you’ve got over to the island, make sure to spend some time exploring the historic abbey, head to the Lindisfarne Castle and have a tipple of Lindisfarne Mead that has been made on the island for centuries. The island itself is steeped in history and is considered the starting point for the Viking Age in northern Europe. 

It really is one of the best places in the north of England to explore ancient beauty and history. 

Read more: Visiting the Holy Island of Lindisfarne

York is one of the oldest cities in England and easily one of the best places in the north of England to visit whilst you’re here. Honestly, York itself is absolutely teeming with history and dates way back over a thousand years. 

Once you arrive, make sure to visit and explore York Minster , a cathedral that dates back to the 13 th century. Here, you can even climb the stairs to the roof, with a lovely view across York itself.

Also, don’t forget Clifford’s Tower and the Castle museum nearby. Afterwards, rent your own little red boat and charter the river that runs through the city. Afterwards, take a little road down the medieval street called the Shambles and explore the totally quaint side of York. 

Finally, for some amazing food, head over to Skosh or Roots that both have some of the tastiest grub in the city. You won’t be disappointed with either of them. 

Oh yeah, and if you fancy a little jaunt from the city, head across to Castle Howard that is about 25-minutes in the car from the centre. It’s huge and totally magnificent to see. 

Read more: Best things to do in York

5.) Bamburgh

Nestled on the pristine coastline of Northumberland, Bamburgh is a tiny little place that has some of the best coastline and castle around. Only about 60-minutes from the Holy Island , it’s quite easy to partner a trip to Bamburgh with a wider trip across Northumberland. 

As soon as you arrive, make sure to wander around the little town and make reservations for dinner at the Potted Lobster. It’s so yummy and they serve the best local seafood. Afterwards, head on over to Bamburgh Castle itself and explore the ancient history of this gorgeous place. Finally, take some time to enjoy the stunning beaches around the castle, too. They’re totally pristine and offer some gorgeous views over the castle itself.

Finally, if you fancy going on a little adventure, pop over to the uninhabited Farne Islands on a boat. You might even see whales or puffins during your trip. 

Honestly, if you love castles, you’ll easily find Bamburgh one of the best places in the north of England to visit. 

Read more: Visiting Bamburgh Castle

6.) Peak District 

The Peak District National Park is the oldest national park in the UK and one of the best places in the north of England to explore. 

Once here, make sure to explore Winnats Pass and discover the underground river on a tiny boat. Afterwards, head across to the plague village of Eyam and learn about this isolated community during the plague. 

Afterwards, check into your own safari-style lodge that is just so cosy with the wood burner roaring. 

Read more: Visiting the Peak District in England

7.) Scarborough

Nestled on the coast of the North Sea, Scarborough is a gorgeous town to visit for a weekend trip. 

Once here, head on through Peasholm Park and also explore the historic harbour that makes this spot so picturesque. Also, make sure to explore Scarborough Castle and visit St Mary’s Church where you can also see Anne Bronte’s final resting place. 

Finally, for a good spot of lunch, head over to the Green Room Brasserie which has some of the freshest dishes around. If it’s a traditional fish and chips you’re after, pop into the Lifeboat Fishbar – they serve some of the best on all the east coast. Scarborough really is one of the best places in the north of England to visit. 

Leeds is a pretty cool city to visit in the north of England and an easy spot to explore when heading further north. 

Once here, make sure to explore the city centre and head to explore the Corn Exchange with all its little eateries and shops. Afterwards, head across to the arcades which are gorgeous to see. 

If that’s not your thing, head to Kirkstall Abbey (one of the largest in England) or even Harewood House (out of the centre) which was built in the 1700s.

Finally, for some tasty grub, head across to The Swine That Dines for a gorgeous dinner. 

That being said, if you want something quick and easy, pop into the Station House Cafe for some of the best Italian food in the city. It is one of the best places in the north of England to visit if you like a little city break. 

Read more: Best things to do in Leeds

The Market town of Malton is not too far from York and pretty easy to visit on your trip around this area. 

Now, one of the things that makes Malton so special is its foodie heritage. It might be a relatively small town but it’s got some of the best independent food spots in Yorkshire. Once here, head over to Roost for some of the best coffee in town and find McMillans for a tasty bottle to take home.

Afterwards, head to Florian Poirot (near Roost) for an incredible French bakery.

They make the most delicious sweet treats. Malton is certainly one of the best places in the north of England to visit if you’re a foodie. 

Read more: Visiting Malton in England

10.) Hebden Bridge

A whimsical little market town, Hebden Bridge’s Rochdale Canal is a gorgeous spot to visit.

While, like most of northern England, the weather can be a little unpredictable (take your umbrella), Hebden Bridge is easily one of the best places in the north of England to explore.

Once here, head out on the 15 miles of footpaths and walkways around the Hardcastle Crags. That being said, if you’re feeling a little lazier, head to the Heptonstall Museum which has far less walking. 

After strolling the canal, pop over to Sowerby Bridge and gorge at Engine. The tapas-style plates are just so yummy. 

11.) Manchester

Being one of the larger cities in England , there’s a whole heap of amazing things to see and do whilst in Manchester . Plus, it’s one of the best places in the north of England to explore if you want a vibrant city.

You see, Manchester has a long history, which makes for some gorgeous places to explore. Once here, make sure to explore the Science and Industry Museum, see Old Trafford (if you’re a football fan), or check out the Manchester Art Gallery. The latter is stunning and a great thing to do if the weather takes a turn for the worst. 

Oh yeah, and if you fancy some nightlife, Canal Street is famous for being one of the oldest LGBT+ neighbourhoods in Europe, while the Northern Quarter has loads of trendy bars to explore. Also, for a tasty and juicy steak, pop into Fazenda Rodizio Bar which is gorge-worthy. You’ll leave stuffed. 

Also, for a great place to stay, check into Hotel Gotham which is unique. 

Read more: Best things to do in Manchester

12.) Haworth

An absolute must-visit for any literary lover, Haworth is home to the longtime home of the Bronte sisters, Charlotte, Emily and Ann.

While the girls worked under pen names, they released some tremendous successes which continue to resonate with readers today, including the classics Wuthering Heights and Jane Eyre. You can visit the gravesite of the majority of the Bronte family at the Haworth Parish Church as well.

Although Haworth is pretty small, it’s a great place to spend a pit stop on your way further north (or south) for an hour or two. 

Read more: Pretty Places in the UK

13.) Liverpool

Of course, most people know Liverpool as the hometown of the Beatles, right? Liverpool is certainly one of the best places in the north of England to visit if you love the Beatles! That being said, there’s so much more to this city to experience.

After arriving, make sure to explore the waterfront (marked by a trio of buildings popularly known as the Three Graces). If that doesn’t float your boat, the Liverpool Cathedral is worth visiting for its stunning Gothic architecture, too.

Finally, head across to the Royal Albert Dock, visit the Beatles Story and visit the Walker Art Gallery, too.

Oh yeah, there’s also a shedload of yummy spots to grab a bite to eat, too! From high-end spots to a pint and some fish and chips at the local pub, Liverpool has a spot for everyone.

Now, for a tasty dinner, head across to the London Carriage Works. Once you arrive, make sure to try their incredible cocktails and seasonal menu. Their salted cod with clams is so good. 

Read more: Best things to do in Liverpool

14.) Chester

Originally constructed as a Roman fortress (almost two thousand years ago), Chester still maintains some of its Roman past in what remains of the city’s walls.

Now, with a city that’s so steeped in history, it’s easily become one of the best places in the north of England to see. Plus, it’s really easy to get to from the likes of Manchester or Liverpool.

Once here, make sure to explore Chester’s gothic cathedral and stroll along the Groves which are lovely. Oh yeah, the Old Town is worth a visit to gaze upon the black and white Tudor-style homes that line the streets too.

Afterwards, head across to visit the Grovesnor Museum or walk the city walls themselves. It’s the perfect thing to do before gorging at The Yard for their tasty seabass. 

Read more: Best things to do in Chester

15.) Durham

Based just west of Newcastle, Durham is pretty easy to get to from most places in the UK, especially by train. Now, although Durham is a relatively small city (as cities go), it’s still got a shedload of history and gorgeous things to do. 

After stepping off the train, head across to explore Durham Cathedral in all its glory. It’s so imposing and can’t be missed when visiting the city.

Afterwards, stop over to Durham Castle and learn more about the ancient history of this place. Oh, and don’t forget to visit the quaint Palace Green and see Finchale Priory (that sits outside the centre).

If it’s the food you’re after, pop into Cafedral (on Owengate) for some of the tastiest homemade cakes and buns. It really is one of the best places in the north of England just for the cakes alone! 

Read more: Best places in the UK to explore

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25 Unique and Interesting Things to Do in the North of England

September 15, 2022

Most tourists who visit England only go to London.

They fly into London and they fly out of London.

They visit Big Ben. They wander around Buckingham Palace. They take photographs of the London Eye. They uncomfortably cram themselves onto the Tube to travel from one place to another.

And when they’ve done all that, they’re convinced that they’ve seen everything that England has to offer.

If they have a little more time, they might venture further afield, to Brighton, or Dover, or Windsor.

But few international tourists venture to the north of England.

In spite of that, they absolutely should. Largely ignored by overseas tourists, the north of England is packed with experience, from cultural capitals to award-winning coastlines to some of the most remote, rural regions of the UK.

You’ve probably heard of Liverpool . And Newcastle . And Manchester . And maybe those places haven’t convinced you that the north of England has enough allure to draw you in.

In this article, I’ve taken a different angle. I’ve assembled a list of the north of England’s 25 most interesting, unusual, unique attractions.

By the time you reach the end of it, you’ll be booking a flight and a hotel .

Here we go – a big fat list of the best, most interesting and most unusual attractions that the north of England has to offer.

1. Hadrian’s Wall

2. kielder observatory, 3. bamburgh castle, 4. alnwick castle and gardens, 5. durham cathedral, 6. beamish museum, 7. seaham beach, 8. whitby abbey, 9. scarborough harbour, 10. flamingo land, 11. lakeland llama trekking, 12. the lake district, 13. the forbidden corner, 14. white scar caves, 15. york minster, 16. york dungeons, 17. jorvik viking festival, 18. lancaster castle, 19. blackpool beach . and pleasure beach, 20. singing ringing tree, 21. national coal mining museum, 22. wakefield mental health museum, 23. afflecks palace, 24. manchester football museum, 25. beatles story.

Bam! Straight in with the biggest and most spectacular Roman site in the whole of the UK.

At almost 120km, it’s a site of immense historical significance, and was built to keep the northern Barbarians out of Roman-occupied territory. Though the site itself is incredible, dotted with stretches of original wall (in addition to ancient forts), the real highlight is the challenge of walking it.

Some people tackle small individual stretches such as Sycamore Gap and the area around Housesteads, but other idiots ( like me ) decide to walk the whole route over multiple days.

If you like remote hikes or ancient sites, you’ll love Hadrian’s Wall.

Close to the Scottish border sits the second-largest protected area of night sky in the whole of Europe.

Dark sky. Cool. Why would you care?

Here’s why: because it offers probably the best view of the stars that you’ll have ever seen in your entire life. And probably ever will.

Everyone likes stars. Everyone likes looking up at the night sky and seeing five or six or seven of the little guys. Here, the night sky is so dark that you can see thousands of them.

But it isn’t just a place to gaze with your naked eye. The observatory offers specialist equipment for a close-up look in addition to talks, space rocks and other wacky and weird star-related stuff.

You can also do many more activities around the observatory if you want to.

England has lots of castles. But Northumberland , England’s most northern county, has more castles than any other county in the country. It’s castle central. Castleville. Castle corner.

You can read my guide about the best castles in Northumberland . Hint: One of them is believed by some folks to be haunted!

But of all the imposing, important and influential castles that Northumberland has to offer, Bamburgh might just be the best. It’s definitely the most beautiful.

Perched upon a rocky promontory, it proudly overlooks the town which it calls home. On the castle’s other side is one of Northumberland’s best beaches – and looking up at the castle from Bamburgh’s shores is the best way to see it.

For more Northumberland coastal adventures, head to the pilgrimage spot of Holy Island (which is only accessible at certain times of day) or visit nesting puffins on the Farne Islands by boat.

Another Northumberland Castle, this one is most iconic because of its ties to Harry Potter . Some scenes from the movies were filmed here, a fact now celebrated via a number of tours.

If you aren’t interested in imaginary wizards or magic wands (and if you’re an adult, why would you be?), Alnwick Castle still has plenty to offer.

Highlights include the castle itself, one of the world’s biggest treehouses and the poison garden, which is home to more than 100 plants capable of killing. Please don’t eat them.

Renowned for its incredible architecture, Durham Cathedral stands high above the city of Durham. From the outside, it’s magnificent, but its interior is even better, full of stained glass, beautiful clocks and surprisingly-vibrant colours. It’s one of the most spectacular cathedrals in the whole of the UK.

It even possesses the highest throne in Christendom (taller even than the Pope’s. Sorry Pope).

A place of pilgrimage, it’s the final resting place of two saints. A UNESCO site , it was also used as a filming location for Harry Potter .

A realistic and multi-faceted living museum, this place is genuinely unique and unusual.

Ever wanted to be a Victorian student in a brutal school? Or a coal miner? Or see what it’s like to live in a WW2 home? If your answer is yes, you can do it all here. If your answer is no, a visit to Beamish will change your mind.

With working exhibitions taking visitors all the way from 1820 to 1950, you can also drink beer in a traditional pub, buy sweets in an old sweet shop, visit historical homes, pose for an old-school family portrait, ride a steam train and travel on a retro tram. It’s time travel without all the complicated paradoxes.

This beach in itself isn’t particularly beautiful. But it’s not famous for its views.

Instead, it’s famous for glass. Yep, you haven’t read that wrong. Glass.

People from all over the UK visit these shores to sift through Seaham’s sands in a bizarre search for small shards of glass.

Seaham was once home to the largest glassworks in Britain. The owners of this glassworks would regularly dump huge amounts of glass into the sea. Decades later, people still hunt for it, using it to decorate their homes or make homemade jewellery.

If this place is good enough for Bram Stoker, it’s good enough for you. The bat-mad author used this abbey (and the surrounding area) as part of his inspiration for writing Dracula. And though that’s one of the big draws for coming here, it’s not the only one.

A monastery of huge significance, this was once one of the most important religious spots in the whole of the Anglo Saxon world.

The abbey is situated just above the glistening shores of seaside Whitby, which is a lovely town in itself. After you’ve visited the abbey, treat yourself to a nice little ice cream.

The eastern coast of northern England is full of traditional little seaside towns which make for a relaxing yet retro getaway. Traditionally, English families would come to places like Scarborough before budget foreign getaways became the norm.

But though foreign holidays are now mega-popular, places like Scarborough still thrive, and this might just be the best quaint seaside town of them all. With ice cream, fish and chips, arcade games, sandcastles and iconically-cold English water, Scarborough is a great insight into old-school English holidays.

Scarborough’s highlight is its lovely harbour, which is home to around 300 boats. Backed by rocky beaches, colorful homes and smiling kids, it’s a charming place to spend some time.

One of the best theme parks in England and one of the best zoos in the UK , this is a great pick if you’re looking for high-octane theme park thrills in the north of the country.

With 5 intense roller coasters and several other thrill rides, it offers plenty of adrenaline rushes along with rides for smaller kids.

And if that’s not enough, it also plays host to an award-winning zoo, with lions, camels, zebras, chimpanzees and more. If the sheer drops don’t scare you, the big cats will.

Ever thought about going hiking with a llama? I hadn’t either, until I heard about Lakeland Llama Trekking. And now it’s all I want to do.

If you like llamas and you like hiking, this might just be the best thing you’ve ever heard of. Because llamas aren’t very big, you don’t ride them, but they come on your trek with you. Inexplicable and absurd, but also outrageously appealing.

The walks offer views of The Lake District National Park and The Pennine Hills. And llamas.

Don’t worry, you don’t absolutely need to hike with a llama. If you want to, you can hike all on your own.

If you want to explore some of England’s best mountains, the Lake District is a great choice.

A huge area full of mountains , lakes and charming towns and villages, it’s a hiker’s dream. England’s largest national park, the area features England’s deepest lake along with 15 more.

It’s difficult to summarise exactly where you should go (without another entire article), but the best peaks include Scafell Pike, Helvellyn and Bowfell, while the most famous lakes include Windermere, Coniston Water and Ennerdale Water. Looking for traditional English towns and villages? Check out Ambleside, Bowness-on-Windermere and Grasmere.

This one is really weird. Made for kids but enjoyable for everyone, The Forbidden Corner is pretty much a giant outdoor maze full of strange and unusual attractions.

Highlights include a labyrinth (with a revolving floor), hidden tunnels, passages which lead nowhere, a secret crypt, a huge glass pyramid (maybe it’s made of Seaham glass), underground chambers and lots of other tricks and traps.

It’s creepy, it’s charming and it’s bizarre. If you like strange stuff, you’ll love this.

More cavernous labyrinths, but these ones aren’t man-made. The longest show cave in England, you can venture through the rocks to find underground streams and waterfalls. You can access the caves only on a guided tour (so you won’t get lost – hooray!), allowing you to learn more about the curious rock formations inside.

The tour is over 1.5km, so it’s packed full of weird and wacky underground adventures.

York is charming, ancient and full of history. But of all the buildings which make up the city, York Minster might just be the best. One of the largest cathedrals of its kind in northern Europe, it was completed in the 15th century.

Gothic and atmospheric, it’s full of gargoyles, stained glass windows and imposing lofty architecture. If you’re interested in religious buildings, this is one of England’s most impressive attractions.

Once struck by lightning, the minster’s huge 21-storey tower weighs as much as 20 jumbo jets.

Another York historical attraction, but this one is a little less stoic and serious than the city’s minster. An actor-led interactive experience through York’s gruesome and grisly history of murder and the macabre, a visit takes guests through 2000 years of York’s most horrifying heritage.

If you like history but you’re bored by the tedium of museums, this is for you.

Like being terrified by people pretending to be murderers? Or being put on trial? Or dark spaces? Or screaming so much that you might cry? A tour of York Dungeons gives you it all, as you meet murderers, plague victims and torturers, with around 60 minutes of spine-tingling excitement. It’s like being in a haunted house with teachers.

An interactive experience full of jump scares and nervous laughs, it’s York’s most funny and frightening attraction.

Another York interactive experience, this one is somehow even weirder than the city’s dungeons. The largest event of its type in Europe, this is essentially a load of Viking cosplayers battling, building and delivering workshops.

If you’ve ever wanted to watch Viking tribute acts smash each other over the head with swords, you’ve somehow managed to find an event that’ll give you exactly that. The festival also features live history encampments, Viking feasts, sorcerer workshops, crafting, storytelling and more.

A truly immersive experience, it’s one of England’s most unusual festivals.

If you’re not in England while the festival is happening, you can instead head to the affiliated JORVIK Viking Centre, an excellent interactive museum which is open year-round.

We’ve already featured two castles on this list. But this one is a little different.

Not only a huge 12th-century castle, it also has links to Roman history. And it held witch trials. And it’s the oldest working prison in England. And it housed captives until as recently as 2011.

Guided tours here are incredible, and take you through the castle’s dark history, with information on executions, torture and prison cells. With tales of murder, witchcraft and religious persecution, it’s an incredible insight into a grislier side of English history.

I’ve already mentioned archetypal English seaside vacations in the section on Scarborough Harbour. But Blackpool is THE archetypal English seaside vacation. And it offers a vastly different experience to Scarborough.

While the latter is humble and wholesome, Blackpool is loud, intense and raucous, with topless middle-aged men running around like kids. And topless kids running around like kids.

If you like busy beaches with big atmospheres, you’ll love it here. It’s fun, unpretentious and no-frills. It even has a theme park (known as Blackpool Pleasure Beach) with lots of rides and roller coasters.

An adrenaline-fuelled trip in more ways than one, Blackpool’s seaside is a huge favourite among English tourists.

Maybe the weirdest sculpture in the whole of England, this award-winning construction is pretty much a giant self-playing musical instrument. Carefully constructed from layers of steel pipes, the tornado-shaped sculpture harnesses the natural power of wind to produce music.

Imagine if you took a brass band, turned them into sculpture and put them on a hill. That’s the Singing Ringing Tree.

Set in the hills near the town of Burnley, the panoramic view from the sculpture is fantastic, making for a multi-sensory spectacular both bizarre and beautiful.

The north of England is synonymous with coal. Decades ago, this region was almost single-handedly funded by the mining and production of the stuff. And that’s a history which is considered and explored by this museum near Wakefield.

Here, you can chat to former miners, meet pit ponies, explore the homes and workplaces of miners and learn all about the history of coal mining.

But it’s not just about history. The museum explores interesting facets of mining life, such as the language used, the dangers experienced and the class struggles inherent in the job. It’s perhaps northern England’s best insight into what this region once was, and how that’s affected what it now is.

Another Wakefield Museum, this one is about the inside of our brains rather than the inside of underground mines.

An unusual museum, it houses an interesting collection of mental health-related objects from the 19th century to the present day. Set in a humble two-room collection, its highlight is a real-life padded cell, which is both a disturbing and fascinating insight into the history of mental health treatment.

The museum explores how mental health treatments have greatly evolved (and continue to evolve) from their rudimentary beginnings.

Imagine the weirdest shopping complex you’ve ever been in. Now multiply that by ten. That’s Manchester’s Afflecks Palace, which offers one of England’s most unusual shopping experiences.

Wacky wares include collectible toys, rubber masks, record players, american candies, music posters, strange clothes, crystal balls, ancient relics and way more. It’s impossible to summarise the absurd and unusual goods on offer.

With five labyrinthine floors of stores, arcade games, photo booths, a breakfast cereal cafe and some of Manchester’s weirdest residents, it’s a great place to waste a couple of hours.

I’ll start by clearing up any confusion. I’m talking about soccer here. As you all know, that’s what we in England call football. And that’s what everyone should call football. But let’s not argue.

The biggest and best football museum in the whole world, this place takes the concept of interactivity and runs with it. And kicks it. And scores goals with it. You can take penalties, practice skills, attempt challenges and loads more.

When your lungs can’t take any more interaction, you can explore the museum’s galleries, which include trophies, jerseys, posters, programmes and medals. If you like football, you’ll love this, regardless of your age. It’s one of the most fun museums on the planet.

Is there anything more archetypally English than The Beatles? Probably not, so they’re the perfect way to round off this list. The most famous band of all time was – as you probably know – made in Liverpool.

Their music, legacy and history are all celebrated in this interactive experience. With authentic recreations of 1960s settings, facts about the Fab Four and their music, and interactive stylised exhibitions, it’s fun and informative.

If you like The Beatles, you’ll love this. If you don’t, you will by the time you’ve left.

Go to northern England!

As I’ve (hopefully) covered in detail, it’s got loads of unusual and interesting stuff. And everyone loves unusual and interesting stuff.

But even more than that, it’s friendly and welcoming. People from the north of England have a reputation for being some of the friendliest people on the planet, and we love pointing people in the direction of things they’ll enjoy.

With remote areas, excellent outdoor adventures, some of England’s greatest cities and loads of wacky and weird stuff to enjoy, it’s one of the most exciting regions on the planet. Get yourself to northern England. Who knows, you might even see me there.

About the author

Senior Travel Reporter

Paul is a handsome and hilarious travel writer and travel journalist from the UK. He's hiked, hitchhiked and laughed his way through more than fifty countries, and he's always looking for a new place to call home. Originally from Newcastle, he's lived all over the UK, spent more than three years in Asia, and most recently lived in Vietnam and then in Georgia.

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15 Amazing Places to Visit in North England

What are the first places to visit in North England that come to your mind? Maybe it’s Manchester or Liverpool, but there are many other great northern cities.

When I used to think about England, I always thought about the multicultural and unique city of London, and I believe you did too. 

London is one of the most cosmopolitan and incredible cities in the world. However, England has other less explored places that are worth visiting.

Northern England, especially Yorkshire, has beautiful hiking areas where you can see formations, lakes, hills, flowers, and sheep. It’s the perfect place if you love the countryside!

On top of this, many Yorkshire towns have beautiful market towns where you’ll find local products and unique handmade crafts.

When you think about the British coast, the north is not as well known as the south (Cornwall, Bournemouth, Brighton, etc.) 

However, if you visit the northeast of England, you can enjoy beautiful sandy beaches in Scarborough and Whitby or the incredible Holy Island in the Northumberland. As you can guess, you can find a bit of everything!

So, if you’re wondering what are the best places to visit in Northern England, I’ve created a list of my favourite places.

This post contains affiliate links, and as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. If you click through and purchase something, I receive a small commission on the price at no extra cost to you. This helps me keep the content up to date and make other improvements to the blog.

Table of Contents

Amazing Places to Visit in North England

Best for stunning parks, restaurants and shopping centres.

Who said I would fall in love with this city? I lived in Leeds for a while. The city has its charm, and it’s bigger than you expect. 

However, it’s very accessible, and you can visit the main attractions, such as Leeds City Museum, Leeds Art Gallery, and Corn Exchange, on foot.

It has a bit of everything: shopping centres, restaurants and bars, art and museums and a beautiful dock! Also, it has incredible green spaces, like Roundhay Park, one of the biggest city parks in Europe.

I could write pages and pages about Leeds. However, I’ve collected all the must-see places and hidden gems in this article .

Best for history, culture and museums.

York is one of the most visited cities in Northern England, and you’ll realise why as soon as you arrive. It’s one of the most beautiful places in England!

The city is full of medieval history, culture and beautiful green spaces. Something that makes it unique is the fact that York is surrounded by walls where you can get incredible city views, such as views of York Minster. 

Visiting York Minsters and walking on the city walls are two of the best things to do in York .

If you love history, you can learn about Medieval British history by visiting the JORVIK Viking Centre and York Dungeon . Also, if you’re a Harry Potter fan, you’ll love the city too! 

It’s believed that some locations like the Shambles, a group of beautiful traditional shopping streets with timber-framed buildings, inspired Diagon Alley in the Harry Potter films.

York is also a great base from which to explore other beautiful destinations, as there are many incredible day trips you can take from York by car or public transport.

3. Manchester

Best for street art and cool and quirky cafes.

Manchester, located in the North West of England , is one of the most famous cities in the UK, and it’s a lively city with great events such as concerts, musicals and more.

Every time I visit Manchester, I love going back to the same places, and these are two places you can’t miss:

• Northern Quarter . Impressive street art and great cafes to enjoy a delicious brunch.
• The John Rylands Library . A stunning library that will amaze you with its old and big bookshelves, beautiful columns and central glass.

Other things you might want to add to your Manchester itinerary are Manchester Museum, Manchester Arndale and Manchester National Football Museum .

If you plan a visit to Manchester in the middle of November or December, you’ll also be able to enjoy the Manchester Christmas Market, which is considered one of the best in the UK.

4. Liverpool

Best for Beatles fans and dockside.

Liverpool is one of the popular North of England cities!

It’s a city that has different things to offer, but you definitely must visit the famous and lively dock area. People enjoy walking on the dock, having a meal in one of the restaurants, looking at the little shops or markets, etc.

It’s a paradise for Beatles fans! Everything is Beatles-related, and you can take a picture with the statues of these stars. If you love the Beatles, you must take this tour of the Beatles Story Museum.

Last but not least, explore the creative Liverpool’s street art in the Baltic Triangle district.

5. Harrogate

Best for tea and Turkish baths.

Harrogate is a posh little town located in North Yorkshire . This is a must-see destination if you love afternoon tea and relaxing experiences.

Start your visit with delicious tea and cakes from the famous Betty’s Café Tea Rooms . 

Then head to the Valley Gardens to enjoy walking around the gardens, looking at historical buildings or relaxing. 

From there, visit the Turkish baths and enjoy a massage! The decoration inside the baths is quite impressive, and it’s the perfect place to disconnect.

Best for iconic buildings and green spaces .

Nestled in the borough of Calderdale in West Yorkshire , this town has been an important commercial place.

It’s known for being home to two big British brands – Rolo and Quality Street.

Despite its commercial side, Halifax is one of those lovely towns you want to add to your list.

There are plenty of activities you can do in a day – visiting The Piece Hall, an 18th-century Grade II building that hosts independent shops and cafes, exploring the historic house of Shibden Hall or enjoying the splendid lakeside views at Ogden Water Country Park.

7. Carlisle

Best for historical buildings .

Carlisle, located in the county of Cumbria, is the perfect city for those who love visiting museums and historical buildings.

Carlisle’s main attractions are Carlisle Castle and Carlisle Cathedral . This medieval castle is over 900 years old, and walking through the castle rooms gives you a sense of what life used to be there.

Carlisle Cathedral is a gem you can’t miss on your trip to Carlisle. The cathedral has one of the most impressive stained glass windows in England. Also, you can contemplate a unique blue ceiling decorated with stars and angels.

📌 This northern city is also a perfect place to visit nearby destinations such as the Lake District and Gretna Green , a hidden gem in the South of Scotland.

Best for medieval buildings .

White and black half-timbered facades, medieval walls and beautiful riverside. Chester is one of the best North West England cities. 

There are great things to do in Chester for all ages – from walking around the beautiful city walls and exploring Chester Castle to relaxing by the riverside and visiting the famous Chester Zoo .

It’s one of those places that raises your curiosity, and you’d love to return. 

9. Knaresborough

Best for relaxing along the river .

Knaresborough is one of the best towns in North England. It’s the perfect day trip from North and West Yorkshire to relax and enjoy its lovely riverside walk. 

Whether you want to sit and order food in one of the little restaurants or cafes, ride a bike or hire a rowing boat along the beautiful River Nidd.

It’s a cute small town where you can experience calmness and buy from local shops. I was surprised that there weren’t many high street shops, but I was pleased with it because this way tourists and locals support the local economy.

In Knaresborough, you’ll also find one of the oldest attractions in England: Mother Shipton’s Cave .

10. Saltaire

Best for independent shops and beautiful architecture .

At only 6 kilometres from Bradford, this tiny village is a hidden gem – its impressive architecture and friendly atmosphere will impress you.

Saltaire main attraction is Salts Mill, a former textile mill that has been transformed into a cultural and leisure place.

Inside Salts Mills, you’ll find an impressive art gallery, a great restaurant and cafe, as well as a unique home shop.

Apart from this historical and cultural building, walking by the canal and visiting Roberts Park are two activities you need to include in your list. 

11. Wakefield

Best for green spaces and farms .

Wakefield, located in West Yorkshire, is actually very close to Leeds, so you can visit both if you want to! What I love about Wakefield is that you can easily connect with nature.

There are lovely green spaces such as the Rhubarb Farm, Pugneys Watersports Centre and Country Park and Lofthouse Park.

Apart from this, Wakefield is an excellent place if you like art and sculpture. The Hepworth Wakefield is an art gallery with beautiful exhibitions, and a garden and a river surround it. 

Also, you can’t miss Yorkshire Sculpture Park located 7 miles from Wakefield.

Best for the seaside and fish and chips.

Whitby is a little town on the northeast coast of England, and I was surprised to hear about the link between this town and Dracula’s stories. 

Bram Stoker, the author of Dracula’s novel, was inspired by Whitby, and there are little bits of Whitby to be found throughout the book, for example, the famous 199 steps to the Whitby Abbey .

It really surprised me as there are many incredible attractions in Whitby.

It’s the perfect place to spend a day exploring streets and history as well as relaxing on the beach.

Here’s a summary of why you should visit Whitby:

• The beautiful Whitby Abbey.
• The views from the 199 steps (I must warn you that your legs will ache)
• The yummy fish and chips.

13. Newcastle

Best for nightlife and art lovers. 

The first thing that people think of is parties! And, yes, Newcastle is very well-known for its nightlife. But if you’re like, who doesn’t like partying much, there are more than clubs.

Newcastle is in northeast England, and it’s home to the River Tyne. This vibrant city has many bridges where you can get different views of the river and the city.

It has a good variety of restaurants, free entry museums like the Discovery Museum and great galleries like Ouseburn Valley too.

Last but not least, one of the best things to do near Newcastle is to visit Hadrian’s Wall , a UNESCO World Heritage Site 73 miles wall that crosses over East to West of northern England, cutting through Tyne and Wear, Northumberland and Cumbria.

14. Scarborough

Best for the seaside and amusement arcades.

Scarborough is a lovely coastal town in the north of Yorkshire. It has award-winning sandy beaches, incredible attractions for families and amazing events too.

One of the best things to do in Scarborough is to visit Scarborough Castle. Not only can you learn a bit more about this town by visiting this castle, but you get breathtaking views of both sides of the coastline.

For family entertainment, there’s so much to do! From theatres like Scarborough Open Air Theatre and museums to amusement arcades.

Last but not least, you can’t leave Scarborough without eating some fish and chips. There are very good fish and chips shops there! Just be careful with the seagulls.

15. Yorkshire Dales National Park

Best for hiking and beautiful landscapes.

The Yorkshire Dales is one of the gems of Yorkshire, from beautiful landscapes to impressive rock formations. There are over 15 different dales, and all are worth visiting.

The first time I went to the Yorkshire Dales was four years ago, and I was impressed by it. I visited Malham Cove, one of the most visited places in this national park. Malham Cove is a 70m high rock with spectacular views from the top.

There are many steps to get to the top, but I’m telling you, it’s so worth it! It isn’t the best place for you if you’re afraid of heights, but you can still see it downhill.

Apart from the stunning nature, you can’t miss the little towns across the Yorkshire Dales. 

Grassington is one of these picturesque little towns. Wander the cobblestone streets with lovely houses and visit the market square, offering beautiful handmade crafts and gifts as well as local products. 

Yorkshire Dales is beautiful, and you’ll love it, but if you want to enjoy a dry and sunny day, it’s better to visit it during the spring months, from March to June!

Other National Parks you may want to check out are the Lake District and Peak District National Park.

The good thing about these destinations is that they are all accessible via public transport: coaches and trains. Having said so, you can find it a bit more challenging to travel to the Yorkshire Dales, but that’s it!

Frequently asked questions about visiting Northern England

What is northern england famous for.

Northern England is best known for its beautiful countryside, which includes two of the UK’s best national parks – The Yorkshire Dales and The Lake District National Park.

Which city is most visited in Northern England?

York is the most visited city in Northern England. Its rich cultural heritage and lively atmosphere make it a special place.

Which is better, Chester or York?

Both medieval cities have different things to offer and are worth visiting. However, York’s architecture and atmosphere are better than Chester’s.

Is Whitby worth visiting?

Whitby is one of my favourite coastal towns in the north of England. The town is very picturesque and pretty. There are also many things to do in Whitby, including visiting the outstanding Whitby Abbey.

Conclusion on the best places to visit in North England

There are plenty of incredible, lesser-known and unique places to visit in the north of England that are worth adding to your bucket list.

If you’re travelling from outside the UK, you’ll need to know that the best times to travel to the UK are spring and summer. Although it still rains during these seasons, there are more chances for dry and sunny days, plus you can enjoy longer days.

Do you know any other places to visit in North England that should be on my list? Let me know in the comments.

Enjoy your trip!

Cristina xx

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Helpful resources to plan your North England trip

• Book the best accommodation for you with Booking.com
• Check out bus and train fares with Omio .
• Look at free walking tours on  GuruWalk .
• Book an activity with  Get Your Guide . My go-to for tours and fun experiences around the world.

Read more about the UK

• Leeds Attractions and Hidden Gems You Must See
• 20 Incredible Day Trips From Leeds
• Top Free Things To Do In York
• Fantastic Things to Do in Knaresborough
• Things To Do In Saltaire
• Best Things to Do in Skipton

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Travel Writer

Cristina is the founder and writer of My Little World of Travelling. She was born and raised in Malaga (Costa del Sol) and studied for a Master's Degree in Tourism. She is passionate about showing her hometown and other beautiful Andalusian destinations. She helps other travellers plan their trips to Spain by providing local advice and unique insights.

51 Comments

Love this. I would love to visit Scarbourough and Leeds since there are still so many places in Northern England I need to visit. Thanks for sharing!

You are welcome, Kelly! They are great cities to visit 🙂

You just made me discover so many cities! The National Park in Yorkshire Dales looks beautiful!

Wow that’s an awesome list of beautiful places from North England..each of them look so amazing . I would love plan a tour of Northern England sometime. Thanks for sharing 😊

That’s amazing! I hope you do a tour soon 🙂

I’m happy to hear you’ve discovered new places in this blog 🙂 and I agree, the Yorkshire Dales is very beautiful.

Great post, I am from the North of England but currently living in Seville, Spain. Newcastle and Manchester are among some of my favourite cities in the UK. Reading this felt like being back home. If you ever head back up north again, go to the Lake District, that’s where I am from.

I am from Málaga, near Sevilla 🙂 It’s great to meet expats! I’m very happy to hear reading this blog felt like you were back home. I also love Newcastle, and I really want to visit the Lake District. It looks amazing!

All of these towns look so beautiful and charming! I’ve been to England but not in northern part. This makes me want to go back and see many of these especially Manchester and Chester!

I think you’ll love visiting the north 🙂

Omg those colourful houses in Scarborough look so cute! I have seen them on Instagram and love them. This is such a great guide that I think I’ll consider Northern England when I visit again!

Yes, I love the colourful houses too! Scarborough is a cool place to visit during the summer 🙂

So many places I have yet to visit in the UK. I love the sound of Chester, looks very nice and charming. I have been to the top 5 on your list so need to do the rest now once we can travel again.

Chester really surprised me and I think you’ll love it too 🙂

Leeds, Whitby, and Yorkshire Dales National Park all look like they need to be added to my bucket list stat! Thanks for sharing!

You are welcome, Cindy 🙂

would love to visit the yorkshire dales and go hiking there

It sounds a very good plan! You’ll love it 🙂

England is one of my favourite travel destinations. There is so much to see and explore and my wish list grows bigger with every blog post like yours! Highly recommend visiting Chester – it’s a real gem!

It’s great to hear that, Viktoria 🙂 And I agree that Chester is a real gem, I love it!

I’m from Nottingham so always grew up travelling north rather than south. Love seeing places like this getting shared, I have so many great memories in places like Scarborough and Whitby

I love Nottingham and I forgot to include it on the list! Scarborough and Whitby are great places and I do have good memories there too 🙂

I’ve never been to Leeds, but I’m all for walkable places and pretty parks! It’d be awesome to get to go visit someday! I’d love to go to Yorkshire Dales National Park too!

Those are great choices 🙂 I hope you visit them soon!

Thanks for helping me discover so many places I’ve never heard of, despite living in the UK for the past 4 years! Would love to see Chester especially 🙂

I’m very happy to hear this blog has helped you discover new places to visit. I think you’ll love Chester 🙂

I haven’t seen much of Northern England which is terrible! I love Chester for its Medieval architecture and Manchester is such a fun city.

Yes, Chester is definitely one of my favourites 🙂

I have lived in Birmingham and only visited Liverpool for a conference! So much to see up north!

I haven’t been to Birmingham, but I wanted to go for the Christmas Market 🙂 I heard it’s great. Also, I agree there are so many places to visit!

All of these places look so lovely and quaint. I love the views from the Yorkshire Dale National Park.

I’m glad you like them! The Yorkshire Dales is amazing 🙂

I had to cancel my trip to London due to the virus. I can’t wait to reschedule! I think I may explore northern England in addition to London.

I’m sorry to hear that! I know how cancelling a trip feels like, I had to cancel my trip to Bali. But, I hope you can visit it soon and you explore the north too 🙂

Ah now I totally need to travel back to England and go to the north. I’ve only been to London, Bath and the Cotswolds. I would love to visit a lot of the cities and towns you mention on here, especially near York. Your photos are also so beautiful! 🙂

Thank you, Taylor 🙂 The north has amazing places like these ones, but I want to visit the south. I would love to visit Bath and the Cotswolds.

These places are amazing! I have been in the Lake District but haven’t seen any of these incredible towns! You make me want to go back asap!

I haven’t been to the Lake District, but I really want to go when this quarantine is over 🙂 Also, I hope you come back to England soon!

I’ve heard great things of Manchester and Liverpool. But I’d also love to visit some of the other places you mentioned that I didn’t know before like Whitby 🙂

Whitby is a great place to visit 🙂 I think you’ll like it.

There are so many places on this list that I would loooovee to visit!

I hope you visit them 🙂

Putting these places in the bucket list!

I’m very happy to hear that! I hope you visit them one day 🙂

As a northern, I will say that up here is 100% underrated! You’ve picked out so many great spots (even some I haven’t been to!) I was pleasantly surprised to see my local city Chester on the list, this beautiful city rarely makes any lists, but it s a beautiful and manageable city to explore.

I’ll definitely be adding some of these places to my UK bucket list as I think it’s unlikely I will be travelling abroad very much in 2021 so will explore more of the UK instead! So much to see in the north.

Fabulous post! I am always so sad when people visit the UK, but just stay around London – the North has soooo much to offer. I also agree, you have some of the best hiking up North! I’d love to spend more time in the Yorkshire Dales (and in the Lake District!) I love that this might widen people’s bucket lists.

I think the north is definitely underrated. My grandparents live there so I’ve been to quite a few places and they are so beautiful. I love this list you’ve put together!

Great post! I lived in London for 2 1/2 years and found Liverpool to be one of my favorite cities in the UK.

Ahhh, I totally agree with you on this post! Having lived in Manchester my whole life, I’ve been to almost all of these places!

Cracking list here! I’m originally from Manchester and there’s even a few places you’ve mentioned which I haven’t seen yet! It’s nice to have an article just on the north as you’re right, everyone sticks to the south 🙂

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17 Places to Visit in North England

From charming cottages to lake-side cabins, and from exciting city breaks to hiking in the mountains, there’s an abundance of places to visit in North England. A trip to England is full of surprises, and none more so than an adventure in the north of England. 

From the tall cathedral of historic York , to the Christmas markets in Birmingham, to the culture-filled Newcastle, to the surfer town of Scarborough, and from the viaduct in Harrogate , to castles in Aberdeen . There are so many things to do in north England…

A week-long vacation to the UK offers adventurers some of the best scenery and experiences, from the far-flung reaches of Scotland to the coast of England and the cliffs of the south coast. 

I am from The Midlands and was born and bred there, just outside Northamptonshire, so I grew up in the middle of England, spending weekends travelling both south and north to explore with my family. It’s these countless weekends away as a child that inspired me to travel the world, but there’s nothing better than exploring your own backyard. 

To help you plan your UK adventure, I have pulled together this list of the best places to visit in north England. Northern England offers plenty of unique attractions for tourists to explore from all over the globe. There are so many things to do in northern England. 

Check out my other posts 24 Places to visit in the UK  and best places to visit in South England for more ideas on travelling in England

In hope that this post inspires some of you to travel closer to home over the coming months, instead of flying elsewhere. Keep reading for the best places to visit on north coast of England.

Here are the places you MUST add to your trip around in North England…

17 Best Places to visit in Northern England

North england.

One of the best places to visit north England is the city of Manchester. The city is slowly becoming my favourite city in the United Kingdom, and this blog post will certainly tell you why.

As with my travels, most of the time I head off on a flight to somewhere in Europe, but back in March, I decided I wanted to head north for a weekend in Manchester. The city is home to football, architecture, rooftop terraces and quirky Northern Quarter.

And it’s also a pretty compact city with it being possible to walk from one end of the city to the other in less than 15 minutes, and everything seems so close and accessible. Here’s my city guide to a weekend in Manchester….

Check out my blog post on spending a weekend in Manchester .

Another of my favourite places to visit in Northern England is Durham, located just south of Newcastle upon Tyne. The River Wear loops around the historic and now famous Durham Cathedral and Norman Durham Castle. Durham has many things to do in northern England.

‘Durham Castle and Cathedral’ was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986. Among the reasons given for the decision were ‘Durham Cathedral being the largest and most perfect monument of “Norman” style architecture in England’, and the cathedral’s vaulting being an early and experimental model of the gothic style.

Other important UNESCO sites near Durham include Auckland Castle, North of England Lead Mining Museum and Beamish Museum. 

And further north of the castle, you will find the 13th-century medieval Crook Hall, which is home to gardens and a maze. South of the river, award-winning Durham University offers a Botanical Garden with woodland and tropical plants, and the Oriental Museum exhibiting Asian, Egyptian and Middle Eastern artefacts. Add this city to your favourite places to visit north England. 

Thomas Tolkien – Flickr: Scarborough, North Yorkshire – Wiki Commons

Scarborough

Another of the places to visit north England is the popular beach-side town, Scarborough has a long and interesting history. Located on the northeast coast of the UK, the town is famous for ice cream, surfing and limestone cliffs. 

Scarborough has a population of just over 61,000 and is the largest holiday resort on the Yorkshire coast, and one of the biggest in the UK. The town has fishing and service industries, including a growing digital and creative economy, as well as being a tourist destination for locals and tourists.

The most striking feature of the town’s geography is the high rocky promontory pointing eastward into the North Sea which also supports the 11th-century ruins of Scarborough Castle and divides the seafront into two bays, north and south.

The South Bay was the site of the original medieval settlement and harbour, which form the old town, and this remains the main tourist area today, with a sandy beach, cafés, amusements, arcades, theatres and entertainment facilities.

The harbour has undergone major regeneration over the past decade including the new Albert Strange Pontoons, a more pedestrian-friendly promenade, street lighting and seating. A beautiful town and one of the best places to visit in north east England.

Last year I headed up north for a weekend break in York; our third adventure together in 2018! York is a city with Roman roots and a Viking past. York is one of the oldest cities in England and is undoubtedly one of the best places in the north of England for an adventure. 

Combining the best of its heritage with modern British life, you’ll feel as if you’ve stepped back in time as you amble down intertwining streets lined with 13th-century walls, but its thriving cultural scene will bring you right back to the present.

We had 48 hours explore this incredible city and made the most of our visit by getting the York Pass, which gives you free access to over 40 York & beyond attractions and it is the only ticket you need to experience and explore York! It also includes discounts on evening entertainment such as ghost walks, escape rooms, plus money off offers at numerous cafes and restaurants across the city.

Whilst we on our weekend break in York we stayed at the wonderful Staycity York and then spent 48 hours exploring the Christmas markets, taking a ghost walk, learning at JORVIK Viking Centre, eating cake at the famous Bettys Tearoom and staring at York Minster. Come along and find out what else we got up to and why you should visit York. Another great place to visit north England. 

Check out my guide to a weekend in York .

Birmingham is a major city in England’s West Midlands region, with multiple Industrial Revolution-era landmarks that speak to its 18th-century history as a manufacturing powerhouse.

Birmingham is an amazing city to spend a weekend, and there’s so much to do including Cadbury World, National SEA LIFE Centre Birmingham, Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, Black Country Living Museum, Thinktank Science Museum, Dudley Zoo and Castle and The Birmingham Botanical Gardens.

It’s also home to a network of canals, many of which radiate from Sherborne Wharf and are now lined with trendy cafes and bars. In the city centre, the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery are known for pre-Raphaelite masterpieces and some iconic historical pieces of art.

Technically located in the Midlands, but very much the north as far as I am concerned, Birmingham is one of the best places to visit in northern England.

The Lake District

Yorkshire Dales National Park is one of the most beautiful places to visit in the north, with the most amazing hiking. I have visited here many times before and will be heading back again soon to climb Scafell Pike for the second time. 

The Lake District is a region and national park in Cumbria in northwest England and it is a popular vacation destination, known for its glacial ribbon lakes, rugged fell mountains and historic literary associations.

If you are looking for the best place to visit in the Lake District, I would stop in the towns such as Kendal, Ambleside and Keswick. They are their perfect base for exploring the area and home to traditional inns, galleries of local art and outdoor equipment shops.

The Lake District is also famous for its literary links, to William Wordsworth, Beatrix Potter and John Ruskin. Have you been to the Lake District? Add is to your bucket list now!

Hadrian’s Wall

Hadrian’s Wall also called the Picts’ Wall, is a former defensive fortification of the Roman province of Britannia, begun in 122AD and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Stretching 73 miles from coast to coast, Hadrian’s Wall was built to guard the frontier of the Roman Empire and it’s also a great place to go hiking in England, so dig out your walking boots! Along the route, you can hike and explore through fields and through history, and uncover the truths about Hadrian’s Wall at over twenty English Heritage sites. Whilst hiking here, you will walk through the remains of the forts, see towers, turrets and towns that once kept watch over the Wall and you can stop off at some of the museums along the way and see artefacts for yourself.

Hadrian’s Wall is one of the best places to visit north England if you want to combine incredible natural scenery, with a spot of iconic English history.

Check out when I walked Hadrian’s Wall.

Liverpool 

Most people head to Liverpool for the Beatles, but there’s more to Liverpool than just Beatles tours. Liverpool is a city full of culture and is also known these days for its amazing food scene too.

Liverpool is a maritime city in northwest England, where the River Mersey meets the Irish Sea. Liverpool was a key trade and migration port from the 18th to the early 20th centuries, and as mentioned previously, is the hometown of The Beatles.

Ferries cruise the waterfront, where the iconic mercantile buildings known as the “Three Graces” – Royal Liver Building, Cunard Building and Port of Liverpool Building – stand on the Pier Head. And Liverpool has the second-highest number of museums, after London, and the architecture also rivals the capitals so it’s a stunning city to spend a weekend if you are heading up north. Don’t miss the Baltic Triangle – a delicious street food pop-up!

There’s so much to do in Liverpool including Royal Albert Dock Liverpool, The Beatles Story, Cavern Club, Anfield (Liverpool’s 45,500-seat football stadium), Liverpool Cathedral, World Museum, and Merseyside Maritime Museum. Liverpool is easily one of the best places to visit in northern England.

Charles Pragnell from Pexels

A great addition to your UK bucket list is a weekend in Newcastle, one of the best places to visit north England. Also known as Newcastle upon Tyne, Newcastle is a university city on the River Tyne in northeast England.

The city is linked to its twin city, Gateshead, and was a major shipbuilding and manufacturing hub during the Industrial Revolution and is now a centre of business, arts and sciences. Spanning the Tyne, modern Gateshead Millennium Bridge, noted for its unique tilting aperture, is a symbol of the 2 cities. 

Newcastle is a wonderful city with some iconic places to visit in north-west England including the Angle of the North, Newcastle United football club and the Tyne Bridge . Since 1981 the city has hosted the Great North Run, a half marathon which attracts over 57,000 runners each year.

Yorkshire Dales National Park

If you like the outdoors then it’s worth taking a trip to the Yorkshire Dales National Park when you are visiting England. It’s one of the best places to visit in North England, offering tourists plenty of open spaces, hiking and quaint village pubs. 

The Yorkshire Dales National Park encompasses thousands of square miles of moors, valleys, hills and villages from the River Wharfe, the Bolton Abbey Estate and a 12th-century monastery to the south, and to the north, Malham Village, Gordale Scar, and the 5-arched bridge crosses the river at Burnsall Village. The area is home to famous British soaps also such as Emmerdale.

Harrogate is a town in North Yorkshire and has been a popular tourist spot for decades, mainly because of the iconic Betty’s and the Turkish Baths located in the town centre. Harrogate sits within reach of nearby towns Ripon, Boroughbridge, Knaresborough and Masham.

It is one of the most elegant destinations in the north, with stunning buildings, a famous tearoom, wide-open parks and a long list of shops and restaurants dotted throughout the town.

And if you want to venture a bit further out, the Yorkshire Dales and Ilkley Moors are only 20 minutes away. It is the perfect base for a day, a weekend or a week. 

Check out my blog post of spending 48 Hours in Harrogate .

And last but not least, Whitby is one of the most popular places to stay in Northern England. Whitby is a seaside town in Yorkshire, northern England, split by the River Esk.

On the East Cliff, overlooking the North Sea is the ruined Gothic Whitby Abbey, which was made famous by being the inspiration for Bram Stoker’s classic masterpiece “Dracula”. The abbey has become synonymous with the book and many flocks here every year to walk in the footsteps of Stoker and try to realise his vision within the abbey and the nearby Whitby.

Nearby is the Church of St. Mary, The Captain Cook Memorial Museum (the house where Cook once lived) and West Cliff Beach, the perfect place to go in the summer when the sunshine is blazing where you can hire one of the beach huts. There are so many of the things to do in northern England in Whitby.

Photo by eHeritage from Pexels

Isle of Skye

One of the most beautiful places to visit in North England, well actually Scotland, is the beautiful island of Isle of Skye. 

What a city Aberdeen is! I spent a weekend in Scotland’s biggest city outside the central belt, and we were in awe of both the history and beauty of this wonderful city. Aberdeen is both a former fishing and farming settlement, and now boasts a world-renowned university, as well as some of the most beautiful castles within a 45-minute drive of the centre.

Despite its reputation as the ‘grey city’ due to its granite architecture, there are so many things to do in Aberdeen and beyond.

And it’s also super close to the Cairngorms National Park, which means there are a ton of outdoor-based things to do in Aberdeen. Here’s an introduction to my favourite things to do in Aberdeen.

Check out my blog post of things to do in Aberdeen .

Edinburgh 

From the zoo to the whiskey and the annual Fringe Festival, Edinburgh is a fun and eclectic city with friendly locals and activities galore.

There’s also so much to do in Edinburgh including Edinburgh Castle, Palace of Holyroodhouse, Arthur’s Seat, Edinburgh Old Town, Edinburgh Castle, the pubs on Royal Mile, National Museum of Scotland, Calton Hill, Princes Street and St Giles’ Cathedral. 

Glasgow has been voted the world’s friendliest city and is also the biggest city in Scotland meaning that it is perfect for a weekend break in the UK.

In a recent article, Lonely Planet named Glasgow as’ one of Britain’s most intriguing metropolises’, thanks to it’s a cultural hub, home to institutions including the Scottish Opera, Scottish Ballet and National Theatre of Scotland, as well as acclaimed museums and a thriving music scene.

Glasgow is a port city on the River Clyde in Scotland’s western Lowlands. It’s famed for its Victorian and art nouveau architecture, a rich legacy of the city’s 18th–20th-century prosperity due to trade and shipbuilding. 

Where are your favourite north England places to visit? There are so many things to do in northern England. 

Other blog posts.

17 Destinations You Won’t Believe are in England

The best beaches in the UK

21 Unique Stays on Airbnb

15 of the Best Hikes in the UK

12 Weekend Breaks for a Staycation in the UK

Photo credit: Pexels.

My Travel Tips and Recommendations

To book flights, I always use flight search engine, Skyscanner, I regularly use the Everywhere tool to find the cheapest places to travel. It’s how I get to travel so much all around the world. I find it the easiest way to compare flight prices across airlines and get the best deals. 

Accommodation

For accommodation, I usually book most of my hotels or hostels through  Booking.com.  I love using this platform as it provides me with some amazing deals for accommodation all around the world. Or if you prefer, I also recommend using Airbnb. If you haven’t signed up with Airbnb already, you can use  this link  to get £25 off your first visit!

Photography and Technology

Here is a list of the technology I always travel with:

• Canon G7X Mark II
• Canon EOS M50 and lens
• GoPro Hero Black 7
• DJI Mavic Pro
• RØDE VideoMic GO On Microphone

Travel Insurance

Picking travel insurance that covers you in all eventualities is an essential part of planning a trip for every single person. If you can’t afford travel insurance, you can’t afford to travel. You never know what’s around the corner.  World Nomads  is an affordable option that I personally recommend.  BOOK HERE

You can also find me on social media:  Facebook ,  Twitter,   YouTube  and  Instagram .

Sign up to  AirBnB with this link  and receive a £23 off your first booking.

To receive my articles and reviews straight to your inbox  SUBSCRIBE HERE .

Did you know I also vlog my trips? Make sure you subscribe to my YouTube channel so you get alerted when all my travel videos goes live…  CHECK THEM OUT HERE

Thank you for reading and as always happy adventuring! If you have any questions about the destination please leave these in the comments below.

If you’ve enjoyed this post, please  share it for me with all your friends and family!

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Places To Visit in Northern England

Travel Blog Last Updated · Aug 30th, 2024 [post_author_posts_link] · [post_comments before=""] -->

Are you on the lookout for the best places to visit in Northern England? Or wanting a day out in North England? Then we’ve got you covered.

England is a magical place, and we don’t mean the Harry Potter kind of magic. The wondrous nature of the country doesn’t completely lie on the banks of the Thames.

London is the best place in England for first-time visitors, don’t get us wrong, but it shouldn’t be the be-all and end-all.

England is England, there are plenty of places up north it isn’t just London.

Table of Contents

Best Places To Visit in Northern England

Here are some reasons why the North, the whingey, underappreciated, and unofficial part of England, is where you should plan your next trip to England.

Whether that’s a day out in North England or a weekend break in one of North England Cities.

Why Travel to Northern England?

There are many different towns, cities, and villages that are very welcoming to tourists throughout the UK. Northern England may be the most underappreciated part of the UK for many different reasons.

Edinburgh and the Scottish Highlands receive thousands of tourists every year, as does Belfast and the Giant’s Causeway.

Wales receives thousands of visitors for the spectacular mountains, walking paths, and outstanding natural beauty. Many tourists from other countries visit the south of England due to the nature of the country.

Why would a visitor venture outward of London to as far as the north?

If we look at the top 15 most visited tourist attractions in England in 2019, only one was in the north. 14 of the 15 on the list were either in London or a short train journey away from London.

However, if you take a look at the 9 most visited cities in England, 3 are in the north, 3 are in the south and 3 are in the midlands. Out of the 5 most visited national parks, 3 are in the north and 2 are in the south.

All in all, England has 84% of the UK’s population, as well as 17 of the 25 UNESCO World Heritage sites. The trouble is, they’re scattered across the country.

Chances are, you’ll find a lot of the more popular attractions in London, but this is only because it’s the easiest port of call.

What’s the solution to this? How can someone venture outside of the London bubble and explore great quality attractions, landmarks, and visitor centers at a cheaper rate with fewer queues? The north of course!

The arguable powerhouse of the north, it’s often pictured alongside midlands city Birmingham as the heir to London’s capital throne.

Thousands of people champion Manchester as their home, so what makes it different or interesting?

There are a lot of things that make Manchester unique, including its proud LGBT and women’s rights culture and heritage. The leader of the Suffragette movement Emmeline Pankhurst was from Manchester.

It’s also famous for being the music hub of the country, with acts, labels, and stars coming from this humble Victorian city with cobbled streets.

The fact is, this Northern city has everything you’d want from a city. On this two-day hop-on and hop-off bus tour , you’ll understand why the citizens are proud to be Mancunian, and it’s infectious when you walk the streets and talk to the locals.

First-class museums and galleries , award-winning gastronomy, world-famous football clubs, top nightlife, and the best shopping opportunities around. Manchester is a city and Manchester is united. Surely this has to make it one of the best places to visit in Northern England.

Just 30 miles drive from Manchester, it’s easy to consider grouping the two cities together into one trip to the north. This gives you chance to explore two north England cities in one journey.

Liverpool may seem like a very similar city to Manchester from the outside, but trust us when we say the rivalry between these two cities stems further than from a mere football rivalry.

Historically, it was Manchester cotton factories that supplied the shipments that went in and out of Liverpool, which was for years a port city and nothing more. Both cities grew in infrastructure during the Victorian era and the industrial revolution.

Just like Manchester, Liverpool has two football clubs in the Premier League and an accent unique to the city.

Also like Manchester, Liverpool has a bustling music scene. It’s difficult to talk about Liverpool without mentioning their biggest world export: The Beatles.

You can explore Liverpool with an open-top bus tour that will bring you the city’s most popular areas as well as The Beatles’ historical iconic spots.

However, there are some aspects to the city that contrast with Manchester. The symbol of the city, the Liver bird , can be seen everywhere from the buildings to the statues.

Also, the 2008 Capital of Culture has seen a huge revamp in the shopping centres and housing. It’s the perfect blend of modern and traditional.

The largest city in the county of West Yorkshire and the fourth-largest urban economy in the UK, Leeds is another significant contributor during the Industrial Revolution and should be on your list of places to visit in North England.

There are many things that make Leeds unique, but many visitors to England pass this city by. We bet you’ve never heard of Kirkstall Abbey or the Tetley .

The fact is, this city is seen by many in England to be nothing more than a student city with progressive values and a working-class background.

But it is so much more than the labels the English may give it. Leeds also has a rich beer heritage and this heritage pub and beer tour will learn so many things about the history of beer, pubs and sites in the city.

So much has been invested in the arts, culture, and tourism aspect of the city, so as to appeal more to visitors coming up to the north of England and convincing them of the fruits they can provide.

For example, the Leeds museum is better than any museum in Manchester or Liverpool, but it doesn’t receive the appreciation it deserves. Since 2008, the museum has held natural history exhibitions, Hellenic and Roman exhibits, and all manner of artworks.

The highlight of the museum is definitely the Leeds Mummy. It’s the sarcophagus of the Karnak priest known as Nesyamun which dates back all the way to 1,100 B.C.

Smack bang in the middle of England. Nestled between the beautiful Peak District and historic Rotherham. The Peak District is one of the best national parks in the country, so this is the perfect city to travel to as your starting point when visiting the north of England.

Sheffield is the steelworks to the Commonwealth and the home of the oldest football teams in Britain. You can’t beat old Blighty, and you can’t beat the rugged Sheffield the locals all know and love.

However, did you know that Sheffield even existed? Probably not, if you haven’t ventured up north. Sheffield itself has many park and woodland areas, which may come as a surprise to native Limeys.

See one of our places up north guide to some of the best free things to do in Sheffield so you know what to see when you get here without spending a penny.

Another surprise is that Sheffield is a proud footballing city that loves its art. Kelham Island Museums, the Millennium Gallery, and the Yorkshire Artspace are just scratching the artsy surface of this historic working-class city with proud citizens.

Newcastle-Upon-Tyne

So you’ve seen and heard the Scousers in Liverpool, you’ve experienced the accent in Manchester and you’ve dabbled in the Yorkshire way of life. There’s one part of north England we’re missing: the Geordies.

If we’re talking true north England cities, none of the ‘hour train to the midlands’ nonsense like Liverpool or Manchester, then we have to talk Newcastle.

This city has many historical highlights and this guided walking tour does a great job of showcasing this city which is influenced by the Romans.

Not to be confused with Newcastle-Under-Lyme, or the Newcastle in Australia, Newcastle in Tyneside is one of the most overlooked spots in the UK for tourism.

The Geordies are the most fun-loving and affectionate English groups you’ll ever find, and you can experience Newcastle as it should be experienced: in person!

From the iconic Angel of the North statue to the Grainger Town Markets, to the Laing Gallery holding some of the best artworks in the country. Newcastle has a lot to offer for any venturing tourist looking for something different.

Thousands of tourists from all corners of the globe visit Chester every year. Why? Because it’s the safest historic city in Chester with the gold standard of monument preservation.

You can practically walk around in the same buildings, baths, amphitheaters, and market streets as the Romans did.

There are parks with artifacts, shops inside historic buildings, and even a mysterious Roman lion sculpture atop a parking lot.

The Romans held this North England city as one of their major outposts, which many visitors love to hear when they arrive. The Amphitheatre in the middle of the city was historically the largest outside of Rome when it was built.

There are sections of the city that cannot be accessed without having access through the walls of the city.

That’s right! Chester is a walled city, which dates back to the Romans in AD 80. Discover everything about Chester – city cruise on River Dee and see beautiful views of the city and surrounding countryside.

If you’re into your history, look no further. Also, this is the perfect opportunity to discover the rolling hills of North Wales, or even catch a ferry to Ireland.

The former English capital has a lot of history on its hands. Out of the 15 most visited tourist attractions in England, the only one that was in the north of England was York Minster.

One of the most iconic and beautiful cathedrals in the UK and beyond, York Minster is steeped in history and tradition dating over a thousand years. This is just one of the many must-visit spots in York.

Access more that meets the eye with York City Pass – a convenient pass that you can use when sightseeing attractions in York.

Ever wondered what it would be like to walk through a city that’s so powerful in its heritage and culture it feels like you’re literally walking through Diagon Alley from Harry Potter?

Well, you are! The Shambles in York is the iconic former meat market street that was used as inspiration for the fictional street in the Harry Potter series.

The buildings are listed and lean so close to one another that the average human wingspan can touch both sides of the street in some areas.

The most historic cities in England; Bath, London or Chester, have some claims as to the most historic city in England. But some say that York takes the biscuit.

The north of England is undeniably the most underrated tourist spot in the UK. Whether you’re looking for days out in north England, attractions, or a north England city break.

It’s an area that’s extremely easy to move around in, and it’s easily the most universal vacationing spots in the world.

It has all things for all people and shows the true meaning of what it is to be English. Forget your Harry Potter or Game of Thrones, the north of England is the real deal.

Check out the North of England for yourself and plan your trip today! If you’re feeling brave enough, why not go beyond the beaten track and take a trip to Scotland for another round of idyllic settings.

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Welcome to North East England

The North East of England is a region rich in contemporary culture, historic sites, world heritage sites and dramatic landscapes, all within easy reach of Newcastle International Airport

An unforgettable North East England experience

North East England is a region rich in contemporary culture, historical attractions, World Heritage Sites and dramatic landscapes, all easily accessible from Newcastle International Airport.

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Northumberland, south shields, tees valley, tynemouth & whitley bay, world famous heritage.

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A big night out, buying time, outdoor adventures and coastal walks, something new to discover, a proud sporting tradition.

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Explore the North East of England using the interactive map below. Click on each icon to discover more about the experiences and attractions across the region and create your perfect trip using our itinerary planner. Simply select each icon on the map that you'd like to visit, add to 'My Itinerary' and your personalised adventure awaits.

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• 25 Places to Visit in Northern England

Places to See in Northern England

The Lake District, Hadrian's Wall, Haworth, North York Moors, North Pennines, Harrogate, Northumberland Coast, Blackpool, Lindisfarne Holy Island, Helmsley, Durham Dales, Hawkshead, Settle, Bamburgh, Malham and many more places to visit in the Northern England. Are you looking for the best places to see in Northern England dotted with beautiful historic architecture, extraordinary scenery, a strong cultural identity, and fantastic attractions? If yes, you'll be glad to know that there are many unique attractions in Northern England that are worth exploring for all kinds of travelers. Haworth is a picturesque village in Yorkshire renowned for its iconic parsonage museums, rolling moors, and historic cobbled Main Street. You can also visit Yorkshire Dales that is home to great abbeys, castles, picturesque landscape, and pleasant atmosphere. If you're looking for one of the best places to visit in Northern England with your partner or loved ones, you must head to Scarborough, an elegant and refined seaside area where you can enjoy fish and chips and amusement arcades. You can also visit Settle, a beautiful market town in Yorkshire dotted with picturesque stone houses and mansions. So pack your bags and get ready to unveil the breathtaking attractions of Northern England.

Here are some of the best places to visit in Northern England:

Quick navigation, the lake district.

With beautiful villages, historic locations, and ancient castles scattered throughout the area, the beauty of The Lake District will certainly enchant you. Whether you fancy swimming, sailing, or simply heading out onto a tarn for kayaking, you'll surely find a sport you love over here. There are also tons of places to drink and eat in the Lakes, from Michelin-star restaurants to historic pubs where you can enjoy hearty meals. It is also known for its fantastic mountains and trails you can hike. Location: 3565 Canada Rd, Lakeland, TN 38002 Activities: hiking, fine-dining, squirrel-spotting, cycling, star gazing

Hadrian's Wall

Built to guard the Roman Empire's wild northern frontier in AD122, Hadrian's Wall is much more than a barricade. It is a world heritage site where you can discover the remains of the towers, forts, towns, and turrets that once kept a watch over the Wall. Hadrian's Wall is considered to be the inspiration for The Wall In Game Of Thrones. There is also a beautiful museum at the site that showcases the rich history of the Romans.  Location: Brampton CA8 7DD, UK Activities: Angling, walking, cycling

Best of United Kingdom

Haworth is a picturesque village in Yorkshire that attracts tourists from all across the world. With its iconic parsonage museums, rolling moors, and historic cobbled Main Street, it will make you feel like you've entered another era. Haworth is renowned for its countryside walks, where you'll see the footpath signs written in English and Japanese. There is plenty to do on Haworth's Main Street, including land army parades, evening dances, stalls in the park, and Bradford Pipe Band Show. Location: Bradford, Northern England Activities: evening dances, walking, steam train ride

North York Moors

North York Moors is one of the best places to visit in Northern England, spread across more than one thousand four hundred and thirty square kilometers of breathtaking landscapes. If you seek long countryside walks with cute market towns and cozy pubs, North York Moors should be your ideal option. There's heritage and history in every step you take, from Victorian steam trains to Gothic ruins, stately homes to Cistercian monasteries and fishing villages to ironstone mines.  Location: North Yorkshire, England Activities: rock climbing, Forest Segway, Geocaching

Best of Germany

Durham Heritage Coast

With far-reaching and dramatic views filled with the environmental splendors of a beautiful coastline, the Durham coast is one of the best places to visit in Northern England. It boasts a fourteen-kilometer-long breathtaking coastal footpath, which includes various access points onto the beach. Durham Heritage Coast is recognized for its rare wildlife and plants and a colorful mosaic of grasslands, flora and fauna, and wildflowers. You can explore the beautiful scenery on a bike or foot, with the area boasting the best biking and hiking routes in the UK.  Location: Seaham, Northern England Activities: hiking, biking, walking

Whitby is Britain's most unique coastal town with the perfect mix of maritime culture, historic sights, beautiful beaches, and independent shops. There is a family-friendly beach close to the town dotted with colorful beach huts and golden sand that stretches for more than two miles. Whether you want to eat seafood or chips and fish, you'll find here traditional coastal food to satiate your hunger pangs. There is a small museum and a coffee shop where you can learn about the site's history. Location: 26 Seven Oaks Street, Northern England Activities: railway riding, bridge crossing, walking

Best of Paris

North Pennines

The North Pennines is one of the best places to visit in Northern England that boasts a stunning landscape of flower-rich hay meadows, wide-open moors, intimate woods, and charismatic wildlife. It is ideal for immersing yourself in nature and enjoying various water-sports activities like canoeing and kayaking. You can witness tumbling waterfalls, dramatic dales, sweeping moorland, stone-built villages, and snaking stone walls here. It is the darkest mainland Area of Breathtaking Natural Beauty and has England's darkest night skies. Location:  County Durham, Northumberland, Northern England Activities: fishing, horse riding, food trails

Harrogate is called "The Jewel of the North" due to its stunning gardens and urban charms. It is one of the best places to see in Northern England, with swathes of greenery and grand Victorian and Georgian houses. The spa town of Harrogate has leafy parks with stylish shopping avenues and cosmopolitan cocktail bars.  Harrogate has four shopping districts: Kings, West Park, Montpellier, and the Victoria Quarter. The traditional Turkish Baths of Harrogate date back to Victorian times and have retained lots of original character with Moorish design and an Italian mosaic floor.  Location: North Yorkshire, England Activities: shopping, cycling, walking

Best of Italy

Yorkshire Dales

Yorkshire Dales is home to great abbeys, castles, picturesque landscape, and pleasant atmosphere. Boasting two historically protected areas - Yorkshire Dales National Park and Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty- the Yorkshire Dales is renowned for jaw-dropping beauty. It is one of the best places to see in Northern England, with scenic picnic spots where you can enjoy an amazing time with your friends and family. You can enjoy an amazing road trip through the Yorkshire Dales while enjoying the breathtaking views. Location: Leyburn North Yorkshire Activities: wall climbing, cycling, petting, and feeding animals

Northumberland Coast

Northumberland is one of England's great counties with historic castles, dramatic landscapes, and quaint fishing villages. Discover barely-visited beaches, romantically ruinous castles, bunting-strewn market towns, and unlimited experiences. You can explore fishing communities dotted around sandy coves, enjoy adrenaline-pumping water sports activities or relax in a deck chair.  It is also a bird lover's paradise with more than thirty-five thousand seabirds. The area provides a magical space to reconnect with nature either by bicycle or foot.  It also has local fish and chip shops and sea-view pubs where you can enjoy refreshing drinks and tasty food.  Location: North East England Activities: bird-watching, guided walk, sunset boat trip

Best of London

Blackpool is a famous holiday resort with Blackpool Pleasure Beach and Blackpool Zoo ideal for archetypal English seaside vacation. It has a Blackpool Tower, a landmark built in 1894 as the Eiffel Tower's replica. The tower houses some of the best attractions, including a circus, glass walkway, and an ornate Victorian ballroom. If you visit Blackpool between early November and September, you can see the Blackpool Illuminations that are made up of around one million light bulbs. Location: Lancashire, England Activities: roller-coaster rides, seaside dining, strolling

Lindisfarne Holy Island

Lindisfarne Holy Island is one of the most famous centers of early English Christianity. It was built in 1550 to defend the harbor against attack from Norsemen and Scots, and in 1901 celebrated architect Edward Lutyens gave the castle a luxurious makeover giving it a quirky holiday home feel. This estuary of receding mudflats and tides is ideal for bird-watching, as it hosts many migrating birds. It is a Natural Nature Reserve that houses some unique flora and fauna.  Location: Berwick-upon-Tweed, Northumberland Activities: bird watching, tasting the locally brewed mead, strolling

Best of Sweden

Helmsley is a picture-perfect market town and an idyllic place to have a stay for a weekend, day, or the rest of your life. It is one of the best places to see in Northern England, with some of the fascinating attractions like the Helmsley Castle and National Centre for Birds of Prey. Helmsley is a High Street with independent shops, boutiques, and galleries selling everything you could need. Whether you're looking for a luxury spa, a cozy country hotel, a boutique B&B, or the comforts of self-catering, Helmsley can cater to all your needs. Location: North Yorkshire, England Activities: open-air swimming, walking, cycling

Saltaire is a charming Victorian village that was built by a famous industrialist Sir Titus Salt in 1851. It offers many things, ranging from lush green spaces to beautiful architecture, independent shops, and lip-smacking cuisines offered in famous food establishments and restaurants. Saltaire has many famous attractions, such as Robert's Park, the Aire Sculpture Trail, and Victoria Hall. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has also been a location for TV series and films.  Location: West Yorkshire, England Activities: cycling, fishing, sightseeing, walking

Best of Rome

Durham Dales

The Durham Dales are two green valleys –Weardale and Teesdale – that rise from the picturesque farmland west of Durham, climbing up to the rugged open moorland. While cycling or walking in this breathtaking area, you can discover historic museums and beautiful castles. Home to wild, windswept moorland, ancient castles, and breathtaking natural landscapes, the Durham Dales is the ideal place to relax and unwind on a short break.  Throughout the year, you can find wildlife watching opportunities, from spotting the rare red squirrels to the springtime boxing hares. Location: Northern England Activities: wildlife watching, picnicking, walking

Steeped in history, Hawkshead is one of the most magnificent villages in the Southern Lake District. It has many historic buildings, archways, and squares from the seventeenth century. You can also find here many markets with gift outlets, tea shops, guest houses, and pleasant inns. The entire village is full of entertainment venues, and you can eat traditional English food and buy souvenirs for your loved ones. Art and literary fans are in for a treat in Hawkshead as Beatrix Potter Gallery is situated here. L ocation: Northern England Activities: shopping, dining, walking

Best of Scotland

Settle is a beautiful market town in Yorkshire dotted with picturesque stone houses and mansions. An impressive market is held on every Tuesday in the town center where you can buy everything under the sun at the best prices. Several yearly festivals such as the Settle Cuckoo festival and the Settle flowerpot festival are held here, where the entire town turns into one big street market. While you're in the town, you must visit Catrigg Force, the most beautiful waterfall in the UK.  Location: Yorkshire Dales, Northern England Activities: attending festivals, strolling, shopping

Fringed by miles of sandy beach, Bamburgh is one of the best places to see in Northern England. It is a magnificent coastal town in the heart of Northumberland renowned for its famous castle, walking and coastline trails. This quaint small town is home to Grace Darling, Victorian England's heroine who rescued the SS Forfarshire wreck survivors in 1838. Bamburgh Castle is an immensely popular tourist attraction in Bamburgh renowned for its stately rooms, ghostly history, action-packed events calendar, and stunning setting. Location: Northumberland, England Activities: treasure hunt, magical walk, golf

Best of Poland

Alnwick is a historic market town which is considered a great base for small walking breaks in the countryside of Northumberland. Alnwick Garden is one of the most popular attractions in Alnwick, where poisonous plants grow. If you're in Alnwick, you must visit the Alnwick Castle that has been the Percy family's home since 1309. Music events, food fairs, and lively festivals are organized here every week to keep the visitors entertained.  Location: Northumberland, England Activities: fishing, cycling, walking, wildlife tours

Malham is one of the best places to see in Northern England, with dramatic limestone scenery and breathtaking landscapes. A gentle stroll of half an hour from the village will take you to Malham Cove, a massive natural limestone cliff visible for miles. You can go cave exploring at the renowned White Scar Cave, the longest show cave in Britain that houses interesting stalagmite formations and waterfalls. Admire Gordale Scar, a beautiful canyon that has captured the imagination for generations.  Location: Skipton, North Yorkshire, England Activities: cave exploring, sightseeing, rock climbing

Scarborough

Scarborough is Northern England's most famous holiday destination known for its vibrant atmosphere, gorgeous beaches, exquisite parks, upbeat events, and vintage fairs. The town has a beautiful coastline that offers splendid views from its panoramic viewpoints, beaches, and Scarborough Castle. If you're a history buff, you must visit the Rotunda Museum that exhibits about fifty-five hundred fossils and is the oldest purpose-built museum in the UK. You can ride the dragon boat around the famous Peasholm Park to have the best experience of your life  Location: North Yorkshire, England Activities: dragon boat ride, marine exploration, sightseeing

Saddleworth

Saddleworth is one of the best places to see in Northern England, surrounded by natural beauty and picturesque landscapes that will make you feel like you have entered paradise.  It is a part of Yorkshire on the Pennines' other side, over and beyond the Colne Valley and Marsden. The Saddleworth villages – Greenfield, Dobcross, and Uppermill, are renowned for their rural charm and tranquil atmosphere. Some of the things that you must try in Saddleworth are taking rejuvenating walks in the hills, visiting Uppermill's cafes and restaurants, and going on a canal boat ride. Location: Borough of Oldham, Greater Manchester, England Activities: canal boat ride, walking in the hills, attending festivals

Peak District

The Peak District is the most intriguing national park in England that spreads out over five counties. It offers the most varied landscapes, boasting everything from striking rock formations to rolling hills. The National Park is split into the Dark Peak in the north and the White Peak in the south.  Aside from breathtaking landscapes, idyllic villages and towns, world-class attractions, magical events, and thrilling activities, the Peak District offers a wide range of exciting happenings every year.  Location: Northern England Activities: wild swimming, nature walk, spotting animals

Leeds is one of the most interesting and vibrant cities in the UK, renowned for its lip-smacking food, interesting shops, bountiful outdoor spaces, and eclectic nightlife. It is dotted with innovative and vibrant art galleries, including The Tetley and Henry Moore Institute. There are a host of music venues and theatres that showcase both national and local talent. From Leeds West Indian Pride and Carnival to the Light Night Festival, the city is awash with celebration and fun.  Location: West Yorkshire, England, United Kingdom Activities: bar hopping, shopping, visiting art galleries

Hebden Bridge

Hebden Bridge is a picturesque and attractive market town in the Yorkshire Pennines. The market town is perfectly positioned in the middle of Manchester and Leeds, making it ideal for commuting from both cities. It houses some of the best Victorian chapels, double-decker stone houses, and Bohemian festivals and cafes. The Rochdale Canal runs through the middle of Hebden Bridge, providing a picturesque walkway on sunny days. Many festivals are organized here, including a folk roots festival, a burlesque festival, and a vintage car rally. Location: Hebden Royd, West Yorkshire, England Activities: canal cruise, village fair, sightseeing

People Also Ask About England

Which are the best places to see in northern england for couples.

1. The Lakes District:  If you're looking for one of the best places to see in Northern England for a romantic vacation with your partner, you must head to The Lakes District. You can go for a romantic walk at sunset, watch a film at a Picturehouse or enjoy a dinner date at a lake view restaurant. 2. Harrogate:  Situated to the eastern end of the Yorkshire Dales, Harrogate is renowned for its beautiful historic buildings, abbeys, castles, and parks. You can enjoy a couple of spas at Moorish-style Turkish Baths and go for a romantic stroll in the Valley Gardens.  3. Scarborough:  Scarborough is an elegant and refined seaside resort where you can enjoy old-fashioned fun like fish and chips and amusement arcades. You can ride the dragon boat around the famous Peasholm Park with your partner to have the most romantic experience of your life.

Which are the best places to visit in Northern England at night?

1. Newcastle:  If you're a night owl, you must visit Newcastle, which is renowned for its vibrant nightlife and eclectic nightclubs. This vibrant city also has many beautiful bridges where you can get breathtaking views of the river at night. It also has various restaurants and museums that you can visit late at night. 2. Manchester:  Known for its eclectic nightlife and many galleries, museums, and other popular attractions, Manchester is one of the best places to see in Northern England for night owls. For a memorable night out, you can visit the Northern Quarter that is renowned for its Indie bars and pubs, while Deansgate is dotted with sophisticated cocktail bars. 3. Sheffield:  Enjoy a great nightlife around the popular West Street area that is the heart of Sheffield. It has some of the best bars and nightclubs where you can dance the night away with your family and friends. 

What are the best beaches in Northern England?

1. Sandsend Beach:  If you're looking for one of the best places to visit in Northern England, you must head to Sandsend Beach that is located on Yorkshire's heritage coastline. It is a popular destination for fishing enthusiasts and fossil collectors, and the cliff provides shelter for budding artists and casual beach-goers. 2. Bamburgh Beach:  Renowned for its golden sand dunes and turquoise blue water Bamburgh Beach is one of the best places to visit in Northern England. The castle overlooking this beach lends a historical feel to the entire area, while the trees and dunes make it a serene spot. You can enjoy tons of activities like fishing, swimming, kite surfing, diving and windsurfing.  3. Coves Haven Beach:  One of the best places to see in Northern England is Coves Haven Beach, backed by both sand dunes and cliffs. The beach has been sheltered from the strong winds, offering a sandy haven for picnicking, sunbathing, or letting your puppy run off some steam.

What is the best time to visit Northern England?

Spring (early June to late March) and autumn (November to September) is the best time to visit Northern England as the weather is usually dry and warm. You'll see the leaves or beautiful flowers changing their hues during this time of the year.

England Top Attractions

Located on London’s Southbank, the London Eye is the world’s tallest cantilever wheel and an iconic figure in the London sky. This wheel attracts nearly 4 million visitors every year, making it a popular destination among tourists and locals alike. If you're planning a trip to Europe, consider including the London Eye in your itinerary as part of our exciting Europe tour packages.Wheel consists of 32 capsules which are made of glass. On a clear day one can see up to 40 km from the wheel. There are multilingual guides giving a commentary on the details of the spectacular view of the city. Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, Tower Bridge, and other famous London landmarks can be seen from the London Eye.The slow rotation of the wheel enables one to take pictures of the famous landmarks. Apart from the stunning view, another major attraction is a 4D show that forms a part of your London Eye experience. Over the past 19 years, it has become an important feature of the London skyline.You can also look out for special themed events like pop-up dining events, Valentine day celebrations or an anniversary dinner. London Eye is one of the major attractions in London’s New Year day firework celebrations. Seeing London at a glance should definitely be a part of your London itinerary. The wheel was dedicated to the public in 2000. It was originally planned to be in public service for only 5 years. However, its popularity made it a permanent feature in the tourist map of London. Tourists love the experience of the thrilling ride on the wheel and observe the breathtaking view of the London city over the River Thames.If you are planning for a honeymoon trip to Europe, you can checkout Europe Honeymoon Packages

Stonehenge, England is a historically and culturally important site that gives a sneak peek into the lives of citizens of the Neolithic age which flourished several thousand years ago. The engineering of the site is popular for astronomical reasons because you can witness planetary movements at the site on the longest days of earth. On the days of winter and summer solstices, you would trace the rotational movement of the cycles of the earth and moon with the help of the large uprightly standing stones.You must schedule a visit to the site during the summer and winter solstices. Many historians believe that the site had originally developed as a graveyard and later utilized for other ceremonial and religious reasons. Other than the monument you can visit the Salisbury and Wiltshire museum. An interaction with the genus, who are large life-size puppets, will help you accumulate more knowledge about the evolution of the earth since its origin.

Popular as one of the unique UNESCO World Heritage sites in London, Kew Gardens is one of the pleasant getaways in the city to enjoy with your family and friends. Explore this captivating destination as part of our curated Europe tour, home to a fascinating collection of living plants and an internationally recognized scientific research center. With over 14,000 trees, Kew Gardens' exquisite natural landscape spanning 300 acres is truly spellbinding, making it a leading center of research, complete with a library, museums, and beautiful gardens.It invites people of all ages to discover a day of serenity in the city of London. The visitors here can enjoy a number of activities whether it is taking a stroll along the colourful canopies of trees or exploring the beautiful glasshouses. Some of the popular attractions of Kew Gardens include the Palm House, Princess of Wales Conservatory and the Waterlily House.There are activities which the visitors can enjoy at Kew Gardens like the 59 ft high Treetop Walkway, catching the views of the city by climbing the Great Pagoda and getting to know about its history at the Kew Palace. Kew Gardens is also a paradise for photographers who wish to capture the natural beauty of London at its best.

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Planning an England trip in 2024? Consider these 16 top places to visit

Feb 26, 2024 • 10 min read

Gracious Bath is an excellent place to immerse yourself in England’s history and beauty © gowithstock / Shutterstock

The story of  England  stretches back more than 5000 years (and likely many more). Which means its impossible to escape the past here.

As you wander its historic urban centers, mysterious monoliths, misty landscapes and rugged  coastlines  and national parks , you’ll discover a country filled with unparalleled places to visit that are are the more compelling thanks to all those who have visited them before.

As you plan a trip to England this year, here’s our list of 16 historic, exciting and all-around fabulous highlights to consider.

1. The Seven Sisters 

While  Dover ’s iconic white cliffs grab the most attention, the colossal chalky walls of the Seven Sisters are a more spectacular affair, a four-mile roller-coaster of sheer white rock stretching along the Sussex shore and overlooking the waters of the English Channel. It forms an impressive southern border to the South Downs National Park , and is most dramatic at the towering headland of Beachy Head . Hikes through the grassy clifftop fields provide wide sea views, breathtaking in every sense.

Local tip:  Stop for a breather at the tiny seaside hamlet of Birling Gap, where the secluded beach is a sun trap popular with locals and walkers.

Oxford  lets visitors feel close to the brilliant minds and august institutions that have made this city famous across the globe. This rarefied world comes to life in the cobbled lanes and ancient quads where cycling students and eccentric academics roam. The beautiful college buildings and stunning architecture have changed little over the centuries, coexisting with a lively, modern, working city. As befits a city of students and professors, Oxford is one of the last bastions of the great British pub, with irresistible old watering holes dotted all over its central lanes and alleyways. 

3. Cambridge

In England’s other great historic university city, Cambridge , you can tour a  college , and spend time marveling at the intricate vaulting of King’s College Chapel . But no trip to Cambridge is complete without an attempt to take a punt (flat-bottomed boat) along the River Cam by the picturesque Backs , the leafy, green lawns behind the city's finest colleges – an experience that offers the best views of the exquisite architecture. Polish off the day with a pint at one of Cambridge’s many rustic pubs. 

In a nation packed with pretty cities, Bath  stands out as the belle of the ball. Founded by the Romans, who established the spa resort of Aquae Sulis to take advantage of the area’s hot springs , Bath hit its stride in the 18th century, when the rich industrialist Ralph Allen and architects John Wood the Elder and John Wood the Younger oversaw the city’s transformation into a model of Georgian architecture at its most refined . Bath is awash with golden stone townhouses, sweeping green crescents and Palladian mansions, along with appealing pubs and restaurants, and you’ll take great pleasure in plunging in. 

5. Hadrian’s Wall

Hadrian’s Wall is one of the country's most dramatic Roman ruins, a 2000-year-old procession of abandoned forts, garrisons, towers and milecastles marching across the wild and lonely landscape of northern England. While the Romans built the fortification to defend and control its territory, this edge-of-empire barrier also symbolized the boundary of civilized order in the ancient world: to the north of the Roman settlement lay the unruly land of the marauding Celts. Near Newcastle  you can visit Segedunum , the wall’s last stronghold, for an insight into life during Roman times.

Planning tip:  Hiking the full 84-mile distance coast to coast along the national trail takes around a week. If you have less time and your own car, you may want to select from a few of the wall's  highlights .

With its Roman and Viking heritage, ancient city walls and maze of cobbled streets, York is a living record of English history. A magnificent circuit of 13th-century walls encloses a medieval spider’s web of “snickelways” (narrow alleys), each one the focus of a ghost story or historical character. At the city’s heart lies the immense, awe-inspiring York Minster , the biggest medieval cathedral in all of northern Europe, and one of the most beautiful Gothic cathedrals in the world. Admire feats of engineering of a more recent vintage at the National Railway Museum , the world’s largest collection of historic locomotives.

York’s long history and rich heritage are woven into virtually every brick and beam, and the modern, tourist-oriented city – with its myriad museums, restaurants, cafes and traditional pubs – is a carefully maintained showcase of that heritage.

Local tip: You’ll find some of the finest views of York from its old city walls, particularly the bucolic section behind the Minster. 

7. The Peak District

Curiously, you won’t find many peaks in the Peak District . You will find blissful miles of tumbling moorland, plunging valleys, eroded gritstone crags, lush farmland and ancient pocket-sized villages. This beautiful landscape attracts a veritable army of outdoor enthusiasts – cyclists, hikers, cavers and rock climbers – on summer weekends, while those seeking more relaxing enjoyment can admire the rural market and famous puddings of Bakewell, the Victorian pavilions of spa-town Buxton, and the architectural drama of Chatsworth House – the “Palace of the Peak.”

8. Brighton

Barely an hour’s train ride from the capital, the seaside city of Brighton has a quirky character that’s completely its own. Overlooking the English Channel on England’s pebbly south coast, this is a city that's long been known for its oddball, alternative character. The warren of streets known as the Lanes is a good place to soak up the vibe, with vegan cafes, espresso bars, chaotic pubs, record stores and bric-a-brac shops. (Browsers will be in heaven at local institution Snooper’s Paradise .) You'll also find the UK ’s biggest queer scene here, and the region’s best small clubs. The highlight for the sightseeing visitor is the Royal Pavilion , a 19th-century party palace built by the Prince Regent, who kicked off Brighton’s love of the outlandish.

9. Stonehenge

Mysterious and compelling, Stonehenge is England’s most famous ancient site . Even though people have been drawn to this myth-laden ring of boulders for more than 5000 years, we still don’t know quite why it was built. An ultramodern makeover at the ancient site has brought an impressive visitor center and the closure of an intrusive road (now restored to grassland). The result is a strong sense of historical context, with dignity and mystery returned to an archaeological gem.

Most visitors gaze at the approximately 25-ton stones from behind the perimeter fence, yet with enough planning, you can arrange an early-morning or evening tour and gain access to the inner ring itself. In the slanting sunlight, away from the crowds, it’s an ethereal place. This is an experience that stays with you.

10. Stratford-upon-Avon

The pretty town of Stratford-upon-Avon is where William Shakespeare was born and later shuffled off this mortal coil. Today, its tight knot of Tudor streets form a living map of Shakespeare’s life. Huge crowds of thespians and theater lovers come to take in a play at the famous Royal Shakespeare Theatre . Bard fans will love visiting the five historic houses owned by Shakespeare and his relatives and  the schoolroom where he was educated, before taking a respectful detour to the old stone church where he was laid to rest.

11. Liverpool

It’s hard not to be infected by Liverpudlians’ love for their hometown. The love endured despite decades of decay and all manner of social ills – finding its expression in a renowned gallows humor and an obsession with football. With some of the most passionate crowds in the country, taking in a game at either Liverpool FC or Everton FC is a rite of passage here.

Outside of the stadium, the rejuvenated waterfront is once again the heart of Liverpool . The focal point is Albert Dock, an iconic docklands flanked by protected buildings, including a batch of top museums. The Merseyside Maritime Museum and the International Slavery Museum ensure the good and bad sides of Liverpool’s history are explored in equal measure, while the Tate Liverpool and the Beatles Story museum celebrate popular culture and the city’s most famous musical sons (still).

12. The Cotswolds

A tangle of impossibly quaint villages of rose-clad cottages and honey-colored stone, The Cotswolds  is a region that spreads over six English counties. It’s a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and its most wonderful quality is that no matter where you go or how lost you get, you’ll still end up in a spot with a charming village green, a pub with sloping floors and fine ales, and a view of the lush green hills. Crisscrossed by long-distance trails including the 102-mile Cotswold Way , these gentle yet dramatic hills are perfect for walking, cycling and horse-riding.

Local tip: It’s easy to leave the crowds behind and find your very own slice of medieval England here – and some of the best boutique hotels in the country.

A little weird, occasionally weather-beaten and all-around wonderful, the classic northern seaside town of Whitby has haunted lanes, fossil-hunting and arguably England’s finest fish-and-chips. The huddle of 18th-century fisher’s cottages along the East Cliff are testament to its longtime role as a busy commercial and fishing port: it was here that 18th-century explorer Captain James Cook earned his sea legs. Atop the West Cliff, a sandy beach, amusement arcades and promenading holidaymakers show Whitby’s beach-resort side.

Keeping a watchful eye over the town and the River Esk that divides it is an atmospheric ruined abbey , the inspiration and setting for part of Bram Stoker’s Gothic horror story Dracula . But tales of witchery and ghostly legends have haunted Whitby ever since Anglo-Saxon St Hilda landed here to found a monastic community in 657 CE.

Planning tip: The town embraces its pseudo-sinister reputation, which culminates in two hugely successful Goth Weekends each year.

14. The Lake District

William Wordsworth and his Romantic friends were the first to champion the charms of the Lake District  – and it's not hard to see what stirred them. Already the UK’s most popular national park, the Lake District also became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2017, in recognition of its long history of hill-farming. But for most people it’s the chance to hike the humpbacked fells and drink in the gorgeous scenery that keeps them returning year after year.

The region is filled with outdoor pursuits, from lake cruises to mountain walks – excursions that help reveal why the region has such deep literary connections. In addition to Wordsworth, writers who found inspiration here include Samuel Taylor Coleridge, Arthur Ransome and Beatrix Potter.

15. The Eden Project

A cross between a lunar landing station and a James Bond villain’s lair, the gigantic hemispherical greenhouses of the Eden Project  have become a symbol of Cornwall ’s renaissance. Built in an abandoned clay pit near St Austell to mark the start of the new millennium, and now considered one of Britain’s modern architectural wonders, the Eden Project aims to explore issues of environment and conservation, and point the way to a cleaner, greener future for us all.

Exhibits cover everything from global warming to rubber production and chocolate-making. The glass-domed “biomes” recreate major world climate systems in microcosm, from the lush jungles of the Amazon rainforest (complete with treetop walkway winding through the canopy) to the olive trees, citrus groves and colorful flowers of the Mediterranean, South Africa and California. It’s incredibly impressive – not to mention educational, and inspiring, too.

Shoulder-deep in history, London ’s rich seams of eye-opening antiquity appear at every turn. The city’s architecture pens a beguiling biography, and a multitude of buildings – the Tower of London , Westminster Abbey , Big Ben – are internationally recognizable landmarks. It’s also a tireless innovator of art and culture, a city of ideas and imagination. This legacy is enshrined at world-class institutions such as the British Museum , Natural History Museum  and the Science Museum , as well as such world-leading art galleries as the  Tate Modern , Tate Britain , the National Gallery  and the recently reopened National Portrait Gallery , all of which are free to visit. 

Local tip:  However you budget your time and money in London, make sure you take in a show. Big names perform on  the West End (London’s equivalent of Broadway), and on the South Bank at the National Theatre  and  the Old Vic . Smaller theaters from the Almeida to the Lyric Hammersmith are places to discover up-an-coming talent.

This article was first published Apr 13, 2021 and updated Feb 26, 2024.

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Top 10 things to do & places to visit in North East England

By: Author Tracy Collins

Posted on Last updated: August 31, 2022

Discover the top 10 places to visit (and things to do) in the North East of England.

Are you planning to visit the North East of England? Or perhaps you live there and are seeking some inspiration and ideas for great days out and things to do in Northumberland and the North East?

In this article you will discover the top 10 things to do and places to visit in the North East of England. Throughout the post you will find lots of practical information as well as links and tips for visiting all these places and the North East in general.

I have included some of the top North East tourist attractions (such as Alnwick Castle and Beamish Museum) as well as free places to visit in North East England.

If you prefer to take a tour we recommend this 5 day ‘Best of Northern England’ tour from Edinburgh which includes popular destinations and landmarks such as Hadrian’s Wall, York and the Lake District. Alternatively, this 9-hour tour from Edinburgh includes Holy Island, Alnwick Castle & Northumbria.

• A little background information about the North East

The North East of England consists of Northumberland, County Durham Tyne and Wear and the area of the former county of Cleveland in North Yorkshire.

You may have heard that people from the North East are called Geordies. However this is NOT strictly true as Geordies are technically those people from Newcastle, Northumberland, North Tyneside, South Tyneside and Gateshead only!

The major cities in the North East are Newcastle upon Tyne, Sunderland and Durham.

Read on to discover some of the great things to do in North East England!

Take a drive along the Northumberland coast

• Visit Hadrian's Wall

Visit Barter Books in Alnwick

Visit bamburgh and alnwick castles, spot puffins on the farne islands, cross the causeway to the holy island of lindisfarne.

• Visit the historic city of Durham

Spot the Angel of the North

Visit beamish living museum, cragside house and gardens, quick guide – north east england, enjoy exploring and discovering the north east of england, top 10 things to do in the north east of england.

In my opinion one of the most beautiful drives you can take in the UK is the Northumberland coastal route . Meander along 30 miles of stunning coastline and picturesque villages north from Alnmouth to Lindisfarne and Alnwick.

The coastal scenery is truly spectacular and in summer the long sunny days are perfect for exploring the castles and beaches.

If you have an interest in history, and castles in particular, you may be interested to know that Northumberland has more castles than any other county in the UK.

Two of my favourites are Bamburgh Castle and Alnwick Castle . Alnwick Castle will be familiar to Harry Potter fans as it features in a couple of the movies as Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry .

Many of the sights you will see as you drive along the Northumberland coastal route are also included in this article because they are great places to visit on a day trip or add to your Northumberland itinerary.

You will drive through some beautiful coastal villages and towns along this route – why not stop off for a few days? Read our location guide plus a selection of the best coastal cottages for your special stay in Northumberland.

Read more | Planning a drive along the Northumberland Coastal Route

Visit Hadrian’s Wall

The history of Hadrian’s Wall

Britain was invaded (and conquered) by the Romans in AD 43.

During their rule which lasted until 410 AD they had a significant impact on life in Britain. They built roads (many routes of which we still use today), brought their religion, ways of counting, their language, built towns (place-names with ‘chester’ ‘caster’ or ‘cester’ are of Roman origin) and established the city of Londinium (amongst many other things)

However one thing they couldn’t manage to sort were the Scots! (Or Caledonians as they were called then) The northern tribes were not welcoming to the Romans and in AD 122 Emperor Hadrian ordered his soldiers to build a wall to protect the Roman Empire from attacks.

That wall was Hadrian’s Wall which runs 80 miles from Wallsend in the North-East and ends west of the village of Bowness-on-Solway in Cumbria. It formed the north-west boundary of the mighty Roman Empire.

The Romans also built forts along the wall where soldiers were stationed to ward off attacks from the Caledonian tribes.

Hadrian’s Wall is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the North-East of England and a famous UK landmark .

What are the various ways to visit Hadrian’s Wall?

There are a number of different options for visitors wishing to see Hadrian’s Wall including the following:

• Walk the route along Hadrian’s Wall Path which runs for 84 miles from coast to coast past Roman settlements and forts. 
• Chesters Roman Fort and Museum
• Housesteads Roman Fort
• Birdoswald Roman Fort
• Corbridge Roman Town
• Roman Vindolanda and Roman Army Museum
• Segedunum Roman Fort and Museum
• Cycle the route along Hadrian’s Cycleway
• Take the AD 122 Hadrian’s Wall Country Bus which runs from March to October.
• You can also take a virtual tour of Hadrian’s Wall

If you love books then a visit to Barter Books in Alnwick is an absolute must!

Barter Books is the largest second hand book shop in the UK. Housed in a beautiful old train station Barter Books will keep any book lover happy for hours (if not days!)

Peruse the stock and enjoy the ambiance. There is a model railway that runs on an elevated track around the shop as well as some interesting murals to also check out.

Read more about visiting Barter Books.

You may also enjoy my selection of books set in (or about) Northumberland which includes fiction and non-fiction selections.

Read more | A visit to Barter Books in Northumberland

You really cannot spend any time in Northumberland without visiting a castle or two (it does have the most castles of any county in the UK – a fact of which I am proud!)

With so many castles to choose from I have picked my favourites.

Bamburgh Castle which you will come across if you are driving the coastal route was the Royal Seat of the Kings of Northumbria. It is one of the largest castles in England and is still inhabited today.

The castle sits on a rocky plateau and can be seen from miles around (the view from Lindisfarne is particularly beautiful) The castle is the perfect destination for history lovers.

Alnwick Castle may be more familiar to Harry Potter fans due to its appearance as Hogwarts in the first 3 films. (The castle also appears in Downton Abbey)

Built during the 11th century Alnwick Castle is home to the 12th Duke of Northumberland.

Along with the Alnwick Garden (formal gardens adjacent to the castle) it receives over 800,000 visitors a year (many are Harry Potter fans on day tours from Edinburgh )

There are lots more beautiful castles to visit all over England – you can read more in my guide to the top 21 (which features quite a few castles located in the North East)

Read more | Bamburgh Castle | Alnwick Castle

Another absolute must in the North East of England along the Northumberland coast is a trip out to the Farne Islands.

The islands (28 in total but visibility depends on the tides) are located off the Northumberland coastal town of Seahouses.

The largest of the islands is Inner Farne . It is here that St Cuthbert spent many years living in solitude.

Today the islands are a wildlife reserve and home to many species of birds including Puffin , Kittiwake, Guillemot and Eider.

The islands are also home to a large colony of grey seals.

The islands of Inner Farne are accessible by boat (weather permitting) from Seahouses – Inner Farne during the months of April to October and Staple Island from May to July.

A landing fee is payable for if you are not a member of the National Trust .

Read more | Boat trips to the Farne Islands

The Holy Island of Lindisfarne is a tidal island located off the coast of Northumberland in North East England.

The island is home to around 200 residents and is a popular tourist destination particularly in the summer. The island is separated from the mainland by a causeway which can only be safely crossed at certain times depending on tides.

The island is called ‘Holy’ because it was one of the centres of early English Christianity. It was the home of St Cuthbert whose remains are now interred at Durham Cathedral.

The famous Lindisfarne Gospels were created around 715 – 720 at the monastery by a monk called Eadfrith. They are a copy of the four Gospels in the form of an illuminated manuscript (a text which is supplemented with decorations and illustrations)

They are now kept at the British Library in London and can be found on display in the Sir John Ritblat Treasure Gallery.

If you plan to include a visit to Holy Island into your Northumberland itinerary make sure to check the tides and plan your trip around those times.

Once you arrive on the island visit the Lindisfarne Priory or take a stroll to the castle for views across to Bamburgh and the Farne Islands.

Read more | A guide to visiting the Holy Island of Lindisfarne

V isit the historic city of Durham

The historic city (and UNESCO World Heritage Site) of Durham with its famous Norman Cathedral and 11th century castle is situated in the county of Durham in the north east of England.

Major attractions in the city include Durham Castle (now occupied by Durham University), Durham University Botanic Garden, and the beautiful Durham Cathedral.

If you are taking a road trip around the UK and plan to visit the city of Durham please note that there is a park-and-ride facility. Parking can be very difficult in the city itself so I would recommend using the park-and-ride.

If you are visiting Durham by train it is a 45 minute walk from the station up the hill to the Cathedral.

Read more | Durham Travel Guide

To be honest you would be hard pressed to miss this huge statue if you are driving along the A1 towards Newcastle. The Angel is also easily seen from the train as you make your way from Durham to Newcastle train stations on the East Coast mainline.

Anthony Gormley’s statue the “Angel of the North” was completed in 1998. The 20 metre tall angel with a 54 metre wingspan dominates the landscape.

According to Gormley the statue “bears witness to the hundreds and thousands of colliery workers who had spent the last 300 years mining coal beneath the surface” (source – AnthonyGormley.com)

As the granddaughter of one of those coal miners I have to say I love the Angel and I always look forward to seeing it every time I visit my birthplace.

Read more | Visiting the Angel of the North

If you want to discover what life was like in the North of England during the 18th and early 19th centuries there really is nowhere better to visit than Beamish Living Museum.

Beamish is probably the best open air museum I have been to anywhere in the world. It tells the story of life in the North East of England during the 1820s, 1900s, 1940s and 1950s.

The 300 acre site features a 1900s town, 1900s pit village, and 1940s farm. A firm favourite for visitors is the town which has a bakery, sweet shop, bank, and garage amongst other shops.

There is a tramway which transports visitors around the site.

Read more  |   Beamish Living Museum

The National Trust property of Cragside House is a Grade 1 listed building located in Rothbury in Northumberland.

Often described as “the wonder of its age” and “the home where modern living began” this Victorian property was the first home in the world to be lit by hydroelectricity.

It was the home of William Armstrong the 1st Baron Armstrong and founder of the Armstrong Whitworth armaments firm. He was a scientist and inventor (hydraulic crane/Armstrong gun) who also turned his attention to home improvements! In a big way.

In addition to the house itself there are the wonderful gardens to explore at Cragside. These include the formal Victorian gardens, a pinetum and a rock garden. Cragside is one of my favourite gardens to visit in North East England.

Click to join the National Trust

 Read more  |  Cragside House and Gardens

• WHAT TO READ – Best books to read before you visit Northumberland

• 🏨 WHERE TO STAY : Click here to find the best accommodation in Northumberland
• 🚐 WHAT TOURS TO BOOK: Click here for recommended tours of the North East
• 🍲 WHAT TO EAT – Stotties, pease pudding, Craster kippers.

• 🚅 PRINCIPLE TRAIN STATIONS – Newcastle and Durham
• 👚 WHAT TO WEAR – The weather can be unpredictable along the coast even in summer so always carry a waterproof jacket (and I recommend an umbrella ☂ )

I am sure after reading this article you will have lots of ideas for day trips. You should also have lots of possibilities to include into an itinerary if you are planning a few days or more in the North East. It is the perfect UK staycation destination.

Check out these travel guides to specific areas of the North East and North of England for further information:

• Northumberland Travel Guide
• Durham Travel Guide
• Newcastle Travel Guide
• York Travel Guide
• Lake District Travel Guide
• Liverpool Travel Guide
• Chester Travel Guide

Want to explore some of England’s other regions ?

Head over to my other area guides to England which include the North West , East Midlands , West Midlands , Yorkshire , South West , South East and East of England .

• Visiting Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland?

Check out my top 19 places to visit in Scotland and top 10 choices to add to your travel itineraries for Wales and Northern Ireland.

If you are visiting the UK (or live in the UK and want to explore more of our beautiful nation) why not join my UK and London Travel Planning group on Facebook?

If you have specific questions about a destination in England why not join my UK and London Travel Planning Group on Facebook where you can chat to others planning their trip.

Find more inspiration for your travels in my England Travel Guide which includes information about what to see, where to stay, how to get around, travel tips, recommended reading and more to make the most of your trip.

10 Best Things to Do in Scarborough, North Yorkshire

Written by Bryan Dearsley Jul 12, 2022

Gracing England's North Sea coast in North Yorkshire, the resort town of Scarborough offers plenty of fun things to do for those seeking a memorable seaside vacation. And you'll be in good company. Come summer, Scarborough's full-time resident population doubles from just over 100,000 to more than 200,000, all of them here for the same thing: fresh air, sun, sea, and sand.

Stretching from South Bay and following Marine Drive to North Bay, Scarborough's waterfront is a charming mix of sandy beaches and dramatic cliff faces interspersed with all the trappings of a traditional English seaside holiday resort.

From a bustling promenade lined with lovely parks and Victoria-era townhomes, numerous world-class attractions, and exciting things to do for family fun and adventure, Scarborough offers something for everyone.

To find out more about these and other tourist attractions, be sure to read through our list of the top things to do in Scarborough, North Yorkshire.

Explore Scarborough Harbour & Old Town

Wander around peasholm park, soak up the sun on scarborough's beaches, climb up to scarborough castle, scarborough fair collection & vintage transport museum, visit a bronte burial ground at st. mary's church, take a stroll through south cliff gardens, historic scarborough spa, get your culture fix at scarborough art gallery, walk the loop along marine drive, a brief history of scarborough, map of things to do in scarborough, north yorkshire.

A self-guided walking tour of historic Scarborough Harbour and Old Town is a great way to kick off your North Yorkshire seaside adventure. Established in the 13th century and located between South Bay Beach and the starting point of Marine Drive, the town's picturesque harbor is fun to explore on foot, featuring level paved surfaces and plenty of great viewpoints.

Have your camera ready for some great photos of the town's colorful fishing boat fleet. Along with numerous small pleasure craft, these vessels are particularly photo-worthy if you frame the walls of Scarborough Castle, perched high above the harbor, in your shot.

Afterwards, pop into any one of the many seafood restaurants lining the harbor area to taste the fresh-caught fish these same boats caught earlier in the day. Popular choices include First Catch , Harbour View Café , and the wonderfully named Winking Willy's .

From the harbor and climbing up the hillside toward the castle, Old Town Scarborough is equally fun to explore. Encompassing an area of well-preserved old homes and structures like Scarborough Market Hall and St. Mary's church, it can be a hilly climb but is well worth it for the superb views over the town.

A self-guided tour option , the Scarborough Old Town Trail, is well worth following to be sure you don't miss anything.

Address: 18 West Pier, Scarborough, North Yorkshire

Official site: www.scarborough.gov.uk/scarborough-harbour/leisure

Widely acclaimed as one of England's top parks and public green spaces, Peasholm Park is another great excuse to put on the old walking shoes and head out for a stroll. Opened in 1912, this oriental-themed park covers 35 acres and is set in a pretty natural ravine to the northwest of the harbor and old town.

Fun things to do in Peasholm Park include renting a rowboat and taking a paddle on the large man-made lake or enjoying one of the fun mock naval battles that model boat enthusiasts have staged here regularly for over 80 years.

Other notable features include a tree walk experience; a putting green; and pretty gardens with Japanese-style ornaments, a pagoda, and bridge. There's also a pleasant wooded area to wander, which features trails and a waterfall.

Address: Northstead Manor Drive and Columbus Ravine, Scarborough, North Yorkshire

Official site: https://peasholmpark.com

Scarborough owes much of its popularity as Northern England's top seaside resort to its excellent beaches. South Bay Beach is usually where families tend to congregate due to its location adjacent to Scarborough Harbour.

Sandy, safe, and boasting lifeguard services that add a further level of security for parents, South Bay consists of a long, wide stretch of sand that's perfect for playing and swimming. It's also popular for its proximity to a wide promenade featuring an array of amenities, including food and beverage vendors, numerous attractions and amusement arcades, as well as those classic seaside donkey rides.

Tucked away on the north side of town and accessible by public transit or a drive or walk along Marine Parade, North Bay Beach is usually the quieter of the two Scarborough beaches. In addition to its sandy shores, great swimming and sunbathing, and stunning North Sea scenery, it's a popular spot for surfers and windsurfers.

While dogs are not permitted on these two beaches in the summer months, they are allowed to visit during the shoulder months.

Address: Foreshore Road, Scarborough, North Yorkshire

Perched high above the Old Town, Scarborough Castle is a must-visit attraction. Built in the 1100s and boasting commanding views over both South and North Bays, much of it is now ruins due to its having endured five sieges in its history. The most recent, during the English Civil War, was when much of the damage was done.

Highlights of a visit include the opportunity to explore the old gatehouse, which has survived largely intact, as well as walking the battlements of this impressive 16-acre site while admiring the views. You'll also see a medieval chapel, as well as learn about the even earlier Iron Age and Roman settlements that once occupied this strategic spot.

Audio tours are included with admission, as is access to the interesting exhibits housed in the Master Gunner's House. You'll also have a chance to learn more about archaeological digs on the site, as well as see retrieved artifacts, including ancient tools, pottery, and weapons. A café is located on the premises, along with a gift shop.

Address: Castle Road, Scarborough, North Yorkshire

Official site: www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/scarborough-castle/

Although immortalized by the classic English traditional folk song, and later by the duo Simon and Garfunkel , Scarborough Fair as a medieval festival sadly no longer exists. However, visitors can get a taste of the old fairs that were once so common across England at the fun Scarborough Fair Collection.

Established as a private collection in the 1980s, this popular attraction has expanded over the decades to include all things related to traditional country fun fairs. It's the largest collection of its kind in the UK. Highlights include a large number of mechanical organs that are often put through their paces, steam traction engines, as well as vintage vehicles.

The stars, though, are the vintage fairground rides. These include everything from 19th-century carousels, historic caterpillar rides from the 1920s, and classic waltzers. For a special treat, book one of the museum's fun afternoon tea experiences, which include dancing to the accompaniment of a historic old theater organ.

Address: Flower of May Holiday Park, Stone Pit Lane, Scarborough, North Yorkshire

Official site: www.scarboroughfaircollection.com

Built in 1150 and just a cannonball shot away from Scarborough Castle, the Church of St. Mary's surely must rank as one of the prettiest and most historically significant churches in Yorkshire. The church's history has long been entwined with that of the neighboring castle. Located just five minutes' walk up Castle Road, these two structures were built at the same period in history (possibly by even the same stonemasons), and each housed an opposing side in the English Civil War.

That war, in fact, saw parts of the church, which housed the Parliamentarians, and much of the castle (the Royalists) destroyed as cannonballs and musket shots poured from one to the other for six months. A visit today will reveal signs of the damage caused in the conflict and again later in WWII. Its rich history is portrayed in useful displays around the property.

Be sure to also spend time exploring the church's graveyard, part of which is situated across the road and nearer the castle. Here, you'll see the gravestone of Anne Bronte, younger sister to the writer Charlotte Bronte. Anne died in Scarborough, aged just 29, and was buried in the churchyard after losing a battle to consumption in 1849.

And if you see the sign outside saying "Refreshments Now Being Served," pop in for some delicious homemade cake and a cup of tea or coffee.

Official site: www.stmaryswithholyapostles.com

Walk south from Scarborough Harbour for a few minutes, and you'll find yourself in South Cliff Gardens. This multiuse green space covers an impressive 350-acre site, preserving its mix of coastal woodlands, wild grass, and manicured gardens for locals and visitors alike to enjoy.

The cliffside park features incredible views over the North Sea and the Scarborough coastline, with a network of fun pathways that zigzag down to the waterfront. Here, a superb coastal trail, Cleveland Way , links the Holbeck Hill neighborhood with South Bay Beach. Along the way, you'll pass lovely formal gardens, such as the Italian Gardens and Rose Garden ; spot coastal wildlife; and enjoy a quiet side of Scarborough.

Other notable features of South Cliff Gardens include a Victorian-era cliff lift, a unique pedestrian bridge, a putting green, and the unique Star Map . The largest of its kind in Britain, this unique structure portrays a map of the 42 brightest circumpolar stars viewable in Scarborough.

Address: South Cliff Roundabout, Scarborough, North Yorkshire

Official site: www.southcliffgardens.co.uk

Located at the northern edge of South Cliff Gardens, Scarborough Spa opened in the mid 1700s and soon gained a reputation for their curative effects. The modest saloon that sprang up to serve guests soon after became the focus for most visitors, evolving over the decades into one of Scarborough's most important venues for conferences and concerts.

While the spa's waters are no longer a thing, its legacy as a place of entertainment and relaxation lives on. In addition to pop and rock concerts, it boasts the unique distinction of being home to England's last remaining professional seaside orchestra, with performances suitable for adults and kids.

Location: South Street, Scarborough, North Yorkshire

Official site: www.scarboroughspa.co.uk

Established in 1947, Scarborough Art Gallery is set in an attractive old 1800s townhome in a quiet crescent that's easy to get to from the town's train station and waterfront. Highlights of a visit include exploring the town's large permanent collection of artworks, as well as regular temporary exhibits from across the UK and worldwide. A great little café is located on the premises.

The municipality also runs the Rotunda , a museum dedicated to Scarborough's coastal heritage. One of England's first purpose-built museums, Rotunda opened in 1829 and features a large collection of artifacts and information relating to Scarborough's rich natural and human history.

Address: The Crescent, Scarborough, North Yorkshire

Official site: https://scarboroughmuseumsandgalleries.org.uk/visit/scarborough-art-gallery/

Stretching for five miles from Scarborough Harbour around the headland to North Bay Beach, Marine Drive makes for an excellent way to spend a couple of hours while getting some exercise. This level looping trail starts at the attractive old Toll House and follows the coast northward around the Castle headland. Along the way, you'll have plenty of opportunity to spot marine life, including seals and dolphins, as well as noisy nesting seabirds such as Kittiwakes in the limestone cliffs above.

Part of the England Coastal Path , it was constructed in the early 1900s to serve both as a seawall and a scenic coastal path. You can also make use of Marine Drive as an alternative route to climb up to Scarborough Castle and St. Mary's Church. Though steep in places as you climb up through pretty Royal Albert Gardens , there are plenty of benches along the way that are perfect for a rest and some scenery gazing.

While Scarborough's clifftops were used by the Romans 2,000 years ago as a signal station to warn against attacks from the sea, it's believed that it was the Vikings who established the first permanent settlement here around 966 CE. The city faced a turbulent history in the following centuries and was almost completely destroyed in the English Civil War of the mid-17th century, and even shelled by the German navy in WWI.

While the scars of this sometimes violent past can still be seen in places like Scarborough Castle and neighboring St. Mary's Church, a visit today fortunately reveals an altogether calmer seaside experience.

More on England

• Places to Visit

North East England

Visit North East England to discover some of our country’s real gems – both hidden and sparkling in the spotlight. The counties of South Yorkshire, West Yorkshire, North Yorkshire and East Riding of Yorkshire all have their own delights to offer, including Leeds, York, Scarborough and Beverley. As you travel further north, you can discover majestic Durham and its famous Durham Cathedral, cosmopolitan yet historic Tyne and Wear with Newcastle and Gateshead, and picture-perfect Northumberland with its castle-lined coastline. Read all about the best things to do in North East England, no matter what type of visit you’re looking for.

In this section

Explore North East England

North East England is where the country’s true beauty shines – from historic York and Durham to culture-filled Newcastle and Leeds, via the family- and surfer-friendly beach towns of Scarborough and Tynemouth, discover the best things to do in north east England.

East Yorkshire

Vales of open farmland and estuaries lined with forts and suspension bridges are all hallmarks of this beautiful East Yorkshire county. Discover the best things to do in East Riding of Yorkshire.

Alive with the spirit of urban redevelopment and grandiose Victorian architecture, Leeds mixes the classic and contemporary like no other city, making it the perfect destination for a cultural fix.

Criss-cross illuminated footbridges between rejuvenated quaysides, get acquainted with Tyneside history at local museums and galleries and cheer on the much-loved Magpies football team.

North York Moors

Rights-of-way footpaths cut across heather coated heathland, ridges and North Sea cliff edges in the North York Moors. Follow dinosaur footprints to the Jurassic bays of the Heritage Coast.

North Yorkshire

Visit North Yorkshire to enjoy long, scenic walks across Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors to castles and abbey ruins that frame the landscape. Find things to do and places to visit in North Yorkshire.

South Yorkshire

You'll find jaw-dropping scenery, cities steeped in industrial heritage and hidden market towns in equal measures in South Yorkshire. Discover glasshouse gardens, art galleries and cathedral chapels.

West Yorkshire

The northern county of West Yorkshire offers vibrant cities, industrial heritage and pretty Pennine villages in equal doses. Here is our guide to the very best things to do in West Yorkshire.

Visit Yorkshire to explore industrial heritage cities, quaint medieval market towns and charming beaches, all surrounded by the jaw-dropping scenery of the Yorkshire Dales. Find things to do in Yorkshire.

Durham's fairy-tale, turreted castle and grand Norman cathedral have the words 'World Heritage Site' written all over them. Find out more about things to do in Durham and start planning your visit.

Northumberland

Historical sites to take you back through time, vast landscapes to explore and wildlife to make you go ‘aw’. Visit Northumberland to discover a truly special place! Here are the best things to do in Northumberland.

Scarborough

Take a boat trip off shore to meet seal colonies, surf in the North Sea or chug through the North York Moors on a traditional steam train. There's plenty to do in Scarborough.

Tyne and Wear

This north east county is brimming with cultural quayside cities and sandy North Sea beaches that bring surfers flocking. From Tynemouth to Sunderland, discover the most exciting things to do in Tyne and Wear.

A grand gothic cathedral, Viking heritage and Roman city walls. York is quite literally steeped in history. This North Yorkshire city can be seen from every angle.

Yorkshire Dales

With its patchwork green valleys, craggy cliff faces and farmland laced with limestone walls, it’s little wonder that the Yorkshire Dales National Park is a film star in its own right.

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Days out in the North East

Use our North East days out guide to find a family day out, fun things to do with the kids , day trips for couples or a place to visit this weekend.

Click a button below to select an area :-

County Durham things to do Northumberland things to do Tyne and Wear things to do All

Offers & tickets for things to do in the North East :-

• Family & Kids Things To Do in the North East - Save up to 60%
• Adults & Couples Days Out - Save up to 50%
• Afternoon Tea for Two - Save up to 40%
• Go Ape - Forest Segway, Tree Top Adventure and Tree Top Junior
• Hot Air Balloon Flights - Over 100 launch sites available

View more cheap deals in the North East

County Durham attractions :-

• Auckland Castle - Bishop Auckland
• DLI Museum and Durham Art Gallery - Aykley Heads
• Crook Hall and Gardens - Sidegate, Durham
• Durham Cathedral - Durham
• Durham University Botanic Garden - Durham City
• Egglestone Abbey - Barnard Castle
• Hall Hill Farm - Lanchester
• Hartlepool's Maritime Experience - Hartlepool
• Head of Steam - Darlington Railway Museum - Darlington
• Heugh Battery Museum - Hartlepool
• Killhope - The North of England Lead Mining Museum - Upper Weardale
• Oriental Museum - Durham
• The Bowes Museum - Barnard Castle
• Tweddle Children's Animal Farm - Blackhall Colliery
• Weardale Museum and High House Chapel - Ireshopeburn, Bishop Auckland

View all in County Durham

Northumberland places to visit :-

• Alnwick Castle - Alnwick
• Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens - Belsay, Nr Morpeth
• Castle Mania Indoor Adventure Play - Amble
• Cherryburn - Mickley, Stocksfield
• Chesters Roman Fort and Museum - Chollerford, Hexham
• Conundrum Farm - Berwick upon Tweed
• Cragside - Rothbury, Morpeth
• Eshott Heugh Animal Park - Morpeth
• Hexham Abbey - Hexham
• Housesteads Roman Fort - Hexham
• Howick Hall Gardens - Alnwick
• Kielder Water Bird of Prey Centre - Kielder, Hexham
• The Sanctuary Wildlife Care Centre - Morpeth
• Wallington - Cambo, Morpeth
• Warkworth Castle and Hermitage - Warkworth

View all in Northumberland

Tyne and Wear attractions :-

• Arbeia Roman Fort and Museum - South Shields
• Blue Reef Aquarium Tynemouth - Tynemouth
• Discovery Museum - Newcastle upon Tyne
• Down at the Farm - Houghton Le Spring
• Great North Museum: Hancock - Newcastle upon Tyne
• Laing Art Gallery - Newcastle upon Tyne
• Mister Twisters Gateshead - Gateshead, Wardley
• Parklands Mini Golf - High Gosforth Park, Newcastle upon Tyne
• Ryhope Engines Museum - Ryhope, Sunderland
• Segedunum Roman Fort, Baths and Museum - Wallsend
• Seven Stories - Newcastle upon Tyne
• Souter Lighthouse and The Leas - Whitburn, Sunderland
• Sunderland Museum and Winter Gardens - Sunderland
• Tanfield Railway - Gateshead
• Tynemouth Priory and Castle - Tynemouth

View all in Tyne and Wear