The North of England has some hidden treasures and is where all the writers of this blog come from.
To be honest there are certainly a lot of places that you really don’t need to visit in the North but the list below is ones you certainly should if given the opportunity.
There are also some iconic landmarks you could visit in addition to this list of places. The main ones would be Hadrian’s Wall, built in AD 122 stretching across Northern England. The Angel of North, a sculpture by artist Antony Gormley, sitting proudly in Gateshead. Blackpool Tower, England’s equivalent of the Eiffel Tower I guess, but don’t get your hopes up folks.
Let’s crack on with our list of the best places to visit in the north of England.
1. York
I really think York is one of the most underrated cities in the country and certainly the best in the top part of the north. The main draw of people is the amazing York Minster, a stunning Gothic cathedral that takes over the skyline. You are able to climb to the top (275 steps) and look out over York with panoramic views.
Strolling through the cobbled streets of York, you’ll see lots of medieval architecture of the Shambles, a narrow and winding street lined with timber-framed buildings. Normally this street is very busy but if you get a chance worth taking a pic for the Gram.
You also have the River Ouse following through parts of the city and can find many walks that will be picturesque as well as generally enjoyable taking in views and historical landmarks of this great city.
As you’ve guessed by now, York is a nod to the history books. So if you really want to immerse yourself further you can dig deeper into its Roman history and Viking heritage. There are many museums and sites to visit, The Jorvik Viking Centre being one or the York Castle Museum. Other Museums include the National Railway Museum – where you can learn about the history of trains from steam to electric.
2. Lake District
Nestled in the northwest of England, the Lake District is probably the best place in the North for breathtaking scenery and natural beauty. This place is a get away for locals all around the UK because it really is that beautiful. You have over fifteen stunning lakes which include Windermere and Ullswater.
You also have rich woodlands, rolling hills and towering mountains. Also home to England’s highest point ‘Scafell Pike’. Which is part of the famous 3 Peaks challenge across England, Scotland and Wales.
So if you like hiking and amazing scenery then it’s a one you have to go to. As you can imagine in and around the Lake District there are many places to drink and eat, from classic English pubs to Michelin starred restaurants.
I would urge you to go on google images and put in ‘lake district’ as the images that come up just about do it justice and hopefully make you want to visit.
3. Manchester
Having lived in Manchester for 6 years it does hold a special place in my heart. Having said that, since I’ve left it has gotten even better with the further development of the city centre, Salford Quays and the emergence of Manchester City in the last 10 years or so.
I think Manchester is probably only second to London in terms of offering in the UK. You have famous football teams and many different areas that can be totally different to others in the same City.
The development in the city is crazy, an apartment block I used to live in, and was a standout in the skyline. It is now hardly visible with the new buildings and homes that have gone up and improved the area 10-fold.
Areas of interest for a night out has to be the Northern Quarter with something for everyone. If you want to escape the City vibes, then I would say travel to Sale or even Altrincham which are easily accessible by the Metro.
Salford Quays is a beautiful place to visit on a sunny day, so many places to eat and drink and even walk next to the river.
4. Liverpool
Probably best known as the birthplace of The Beatles and the very distinct accent. Liverpool certainly has something about it and like Manchester has been highly developed in the last few years.
Liverpool, a city with a maritime heartbeat and a storied cultural legacy, stands proudly on the northwest coast of England. With the city’s waterfront being a World Heritage site. You also have the Royal Liver Building along with the Port of Liverpool Building which is a great backdrop to the River Mersey.
Touching on The Beatles again, you can’t really go too far within the City centre without seeing references or places talking about The Beatles or just the rich music history here. A trip to The Beatles Story Museum is well recommended.
You can also check out Albert Docks, a well known complex on the waterfront. You’ll find many museums here including the one mentioned above, along with Tate Liverpool, the Merseyside Maritime Museum.
The nightlife in the city is vast and I would say to do a night out there, if only to see how the Liverpudlians party. A must visit is the Cavern Club, where they normally have live music on and the venue itself is an old warehouse cellar – so has a very quirky feel and look.
You can also check out Liverpool Cathedral or even Liverpool, Everton stadiums which are separated by just a park and can be walked from one to another in 15 mins.
5. The Peak District
Situated in the heart of England, the Peak District is a breathtaking national park known for its different landscapes, pretty villages, and outdoor adventures. Spread across parts of Derbyshire, Cheshire, Staffordshire, and Yorkshire, the Peak District offers a stunning mix of rolling hills, rugged moorlands, and deep dales. The iconic gritstone edges, such as Stanage Edge and Curbar Edge, attract rock climbers and hikers, providing both challenging ascents and panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
In addition to its natural beauty, the park is dotted with charming market towns like Bakewell and Castleton, each with their own character and historic attractions, certainly worth checking out.
6. Newcastle upon Tyne
Newcastle upon Tyne, often simply referred to as Newcastle, is the last major city before you end up in Scotland. Nestled on the northern bank of the River Tyne, the city is characterised by the distinctive architecture of the Tyne Bridge, connecting Newcastle with Gateshead (chance to kill two birds with one stone by seeing the Angel of the North).
Home to two major universities, Newcastle is known for its youthful energy and dynamic nightlife. The city’s historic heart is marked by Grey Street, lined with elegant Georgian buildings and leading to the neoclassical Theatre Royal. St. Nicholas’ Cathedral and Newcastle Castle stand as testaments to the city’s medieval heritage.
Sports fans flock to St James’ Park, home to Newcastle United Football Club, creating a passionate and football-loving community and one of the best atmospheres around when St James is buzzing with a big match.
7. Leeds
Leeds, is a major city in West Yorkshire. Known as a major financial and cultural hub in the United Kingdom. Known for its industrial past, Leeds has transformed into a vibrant metropolis with a thriving economy, diverse population, and a rich cultural scene.
The city’s skyline is marked by a mix of historic and contemporary architecture, including landmarks like the Leeds Town Hall and the modern Trinity Leeds shopping center. The Leeds City Museum and the Royal Armouries Museum offer insights into the city’s history, while the Leeds Art Gallery showcases a diverse collection of artworks spanning centuries.
Like Newcastle, Leeds is a university city. Leeds has lots to offer visitors particularly in areas like Headingley and Hyde Park, where students contribute to the lively atmosphere. The Leeds Kirkgate Market, one of the largest covered markets in Europe, is a hub for food, fashion, and local produce.
8. Sheffield
Nestled in the South Yorkshire hills, Sheffield is a city celebrated for its industrial history, innovative spirit, and once a leading steel-producing city during the Industrial Revolution.
Sheffield has evolved into a diverse and dynamic metropolis. The cityscape is characterised by a blend of historic architecture, including the iconic Cutlers’ Hall, and modern developments like the Winter Garden, one of the largest temperate glasshouses in the UK and well worth a visit.
Sheffield’s cultural scene thrives in venues like the Millennium Gallery, where contemporary art exhibitions and interactive displays showcase the city’s creative pulse.
Surrounded by stunning landscapes, Sheffield is known as the “Outdoor City” for its proximity to the Peak District National Park. The city’s green spaces, including the Sheffield Botanical Gardens and the Peace Gardens, provide peaceful retreats within the urban environment.
Sheffield’s vibrant music scene, fueled by venues like the Leadmill and festivals such as Tramlines, reflects the city’s youthful and eclectic spirit. As a hub for education with the University of Sheffield and Sheffield Hallam University, the city attracts a diverse community.