England is synonymous with natural beauty and charming towns, especially as you journey north. Just as the accent changes every few miles, so does the spirit of the country and there’s always more to explore.
From rugged coastlines to local delicacies to cultural hotspots, we’ve picked out a route from Liverpool on the west coast of England to Northumberland in the east which showcases the incredible diversity, natural attractions and pride of the North.
West coast starting point: Liverpool
Situated on the bank of the River Mersey on England’s west coast, Eurovision put the spotlight on Liverpool’s rich musical heritage in 2023. The former European City of Culture has a rich and varied history – from its importance in the ship building trade to the dominance of its football team and the birthplace of The Beatles, there’s a lot going on.
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Liverpool is a UNESCO City of Music and much of that has to do with four influential musicians. If you missed Paul McCartney’s recent tour of Australia, you can learn all about him and his bandmates in many ways – through a walking tour, at the Beatles Museum, or by visiting the famous Cavern Club where it all started.
As well as music, Liverpool is a football-mad city. Fans are divided by red or blue, but it’s Liverpool who have had the upper hand over Everton throughout most of their histories. The English Premier League season runs from August to May if you want to watch a game live, with the Women’s Super League running from October to May, while there’s plenty for fans to do in the off-season too, including tours of Anfield stadium. If you want more thrills and incredible city views, climb to the top of the Main Stand roof of the stadium and then descend down on an Anfield Abseil experience.
Next stop: Manchester
Less than an hour away by car from Liverpool, or around 40 minutes by train, sits another footballing powerhouse of the North: Manchester. While the Sky Blues of Manchester City are riding high at the moment, it’s traditionally been Manchester United that has had the fiercer rivalry with Liverpool. Like with Anfield, stadium tours of the Etihad and Old Trafford are available. The city is also home to the highly interactive National Football Museum, while Manchester Taxi Tours delve into the city’s sporting heritage.
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There are a few foods that the English take very seriously: roast dinners, scones and cheese high among them. While the South West of England is the epicentre for scones, the North West is where you’ll find the best dairy products. Join the Manchester Cheese Crawl to find out exactly what makes the local products so special. The city is also home to a thriving craft beer scene, which is celebrated at the Manchester Craft Beer Festival in July.
For a cultural fix, the city’s Northern Quarter houses an array of vintage stores and quirky bars, with its streets a canvas for budding artists. Street art tours run regularly, while Afflecks caters for all of your indie shopping needs. Stop off to admire works at the Lowry gallery or explore Aviva Studios, the city’s eye-catching new cultural hub and home of the Factory Manchester.
Venture north to the Lake District
Around 90 minutes north of Manchester by car is the Lake District National Park. It’s England’s most mountainous area and is home to the country’s highest point, Scafell Peak, as well as 16 lakes, including the country’s biggest, Lake Windermere.
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You’ll find countless experiences to fill your holiday itinerary in the Lake District with loads of ways to explore. Book a boating trip on Lake Windermere, walk the Catbells Lakeland Trail, visit one of the many attractions dedicated to Beatrix Potter or go to one of the many castles in the region. You can also buy self-guided tours that show you some of the Lake District’s hidden gems, allowing you to explore at your own pace. For an integration of art and nature, take a Deep Time tour that spans 60 kilometres of the Cumberland coastline which includes embedded artworks all along the way.
There’s plenty of outdoor adventure to be found here too, from sailing and paddleboarding to packrafting the length of its longest lakes. Wild swimming is possible in most of the waters, or embrace the thrills of canyoning and stay closer to the shore.
Explore the east coast vibes of Newcastle-upon-Tyne
After crossing the Pennines, a mountain range that runs from the Midlands up towards the Scottish border, head to the coastal city of Newcastle – a journey taking just over two hours by car or train.
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If you thought Liverpool and Manchester were football-mad, wait until you see Newcastle. This one-club city is in a black and white fever right now. As with the other teams, stadium tours are available on non-matchdays, as well as a rooftop top which involves scaling the stadium for spectacular city views.
As the city’s name implies, there’s a castle you can visit. Originally a wooden Roman fort, it has a rich history and was once known as the worst jail in England. To sample the city’s industrial heritage, head underground to tour the subterranean Victorian Tunnel, bringing the 19th century to life. From Newcastle, you can also wander parts of Hadrian’s Wall, a defensive measure built by the Romans to protect the frontiers of their empire.
If you want to enjoy the best dining options but are not sure where to start, join a Newcastle food tour. These will take you round the markets, past the best restaurants in the Quayside and also highlight some of the under-the-radar spots to grab a bite to eat. Alternatively, you can head to Grainger Market to sample delectable street food from all over the world.
Heading up the coast beyond Newcastle
Newcastle is a natural stopping off point for many, but it’s worth carrying on up the coast.
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Venturing slightly inland and around an hour to the north west of Newcastle by car, Kielder Water and Forest Park is a natural playground packed with heaps of outdoor adventure. Alongside hiking and biking trails, paddleboarding and kayaking, this remote area within the beauty of Northumberland National Park is great for stargazing too, especially when staring skywards from the Kielder Observatory. As part of the largest Dark Sky Park in the UK, a festival celebrates the region’s astronomic delights every February.
Head back east towards the coast and you’ll discover the market town of Alnwick. Its castle featured as Hogwarts in the early Harry Potter films, so where better to grab your broomstick and embark on a magical journey?
To the north, and around 30 minutes along the coast by car, the obvious stopping point is Bamburgh. In 2023, Bamburgh won multiple awards as the best seaside destination in the UK. As with most seaside towns, it pays to have a quick cafe break for a tea and cake. These towns also tend to have some of the most underrated seafood restaurants. Bamburgh’s Creel & Reel Seafood Trailer offers food so fresh they don’t have a set menu. For high quality fish and chips, also consider heading to The Potter Lobster and The Castle Inn.
Once you’ve made it to Bamburgh, you’re only half an hour from the Scottish border, where there’s plenty more to explore. If you’re keen to venture further, there’s always the South West.
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