Following last year’s sit-com ‘The Trip’, many of us have been inspired to plan our own tours of the north of England. From cosmopolitan cities to historic monuments and idyllic scenery, the north of England is a hugely diverse region just waiting to be explored.
To start off the tour, what better location could there be than Manchester? In recent years Manchester has transformed itself into a vibrant and diverse city, capable of rivalling any other in Europe.
As well as the vast array of designer shops, chic cafes and world-class restaurants, visitors are often impressed by the city's cultural highlights; such as the People's History Museum, the Museum of Science and Industry, and the John Rylands Library (a marvellous Victorian gothic building which houses a superb collection of rare books and manuscripts).
When in Manchester, it’s impossible to avoid the city's most treasured residents, Manchester United. Arguably the biggest football club in the world, no trip to Manchester is complete without a tour of Old Trafford stadium. Hotels in Manchester provide the perfect accommodation to enjoy the city; with many located in the centre, getting around this brilliant city couldn't be easier.
From Manchester we head west to visit another famous city, Liverpool. Named the European Capital of Culture three years ago, Liverpool is a city of famously friendly locals who are proud of their city's history. Whilst visitors could spend days and days exploring the impressive architecture, museums, shops, and cathedrals, its most unique feature is the incredible waterfront.
The river Mersey has influenced the development and growth of Liverpool for hundreds of years. Over the course of the 18th and 19th Centuries, Liverpool was one of the world’s largest trade centres, with its Albert Dock and Stanley Docks teeming with valuable cargo such as tea, silk, tobacco and cotton. These days, the two docks are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site that stretches along Liverpool's waterfront. This fantastic, historically rich area can be explored on foot, or by ferry to catch some of the city's most spectacular views.
After being amongst the hustle and bustle of the inner city, there is no better way to relax than to escape to the countryside, and if there is a single region in Britain that allows visitors to get back to nature and explore beautiful landscapes, then it is Yorkshire.
The North York Moors and the Yorkshire Dales National Parks are two of the most scenic locations in England. Their rolling hills, valleys, ravines, peaks and rivers attract and inspire visitors from all over the world. The two parks are favourites among keen hikers and wildlife lovers, as they are inhabited by many unique creatures and indigenous plant life.
Yorkshire's history is just as diverse as its natural beauty. The area was at the heart of many significant periods throughout Britain's history and as a result, the countryside is peppered with castles, historic houses and abbeys. The walled city of York is not to be missed, with grand architecture at every turn, beautiful gardens and the river Ouse flowing through it, York is one of the most splendid and romantic locations in Britain.
Roughly 70 miles north of York, we reach our final location, Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Known for its endearing regional accent, Geordie culture and fantastic nightlife, Newcastle is one of the fastest growing tourist destinations and has become known as the stag and hen night capital of England.
This modern city is full of things to do, from galleries to theatres, and has some of the best pubs in the country, perfect for savouring a pint of local ale. There are also lots of activities to do outside the city. Whilst we can't promise you a sun-kissed tan, if the sun does shine, then Whitley Bay's golden sandy beaches provide the perfect setting to relax, whilst keen historians and walking enthusiasts can travel back thousands of years and trek alongside Hadrian's Wall.
So why not jump in your car this summer and set off on your own tour of the north of England; you won’t be disappointed.
