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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’s no shortage of epic views to be found. 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 hunting for history in places like York and Harrogate. This guide rounds up all my favourite places to explore – along with recommendations from travel bloggers and locals (plus some great insider tips). Enjoy…
8 Cities to Visit in Northern 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…
1. York
York is one of Northern England’s most popular cities: a small but mighty city in Yorkshire that has a rich cultural heritage. Think historic architecture and lots of beautiful buildings. At the same time, it’s also a vibrant, lively city with two universities.
There are loads of great things to do in York. Walk the city’s medieval walls (the longest in England), then take a trip to the iconic York Minster. You can even climb the Minster tower for some of the best views in town. Don’t miss a trip to The Shambles, a cluttered pedestrian shopping street said to have inspired Diagon Alley from the Harry Potter series. It’s lined with unique shops with overhanging first floors.
RECOMMENDED TOUR: York City Chronicles – History walking tour (from £11.50pp)
2. Liverpool
Recommended by: Caroline and Neil, CK Travels
Liverpool isn’t just about football or The Beatles! The UK’s 5th biggest city is a seamless mix of hipster hangouts and heritage precincts. Several of the historic areas around Liverpool’s waterfront have UNESCO World Heritage Status: among them are the Royal Albert Dock Area and picturesque, cobbled William Brown Street.
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 was once at the heart of the UK’s industrial revolution. But the city 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”.
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.
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 the funky Millennium Bridge for a view of the the futuristic The Glasshouse International Centre for Music, 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
5. Leeds
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, full of fresh produce and food stalls. The beautiful Victoria Arcade and Corn Exchange shopping centres are perfect for buying something special – or simply admiring the architecture.
Leeds also has a lot to offer culture fans. 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
Although not as well-known as the other cities in the region, Durham is well worth a visit. The capital of County Durham is a small, pretty city with loads to keep visitors busy.
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 is well worth the steep climb for some of the best views in the city.
Top Tip: Durham is one of the few places where you can actually stay in a CASTLE! Durham Castle is part of the university’s accommodation, and during school holidays, you can stay in the rooms for surprisingly affordable rates!
RECOMMENDED TOUR: Durham Walking Tour and Tales of Crime and Punishment – from £25pp
7. Hull
Recommended by: Amy, the Travel Fairies
Hull is a perfect blend of city and countryside. Named the UK City of Culture in 2017, it’s 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.
There are several excellent museums around the city, such as the Streetlife Museum of Transport, the Maritime Museum, 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.
8. Sheffield
Another formerly industrial city, Sheffield is a great spot for easy access to the nearby Peak District – and plenty of fun city life. 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 recognised street artists in and around the city streets. Throw in a rich foodie scene and great nightlife – especially around the popular West Street area – and you have plenty of reasons to visit Sheffield!
RECOMMENDED TOUR: Self-Guided City Sightseeing Treasure Hunt – from £9.99pp
22 Places to Visit in the North of England
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. The largest is Lake Windermere, a great spot for boat trips, kayaking, and hiking. 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.
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. Emperor Hadrian had this 73-mile-long wall built in 122 AD to defend the Roman province of Britannia from the barbarians.
It crosses virtually the whole width 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.
Top Tip: 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 Brontës moved to Haworth in 1820 when their father became the parish priest at Haworth church.
Their former home is now the Brontë Parsonage Museu, 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.
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 small coastal towns like Staithes or Robin Hood’s Bay, or any of the postcard-perfect quaint villages dotted throughout the countryside. 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.
RECOMMENDED TOUR: Day Trip to Whitby and The North York Moors from York – from £59pp
5. Durham Heritage Coast
The Durham Heritage Coast 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. The town was once home to Bram Stoker, who drew a ton of inspiration for his 19th-century classic novel ‘Dracula’ here. To fully appreciate the charm of Whitby, make your way to West Cliff Beach, which is lined with colourful beach huts.
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.
Top Tip: 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. The area is filled with 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 a well-kept spa town that thrived during Victorian days, when wealthy elites flocked to the illustrious spas for their healing purposes. Although many of them have since closed, the Turkish Baths still operate today. You can also 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. 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, Harrogate is also home to 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 are famous for stunning scenery and fantastic hiking opportunities, including the ‘Yorkshire Three Peaks’ of Ingleborough, Pen y Ghent, and Whernside.
There’s a lot to do here: 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 and Skipton Castle, or try your hand at traditional country crafts at the Dales Countryside Museum in Hawes. Don’t miss a drink at Britain’s highest pub, the Tan Hill Inn.
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
The Northumberland Coast AONB boasts 40 miles of sweeping coastline, dotted with stunning castles and charming villages. Starting from Berwick Upon Tweed and stretching up to Cresswell, the Northumberland coast offers some of England’s finest coastal walking routes.
Bird watchers should head to the Farne Islands (a bird reserve consisting of 15-20 tidal islands) or Coquet islands (a small island located 1.2km 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.
Blackpool is a very traditional seaside town. You’ll find fantastic fish and chips, plenty of two-penny slot machines and not just one but three piers. Don’t miss Blackpool Pleasure Beach, which has some thrilling rollercoasters. Visit between early September and early November to see the famous Blackpool Illuminations, made up of over one million lightbulbs!
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 northeastern 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.
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 and tranquil protected landscapes. 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.
Helmsley Castle, Rievaulx Abbey and Helmsley Walled Gardens are some of the most popular attractions. There are also award-winning boutique shops, a microbrewery, and a centre for birds of prey. 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 inside the Mill, which is opposite the train station.
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.
Across the Dales, you’ll find tranquil moors, picturesque villages, dramatic valleys, winding rivers, and verdant farmland. Bowlees Picnic Area was once 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.
6. 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, 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
Settle is a pretty market town in the Yorkshire Dales, full of picturesque stone houses. There’s 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!
Don’t Miss: Whilst you’re in the area, be sure to visit Catrigg Force, only 3 miles from the town. This is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the UK!
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 county. 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 that it was used as a set for the Harry Potter movies makes the castle 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 a picturesque village that features some beautiful houses. But it’s also famous for the breathtaking natural surroundings. Everything you expect from the English countryside: sheep, cows, limestone walls… you’ll find 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, numerous parks, vintage fairs, and fun events that take place throughout the year.
The coastal town has some breathtaking views from its beaches and panoramic viewpoints, as well as from 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
Recommended by: Helen on her Holidays
The Saddleworth villages – particularly Greenfield, Uppermill and Dobcross – are 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.
Top Tip: 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 attract brass bands from all over the world.
Map & Quick List: Best Places to Visit in the North of England
Quick List
- York
- Liverpool
- Manchester
- Newcastle
- Leeds
- Durham
- Hull
- Sheffield
- The Lake District
- Hadrian’s Wall
- Haworth
- North York Moors
- Durham
- Whitby
- North Pennines
- Harrogate
- Yorkshire Dales
- Northumberland Coast AONB
- Blackpool
- Lindisfarne Holy Island
- Helmsley
- Saltaire
- Durham Dales
- Hawkshead
- Settle
- Bamburgh
- Alnwick
- Malham
- Scarborough
- Saddleworth
Are there any other amazing places that you think should be added to this list? Share your tips in the comments!
Read More
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26 Places to Visit in the Midlands
40 Most Romantic Places in Britain
23 of the Best Destinations to Enjoy England in Autumn
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 :)