If you plan on visiting the UK, you won’t want to miss out on exploring the North. Kristian Harrison shares his suggestions for the best attractions and districts up north.
When compiling a list of the major sightseeing hotspots in England, it wouldn’t be a surprise to find it heavily London-centric. However, England’s Northern heartland is home to a trove of tourist treasures all in itself. Natives will tell you that, at least culturally, it’s almost a different country; full of charms, gorgeous countryside and quirky accents. We’ve compiled a list of the best places to visit, which show that the wondrous nature of the country doesn’t completely lie on the banks of the Thames and there’s far more to the North than wind and rain.
York
York is one of the oldest cities in England, with a history stretching back two millennia. Full of charming and historical gems, its masterpiece is undoubtedly York Minster, one of the largest cathedrals Europe. Completed in the 15th century, it is Gothic and atmospheric, full of gargoyles, stained glass windows (including the Great East Window – the largest in Europe) and imposing lofty architecture. While in town, stop by The Perky Peacock located in an old watchtower along the River Ouse, now owned and ran by former Bahrain This Month motoring correspondent Dick Potter!
Angel of the North
Antony Gormley’s Angel of the North is the UK’s most famous piece of public art. It first spread its wings in February 1998 and at 54m wide and 20m high, it is believed to be the largest angel sculpture in the world. Located in Gateshead, close to Newcastle, it’s a perfect spot for one of those famous Instagram ‘angel wings’ photos.
Blackpool
Blackpool is an archetypal English seaside experience. It has the iconic Blackpool Tower, a landmark built in 1894 as the Eiffel Tower’s replica. The tower houses some of the town’s best attractions, including a circus, glass walkway and an ornate Victorian ballroom. If you visit between September and January, you can see the Blackpool Illuminations which are made up of around one million light bulbs. Fish and chips are optional.
Manchester
Being one of the larger cities in England, there’s a whole heap of amazing things to see and do whilst in Manchester. It has a long, industrial history and you can explore it in both the Science and Industry Museum and the Manchester Art Gallery. If you’re a football fan, there’s the National Football Museum, and of course, the iconic home of Manchester United, Old Trafford. It’s also a vibrant, modern city with fantastic nightlife, particularly in the Northern Quarter. Fans of Indian food should also check out the iconic Curry Mile, which needs little further explanation!
Hadrian’s Wall
Built to guard the Roman Empire’s wild northern frontier from barbarians 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 120km-long wall. In fact, 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.
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 Lake Windermere for kayaking, you’ll surely find something you love 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, such as England’s highest peak – Scafell Pike – you can hike.
Bamburgh Castle
Fringed by miles of sandy beach, Bamburgh 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, one of the best-preserved castles in Europe, is an immensely popular tourist attraction renowned for its stately rooms, ghostly history, action-packed events calendar and stunning setting.
