From picturesque national parks to gorgeous coastal towns and scenic countryside, England is an incredible country with plenty to offer its visitors. However, most tourists spend time in London or the south of England, completely forgetting about the northern part of the country.
Northern England is filled with historic places, stunning landscapes, and charming towns perfect for exploring. So if you are planning to spend a week traversing this part of the country and don’t know where to start, here are some places you can add to your travel itinerary and plan your one-week trip more efficiently.
How to Make Your One Week Trip More Interesting
Before we jump into the best locations, it is time to learn how to make your visit more interesting and productive.
Pick your destination first. After all, northern England is enormous, and you might not be able to see everything in just a week. For example, if you plan to stay in York, create an itinerary that includes nearby towns and places. North York Moors National Park and Whitby are just a short drive away. Visitors who go to Manchester can take a day trip to Liverpool too and experience the Beatlemania.
Remember that you can’t get lost even if you are entirely unfamiliar with the area. Just connect to the internet and use maps of your choice. However, it could be hard to stay safe while using public Wi-Fi. You never know how secure these networks are. Apps like VPN can increase your privacy and prevent the theft of your personal information. A VPN connects you to a private network, so you can use public Wi-Fi as much as you like.
Don’t hesitate to explore. Most cities have famous tourist sights and locations, but going off the beaten track can be fun. You could discover some hidden gems in other parts of a city. Ask locals to share with you their favorite cafes, restaurants, and shops. It is a great way to get to know a place and see it from a different perspective.
Best Locations in Northern England
It is best to start with a list of locations and famous tourist attractions when planning a trip. So if you are unfamiliar with the area, take a look at some of our picks. Then select the ones that seem interesting to you.
York
If you are traveling to the north of England, you have to visit York. It is one of the oldest cities in the country, so the history here is simply unique. Keep in mind that the city is pretty large so you might want to stay here for a couple of days. Plus, there are so many places to see in and around York.
York Minster, a gorgeous cathedral constructed in the 13th century, should be your first stop.
The architecture is the perfect example of the magnificent English gothic style. Visitors may climb to the roof and see York from above.
Harry Potter fans might want to take a walk down the Shambles. This narrow street dates back to the 14th century, and some even say it was an inspiration for Diagon Alley, a well-known location in the book series. Even though J.K. Rowling didn’t confirm this rumor yet, the street does have a magical vibe.
Whitby
Speaking of places that inspired great literary works, Whitby is a simple fishing town with ties to one of the best horror novels of all time. Bram Stoker vacationed here in 1890 and explored the area. Mesmerized by the beauty of the Whitby Abbey, he got an idea to write Dracula. The structure still stands on the hill overlooking Whitby, so make sure you see it. The architecture and details are stunning.
You can then head to the harbor and tour the Captain Cook Museum. Here, you can learn about the man who sailed the world and discovered many new lands, including Australia. Whitby is a cozy place where visitors can find excellent restaurants that serve seafood. So once you get tired of walking, order a diner and enjoy some local dishes.
The Peak District National Park
Outdoor enthusiasts shouldn’t miss an opportunity to see one of England’s most beautiful national parks (and the oldest). The diverse terrain is perfect for hiking, caving, camping, and cycling. Of course, a couple of tourist attractions within the park can be a great addition to your trip plan.
If you are up for an adventure, head out to the Winnats Pass and see an underground river. Then there is the village of Eyam. It is an exciting place because it stayed isolated during the plague to stop the spreading of the disease. Visitors can learn more about the Black Death at the Eyam Museum.
Manchester
If you prefer traveling to larger cities, then Manchester is for you. Its vibrant history mesmerizes every visitor. After all, this place gave us bands like Joy Division, Oasis, and The Smiths, who shaped the music world. So it shouldn’t be surprising that Manchester still has a thriving art scene, with plenty of independent art galleries around.
Since it is one of the largest cities in the north, Manchester is home to a couple of exquisite museums like the Manchester Museum and Science and Industry Museum. Manchester
Museum is a part of the University of Manchester and is the largest research museum in the UK, with more than 4.5 million artifacts on display.
Football fans have to visit Old Trafford, the home of Manchester United. Manchester is all about this sport and even has the National Football Museum in the very heart of the city. Here you can learn about football history, see the UEFA collection, and various memorabilia.
