Explore England's hidden gems in the North, where vibrant cities blend rich history with modern charm, creating unforgettable adventures waiting just for you.
Most Brits don’t tend to consider holidaying locally when they travel. Some of the most popular holiday destinations for British people include Mallorca, Ibiza, and Benidorm. However, there are plenty of excellent jewels in the local crown that miss out on both local and international tourism. Even tourists from other countries tend to congregate in cities like London, missing out on the North entirely.
That’s a shame, because some of England’s most beautiful and well-loved cities are in the North. You’re missing out if you don’t add some of those cities to your travel itinerary. Here are the best northern cities in England to visit!
York
If you want to get a feel for English history and heritage, then look no further than York. This beautiful city stretches back hundreds upon hundreds of years and boasts a gorgeous 13th-century cathedral in the form of York Minster.
Wander down the beautiful cobbled streets and explore:
The Shambles, home to quaint local shops selling everything from crafts to food.
Make sure to avoid the usual chain stores and supermarkets by taking time for a stroll.
Leeds
When it comes to underrated cities to visit in the North, it’s hard to beat Leeds. With a mixture of ultra-modern architecture and classical English history, Leeds has something for everyone.
Consider:
Strolling through Kirkstall Abbey to immerse yourself in some medieval architecture.
Dining out at one of Leeds’ many excellent restaurants, which offer a variety of cuisines.
Newcastle
Have you ever seen the British TV show Geordie Shore? It’s the UK version of the popular American series Jersey Shore, and there’s a good reason the creators picked Newcastle and its surroundings as the location for this reality TV show.
Newcastle is well-known for its nightlife scene, making it the perfect destination if you’re into partying.
However, there’s much more to see in Newcastle, including: The gorgeous Tyne river.
Indie hipster-style restaurants.
Chester
Another beautiful city offering plenty of English heritage, Chester is similar in many ways to York. Both cities are historical places that have lots to see if you’re a fan of learning.
Make sure to stop by:
The cathedral, especially if you love breathtaking architecture.
The city centre, where you’ll find lots of offbeat stores to spend your cash.
Don’t forget to visit Chester Zoo, one of the country’s most acclaimed attractions, and spend some time in the company of adorable animals!
Manchester
Birmingham residents will likely baulk at this given their official status as the second city, but Manchester is often considered the UK’s de facto second city. This is because Manchester is a cultural and creative hub, complete with massive gentrification efforts.
In Manchester, you’ll find: Plenty of great restaurants and music venues.
Street vendors offering all kinds of delicious food and crafts.
Just walking through Manchester city centre is an experience in and of itself.
Liverpool
We couldn’t compile a list of the best Northern British cities to visit without mentioning the home of the Beatles, Liverpool. As you’d expect, this city absolutely teems with culture; it was the European Capital of Culture in 2008.
Be sure to:
Stroll along Crosby Beach for a unique artistic experience.
Head down to the Cavern Club to spend some time in one of the most important venues for popular music in the world.
Durham
Durham might be a slightly sleepier destination than some of the more bustling cities we’ve listed here, but it’s no less beautiful. In fact, Durham maintains its feeling as a quaint, quiet English town, despite officially being considered a city.
Durham University is a world-renowned academic institution that has lots to offer prospective students. While they’re away during the summer, Durham lets out rooms to guests in the form of hotel accommodation, which you should take advantage of.
Sheffield
The home of the Arctic Monkeys and Def Leppard has lots more to offer travellers and tourists than you might think. Known as a steelworking town, Sheffield has truly modernised itself in recent years.
If you want to learn all about its industrial past, then the Kelham Island Museum is a must-visit.
You can also:
Wander the streets of Sheffield and take in some of the art created by local artists, which adorns many of the walls and streets you’ll come across.
Bradford
In 2025, Bradford will take its rightful place as the UK’s City of Culture, and it’s easy to see why if you spend just a little time here. As one of the UK’s most thriving multicultural hubs, you’ll come across something interesting no matter which way you walk.
Look out for:
Gorgeous restaurants with mouthwatering food to try.
Street art, locally-made goods, and much more.
If you’re looking for a truly modern Northern city experience in the UK, then you definitely need to add Bradford to your travel itinerary.
