It aint so grim Up North – at least, not in these northern English cities. The North is home to some of the best places to visit in England, yet foreign visitors seem to head straight for London when they come to the UK.
Having lived up here for most of my life, only feeling the need to venture ‘Down South’ a handful of times, I can promise you that you can have a top notch weekend break in England’s northern cities.
I’ve focused on UK travel a lot over the past year or so and have really enjoyed discovering more of what England has to offer, so decided to put together a list of the top six places to go in the north of England for a weekend break.
Next time you’re planning a UK city break or if you’re planning a trip to England and need inspiration for places to visit, why not go to one of these vibrant cities in the north of England?
6 Best Cities To Visit In Northern England
Here’s my pick of the best cities to go to in the north of England. I’ve included links to my own city guides for each of the places listed, plus hotel recommendations for any budget.
1. Newcastle
It’s often hailed as the best night out in the UK thanks to the Geordies’ penchant for partying, but there’s more to keep you occupied over the course of a weekend in Newcastle beyond the clubs.
Enjoy a night out on the Toon then feed your hangover with a bite at Grainger Market, followed by a breezy walk across one of the city’s many bridges to blow away the cobwebs.
Culture vultures will find Newcastle satiates their curiosity with its various artsy offerings: The Sage and BALTIC (across the water, mind) are two of the Newcastle’s most popular attractions.
Read: My Newcastle city break guide
My splash-out Newcastle hotels: Malmaison (review here)
Budget recommendation: easyHotel
Booking.comBrowse more things to do in Newcastle
2. York
York is the ideal northern city for a weekend break thanks to its walkable size and small-town, quintessentially English feel. Located in North Yorkshire, York is bound to brew a proper cuppa, and serve a decent Sunday roast too!
Amble around the delightfully whimsical Shambles area (one of the most characteristic streets in England), then mooch along the ancient city walls and marvel at the majesty of York Minster.
Indulge in afternoon tea at British institution Betty’s, then hit the local pubs. You could even do an afternoon tea tour in York for a taste of its best bits.
If you want to explore more of Yorkshire while you’re there, head to Whitby for the day.
Read: My York city break guide
My splash-out York hotel: Marmadukes Town House (review here)
Budget(ish) recommendation: Hotel Indigo
Booking.comBrowse more things to do in York
3. Manchester
Manchester is probably the edgiest city in the north of England, with its creative Northern Quarter and a constant stream of new, hip bars and eateries popping up all over the place.
Whether you go to Manchester for shopping, partying or to soak up some culture, you’ll find plenty to fill a weekend there. Pack a brolly and get exploring!
If you’re planning a glam girls’ weekend in Manchester, my top recommendations are Albert’s Schloss for late-night entertainment, Evelyn’s for brunch and the Mackie Mayor for indie food vendors.
Read: My guide to the best things to do in Manchester
My splash-out Manchester hotel: Kimpton Clocktower
Budget recommendation: INNSIDE
Booking.comBrowse more things to do in Manchester
4. Liverpool
Friendly faces, Beatles mania and excellent shopping (nobody knows how to dress quite like a Scouse bird!) – Liverpool is SO underrated but I think it’s one of the best cities to visit in England for both fun and culture.
If you’re planning a city break in Liverpool, be sure to explore the revamped Albert Dock and the museum, plus Concert Square, Seel Street and Matthew Street after dark. See the Liver Birds and pop into the iconic Cavern Club for a drink while you’re in the city.
I recommend jumping on the train to Crosby Beach if the weather permits, to see Antony Gormley’s ‘Another Place’: 100 cast iron sculptures of people looking out to sea. It’s quite a sight!
Read: My Liverpool weekend itinerary
My splash-out Liverpool hotel: The Titanic (review here)
Budget recommendation: The Liner (this looks SO cool for groups!)
Booking.comBrowse more things to do in Liverpool
5. Chester
The gorgeous architecture of its 1000 year old cathedral and 700 year old Tudor galleries make this northern city one of the most beautiful places to visit in England.
Chester has lots to offer visitors. Walk the two miles of city walls, see a show at Storyhouse, shop in the city or at nearby outlet Cheshire Oaks and if you’re a meat eater, definitely dine at Opera Grill.
Chester also boasts one of the world’s most photographed clocks (it really is beautiful) and the kids will love Chester Zoo.
Read: My weekend guide to Chester
My splash-out Chester hotel: The Chester Grosvenor (one day!)
Budget recommendation: Roomzzz (haven’t stayed in the Chester one personally but really liked the Newcastle one)
Booking.comBrowse more things to do in Chester
6. Leeds
Leeds has undergone something of a reinvention in recent years, and now it’s one of the best cities in the north of England for a weekend break.
You’ve got to the UK’s tallest mural; ‘Athena Rising’ among other artsy attractions, one of the largest indoor markets in Europe; Kirkgate Market, over 1000 shops in Leeds city centre – some of which are housed in grand Victorian arcades – and an ever-changing parade of food traders in Trinity Kitchen.
Read my Leeds weekend break guide
My splash-out Leeds hotel: Dakota Deluxe
Budget recommendation: The Met
Booking.comBrowse more things to do in Leeds
Click here to join my UK Travel Deals group on Facebook. We share lots of great ways to save money on UK trips and fun ideas for days out and places to visit in the UK.
Did I miss a northern English city you think should be in this list? Let me know in the comments. Which of these UK cities do you most love visiting? Use my Travel Resources page to plan and book your next trip!
More UK travel inspiration on While I’m Young
What to do in Berwick-Upon-Tweed
Where to stay on a Cornwall group getaway
Luxury places to stay in Northumberland
Is Madame Taussauds Blackpool worth visiting?
You can stay in this castle in North East England
My Cheshire weekend break guide
The best spa hotels in North East England
A gorgeous glamping yurt in Scotland
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Dan says
Surprised and disappointed not to see my hometown Sheffield on this list.
Pat @ Travel ETA Australia says
Thanks for posting, I’ve been looking for some article like this one!
newgirlintoon says
Love that so many of my favourite cities are in the North, we’re so lucky to live so close to loads of fantastic places for a staycation!
TeaPartyPrincess says
Ooh excellent round up!
NGL I very rarely go down South, I don’t really need to with everything on offer up here 🙂
Cora | http://teapartyprincess.co.uk/
Achara says
I totally agree with you..These are the best cities to visit there!!