Things to Do in the North of England: Highlights and Itinerary

Le northern England Northern England is a major surprise for many travelers. Far from the hustle and bustle of London, it boasts medieval towns, wild moors, mountain-fringed lakes, and Roman ruins listed as World Heritage Sites. Based in the UK since 2012, we organize tailor-made trips there. Here's what to see in Northern England, our suggested itinerary, and our tours.

In short: In the north of England, don't miss York and its Shambles, the Lake District, Hadrian's Wall, Durham Cathedral, the Northumberland coast, the Yorkshire moors, and the cities of Liverpool and Manchester. Allow 7 to 10 days to explore them all. York is only a 2-hour train ride from London. Our tours in the north start at €1,200 per person for 6 days in Yorkshire, excluding transport.

What to see in the north of England: the must-sees

York, the medieval city

York is the perfect gateway to the north of England. Its city walls, Gothic cathedral, and the Shambles make it one of the most beautiful cities in the country. In December, its Christmas market also attracts many visitors. Discover our guide What to do in York.

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Yorkshire: moors, abbeys and Wuthering Heights

Surrounding York are two national parks, the Yorkshire Dales and the North York Moors. There you'll discover heathland, stone villages, and ruined abbeys, such as Whitby Abbey, which inspired Dracula. In Haworth, the Brontë sisters' house evokes the world of Wuthering Heights.

Durham and its cathedral

Perched above a bend in the river, Durham Cathedral and the castle form a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The compact, student-oriented city is easily explored in half a day.

Hadrian's Wall

Built by the Romans in the 2nd century, Hadrian's Wall stretches across northern England from coast to coast. Its best-preserved sections, around Housesteads Fort, offer stunning views. Our guide to Hadrian's Wall details the most beautiful sites and hikes.

The Northumberland coast

Further north, the Northumberland coast boasts vast beaches and spectacular castles, such as Bamburgh and Alnwick. Don't miss Holy Island and its priory, accessible at low tide via a causeway. So be sure to check the tide times before you go.

The Lake District

To the west, the Lake District encompasses lakes, hills, and England's highest peak, Scafell Pike. It's a paradise for hikers and Beatrix Potter fans. Read our guide to Lake District.

Liverpool and Manchester

For an urban touch, Liverpool charms with its docks, museums, and Beatles legacy. Manchester, less than an hour away by train, blends industrial heritage, football, and nightlife. Our guide What to do in Liverpool will help you prepare for the step.

Recommended itinerary in the north of England

In 7 to 10 days, here is the itinerary we most often suggest for a first trip to the north of England:

1. Days 1 to 2: York, its walls and its cathedral.
2. Days 3 to 4: the North York Moors and Whitby, or the Yorkshire Dales.
3. Day 5: Durham and its cathedral.
4. Days 6 to 7: the Northumberland coast, Bamburgh and Holy Island.
5. Day 8: Hadrian's Wall and Housesteads.
6. Days 9 to 10: the Lake District, before heading to Manchester or Liverpool.

The train provides good connections between York, Durham, Newcastle, and Manchester. However, a car remains more practical for the moors, the coast, and the Lake District. Our advice for rent a car in England will help you choose.

Our tours in the north of England

Here are our trips exploring the north of England. Prices are per person, starting from, and do not include transport to England.

Duration	Travel	From
6 days	In the heart of Wuthering Heights (Yorkshire)	€1,200
7 days	Journey to Hadrian's Wall	€1,500
11 days	Trekking along Hadrian's Wall	€1,700

Each program can be combined with London, Scotland, or the center of the country. For an overview, also read our guide What to see in England from north to south.

When is the best time to visit the north of England?

From May to September, the days are long, and the Yorkshire moors are blanketed in heather by August. Spring and early autumn, however, remain quieter. Winter, meanwhile, is ideal for the Christmas markets of York and Manchester, but the days are short. Check out our guide. when to go to England.

Frequently asked questions about the north of England

What is there to see in the north of England?

The must-sees are York, the Yorkshire Dales and the North York Moors, Durham, Hadrian's Wall, the Northumberland coast, the Lake District, Liverpool and Manchester.

How many days are needed to visit the north of England?

Allow 7 to 10 days for a complete tour. In 4 or 5 days, focus on York, Yorkshire and Durham.

How to get to the north of England from France?

The easiest way is to take the Eurostar to London, then the train to York, which takes about 2 hours. Several airports, such as Manchester and Newcastle, are also served from France.

Do you need a car in the north of England?

It's not essential between major cities, which are well connected by train. However, it greatly facilitates exploring the moors, the coast, and the Lake District.

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