England may not have the scenery of old, but the natural beauty of this small country of 244,100 square kilometres is still worth seeing. If you are travelling to England, here are eight cities in England that are worth a visit.
The city of York is not the largest city in the UK, but it is probably one of the most popular cities to visit in the north of England. This compact city in Yorkshire has a rich cultural heritage.
It is also a vibrant, sun-drenched city with two universities. The better known of these is the University of York in England. There are many rewarding things to do in York. For example, you can walk along the city’s medieval city walls, which are the longest in Britain.
When in York make sure you visit the iconic York Minster Cathedral and then climb York’s Clifford’s Tower for some of the best views in town.
Don’t miss out on the York Shopping Walk, which looks like a ‘shambles’. Lined with unique shops that overhang the ground floor, it’s easy to see why this street was an influence on the Harry Potter series of novels.
Liverpool is not only famous for its football culture and Beatles rock bands! The fifth largest city in the UK, Liverpool is the perfect mix of hipster hangout and traditional neighbourhood.
In fact, several historic areas in and around Liverpool’s waterfront have been awarded UNESCO World Heritage status.
Examples include the beautiful buildings lining the cobbled William Brown Street and the Royal Albert Dock.
Manchester is another of the best places to visit in the north of England. The UK’s second largest city was once the centre of Britain’s industrial revolution. Where once there were cotton mills and factories, you can now find museums, bars and restaurants.
Manchester is famous for its bustling nightlife as well as its many museums, galleries and other attractions. Of course, the city is also home to two of England’s most famous Premier League teams, Manchester United and Manchester Metropolitan United.
In terms of nightlife, Manchester’s Northern Quarter is popular for its bars and bistros, while the Deansgate area has sophisticated cocktail bars.
Britain’s famous Hadrian’s Wall begins in Newcastle and the city’s name can be traced back to a castle built in 1080.
The oldest surviving castle in Britain and the oldest medieval fireplace in England can be seen in Newcastle.
Newcastle has a vibrant nightlife culture and a Chinatown with a Chinese cultural identity.
Be sure to have a drink at the Old George Inn (est 1582), the favourite pub of King Charles I.
There are plenty of places to shop in Leeds city centre and Kirkgate Market is one of the largest indoor markets in Europe.
The market is full of fresh produce and food stalls. The beautiful Victorian Arcade and shopping centre are perfect for shopping and for taking selfies.
Leeds also has a wide range of bars and restaurants. There are Thai restaurants, Indian restaurants and some Michelin starred restaurants.
Leeds is also home to the beautiful Royal Armouries Museum and the Leeds Art Gallery. The museum has a rich collection of artworks. And it’s all free to visit!
Durham may not be as famous as other cities in the region, but it is definitely one of the best tourist destinations in the north of England.
The capital of County Durham is a small but pretty city. It has a strong castle culture. It is also one of the few places where you can really experience the life of castle culture!
Durham Castle is an impressive historical building that is part of the university. During the holidays you can stay in rooms that are usually student accommodation – and at surprisingly affordable prices!
Outside the castle, Durham Cathedral is considered to be one of the finest churches in England. It was also the location for the Harry Potter film series and several other movies. The tower was reopened in recent years.
Hull is a city in the north of England. The city of Hull is a great base for viewing the Humber and the East Yorkshire coastline. But the city itself is a perfect blend of city and countryside, so it is well worth a visit.
Named the UK Capital of Culture 2017, Hull is not only full of history and culture but the city has long been an important British trading and port city, so has many historical landmarks.
There are several great museums around Hull such as the Museum of Transport Street Life and the Wilberforce Museum. The latter celebrates William Wilberforce, who was born in Hull and was instrumental in the abolition of the slave trade. The Maritime Museum, on the other hand, showcases the culture of Hull’s fishing, whaling and shipbuilding industries.
Another industrial city in the north of England, Sheffield is a great place to visit. There are first-class museums and galleries here.
There is plenty of culture and history to explore, such as the Millennium Gallery or the Kelham Island Museum (which focuses on Sheffield’s steelmaking history).
