What’s Up North?
‘What is north of Manchester?’ That is a genuine question I had from a colleague this week. I must admit I had to restrain my eyes from rolling to the heavens! Come on, there are so many fabulous places to visit in northern England and Scotland. I can go on for days about the most amazing places I visit across the UK, but today let’s focus on a personal favourite of mine - the North East.
A little bit of trivia first, I grew up in the north east. We moved to Sunderland when I was 9 years old and I lived there until I moved back down to London for university. Sadly, I do not have the Mackem accent (not Geordie, that is Newcastle) and I don’t know why that is. But I do know the slang and the jokes are always funnier when told in a broad northern accent! So, after kindly educating my colleague on UK geography, I thought this may be a great opportunity to share my passion for this humble region. Here are 4 places to start you off on your great, northern adventure!
Roker and Seaburn have such stunning coastlines.
Sunderland
I can’t tell how much joy it brought being so close to the beach. I know my coastal people will totally understand the freedom and relaxation that beach walks bring. Bonus if you have a four-legged ball of fluff to join you! Roker and Seaburn beaches are just stunning places. After a long stroll, you can’t miss eating fish & chips and grabbing an ice cream. You could even visit Souter Lighthouse, and climb up to the top for breathtaking views of the North Sea coast.
Absorb local historical knowledge at the Sunderland Museum and the Winter Gardens. There are also an abundance of galleries and parks too. Roker Park, Herrington Park, Mowbray Park, Northern Gallery for Contemporary Art are just some great examples. Why not hike up to Penshaw Monument, built in 1844 in dedication to the 1st Earl of Durham. A truly incredible architectural build. Lastly (but not least), glassmaking has a longstanding tradition in Sunderland, dating back to the 7th century. Finish the day at the National Glass Centre and marvel at the creativity of glass blowing.
The River Wear and Durham Cathedral just popping through the trees.
2. Durham
Your first stop has to be Durham Cathedral. You’ll walk along the charming cobbled streets and up winding lanes to find it perched magnificently on a hill. Built in the 12th century, this UNESCO World Heritage Site has also been a filming/TV location for Avengers End Game, Harry Potter and The Witcher. You can take a guided tour and don’t forget to stop by the gift shop! Durham Castle is just in front of it as well, so why not do a two for one? It’s now home to the university students, they host graduation balls there - can you imagine!
Durham is definitely a classic university city, much like Oxford, it has that rich heritage mixed with beautiful mystique. As the weather warms up, I highly recommend to hire a rowing boat and enjoy the River Wear, maybe even take a picnic too so you can enjoy summer fruits and prosecco, with the city as your backdrop.
Next up, we have Beamish Museum, a living educational spot that transports you to traditional shop fronts, vintage buses and trams, and people walking by in Victorian costume. From a coal mining village, all the way to 1950s England, it's a great place to learn more about historic living and if you can, I’d recommend visiting during Christmas! The Victorian brass bands and Santa's visit are charming, whimsical reminders of times gone by. Galleries and museums like Bowes and Raby Castle offer great days out in country estates. If you fancy a proper hike and walk, then marvel at High Force Waterfall, nestled amongst enchanted woodland.
Me in front of Bamburgh Castle, back in March 2022.
3. Northumberland
Aww we’ve come to my favourite county! Myths and local legends await you in this absolutely stunning natural landscape. Roam the corridors like Hogwart students, at Alnwick Castle, beware of the poisonous plants gardens, and finish the day with dinner at The Treehouse. That’s right, a literal treehouse!
On a sunny day, take a drive over the causeway to The Holy Island of Lindisfarne. Drink their famous mead, made from the recipe of monks. Lindisfarne has a wealth of history, including being the first place in the UK to be attacked by Vikings. Saint Aidan came from Iona and chose this place to start his monatroy in 635 AD. This is still a place many christians come as a pilgrimage. Even if you’re not particularly religious, it’s still a fabulous place to visit in terms of nature. Take boat trips out onto the sea and spot seals and dolphins. The nature reserve on the island is also home to six internationally important species of wildfowl and hundreds of other flocks, enough to satisfy any bird watching enthusiast.
If panoramic views and fresh air is your thing, then head along the coast to Bamburgh Castle. It has stood watch over the coastline for 1,400 years. It spans across nice acres and it is an impressive castle to view. Just mind the ghosts, it is said to be haunted by its previous owners! Walk along Hadrian’s Wall, which spreads from the east to the west of England, and camp under the stars. Why not stop by at Belsay Hall & Gardens for a cup of tea and then, stay at the most comfortable and welcoming hotel in the mediaeval village of Blanchland. The Lord Crewe Arms will offer luxurious suites and some wonderful fine dining (I have actually written about this magical place here).
Dean Street. Photo credit: Pat Robson
4. Newcastle
Last but by no means least, we have the industrial city of Newcastle. A neighbour rival of Sunderland, the history of Geordies and Mackems is very diverse and a long one, so I won’t go into it today. But the north eastern city boasts some of the finest Georgian architecture. In the 1830s, an area of Newcastle became one of the largest urban centres and its name Grainger Town, came from one man - Richard Grainger. The Grainger Market, at the time, was the largest market in Western Europe. Today, you can still wander through Grainger Town and the market, the architecture is stunning.
Heritage in the heart of the city can be found at Newcastle Castle. Climb to the top to garner exquisite panoramic views of the city. Catch an iconic show at Theatre Royal or cheer for the football team at St James Park. The city is a fantastic hub for music and shopping. Make sure to stroll down to the Quayside, a former commercial dock that has since been turned into an entertainment district. You’ll find nightlife in hotspot clubs, trendy bars and stylish restaurants. On Sundays, the riverside quay is filled with market stalls and across the Millennium Bridge is the iconic BALTIC art gallery.
There we have it, just four places that hold true to my heart. But believe, there is so much more to see. We didn’t even touch on Yorkshire (Riding and Dales), the Scottish Borders, or even the Pennines. Nowadays, travelling to these places is even easier. So, the next time you’re stuck on where you should go for your next bank holiday weekend, try north of Manchester. You won’t be disappointed!
