As much as I love my hometown of London, if anyone asked me for a city break recommendation in England, I’d tell them to go north. Having lived in both Manchester and Leeds, I find both these cities just that bit cooler and friendlier, and much more manageable if you only have a few days to explore.
Over the past couple of years, our writers have helped us show off some of the best the north has to offer, from the cultural offerings of Blackburn to the culinary delights of Preston. Wheelchair-user Carrie-Ann Lightly has also revealed how northern cities such as Liverpool and Newcastle are surprisingly accessible. If you’re keen to get out of the city, she has also shared her tips for navigating her home region of the Lake District, while our hotels experts have extensively reviewed places to stay to bring you top recommendations to check into.
Read more: Places in the North of England to visit this summer
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While you cannot deny the beauty of the Lake District, it's the ruggedness of the Peak District that has stolen my heart. Camping around the Great Ridge is spectacular, and both Edale and Castleton make wonderful pit stops for tea and sweet treats when you’re spending the day hiking or cycling.
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Andy Burnham is about to take the helm as Prime Minister, and “Wonderwall”, briefly, threatened to become the song of the summer. It feels as if the North is having a bit of a moment. For the holidaymaker keen to avoid the crowds, it’s worth taking inspiration: while the Cotswolds and Cornwall teem with tourists, the savvy traveller should turn towards the food festivals, national parks and cultural spaces in the North of England instead.
Take Bamburgh and Alnmouth in Northumbria. Two of the country’s most spectacular beaches, the coastline is troubled by crowds much less than their south-west counterparts and are worth a visit for the sunsets alone. Down the coast at Tynemouth, Riley’s Fish Bar is a much-feted seafood restaurant that makes for the perfect people-watching spot. From Seahouses, Billy Shiel’s seabird cruises take visitors to the Farne Islands to spot puffin flocks.
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The Oasi Dynamo in the municipality of San Marcello Piteglio is a WWF-affiliated nature reserve (Natalie Wilson)
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To the west, the Lake District is rightfully feted for its beauty: the sublime peaks of Patterdale, the enigmatic islands in Coniston Water. The big-ticket attraction for families is the World of Beatrix Potter Museum, but children are equally entranced by the Derwent Pencil Museum – who can fail to be amused by a giant 2B? If hiking is more your thing, swerve the crowds by picking a lesser-known Wainwright – there are plenty of peaks that will be lonely as a cloud, even in the height of summer.
Or head south into Lancashire, where the spine of the Pennine Way National Trail reaches the Forest of Bowland. This remote, deep valley is home to hen harriers and peregrine falcons – plus a concentrated cluster of highly-feted restaurants, including the Michelin-starred Northcote and the buzzy Three Fishes. If your budget won’t quite stretch that far, Exchange Coffee Company in Clitheroe offers the best flat whites this side of Shoreditch.
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Escape to Barbados from just £1,549pp. Stay at The Sands on an all-inclusive basis and
enjoy crystal-clear waters, great dining and unforgettable sunshine.
Book with Tropical Sky today.
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Discover the fascinating history and unspoilt landscapes of the Balkans and save up to 60% on this Exoticca tour through Albania, Montenegro, Croatia and Bosnia.
Includes flights, transfers, accommodation, breakfast and a selection of guided tours. Various departure dates available, with the lead price based on 9 November 2026.
Learn more.
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Get up to 37% off a relaxing stay at the highly rated Charterhouse Torquay, including a full English breakfast.
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Save on this sightseeing cruise, complete with a welcome glass of fizz, a 3-course dinner, live jazz entertainment and views of central London.
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Writer and Production Journalist
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Writer and Production Journalist
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Finding the best luggage for your trip might not be as exciting as booking your holiday, but it's one of those decisions that really pays off. After all, no one wants to drag a broken suitcase through the airport or wrestle with an overstuffed carry-on at the gate. That's why I've rounded up the best luggage brands for every type of traveller, along with our top suitcase and travel bag recommendations across a range of budgets, so you can head off on your next adventure with confidence.
One of the most important things to consider is whether your luggage meets your airline's size and weight restrictions. Thankfully, many luggage brands now let you shop by airline, making it easy to find cabin bags that comply with carriers including Jet2, EasyJet, Ryanair and Tui.
The right travel accessories can make your journey far more comfortable, too. Our favourite handheld fan, priced at just £12.99, is the most powerful we've tested and is compact enough to slip into your hand luggage. For a more luxurious night's sleep, this 3-piece silk sleep set comes with a handy travel pouch and packs down small enough to take anywhere. And if you're prone to swollen feet or tired legs on flights, the London Sock Company's £20 travel socks are designed to improve comfort and help reduce foot fatigue.
Entertainment is just as important, particularly on short-haul flights without seat-back screens. Our top pick is the Kindle Paperwhite, which offers a larger display, adjustable warm lighting and noticeably faster performance than the standard Kindle. If you'd rather stream films, browse the web or play games, there are also plenty of affordable, reliable tablets that won't take up much space in your bag. This Lenovo Android tablet is currently reduced to under £135, making it a great value option for travel.
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