tours of north england

  Northern England Tours 

Our Northern England tours will introduce you to some of the most beautiful places in the region. Our trips range from day tours that focus on a specific area of the north to multi-day excursions that will give you a fuller understanding of the region. Whether you plan on exploring the English countryside in places like the Lake District and Yorkshire, or focus on more urban cities like Manchester, Liverpool or York, there are so many amazing tours to choose from.

Liverpool & The Beatles Day Tour by Train from London

Lake District Day Tour from Liverpool

Liverpool Hop-on Hop-off Bus with Beatles Package

Wales Day Tour from Liverpool

Lake District Day Tour by Train from London

5 Day England, Wales & Yorkshire Tour

4-Day Tour of England by Rail

3-Day Lake District Tour from Manchester

York Day Tour by Train from London

Hadrian's Wall Small Group Tour from Edinburgh - 1 Day

Peaky Blinders Tour of Liverpool

Yorkshire Day Tour from Liverpool

England & Scotland Tour - 10 Days

Manchester to Lake District Tour

Wales Day Tour from Manchester

Lake District Day Tour - Departing from Lake District

Lake district tour from liverpool cruise terminal.

Wales Tour from Liverpool Cruise Terminal

Chester Tour from Liverpool Cruise Terminal

3 day lake district tour from edinburgh.

Last Minute Trips

Lake district & northumberland walking tours, explore our lake district walking holidays.

Discover the history and heritage of the north of England, exploring iconic coastlines, wild moors and rugged fells.

Venture into the Lake District, climbing from the high fells – including Scafell Pike and Helvellyn – through to some of the smaller but nontheless spectacular peaks, such as Catbells. Tick off a few  Wainwrights  and rest your legs by the still waters of Buttermere or Windermere.

Alternatively, stroll along Hadrian’s Wall, visit the ancient castles of Bamburgh, Lindisfarne and Alnwick, tread upon Roman roads and walk in the footsteps of Vikings in Northumberland.

Leading the way, our expert guides have the local knowledge to tailor each day’s routes to the group’s wants and needs. We know the best  walking routes  and where to enjoy the best  views . But perhaps most importantly, we know which pubs the locals recommend at the end of each walk!

Walk Hadrian's Wall on a Guided Adventure

Just three hours from  London , let us show you the north of England at its finest.

Walk Hadrian’s Wall and Northumberland – Guided

• 6 days, 5 nights

Walk the Lake District, Hadrian’s Wall, Northumberland and Edinburgh

• 7 days, 6 nights

Walk the Lake District Valleys and Villages – Self Guided

• Self-Guided

Walk the Lake District Summits – Guided

Walk the Lake District Circuit – Self Guided

• 8 days, 7 nights

Walk England – the Grand Tour

• 11 days, 10 nights

Walk the UK – Grand Tour

Prefer to go private.

Whether you prefer to travel on your own, as a couple or with friends and family, we offer a range of guided, private or self-guided tours, so that your Lake District and Northumberland walking vacation suits you perfectly. Be as active as you like, with tailored routes to suit both beginners and more experienced walkers. With our handpicked mix of the best trails in the North, enjoy a seamless walking tour, safe in the knowledge we have everything covered.

Prefer to Walk the Cotswolds?

If you’d prefer rolling hills, thatched cottages and honey coloured stone walls then have a look at our walking tours of the Cotswolds instead. 

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What people are saying

The north faqs.

The Lake District is in the North West of England, with rugged mountains (fells), dramatic lakes (meres) and deep valleys formed by Ice Age glaciers. It contains England’s highest mountain, and deepest lake, and is both a National Park and a World Heritage Site, in recognition of its natural wild beauty and cultural significance, having inspired generations of poets, writers and artists.

Northumberland is a county in North East England, and lies on the England-Scotland border. It is home to one of the most picturesque and untouched stretches of coastline in the United Kingdom along with rolling hills and gentle mountains.

The best way to travel up North is by train, approximately a 4 hour direct journey from London Paddington to The Lake District (Penrith) and Northumberland (Newcastle Train Station).

All of our self-guided trips begin from the Lake District. We can also arrange pre and post accommodation at a range of different locations so you can arrive relaxed, refreshed and ready to start your tour. You can also fly into Manchester and transfer to the start of the tour from there.

Alternatively we can arrange a private transfer for you from London – the drive is approximately 5 hours. 

The North of England is hillier than many of the other regions of England. However the Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales have a variety of routes which makes the regions great walking country and suitable for those who are moderately fit and active. There are many hills, fells and moors but the incredible views from the top more than make up from the ascents! However, you will be able to miss out some of the steeper inclines – or add in some hillier walks for those looking to stretch their legs. There are routes for everyone and we can tailor your tour to your specific preferences.

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Walking Tours in Northern England

Northern england.

• Walk the Coast to Coast  through the dramatic upland scenery of the English Lake District and Yorkshire Dales
• Walk alongside Hadrian's Wall, northern Europe's largest surviving Roman monument
• View the unfolding vistas through the eyes of Wordsworth and Ruskin in the Lake District
• Walk to the stone-built village of Grassington in the Yorkshire Dales, through flower-rich meadows
• Encountering secret caves, rich wildlife and Iron Age hill forts in the Peak District
• Dramatic cliff top walking along the east coast, with sea views on the Cleveland Way

Explore Northern England and all the beauty it has to offer. View the spectacular lakeside and mountain scenery of one of the most beautiful parts of the country - the   English Lake District . Visit and experience the history of one of England's most famous heritage sites, Hadrians Wall. 

The north of England is perfect for a walking tour, steeped in charm and history, and with some of the most diverse and beautiful landscapes on offer in the UK.

Featured Tours - Northern England

Hadrian's Wall Walk

Coast to Coast Walk

The Lake District Trail

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Enjoy the royal treatment in Great Britain

Travel through time on one of our legendary England tours, from the prehistoric mysteries of Stonehenge through the grand castles and battlements of the British Empire, to the pop culture touchstones of modern England and Wales. Whether you opt for a grand tour or a quick getaway, you'll get to glimpse a side of Great Britain you've never seen before.

London's iconic clock tower holds the bell named "Big Ben," which weighs over 15 tons and rings out the time on the hour.

Researchers now believe it took more than 1,500 years for ancient tribes to build this stone monument. Yet it still aligns perfectly with the sunrise on summer solstice.

• Snowdonia National Park

This beautiful 823-square-mile national park boasts the highest mountain in England and Wales, and the largest natural lake in Wales.

Shakespeare's Birthplace

The home where Shakespeare grew up—and which he later bequeathed to his heirs—once served as an inn, called the Swan and Maidenhead.

• Windsor Castle

This thousand-year-old castle is the longest-inhabited castle in the world, and was a particular favorite of King Henry VIII and Queen Elizabeth I.

• Tower of London

The fortress at the heart of London has a long and exciting past, as a royal residence, a prison, an armory, and even a zoo. It's currently home to the royal family's priceless Crown Jewels, including the incredible Cullinan diamond, over 500 carats of sparkle.

The Cotswolds

The rolling hills and charming villages of The Cotswolds served as the inspiration for the equally charming Shire in J.R.R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings novels.

Roman Baths

The mineral-rich hot springs in Bath drew visitors for more than 2,000 years. The ancient Romans and Britons soaked away their aches and pains here in the time of Caesar.

Harry Potter Studio Tour

The moviemaking magic that helped create the eight movies of J.K. Rowling's classic Harry Potter novels is on full display at the Studio Tour. Visitors can see many of the thousands of costumes, props and sets that went into creating the series—including the full-sized Hogwarts Express.

• Cardiff Castle

There are 2,000 years of history inside the walls of this grand castle in the "World Capital of Castles." Cardiff Castle started as a Roman fortification before the current towers and walls were built in medieval times.

Big Ben and Parliament

No trip to London is complete without a visit to these imposing, world-famous landmarks.

Hampton Court

The dramatic history of Henry VIII and his wives comes alive in this Tudor palace in Richmond, surrounded by gorgeous gardens and the famous Maze and Great Vine.

• Castle Howard

This sublime 18th-century mansion with its elaborate chambers was the setting for the filming of Brideshead Revisited.

The Fab Four got their start in this port city, noted for launching the Beatles—and a famous football team.

Coastal England

On England's beautiful, rustic coast, you're never very far from glorious views.

London's Tower Bridge

The grand bridge over the Thames is often erroneously called London Bridge (and it's never fallen down!).

Palace Ceiling

English castles and palaces boast splendid interiors reminiscent of the country's regal and lordly past.

England & Wales Tours

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• 8 - 14 Days
• 3D Battle Show
• Abbey Tavern
• Achill Island
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• Cliffs of Moher
• Cobh Heritage Centre
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• Cooking Competition
• Croke Park Stadium
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• Crosskeys Inn
• Culzean Castle
• Dalkey Castle
• Derrynane House
• Distillery Visit
• Down Cathedral
• Dromoland Castle
• Dublin Tour
• Dun Aengus Fort
• Dun Laoghaire
• Ely Cathedral
• Farm to Table Dinner
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• Florence Court House
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• Glasgow Tour
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• Glastonbury Tor & Abbey
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• Glenveagh National Park
• GPO Witness History
• Grasmere Gingerbread Shop
• Hampton Court Palace
• Hazel Mountain Chocolate Factory
• Highland games
• Irish National Stud
• Irish Whiskey Museum
• Isle of Capri
• Jameson Experience
• John B. Keane's Pub
• Johnstown Castle
• Kilkenny Castle
• Kilronan Castle
• King John's Castle
• Kyle of Lochalsh
• Lake Distillery
• Leeds Castle
• Letterkenny
• Long Meadow Cider
• Lough Ree Viking Cruise
• Malahide Castle
• Mary Rose Museum
• Melrose Abbey
• Montecatini Terme
• Muckross House
• Muckross Schoolhouse
• National Piping Centre
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• Newmarket-on-Fergus
• O'Connors Famous Pub
• Páidí Ó Sé’s Pub
• Parknasilla House
• Peace Bridge
• Pollok House
• Quiet Man Walking Tour
• Rhine Gorge
• Ring of Kerry
• Riverside Transport Museum
• Robert Burns Birthplace Museum
• Rosscarbery
• Royal Tunbridge Wells
• Royal Yacht Britannia
• Scotney Castle
• Scottish Evening
• Seaweed Foraging
• Shepherd Neame Brewery
• Sissinghurst Castle Garden
• Sistine Chapel
• Slane Castle & Distillery
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• Smithwick's Experience
• Spike Island
• St Michael's Mount
• St Patrick's Day in Dublin
• St. Austell
• St. Michan's Church Crypt
• St. Paul's Cathedral
• St. Peter's Basilica
• Stone of Destiny
• Strahov Stadium
• Stratford-upon-Avon
• Strokkur Geysir
• Svartifoss Waterfall
• Taigh Chearsabhagh
• Taylors Three Rock Pub
• Teeling Distillery
• Tenby Walking Tour
• Thames River Cruise
• The Armitt Museum
• The Church Bar and Restaurant
• The Glyde Inn
• Thingvellir National Park
• Three Bridges
• Timoleague Franciscan Friary
• Tintern Abbey
• Titanic Belfast
• Titanic Walking Tour
• Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
• Toompea Castle
• Town Crier Tour
• Trafalgar Square
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• Trim Castle
• Trim Living History
• Trinity College
• Triona Design
• Trotternish Peninsula
• Turf-Cutting Demonstration
• Turkish Bazaar Bas Carsija
• Uffizi Gallery
• UN Building
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• Urquhart Castle
• Veliko Jezero
• Venice Gondola Ride
• Venice Walking Tour
• Victorian Tall Ship
• Viking Splash Dublin Tour
• Villa Borghese Gardens
• Vilnius Castle
• Vilnius University
• Vintage Afternoon Tea Tour
• Walking Tour of Korcula
• Walled City Brewery
• Warner Brothers Studio “Making of Harry Potter”
• Waterford Crystal
• Waterford Tour
• Welsh Banquet
• Welsh Language Lesson
• Wenceslas Square
• West Coast Coastal Drive
• Westminster Abbey
• Westport House
• Whitby Tour
• White Cliffs
• Wild Atlantic Way Drive
• Winter Palace
• Yansa Gora Monastery
• York Minster
• York Walking Tour
• Zwinger Palace
• Abbotsford House
• Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
• Ardmhor on Barra
• Armadale Castle
• Armory Museum
• Astronomical Clock
• Auschwitz-Birkenau
• Ballintubber Abbey
• Bamburgh Castle
• Bannockburn Visitor Center
• Baroque Town Hall
• Basilica of San Marco
• Bell Tower Clock
• Belleek Pottery
• Belvedere Palace
• Betws-y-Coed
• Black Madonna
• Blair Athol Distillery
• Blair Castle
• Blarney Castle & Killarney
• Blarney Woollen Mills
• Blasket Centre
• Bled Castle
• Blenheim Palace
• Blue Lagoon
• Bodmin Moor
• Bodnant Welsh Food Centre
• Boka Waterfall
• Book of Kells
• Bosta Beach
• Brecon Beacons National Park
• British Golf Museum
• British Museum
• British Music Experience
• Brodie Castle
• Brú na Boinne Visitor Center
• Bunratty Castle
• Burren Smokehouse
• Cabra Castle
• Caernarfon Castle
• Callanish Standing Stones
• Canal Cruise
• Cardiff Bay Tour
• Cardiff Tour
• Castle Esplanade
• Castle Hill
• Castle Square
• Cathedral of St. Dude
• Cathedral of St. Vitus
• Catherine Palace & Park
• Cavern Club
• Cawdor Castle
• Charles Bridge
• Chester Cathedral
• Chester Walking Tour
• Church of St. Donat
• Churchill Barriers
• Clan Donald Centre
• Clonmacnoise Monastic Site
• Corrib Cruise
• Crown Jewels
• Cruiser Aurora
• Crumlin Road Gaol
• Culloden Battlefield Visitor Center
• Culross (Outlander)
• Culross Abbey
• Culross Palace
• Daliborka Tower
• Dan O’Hara’s Homestead Farmhouse Visit
• Dartmoor National Park
• Derry’s Medieval Walls
• Dingle Bay Cruise
• Dingle Peninsula
• Diocletian’s Palace
• Doge’s Palace
• Dome Cathedral
• Dominican Monastery
• Donegal Castle
• Doune Castle
• Dublin Castle
• Dubrovnik Walking Tour
• Dun Carloway Broch
• Dunbrody Famine Ship
• Dunrobin Castle
• Dunvegan Castle
• Edinburgh Castle
• Edinburgh Tour
• Eiffel Tower
• Eilean Donan Castle
• EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum
• Evening Canal Cruise
• Falconry Exhibition
• Famous Blacksmiths Shop
• Field of Mars
• Firth of Forth
• Fisherman’s Bastion
• Florence Walking Tour
• Fort Augustus
• Fort William
• Forth Bridge
• Foynes Flying Boat & Maritime Museum
• Franciscan Monastery
• Fridheimar Tomato Farm
• Gavrilo Princip Museum
• Gearrannan Blackhouse Village
• Gediminas’ Tower
• Gellert Hill Citadel
• General Post Office Museum
• Giant’s Causeway
• Glamis Castle
• Glasgow Cathedral
• Glen Grant Distillery
• Glencoe Mountains
• Glendalough, Co. Wicklow
• Glenfiddich Distillery
• Glenfinnan Viaduct (Harry Potter)
• Glengesh Pass
• Goathland Station (Hogsmeade from Harry Potter)
• Golden Circle
• Golden Lane
• Goriska Brda
• Gothic-Baroque Cathedral of St. Mark
• Government Palace
• Gower Peninsula
• Grafton Street, Dublin
• Grampian Mountains
• Great Orme Tramway
• Gruz Harbor
• Guinness Storehouse
• Gullfoss Waterfall
• Hallgrímskirkja
• Harlech Castle
• Harry Potter Walking Tour
• Harry’s Bar
• Hebridean Smokehouse
• Hekla Volcano
• Heroes’ Square
• Highland Safaris
• Hillsborough Castle
• Hofburg Palace
• Holy Trinity St. Sergius Lavra
• Horgabost Beach
• Horseshoe Pass
• Houses of Parliament
• Husref Bay’s Mosque
• Hvar Island
• Inveraray Castle
• Inverewe Gardens
• Iron Age House
• Isle of Benbecula
• Isle of Bute
• Isle of Harris Distillery
• Isle of Lewis
• Isle of Skye
• Italian Chapel
• Jacobite Steam Train
• Jamaica Inn
• Jaunting Car Ride
• Jewish Ghetto
• Johnstons of Elgin
• Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon
• Jupiter’s Temple
• Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church
• Kashmir Goats
• Kensington Palace
• Killarney National Park
• Killarney’s Lakes
• Killary Harbour
• Kilmainham Gaol
• Kilmuir Graveyard
• Kinsale Walk
• Knock Shrine
• Kylemore Abbey & Gardens
• Lake Bohinj
• Lake District
• Lake Windermere Cruise
• Lanhydrock House
• Lava Center
• Lazienki Park & Palace
• Leverburgh on Harris
• Liberty Monument
• Limerick Panoramic Tour
• Lissadell House
• Literary Tea with Scones
• Little Museum of Dublin
• Llandudno Tram
• Loch an Duin
• Loch Linnhe
• Loch Lomond
• Lochboisdale
• London Pub Food Tour
• London Tour
• Lovespoon Workshop
• Luskentyre Beach
• Lynch’s Castle
• Machynlleth
• Malo Jezero
• Matthias Church
• Mayflower Steps
• Medieval Castle Banquet
• Mercato Centrale
• Merry Ploughboy Pub
• Mljet Island & National Park
• Monument to the Heroes of the Warsaw Ghetto
• Moscow University
• Mount Snowdon
• Mount Stuart House
• Nace Homestead
• Nant Gwrtheyrn Welsh Heritage Centre
• National Slate Museum
• Nelson’s Column
• Neolithic Tombs
• Nevsky Prospect
• Nine Glens of Antrim
• North Yorkshire Moors Railway
• Northern Lights
• Novodevichy Convent
• Old Market Square
• Old Royal Palace
• Olive Oil & Wine Tasting
• Olympic Stadium
• Orlando’s Column
• Our Lady of the Rocks
• Oxford Walking Tour
• Palace of Holyroodhouse
• Palace of Science and Culture
• Palace Square
• Palaces for the People
• Palazzo Vecchio
• Pembroke Castle
• Penderyn Distillery
• Peter and Paul Cathedral
• Peter and Paul Fortress
• Petrodvorets
• Piazza della Signoria
• Piccadilly Circus
• Pitlochry Pub Lunch
• Plitvice Lakes
• Politician Pub
• Poljanska Sora
• Postojna Cave
• Powerscourt House
• Prater Amusement Park
• Provand’s Lordship
• Rannoch Moor
• Rector’s Palace
• Red Deer Encounter
• Reykjavik City Tour
• Reynisfjara Beach
• Riga Castle
• Ring of Brodgar
• River Avon Cruise
• River Clyde
• River Moskva
• River Shannon
• Robba’s Fountain
• Roman baths
• Roman Forum
• Ross Castle
• Royal and Ancient Clubhouse
• Royal Castle
• Royal Castle of Hradcany
• Royal Cathedral
• Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
• Royal Military Tattoo
• Royal Route
• Russborough House
• Russian Folklore
• Saxon Gardens
• Schiller Theater
• Schloss Charlottenburg
• Scone Palace
• Secret Lagoon
• Seine River Cruise
• Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
• Selska Sora
• Semper Opera House
• Senate Square
• Sergiev Posad
• Shakespeare’s Birthplace
• Sheepdog Demonstration
• Shepherd’s Museum
• Shrewsbury Walking Tour
• Skaftafell National Park
• Skellig Experience
• Skofja Loka
• Skogafoss Waterfall
• Skogar Folk Museum
• Slieve League Cliffs
• Smallest House in Britain
• Smolny Cathedral
• South Pole Inn
• Spanish Steps
• Spean Bridge
• Speyside Distilleries
• Sponza Palace
• Square of the Five Wells
• St. Anastasia
• St. Andrews Castle
• St. Andrews Walk
• St. Anne’s Church
• St. Asaph’s Cathedral
• St. Basil’s Cathedral
• St. Catherine’s Church
• St. Columba’s Cathedral
• St. David’s Cathedral
• St. Fagans Castle
• St. Fagans National Museum of History
• St. George’s Basilica
• St. Isaac’s Cathedral
• St. Isaac’s Square
• St. Jacobs Cathedral
• St. John’s Cathedral
• St. Magnus Cathedral
• St. Mark’s Church
• St. Mary’s Church
• St. Michael’s Mount
• St. Patrick’s Cathedral
• St. Patrick’s Grave
• St. Paul’s Cathedral
• St. Peter and Paul’s Church
• St. Peter’s Church
• St. Stephen’s Cathedral
• Step Dancing
• Stirling Castle
• Staff Picks
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2024 Tours: Save $300pp - Use Code TARTAN300 2025 Tours: Save $300pp - Use Code EBD25300

Best of Britain

Starting from $2,845

This fast-paced tour is the perfect introduction to England, Scotland and Wales, showcasing the very best historical and scenic spots, alongside vibrant cities. 

​Guided Tours, Guided Small Groups

2024 Tours: Save $500pp - Use Code TARTAN500 2025 Tours: Save $400pp - Use Code EBD25400

Taste of Britain & Ireland

Starting from $4,445

Get a great introduction to two great countries on this lively trip to England, Ireland, and Scotland. Enjoy a generous helping of the essential must-dos, with a hint of the unexpected. 

2024 Tours: Save $200pp - Use Code TARTAN200 2025 Tours: Save $200pp - Use Code EBD25200

Taste of Britain

Starting from $2,195

Sample the highlights of England and Scotland on this week-long adventure, covering the bustling cities of London and Edinburgh, the history of Bath and Stratford-Upon-Avon, and the charming…

2024 Tours: Save $500pp - Use Code TARTAN500 2025 Tours: Save $500pp - Use Code EBD25500

Highlights of Britain

Starting from $4,345

Go off the beaten path as you traverse the whole of Britain to see Devon and Cornwall in England’s Southwest, the medieval heritage of Wales, and Scotland’s delights.

2025 Tours: Book Early, Save $300pp - Use Code EBD25300

Gems of Northern England

Starting from $3,145

Head north to discover some of England’s most fascinating places: the romantic Lake District, the scholar’s life in Oxford and Cambridge, and York’s medieval charms. 

Gems of Southern England

Starting from $3,195

Journey through the ancient cities of England’s historic South: palaces, castles, cathedrals, and gardens await you.

2025 Tours: Book Early, Save $500pp - Use Code EBD25500

English Odyssey

Starting from $4,945

See the England of your dreams on this sweeping tour, discovering castles and cathedrals, scholarly Oxford and Cambridge, Bath’s Georgian splendor, the Lake District, and so much more.

2025 Tours: Book Early, Save $200pp - Use Code EBD25200

London Daytripper

Starting from $2,095

Enjoy the perfect combination of stay and play. On this innovative tour, make yourself at home in London, then venture out on incredible day trips to must-see attractions and experiences in…

A hidden gem

England and Wales at a glance

Pound sterling (GBP)

10-12% on dining and cabs

Avg.Summer Temp

Avg. winter temp, peak tourist season.

June, July & August

English, Welsh

Local lingo

Quid (1 pound sterling)

Scrummy (scrumptious, delicious)

Lush (Extremely nice, in Wales)

Must-have souvenirs

Welsh love spoons

English tea and tea sets

Burberry trench coat

An absolutely fabulous tour. Well-planned with a magnificent and efficient itinerary.

The Inclusive Advantage

Get more without spending more. CIE Tours includes every experience and most meals so you won't be hit with hidden expenses.

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North England Sightseeing Tours

Great houses, countryside and culture

The Lake District’s unrivalled beauty, York and the dramatic Norman castles, this tour covers many of England’s sightseeing highlights.

Example North of England Tour

CAMBRIDGE - BURGHLEY HOUSE

The beautiful university city of CAMBRIDGE is set in a series of parks. A guided tour will visit KINGS COLLEGE and the important sites of the colleges. BURGHLEY HOUSE is more as a town than a house. It is the most opulent of Elizabethan palaces. Built by William Cecil, interiors display a parade of collections of art from the C16-19th

YORK - CASTLE HOWARD - RIEVAULX ABBEY

YORK was transformed by the Vikings. Touring the city we will wander the medieval streets and sites. CASTLE HOWARD is an C18th baroque masterpiece and houses one of the country’s premier art collections. RIEVAULX ABBEY was once the largest church in England until dissolved by Henry VIII. An exhibition creates an accurate impression of medieval life.

DURHAM CATHEDRAL - ALNWICK CASTLE - LINDISFARNE

DURHAM is dominated by the stunning CATHEDRAL and CASTLE, both relics of the Norman Conquest and World Heritage Sites. ALNWICK CASTLE has extensive state apartments created in decorative style by Robert Adam in C18th. The LINDISFARNE ISLAND community began as a small wooden church. This small island became the focal point for the early expansion of the Christian faith.

HADRIAN'S WALL - HOUSESTEADS - LAKE DISTRICT

Towards Scotland, HADRIAN’S WALL, which lies on a volcanic escarpment, dominates the scenery. Some of the best preserved Roman artefacts have been discovered here. HOUSESTEADS fort has great views of the Wall. The LAKE DISTRICT was created by glacial erosion with an awe inspiring set of lakes and rugged mountains. The areas best lake, Ullswater has a steam boat.

SHAKESPEARE'S HOUSES - HIDCOTE MANOR

A few hours south, STRATFORD-UPON-AVON was the birthplace of William Shakespeare and is home to the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. Anne Hathaway was Shakespeare’s wife and her COTTAGE is the perfect English thatched cottage. The best garden in England is generally regarded as HIDCOTE MANOR. Created as a number of outdoor rooms each has their own rare plants, shrubs and features.

THE COTSWOLDS

We will travel through THE COTSWOLDS. This most quintessentially English of regions has beautiful chocolate box villages and houses presenting an exquisite view of England. There are many places to explore and stops include THE SLAUGHTERS, STOW-ON-THE-WOLD, BOURTON-ON-THE-WATER and BIBURY – regarded as the most beautiful village in England. You will have time to explore the shops or walk in the fields.

BATH - ROMAN BATHS - FREE TIME

We will discover the World Heritage City of BATH to see the three phases of Georgian architecture that make this city so unique. The ROMAN BATHS are built on Britain’s only hot springs. Close by is the ABBEY, the last gothic church to be built in England. You then have free time to visit some of the other attractions or WELLS, England’s smallest city with an outstanding cathedral.

STONEHENGE - OXFORD

STONEHENGE, a wonder of the world is surrounded in mystery and legends. Built over 1500 years, the newly excavated areas will help explain this historic landscape. OXFORD is England’s premier seat of learning and a fantastic ending to our tour. We will stroll through the busy city streets and see some of the colleges which students such as Bill Clinton, Tony Blair and Margaret Thatcher studied.

ADDITIONS TO THE ITINERARY

This tour is an example of what can be seen. There is an abundance of touring options to choose from or themes we can create tours around. One option is a few extra days in the COTSWOLDS, YORKSHIRE or the LAKE DISTRICT. The South of England adds a wonderful contrast to this tour with more emphasis on the coastal highlights and modern history.

Please ask for ideas.

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Northern England Hiking Tours

Walks in Northern England offer a diverse range of landscapes, from rugged moorlands to tranquil lakeshores, providing an enriching outdoor experience. Whether you're exploring the iconic Hadrian's Wall Path, trekking through the stunning Yorkshire Dales, or discovering historic landmarks along the Pennine Way, walking in Northern England promises adventure and discovery.

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Displaying 8 of 8 tours

Northern England

James Herriot Way Walking Tour

This beautiful 80 km / 50-mile circular walk in the Yorkshire Dales threads its way around the valleys of Wensleydale and Swaledale and over the mountains and moorlands between these two emerald dales. A walk designed to take in some of the countryside beloved by James Alfred Wight, the vet who wrote about his experiences in the Yorkshire Dales as James Herriot. These books became popular in the 1970s and 80s and spawned a film and a very popular television series ‘All Creatures Great and Small’.

Lake District Walking Tour

This is a journey of discovery through the magical landscape of the English Lake District. We start in Windermere and end with a boat ride into Keswick. In between you will have visited the delightful places of Hawkshead, Coniston and the valleys of Dunnerdale, Eskdale, Wasdale and Borrowdale. From Keswick, the preferred choice is to hop on one of the regular buses, probably a double-decker, for the return to Windermere through the central Lake District.

Hadrian’s Wall Self-Guided

The Hadrian’s Wall Path is an 84 mile (135 km) long National Trail stretching coast to coast across northern England, from Wallsend, Newcastle upon Tyne in the east to Bowness-on-Solway in Cumbria on the west coast.

Coast to Coast Path from St Bees to Kirkby

Wainwright’s Coast to Coast Walk is by far the most popular long-distance trail in Britain, and one of the world’s great walks.

Hadrian’s Wall Walking Tour

One of the best walks in the UK is the Hadrian’s Wall Path. This self-guided walking tour allows you to explore beautiful Northern England, while enjoying the history and beauty of the English Countryside.

Coast to Coast Path from Kirkby Stephen to Robin Hoods Bay

Coast to coast path, northumberland and the lake district walking tour.

Want to explore some of the best walking in Northern England? This tour allows you to explore the incredible Lake District National Park, but also offers an introduction to Northumberland National Park, another stunning national park.

1-8 of 8 tours

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Northern England General Information

Where to walk in northern england.

When planning where to hike in Northern England, consider the region's varied landscapes and iconic trails. The Lake District National Park is renowned for its breathtaking scenery and challenging hikes, while the Northumberland Coast Path offers stunning coastal views and historic sites.

What makes Walking in Northern England special?

Walking in Northern England is special due to its rugged beauty, rich history, and iconic walking trails. Whether you're summiting peaks, wandering through picturesque valleys, or exploring ancient ruins, each step offers an immersive experience in the region's natural and cultural heritage.

When to go Walking in Northern England

The best time for walking in Northern England is during the spring and summer months (April to September), when the weather is generally milder and the days are longer. Autumn can also be a beautiful time to explore, with vibrant foliage and fewer crowds. However, winter months may bring inclement weather and shorter daylight hours, making some trails less accessible.

Top 4 Long-Distance Walks in Northern England:

• Hadrian's Wall Path : Spanning 84 miles across the rugged landscapes of northern England, Hadrian's Wall Path offers a journey through Roman history and breathtaking scenery.
• Pennine Way: Stretching for 268 miles from Derbyshire to the Scottish border, the Pennine Way is one of Britain's oldest and most iconic long-distance trails, traversing the stunning Pennine Hills.
• Coast to Coast Walk : Crossing from the Irish Sea to the North Sea, the Coast to Coast Walk covers approximately 190 miles of varied terrain, including rugged moorlands, tranquil valleys, and charming villages.
• Yorkshire Dales Way: Meandering for 84 miles through the picturesque Yorkshire Dales National Park, the Yorkshire Dales Way offers scenic views, charming villages, and tranquil riverside paths.

Travel tips for Northern England Hiking Tours

What to pack when walking in northern england.

For trekking in Northern England, pack sturdy walking boots, weather-appropriate clothing, a map or GPS device, water, snacks, a first aid kit, sun protection, insect repellent, and a small backpack.

Are luggage transfers available on treks in Northern England?

Yes, most of these tours offer luggage transfer services for convenience during your trek in Northern England.

How long do I need to trek in Northern England?

The duration of your trek in Northern England varies based on the route and pace, ranging from a few days for shorter routes to several weeks for longer trails.

Are there family-friendly treks in Northern England?

Yes, Northern England offers family-friendly treks, including flat and accessible routes such as the Yorkshire Dales Way and sections of the Coast to Coast Walk.

What are the accommodations when trekking in Northern England?

Accommodations when trekking in Northern England range from bed and breakfasts to hotels, campsites, and self-catering cottages, with options along the routes or in nearby towns.

Can I do a self-guided walk in Northern England?

Yes, self-guided treks are popular in Northern England, with well-marked trails and support from guidebooks, maps, and online resources for planning and navigation.

Can I do a guided trek in Northern England?

Yes, guided trekking tours are available in Northern England, led by experienced guides who provide insight, assistance, and support along the route.

What are the best walking routes or trails in Northern England for different skill levels?

Some recommended walking routes in Northern England for different skill levels include Hadrian's Wall Path for history enthusiasts, the Yorkshire Dales Way for scenic walks, and sections of the Pennine Way for experienced hikers.

Are there any specific permits or permissions required for certain walking trails or areas in Northern England?

Generally, no permits or permissions are required for walking trails in Northern England. However, it's essential to check for any restrictions or regulations in certain areas, especially those designated as protected nature reserves or private property.

What wildlife and natural attractions can be encountered along the walking routes in Northern England?

Along walking routes in Northern England, you may encounter a variety of wildlife such as sheep, birds of prey, and wildflowers. Natural attractions include stunning waterfalls, ancient woodlands, and dramatic cliffs.

Are there any safety considerations or precautions to keep in mind while walking in Northern England, such as hazards or local regulations?

Safety considerations while walking in Northern England include staying hydrated, wearing appropriate footwear and clothing, being aware of changing weather conditions, and following trail markers or signage. Additionally, it's essential to respect wildlife and local regulations regarding littering and wildlife protection.

What types of transportation options are available to access the starting points or trailheads of walking routes in Northern England?

Transportation options to access starting points or trailheads in Northern England include buses, trains, car parks, and sometimes shuttle services for remote areas. Many walking routes are accessible from nearby towns or villages.

Are there any cultural or historical landmarks along the walking routes in Northern England that are worth exploring?

Yes, Northern England is rich in cultural and historical landmarks, including ancient castles, abbeys, and stone circles. Along the walking routes, you'll find opportunities to explore these historic sites and learn about the region's heritage.

What are the best times of year to visit Northern England for walking tours in terms of weather, crowds, and seasonal attractions?

The best times to visit Northern England for walking tours are typically during the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) when the weather is mild, and there are fewer crowds. However, summer (July to August) offers longer daylight hours and warmer temperatures, making it ideal for longer hikes. Winter months may bring colder temperatures and shorter daylight hours, but they can also offer a quieter and more peaceful experience on the trails.

Are there any guided tours or local experts available to provide insights into the flora, fauna, history, or culture of Northern England during walking tours?

Yes, there are guided walking tours available in Northern England led by local experts who provide insights into the region's flora, fauna, history, and culture. These tours offer an educational and immersive experience for participants.

Are there any recommended local eateries or establishments along the walking routes in Northern England for meals or refreshments?

Along many walking routes in Northern England, you'll find traditional pubs, tearooms, and local eateries offering delicious meals and refreshments. These establishments often serve locally sourced ingredients and provide a welcoming atmosphere for weary walkers.

What are some alternative activities or attractions in Northern England that complement walking tours, such as museums, galleries, or local events?

In addition to walking tours, Northern England offers a variety of alternative activities and attractions, including visiting museums, galleries, and historic sites, exploring market towns and villages, and attending local events such as food festivals and music concerts.

Hiking Tours in Europe

Hiking tours in england by region, get travel inspiration and discounts.

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30 of the Best Places to Visit in the North of England

• Last Updated 13 February 2024

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There are so many amazing places to visit in the North of England! Some of the country’s largest cities call the region home, while cute English villages dot vast areas of picturesque countryside.

When it comes to scenery, there are no shortage of epic views to be found. Especially given that some of the country’s most famous National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) can be found here.

From the famous lakes and peaks of the Lake District to lesser-known spots like the Durham Dales… there’s plenty to entice if you’re looking for countryside views, hiking, or adventure! 

For culture, dive into some of the region’s vibrant cities like Manchester , Liverpool, and Leeds. Or go looking for history in places like York and Harrogate.

With so many amazing places to visit on your trip to the North of England, the only difficulty is knowing where to choose.

So I asked some amazing bloggers – many of them locals – to recommend their favourite spots. Get ready to discover the very best of Northern England… 

Places to Visit in the North of England: Map

8 cities to visit in northern england, 22 places to visit in the north of england.

It may not be the largest, but York 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, but it’s also a vibrant, lively city with two universities. 

There are loads of great things to do in York so you’ll have plenty to discover. Walk the city’s medieval walls, which are the longest in England. Take a trip to the iconic cathedral, York Minster, and climb the tower for some of the best views in town.

And don’t miss a trip to the cluttered pedestrian shopping street, The Shambles. Lined with unique shops with overhanging first floors, it’s easy to see why this street is said to have inspired Diagon Alley from the Harry Potter series. 

RECOMMENDED TOUR: York City Chronicles – History walking tour (from £11.50pp)

2. Liverpool

Recommended by: Caroline and Neil, CK Travels

Despite what you may have heard, Liverpool isn’t just about football or The Beatles! The UK’s fifth biggest city is a seamless mix of hipster hangouts and heritage precincts.

In fact, several of the more historic areas on and around Liverpool’s waterfront have been granted UNESCO World Heritage Status. For example, the beautiful buildings along the cobbled William Brown Street, as well as the Royal Albert Dock Area.

There are also many things to do in Liverpool’s regenerated spots. The highlight is the creative Baltic Triangle neighbourhood. Here you’ll find numerous bars, cafes, and vintage shops, as well as street art and street food pop-ups.

RECOMMENDED TOUR: Liverpool Guided City Walking Tour – from £14pp

3. Manchester

Manchester is another of the best places to visit in the North of England. England’s first largest city was once at the heart of the country’s industrial revolution. But Manchester has experienced a rejuvenation in recent decades. Where there were cotton mills and factories, now you’ll find museums, bars and restaurants.

Known as one of the best UK cities for nightlife – but also for its many museums, galleries and other attractions – Manchester has plenty to entice visitors. And, of course, the city is home to two of England’s most famous Premier League football teams. You can visit both stadiums for a tour ( click here for ticket prices ), or head to the National Football Museum to learn more about the “beautiful game”.

For a night out, the Northern Quarter is popular for its Indie pubs and bars, while Deansgate is overflowing with sophisticated cocktail bars.

RECOMMENDED TOUR: Northern Quarter Street Art Walking Tour – from £15pp

4. Newcastle

Recommended by: Charles, McCool Travel

Hadrian’s Wall starts in Newcastle, and the city’s name can be traced back to the “new” castle built in 1080. On a castle tour, see the oldest surviving castle features (Castle Keep and Black Gate) and England’s oldest medieval fireplace. You’ll also get some great views of Newcastle.

Countless other things to do in Newcastle include vibrant nightlife and culture, exploring Chinatown and Grainger Town (Grainger Market has a unique Marks & Spencer), crossing funky Millennium Bridge and gazing at the futuristic Sage Gateshead Performing Arts Centre, and visiting the impressive Angel of the North art installation (a few km outside Newcastle). Be sure to hoist a pint at Old George Inn (est 1582) – a favourite pub of King Charles I.

RECOMMENDED TOUR: Self-Guided City Sightseeing Treasure Hunt Game – from £9.99pp

Recommended by: Claire, Tales of a Backpacker

There are so many fabulous  things to do in Leeds City Centre there really is something for everyone. Kirkgate Market is one of the largest indoor markets in Europe and is full of fresh produce and food stalls to grab some lunch. The beautiful Victoria Arcade and Corn Exchange shopping centres are perfect for buying something special or simply admiring the architecture.   

Leeds also has a huge range of bars and restaurants. From the best Thai and Indian homestyle cooks to Michelin-starred chefs, foodies will be in heaven here. Culture fans won’t be disappointed either. The Royal Armouries Museum is exceptional, while Leeds Art Gallery has a wonderful collection. And both are free to visit!

RECOMMENDED TOUR: Leeds Guided City Center Walking Tour – from £13pp

6. Durham, County Durham

Perhaps not as well known as the other cities in the region, Durham is definitely one of the best places to visit in Northern England. The capital of County Durham is a small, pretty city with loads to keep visitors busy.

It’s also one of the few places where you can actually stay in a CASTLE! Durham Castle is an impressive, historic building which is part of the University. During the holidays, you can stay in the rooms which are usually accommodation for students – and rates are surprisingly affordable!

Beyond the castle, Durham Cathedral is considered one of the best in England. It was also a filming location for the Harry Potter movies, and several other films. The tower reopened last year and is well worth the steep climb for some of the best views in the city. 

RECOMMENDED TOUR: Durham Walking Tour and Tales of Crime and Punishment – from £25pp

Recommended by: Amy, the Travel Fairies

One of the best places to visit in the North of England is Hull. Hull makes a great base for exploring more of the Humber River and the East Yorkshire Coastline. But the city itself is a perfect blend of city and countryside, so it’s well worth a visit.

Named the UK City of Culture in 2017, Hull is full of history and culture. The city has long been an important trading and port town so there are many historical landmarks celebrating this. But recent regeneration has created a modern feel when visiting too. It’s the perfect blend of old and new. 

There are several excellent museums around the city, such as the Streetlife Museum of Transport and the Wilberforce House Museum. This latter celebrates William Wilberforce, who was born in Hull and was instrumental in the abolition of the slave trade. While the Maritime Museum showcases Hull’s fishing, whaling and shipbuilding industries. 

8. Sheffield

Another formerly industrial city in the North of England, Sheffield is a great place to visit. Especially if you want easy access to the nearby Peak District. With top-notch museums and galleries, such as the Millennium Gallery or the Kelham Island Museum (which focuses on Sheffield’s history of steelmaking) there’s plenty of culture and history to explore. 

One of the best things to do in Sheffield is to explore the vibrant street art scene . You can find many local and internationally recognized street artists in and around the city streets. Throw in an emerging food scene and great nightlife – especially around the popular West Street area – and you have plenty of reasons to visit Sheffield on your trip around Northern England!

RECOMMENDED TOUR: Self-Guided City Sightseeing Treasure Hunt – from £9.99pp

1. The Lake District, North West England

Recommended by: Angela, Where Angie Wanders

The Lake District in Cumbria is England’s largest National Park. It’s also a UNESCO Heritage Site offering mountains, valleys, and quintessentially English villages. And, of course, world-renowned lakes.

The Lake District comprises 16 lakes, with the largest being Lake Windermere. From here, boat trips, kayaking, walking and hiking can all be enjoyed. The circular walking route of Lake Windermere is a must!

Hiking trails throughout the Lake District cater for all tastes and abilities. If you’re looking for a challenge, Scafell Pike is the highest mountain in England.

The Lake District offers natural beauty in abundance, so it’s the perfect place to stop on a visit to the North of England.

RECOMMENDED TOUR: Lake District Day Trip from Manchester – from £73pp

2. Hadrian’s Wall

Recommended by: Wendy, The Nomadic Vegan

There are many ancient Roman sites to visit in Britain, but Hadrian’s Wall is probably the most famous of them all. Emperor Hadrian had this 73-mile-long wall built in 122 AD to defend the Roman province of Britannia from the barbarians.

It across runs virtually the whole breadth of England, from Bowness-on-Solway to Wallsend (so named because it’s where the wall ends). Keen hikers can  walk the entire length of Hadrian’s Wall  in six or seven days.

But if you don’t have that much time, you can use the AD122 hop-on-hop-off bus to visit some of the best archaeological sights and attractions along the wall, such as Milecastle 42. You can also book a 4-hour guided walking tour (from £55 – click here to check prices ) to explore with an expert guide.

3. Haworth, West Yorkshire

Recommended by: Helen on her Holidays

Haworth is a small village in West Yorkshire that was home to three of the world’s most famous writers – Charlotte, Emily and Anne Brontë. The Brontë sisters moved to Haworth in 1820 when their father became the parish priest at Haworth church. They moved into the Parsonage, now the Brontë Parsonage Museum.

Visiting the Brontë Parsonage Museum  is a must-do for all visitors to Haworth. The house has been beautifully restored to be as close as possible to the way it would have been when the sisters lived there.

Other things to do in Haworth include taking moorland walks, as the Brontë sisters loved to do, and going for a ride on the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway. You can even take a

RECOMMENDED TOUR: The Brontes, Wuthering Heights & Jane Eyre Tour – from £149pp

4. North York Moors

Recommended by: Maja, Away with Maja

There is so much to see and do in the North York Moors National Park ! You can visit the coast in small towns like Staithes or Robin Hood’s Bay. Postcard-perfect quaint villages are dotted throughout the national park. Some of the most charming villages are Helmsley, Thornton-le-Dale, Hutton-le-Hole, and Goathland.

There are also some amazing hikes in the area. Roseberry Topping is known as the “Yorkshire Matterhorn” and gives great views over the area. The Hole of Horcum is another fantastic walk – about a 2-3 hour loop. August is probably the best time of year to visit the North York Moors, when purple heather blooms all over!

RECOMMENDED TOUR: Day Trip to Whitby and The North York Moors from York – from £59pp

5. Durham Heritage Coast

The Durham Heritage Coast is one of the more “off the beaten path” places to visit in Northern England. This isn’t really buckets-and-spades seaside, but a rugged, adventurous coastline. Think clifftop walks with waves crashing below and gulls squawking overhead.

The coastal path at Nose’s Point in Seaham has some particularly spectacular views, as well as a picturesque wildlife sanctuary. The grasslands at the top of the cliffs are filled with wildflowers, orchids, and birdlife, while all kinds of marine life call the shoreline home – from colourful sea anemones to seals and basking sharks! 

6. Whitby, North Yorkshire

Recommended by: Ivan, Mind the Travel

Whitby is an ever-popular seaside resort town in the North of England. The town was once home to Bram Stoker, who drew a ton of inspiration for his 19th-century classic novel ‘Dracula’ here. A large portion of Old Town clusters around the harbour lodged in the River Esk estuary and the Whitby Sea Front. 

Britain’s greatest explorer, Captain Cook, sailed on one of his earliest voyages from Whitby harbour. His famous ships, the Discovery, Endeavour & Resolution, were also built here. The Captain Cook Memorial Museum tells the story of his famous voyages through its collection of paintings, documents, and artefacts.

To fully appreciate the charm of Whitby, make your way to West Cliff Beach, which is lined with colourful beach huts. Explore the town centre with a self-guided audio tour (from £6.28, click here to check prices ).

7. North Pennines

At almost 770 square miles, the North Pennines is the second largest AONB in the UK. The Pennines are a mountain range stretching through Northern England, often called the “backbone of England”. The North Pennines AONB is also a UNESCO Global Geopark, known for its spectacular landscapes.

With open heather moors, rolling dales and meadows, tumbling upland rivers, and rich woodlands, this AONB has plenty of stunning backdrops for all kinds of outdoor adventures. This truly is a hiker’s paradise, with miles of walks and trails to suit any ability. And the area is filled with all kinds of wildlife, including a few rare critters such as red squirrels, short-eared owls, and otters. 

8. Harrogate, North Yorkshire

Recommended by: Jonathon, Journey Maxx

Harrogate is definitely one of the best places to visit in the North of England. This well-kept spa town thrived during Victorian days, with wealthy elites flocking to the illustrious spas for their healing purposes.

Although many of them have since closed, the Turkish Baths still operate today, keeping Harrogate’s spa tradition intact. You can visit the Royal Pump Rooms to learn more about the medicinal waters and the health benefits that put Harrogate on the map.

Harrogate also makes for the perfect base for exploring the stunning landscapes of the Yorkshire Dales and quaintly preserved towns nearby. A little closer is the Nidderdale AONB and the bizarrely fascinating Brimham Rocks structures that have to be seen to be believed. And of course, no guide to Harrogate can be complete without a reference to tea. This is the home of the world-famous Yorkshire institution, Betty’s Tea Rooms, with their mouth-watering afternoon tea and cakes.

9. Yorkshire Dales

Recommended by: Sinead, Map Made Memories

The Yorkshire Dales offers something for every visitor. The Dales are famous for stunning scenery with fantastic hiking opportunities including the ‘Yorkshire Three Peaks’ of Ingleborough, Pen y Ghent and Whernside.

Admire the view from the top of Malham Cove, a natural stone amphitheatre 230 feet high. View Hardraw Force, England’s highest single-drop waterfall, or the Yorkshire favourite, Aysgarth Falls.

Learn about Yorkshire’s history at Bolton Abbey or Skipton Castle. Stop for a drink at Britain’s highest pub, the Tan Hill Inn, or devour the cheese from the Wensleydale Creamery. Fans of the TV show Vera can take a day tour of filming locations (from £70pp, click here to check prices ).

Try your hand at traditional country crafts at the Dales Countryside Museum in Hawes. Or, for something more adventurous, join a guided caving trip to explore the Dales underground!

10. Northumberland Coast AONB

Recommended by: Anuradha from Country Hopping Couple

A designated Area of Natural Beauty (AONB), the Northumberland Coast boasts 40 miles of sweeping coastline. It’s dotted with stunning castles and charming villages and towns, and is home to abundant wildlife. Starting from Berwick Upon Tweed and stretching up to Cresswell, the Northumberland coast offers some of the finest coastal walking routes.

Explore the tidal island of Lindisfarne. Bird watchers should head to the Farne Islands (a bird reserve consisting of 15-20 tidal islands) or Coquet islands (a small island located 1.2kms off the coast). Visit the castles of Bamburgh, Dunstanburgh, Alnwick or Warkworth and marvel at their architecture. For coastal walks and beaches visit Seahouses, Budle Bay, Alnmouth and Amble.

11. Blackpool, Lancashire

Recommended by: Jenni, Cruise Mummy

Blackpool is a seaside resort in Lancashire. It’s famed for Blackpool Tower, a landmark which was built in 1894 as a replica of the Eiffel Tower. The tower houses seven attractions, including a glass walkway, a circus, and a beautifully ornate Victorian ballroom.

Other attractions to visit in Blackpool include Blackpool Zoo and Blackpool Pleasure Beach, which has some thrilling rollercoasters. Visit between early September and early November and you can see the famous Blackpool Illuminations, made up of over one million lightbulbs!

Top tip: You can visit several local attractions for one low price of £35 if you purchase the Blackpool Attractions Pass – click here to find out more .

Blackpool is very much a traditional seaside town. You’ll find fantastic fish and chips, plenty of two-penny slot machines and not just one but three piers. It has everything that couples or families could want for a weekend away in the North of England.

12. Lindisfarne Holy Island, Northumberland

Recommended by: Heather, Conversant Traveller

Also known as Holy Island, Lindisfarne is a tidal island off the windswept north-eastern coast of England, not far from Berwick-upon-Tweed. Accessible across a causeway at low tide, the island makes a great day trip during a weekend in Northumberland . It would also make a great base for a holiday, as there are several rental cottages within the small local community.

Famous for its medieval heritage, the highlights of Holy Island are the 16th-century castle and the remains of Lindisfarne Priory. This latter was once one of the most important centres of early Christianity. You can walk around the island, watch the fishing boats bobbing around in the harbour, and sample the traditional Lindisfarne mead, a local drink made from herbs, grapes and honey.

13. Helmsley, North Yorkshire

Recommended by: Tammy, Travelling Tam

As the only historic market town in the North Yorkshire National Park, Helmsley offers visitors the perfect blend of fascinating history (from periods such as the Stone Ages and Middle Ages), as well as tranquil protected landscapes.

Helmsley Castle, Rievaulx Abbey and Helmsley Walled Gardens are some of the most popular activities. There are also award-winning boutique shops, a microbrewery, and a centre for birds of prey.

Helmsley is a great day trip , but if you have longer, there are plenty more historic sites and fantastic walking opportunities in the town and beyond. As the starting point of the Cleveland Way National Trail, Helmsley is also the gateway to hiking in Yorkshire.

14. Saltaire, West Yorkshire

Recommended by: Tracy, UK Travel Planning

The UNESCO World Heritage-listed village of Saltaire is located in the county of Yorkshire not far from Leeds. The village was created in the 19th century by Titus Salt, a wealthy mill owner, to provide housing and amenities to his factory workers. This was revolutionary for that time and Titus Salt is recognised as one of the greatest Victorian philanthropists.

Follow the Heritage Trail around the village to discover the many points of interest. You can pick up a guide in the Mill which is opposite the train station. Saltaire is still lived in today and you can get a sense of how well Salt provided for his workers with almshouses, a school and Church.

Don’t miss a visit to the Mill. Today it houses shops, cafes and restaurants – as well as the largest collection of works by local artist David Hockney. You even have the opportunity to own your very own Hockney as he designed the logo on the paper serviettes in Salt’s Diner!

15. Durham Dales, County Durham

The Durham Dales are a vast area of countryside in the west of County Durham, on the edge of the North Pennines AONB. Filled with picturesque English countryside, the Dales are a joy to explore – and one of the less known places to visit in the North of England. 

Across the Dales, you’ll find tranquil moors, picturesque villages, dramatic valleys, winding rivers, and verdant farmland. Bowlees Picnic Area was recently voted as one of the top 20 picnic spots in Britain by Countryfile Magazine ! The pretty town of Barnard Castle makes an excellent base for exploring, or there are plenty of lovely country hotels to choose from. Don’t miss a trip to Raby Castle for lots of history – not to mention the stunning grounds and gardens.  

16. Hawkshead, Cumbria

Recommended by: Carole, Berkeley and Beyond

Many people find themselves in the tiny village of Hawkshead, in England’s Lake District, just because its half-timbered buildings and narrow cobblestone streets are so charming. But the town is also worth visiting for the Beatrix Pottery Gallery. This is situated within a 17th-century building which was once the author’s husband’s legal offices.  

If you need a place to stay, try the delightful Queens Head Hotel in the centre of town. Here since the 16th century, it was around when William Wordsworth attended the local grammar school and when Beatrix Potter lived on her farm just up the road! 

17. Settle, NorthYorkshire

Recommended by: Kat, Wandering Bird 

If you’re looking for beautiful places to visit in the north of England, head to Settle in the Yorkshire Dales.  This pretty market town is full of picturesque stone houses, and has an impressive market held on Tuesdays in the town centre.

Settle is also home to several yearly festivals, including the Settle Cuckoo festival (where the entire town becomes one big street market) and the Settle Folk festival (held in September and always worth a visit). There’s also the family favourite – the Settle flowerpot festival, where homes create incredible displays out of flowerpots and display them in their front gardens! 

Whilst you’re in the area, be sure to visit Catrigg Force. This is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the UK and is only 3 miles from the town.

18. Bamburgh, Northumberland

Recommended by: Sarah, Northumberland’s Best

Dominated by the magnificent Bamburgh Castle and fringed by miles of golden sandy beach, Bamburgh is a glorious place to visit in England’s most northerly country of Northumberland. This quaint small town is most famous for being the home of Victorian England’s heroine, Grace Darling.

Along with her lighthouse-man father, Darling rescued survivors of the wreck of the SS Forfarshire in 1838. Explore the RNLI museum of her life in Bamburgh (and find out about sea safety in general). Then, take a trip to the wildlife-filled Farne Islands and visit the Longstone Lighthouse where Darling lived with her family.

19. Alnwick, Northumberland

Recommended by: Stuart, Go Eat Do 

There’s an array of things to do in Alnwick , a historic market town which makes a great base for walking breaks in Northumberland’s countryside.

Alnwick Castle has been the home of the Percy family, the Dukes of Northumberland, since 1309. The fact it was used as a set for Harry Potter movies makes the historic landmark a hit with visitors of all ages.

Beautifully landscaped, the nearby Alnwick Garden is one of the most-visited attractions in the region. The gated section where poisonous plants grow remains locked between guided tours explaining their dangers.

20. Malham, North Yorkshire

Recommended by: Pauline, Beeloved City

Located within the Yorkshire Dales National Park, Malham is one of the best places to visit in Northern England. Not only because the village features some beautiful houses, but also because the surroundings are breathtaking!

Everything you expect from the English countryside: sheep, cows, limestone walls… you will find it in Malham! The village is also a paradise for hikers. There are many walks in the area including Malham Tarn, Janet’s Foss and Gordale Scar.

The most popular one, Malham Cove, is only a 25-minute hike. It will take you from the visitor centre up to the cove. From there, you can admire this stunning geological formation and jaw-dropping views over Yorkshire. It’s also well known for being one of few Harry Potter filming locations in Northern England !

RECOMMENDED TOUR: Yorkshire Sightseeing Day Trip from Manchester – from £69pp

21. Scarborough, North Yorkshire

Recommended by: Anjali, Cheerful Trails

Scarborough is one of Northern England’s most popular holiday destinations. This resort town is known for its gorgeous beaches, vibrant atmosphere, exquisite parks, vintage fairs and upbeat events that take place throughout the year.

The town has a huge coastline which offers breathtaking views from its beaches and panoramic viewpoints, as well as the famous Scarborough Castle. For history buffs, the Rotunda Museum in Scarborough exhibits about 5500 fossils, and is one of the oldest purpose-built museums in the UK. There are many more great things to do in Scarborough , including SEA LIFE Scarborough , the heritage railway, or riding the dragon boat around Peasholm Park. 

22. Saddleworth, Greater Manchester

The Saddleworth villages – particularly Greenfield, Uppermill and Dobcross – are fantastic places to visit in Northern England. They’re also surprisingly unknown! The villages are around 25 minutes by train east of Manchester on the northern edge of the Peak District, where the urban sprawl opens out into magnificent scenery.

Things to do in Saddleworth include taking walks in the hills, going on a canal boat ride and visiting one of Uppermill’s many cafes and restaurants.

If you do visit Saddleworth, try to time your visit to coincide with one of the many local events. The highlight of the Saddleworth year is the annual Whit Friday Band Contests which attracts brass bands from all over the world.

Are there any other amazing places to visit in the North of England that you think should be added to this list? Let us know in the comments!

33 Places to Visit in the South of England

26 Places to Visit in the Midlands

40 Most Romantic Places in Britain

23 of the Best Destinations to Enjoy England in Autumn

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6 thoughts on “30 of the Best Places to Visit in the North of England”

Coming from Leeds I’m a little biased but I think the North is the best part of England and many times overlooked by visitors who only know London. Pleased to see so many places from Yorkshire here too as the area is really stunning. The Yorkshire Dales in general is a fantastic area full of charming villages and great hiking. Great post!

Thanks so much Stuart!! I was worried there was a bit of a Yorkshire bias to the post but it’s such a huge area and there really are some amazing spots!! I’ve still hardly scratched the surface with the north of England – so many amazing places for me to explore next!!

Thanks for allowing me to contribute pretty Helmsley to this list! And proud to see so many places in Yorkshire! I always feel like the south steals all the limelight haha :)

Thanks so much for contributing!! There are so many amazing places to see in the north – curating this post has definitely made me want to travel up there again asap! :)

Thank you for such lovely places with descriptive content. Very-well written article and informative one. Really helpful and worth reading.

Thank you so much for reading :)

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North of England by Rail

A Northern England Rail Tour – Travel by train to explore the rustic landscapes and historic cities of the North of England. Your scenic rail journeys will take you over the Yorkshire Dales and through the rolling hills of Cheshire whilst overnight stays in Chester and York offer an insight into England’s medieval and Roman history. A true highlight will be a two night stay in Windermere with an included day-tour to explore the dramatic landscapes of the Lake District National Park.

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Arriving into Manchester Airport (or London), hop aboard the trains and make your way to the charming city of Chester. Wander the cobbled streets city to discover the many historic sites including the medieval City walls, gate towers and clock towers. Head to the stunning excavated Roman Amphitheatre, Britain’s largest, for a flavour of life in Roman England before visiting the impressive cathedral. A highlight will be a stroll along the unique Tudor Facaded The Rows, offering some unique boutique shopping.

Overnight: Chester

Journey details: 20 minutes from Manchester Airport, followed by 1 hour 5 minutes to Chester (approx.)*

A short rail journey from Chester you’ll find the thriving city of Liverpool. Explore this maritime city from its two epic cathedrals (one Anglican and one Catholic) to the UNESCO heritage buildings at the famous Albert Docks, now home to cultural attractions including the Liver Buildings, the Merseyside Maritime Museum and the Tate Art Gallery. Liverpool is also the Birthplace of the Beatles and is brimming with heritage sites connected to the "Fab Four" including Matthews Street, the Cavern Club, Penny Lane and The Beatles Story Exhibition and pop museum.

Meals: Breakfast included

This morning board the train for a journey west over the Yorkshire Dales crossing the border to into the rustic landscapes of Cumbria. Arriving in the beautiful market town of Windermere on the shores of the famous Lake Windermere make your way to your hotel to drop your bags. Spend the afternoon exploring this charming lakeside town – wander the local boutiques, visit The World of Beatrix Potter exhibition, hike along the shores of the lake or take a private boat or leisurely cruise along on the tranquil waters of Lake Windermere.

Overnight: Bowness-on-Windermere

Journey details: 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.)*

Today is dedicated to exploring the rugged landscapes of the Lake District with a local guide on a small-group tour of this spectacular region. Your journey will take you off the beaten track over mountain passes, through deep valleys and passing sparkling lakes. Along the way you’ll stop at one or more the traditional Lakeland towns or villages such as Grasmere or Keswick and take in some of the region’s most iconic spots such as Borrowdale Valley, Thirlmere and Castlerigg Stone Circle. The highlight will be an included boat trip on one of the lakes itself.

Hop on the train and head east through the rustic landscapes of the Yorkshire Dales to York. This historic city is home to a wealth of historic and cultural sites to explore; wander the city from the cobbles of the famous Shambles (Britain’s first shopping street) to the medieval city walls, gates and towers. The highlight of course will be exploring the Gothic masterpiece at the iconic York Minster which dominates the city and marks York as the ecclesiastical capital of the North of England.

Overnight: York

Journey details: 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.)*

Today explore magnificent York in more depth; discover the city’s Viking history at the Jorvik Center, visit the opulent Georgian era townhouse at Fairfax House or see the Flying Scotsman itself at the National Railway Museum. A short train ride from York you’ll find the elegant Victorian spa town of Harrogate where you can shop in classic boutiques or take afternoon tea in one of the town’s many traditional tea-rooms. Alternatively enjoy an optional small group day-tour to either the Yorkshire Dales or Yorkshire Moors National Parks – subject to availability.

Today bid farewell to the UK as you board the train taking you back to Manchester and Manchester Airport for your departure flight. Alternatively, you may choose to head South to London or North to Edinburgh on the Highspeed East Coast mainline.

Chester, England

Liver Building, Liverpool, England

Lake Windermere, Lake District, England

The Lake District, Cumbria, England

York Minster, York, England

Yorkshire Dales National Park, England

*Journey times and distances are estimates and are based on the direct route between the start location and end location for each day of the itinerary, where applicable. They do not include detours or stops for sightseeing.

What's included

• 6 nights accommodation (suggested accommodations listed below).
• Full cooked English breakfast each morning.
• BritRail England Consecutive Passes (8 day) – Passes offer 8 consecutive days of travel on the British National Rail Network from day of validation. Travel is fully flexible and completely unlimited for the period of validity and will cover all outlined rail journeys including transit on the Heathrow or Gatwick Express rail links.
• Ten Lakes Spectacular Tour from Windermere, Lake District.
• Adeo travel documents pack and suggested rail schedule information for each of your point-to-point journeys including journey durations and departure stations and travel departure times etc.
• Toll-free calls (from USA and Canada) to your Britain vacation specialist whilst planning your trip.
• Expert assistance during the planning of your trip and local out-of-hours number for use during travel.

Our Selected Lodging

• Queen Hotel (or similar), Chester x 2 nights
• Lindeth Howe Hotel (or similar), Bowness-on-Windermere x 2 nights
• The Grand (or similar), York x 2 nights

Wherever possible we select characterful accommodation representative of the destination where you're staying. We regularly personally visit and quality-check hotels across the country. The hotels listed are a representative selection of just some of the properties we work with, ask your consultant for their personal favourites and recommendations. Read more about the accommodation we offer by  clicking here .

Optional extras

• Upgrade your rail passes for First Class Travel – first class carriages are available on many inter-regional services across Britain.
• Add a day-tour from York to see the Yorkshire Dales countryside.
• Add a city-sightseeing open-top bus tour in London.

Customize this tour!

• Add extra nights in London before or after your tour to explore the English Capital.
• Combine this tour with one of our other Britain rail tours.
• Have your own rail travel expert accompany you on your tour.
• Taxis / transfers from train stations to your hotels – taxis are readily available at all major train stations in the UK and hotel receptions / concierges will be happy to call local taxi firms for collection on days of departure.
• Trip Insurance – we ask that our guests purchase suitable cover in case planned travel is affected or disrupted due to unforeseen circumstances. More information on the benefits of trip insurance can be found here .
• Flights – adeo Travel do not book air travel but are happy to offer advice on where to seek competitive airfare.
• Meals and/or sightseeing other than that outlined above.

Departure Dates 2023/2024

This self-guided tour is customizable and can be taken at any time throughout the year and starting and ending on any day of the week - simply let us know your preferred dates of travel!

Pricing 2023/2024

Twin/Double - from GBP £1,475 per person. Single supplements apply for single occupancy rooms, please ask for a quotation for details.

Pricing Notes

• Above pricing is an estimated "from" price based on shoulder-season travel (April/October). As this tour can be taken at any time pricing will vary dependent on departure day, date of travel, selected accommodations etc.
• Above pricing is based on suggested accommodations listed however please note that we can tailor your specific quote to accommodate your budget and preferences.
• Prices are per person based on two people sharing a twin/double room with one adult BritRail pass per person as specified. (Please enquire for single supplement)
• Prices are for land only travel and do not include flights.
• Prices are in GBP£ currency, for approximate amounts in other currencies please contact us.

Northern England & Scotland | 13 Day Self-Drive

• York Minster
• Gretna Green
• Oban Distillery
• Isle of Mull
• Fort William & Skye
• Urquhart Castle
• Cairngorms National Park

Inclusions & Extras

Automatic economy car with:

• Unlimited mileage
• Collision Damage Waiver (CDW)
• Theft protection (TP),
• Value added tax (VAT)
• Third party liability
• Location service charge (LSC)

Accommodation

• Seahouses (1)
• Portree (2)
• Fort Augustus (2)
• Edinburgh (2)

Other Inclusions

• Discount book, deluxe travel wallet with comprehensive travel documents, luggage tags and driving map.
• Expert service from dedicated sales guide before, during and after your trip.

Optional Extras

• Visitor Attractions & day tours
• Room Upgrades
• Car Upgrade or chauffeur driver
• Personal Wi-Fi device
• Travel Protection

Day 1 : Seahouses

Arrive in Edinburgh and pick up your rental car. Drive south along the coast to the large village of Seahouses on the Northumberland Coast. Check into your accommodation and then go out to take a stroll around the village and wander around the fishing boats in the harbor. Have dinner in this lovely village in the evening. Later on, settle into your room for the night.

Overnight in Seahouses

Day 2 : York Minster & Viking Heritage

Get up early this morning and watch the sunrise before breakfast. Drive south to the city of York. York is a beautifully preserved medieval city great for history lovers. Once you arrive, begin exploring the cobbled streets and the exquisite architecture. Visit York Minster, the largest gothic cathedral in Northern Europe. As York was once the capital of a Viking territory, you can visit the immersive Jorvik Viking Centre to discover details of its Viking heritage. Check into your hotel for the evening and then go back out to find a nice place for dinner.

Overnight in York

Day 3 : The Shambles & Barley Hall

After a traditional English breakfast this morning, do some more exploring and delve into the city’s vibrant café culture. Take time out to enjoy some of the country’s most talented street entertainers or simply watch the world go by while sipping a drink by the river. Also be sure to visit The Shambles, a street of traditional timber-framed buildings dating back to the 14th century. You can also visit Barley Hall, a restored medieval townhouse which was once the home of York’s Lord Mayor.

Day 4 : Gretna Green

You will leave York today for the town of Gretna located in Dumfries & Galloway. The town of Gretna was built during the First World War to provide homes for 30,000 employees of a munitions factory that was the biggest in the world. Discover the story of the factory while you’re here. Also be sure to stop in the village of Gretna Green. This is one of the world’s most popular wedding destinations with thousands of people tying the knot here every year. Historically it was to Gretna Green that young English runaway couples eloped so that they could be married. Gretna Green Famous Blacksmiths Shop, where couples have come to marry since 1754, is still here. Check into your hotel and enjoy your evening in Gretna.

Overnight in Gretna

Day 5 : McCaig’s Tower & Oban Distillery

After breakfast today, begin your drive north up to Oban. The drive is approximately 3.5 hours. Do some exploring in the afternoon. You can visit the Oban War & Peace Museum to discover more about Oban’s rich history as a seaside town. Stop by McCaig’s Tower for a beautiful view of Oban Bay and the Atlantic Islands. Be sure to have a look at the gardens inside the tower. If you’d like a whiskey sample, Oban Distillery won’t disappoint. You’ll get to see how whisky is distilled and sample some at the end of the tour. Enjoy dinner in Oban, dubbed the “Seaside Capital of Scotland.”

Overnight in Oban

Day 6 : Isle of Mull

Today might be a nice day to take a ferry to the Isle of Mull. Ferries leave Oban for Craignure every few hours. The Isle of Mull is the second largest of the Hebrides. It is an island of peninsulas which give it a long and varied coastline offering the visitor endless days of exploration and discovery. The mountains which stretch across the middle of the island rise to over 900m and are well-loved by hill walkers such is the variety of routes and views to be enjoyed. Between its beaches, long and interesting history, and beautiful scenery, you will have lots to do on Mull or nothing at all if you so choose.

Day 7 : Fort William & Skye

Have an early start today as you have a long drive ahead of you. You’ll be making your way to Portree, the largest town on the Isle of Skye. Journey up along the coast and take a slight detour through Ballachulish and Glen Coe, a spectacular glen made famous by the Massacre of Glen Coe of the Clan Macdonald in 1692. Cross Loch Leven and continue along the banks of Loch Eil to Fort William. Fort William’s setting is dramatic, on the shore of Loch Linnhe, and under the mighty hulk of Britain’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis. There is a footpath to the top of the mountain starting close to the town. Just a few minutes from the town is Glen Nevis, one of Scotland’s most picturesque Highland glens. Ben Nevis Distillery and Inverlochy Castle are both possible stops on your way to Skye as are Spean Bridge Woollen Mill and Eilean Donan Castle as you get closer. Settle into your hotel in Portree after a long drive.

Overnight in Portree

Day 8 : Explore the Isle of Skye

Today spend the whole day touring the Isle of Skye. Drive alongside the dramatic Trotternish Ridge and stop at Lealt Waterfall and the Kilt Rock. After a walk at the Quiraing, drive to Uig. Explore the magic of the Fairy Glen, legendary home of the ‘wee people’! After lunch drive to the most westerly point on Skye and walk to Neist Point lighthouse and see some of the most dramatic sea cliffs in Scotland, sea birds and maybe even marine wildlife. Along this drive, stop at Dunvegan Castle, stronghold of the Chiefs of MacLeod for nearly 800 years, making it the oldest continuously inhabited castle in Scotland. View priceless family heirlooms and stroll through formal gardens. Return to Portree at your leisure.

Day 9 : Loch Ness & Fort Augustus

Begin your trip from Portree to Fort Augustus this morning. Drive east and make your way off of the Isle of Skye. Continue until you reach Urquhart Castle on Loch Ness. Home to many great clansmen through the ages and a beautiful historical site, Urquhart Castle is a place you won’t want to miss. Once you’re done exploring on land, be sure to take a boat cruise along Loch Ness and go searching for Nessie – Loch Ness’s elusive sea monster. Continue your drive to Fort Augustus from there. When you arrive, check into accommodation. Enjoy a lovely dinner with a view of Loch Ness in the distance and head back to your accommodation for an early night.

Overnight in Fort Augustus

Day 10 : Glenlivet Distillery Tour & Cairngorms National Park

Make your way to the northern edge of Cairngorms National Park to the world-famous Glenlivet Distillery for a tour and tasting. This is the heart of Speyside which is home to dozens of other whisky distilleries. Following your tour, journey deeper into the park and take in the beautiful scenery. The town of Aviemore is a perfect stopping point for a meal. You may also like to take a tour and generous tasting at The Cairngorm Brewing Company before getting back on the road for Fort Augustus.

Day 11 : Explore Edinburgh

Treat yourself to a late breakfast as you have a longer journey ahead of you today. As you make your way to the beautiful city of Edinburgh take in the beautiful scenic landscape as you navigate back down through the rugged Scottish Highlands. You should arrive in Edinburgh by early evening which gives you time to check into your hotel and explore the the surrounding area of the city and enjoy an evening meal.

Overnight in Edinburgh

Day 12 : Royal Mile & Edinburgh Castle

See the bustling Princes Street and the gracious, wide streets of the 200-year-old Georgian New Town. Walk along part of the Royal Mile where compact medieval houses reach 11 floors tall. Visit Edinburgh Castle, which dominates the city and contains the Crown Jewels of Scotland and the Stone of Scone. Take a Ghost Walking Tour tonight to learn some of the city’s darkest secrets. Enjoy your last dinner in this great city before settling into your accommodation for the night.

Day 13 : Return Home

Make your way to Edinburgh Airport and begin your journey home.

We are more than happy to include a flight quote separately to your package so that you can decide if you would like to book with us or on your own.  While booking flights can seem straight-forward, there are often hidden fees or classes of service that do not include seat assignments, meals or checked bags. We have been booking flights since 1985 and know the best routings and have great contracts that mean we often have better prices than what you will see online.

In Scotland and England, we generally try to book hotels that are at a 4 star level or higher. In some situations, we will book some 3 star or B&B properties but we do require them to be at a certain standard. We try to ensure a member of the team have stayed at each property in recent years or that we have done a site inspection.

Planning Deposits

Your first vacation quote, and up to two revisions, for trips of 9 or fewer days, and 45 days in advance of travel, are complimentary. If an itinerary requires further revisions subsequent to this, we will require a non-refundable deposit of $75 per person in order to continue.

If you are requesting a quote for a vacation that is 10 days in length, or with travel dates within 45 days, or to a non-core destination, a deposit of $75 per person will be required in order for us to begin working on your proposal.

Planning deposits can then be put towards the cost of the trip should you decide to proceed with the booking.

Our Process

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SMALL GROUP TOURS

Small group tours overview.

On our Small Group Tours enjoy an intimate & authentic tour experience to Northern Britain at a slower pace and with more time to enjoy the beauty, wonders & culinary delights our regions have to offer.

You will travel with like-minded people and will be accompanied by knowledgeable & professional local experts. Our small ship experiences enjoy the exclusive opportunity of having the captain give you insight on the adventures ahead. On some cruises we have expert wildlife or photography guides onboard.

We carefully plan our own tour itineraries and hand-pick local partners to create a diverse range of unique small group tours & itineraries to Northern Britain.

All land-based small group tours include vehicles to provide the opportunity to travel off-the-beaten-track, taking in locations unreachable in larger vehicles.

KEY FEATURES

• Local dedicated team based in Northern England
• Premium and luxury accommodations
• Small cruise ship experiences include drinks packages & equipment usage (e.g. kayaks) free-of-charge
• Smaller vehicles to get more off the beaten track
• Immersive & comprehensive sightseeing and experience programs escorted by local experts
• Authentic local experiences & cuisine for a true taste of Northern Britain
• Full financial security for all monies paid incl. Fair Pricing &  Book with Confidence policies
• Maximum of 16 guests (11 on cruise tours)

SIGNATURE SMALL GROUP TOURS

Welcome to our Signature Tours, where you can immerse yourself in the regions you are visiting - for our Signature range, we’ve hand-picked our accommodation providers to bring you extra character, authenticity, convenience and comfort, whether in a small B&B or a 5-star country house hotel.

Be surprised, be immersed & feel the authentic small group tours travel experience throughout your tour.

A journey shared is an experience doubled - and on a signature tours you will be able to explore your chosen destinations with our qualified multi-lingual local tourist guides. Discover the must-see places & lesser-known sights to give you a authentic travel experience.

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Best of Northumbria

Northern England is a place of unique character and Britain’s hidden gem ranging from unspoilt sandy beaches and breathtaking countryside to vibrant cities rich in culture and history.

The North of England is home to 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, 5 national parks and almost endless world-class museums, stately homes & gardens…

Whatever it is you are looking to do in this fantastic part of the world, you will likely encounter many friendly people, discover hidden gems & create memorable experiences.

• Personalised touring experience in small groups of no more than 18 guests
• Slow pace to relax and experience the locations visited
• Cultural & curiosity-led tours immersing you in comprehensive sightseeing and experience programs
• Small luxury mini-coaches / mini-van taking you off the beaten track
• Attentive, knowledgeable & passionate tourist guides and/or driver-guides
• Stay in one place and experience the diversity of this great region
• COVID-19 protocols & guidelines

View This Tour

Hadrian's Wall & The Roman Frontier

Immerse yourself in history with a walking holiday on the Hadrian’s Wall Path National Trail. Hadrian’s Wall is Europe’s largest surviving Roman monument and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Follow the path from coast to coast with Hadrian's Wall accompanying you much of the way or, if short on time, take in the very best sections on one of our bespoke tours along the official Hadrian's Wall Path as featured in the The Telegraph .

• Personalised touring in small groups or private experiences
• Slow walking pace to experience the historic locations visited
• Expert local tour guides
• Transfers to accommodations where required
• "Survival pack" for your walk incl. snacks, maps and information
• Choose between 3, 5 and 7-day walking tours
• Authentic local experiences

Contact Us To Book

Dark Skies of Northumberland

It's safe to say that Northumberland is the best place to stargaze in the UK.

572 square miles of this Northern England county have been awarded "Gold Tier" status for their pristine dark skies, and Northumberland's International Dark Sky Park is the largest in the country. Join us on a stargazing adventure across North East England!

This four-day special tour brings you not only closer to the stars but also to our local wildlife at night. We aim to make our travel experiences more sustainable and giving you the opportunity to make your mark but leave less of a footprint behind.

• Personalised touring experience in small groups of no more than 10 guests
• Curiosity-led tour immersing you in comprehensive experience programs
• Stargazing experiences with expert astronomers explaining the night sky
• Observatory visit
• Discover wildlife at night along Hadrian's Wall & North Pennines
• Authentic local experiences & cuisine incl. dinner under the stars
• Astronomy and astro-photography introductions

Coming Soon

SCOTTISH SMALL GROUP CRUISES

We have partnered with our favourite small group expedition cruise line to bring you Scottish wildlife & expedition cruises of a lifetime! Our small group tours on these cruise ships are so intimate, we can anchor in the most sheltered, idyllic places, in some of Scotland's world famous islands such as Skye, St Kilda, Mull, Jura, Islay, Staffa and Iona. With a maximum of only 11 guests on each cruise, this is a highly personalised experience in Northern Scotland. Combine any cruise with one of our land-based tours or create your very own custom trip with us - find out how here .

You can observe the wildlife, swim in the sea lochs, play golf, visit famous malt whisky distilleries or just go ashore and explore at leisure.

We spot some incredible wildlife such as soaring sea & golden eagles, basking sharks, killer whales (even humpbacks!), dolphins, seabirds as well as common & grey seals. Join us!

Scotland Expedition Cruise: Western Isles of Staffa, Iona & the Ross of Mull

Welcome to a magical place and islands full of wonder...

Iona, birthplace of western Christianity was where, in AD563, Saint Columba founded an abbey when he travelled over from Ireland. Iona has been for centuries a place of Christian pilgrimage and here the early abbey monks created the wonderful Book of Kells. Saint Columba and 48 Scottish kings, including Macbeth, as well as some Irish and French kings, are buried on Iona. One can walk in peaceful solitude along the island paths away from the Abbey.

Staffa has one of the world's most spectacular natural marvels in Fingal's cave - one of the islands many sea caves. The soaring beauty of the island and the cave's towering, six-sided basalt columns are famously captured by Mendelssohn's Hebridean Overture.

As we travel around the Isle of Mull we can see incredible wildlife - soaring sea and golden eagles, basking sharks, minke and killer whales, porpoises, dolphins, seabirds and seals. On board our small ships you can do as little or as much as you want. Sit back and enjoy the trip as you travel through the island's picturesque Sounds and sea lochs; view the spectacular mountains of Mull including mighty Ben More; marvel at the headland lighthouses and castles and get involved in working our wee small ships – it is all up to you.

Scotland Small Isles Cruise: Isle of Skye & surrounding isles

A small cruise around the sea lochs of the Isle of Skye and the Small Isles (Muck, Eigg, Rum and Canna) has to be one of the best ways to visit the Hebridean islands. Extraordinary Scottish wildlife is everywhere from minke and occasional killer and humpback whales, dolphins, porpoises, basking sharks, otters to many species of rare sea birds, especially sea eagles.

Throughout the mini cruise you will anchor in secluded and tranquil sea lochs and sail against a spectacular backdrop of dramatic, pristine island coastlines, high sea cliffs, wild mountains and forests. For extra fun, bring your kitesurf or windsurfer, swim from the boat and don't forget your hiking boots for stunning island walks.

You start your cruise from Oban (Dunstaffnage marina), and visit or sail past the stunning Small Isles and the west coast of Skye, which in Loch Scavaig has the most spectacular wilderness anchorage in the whole of Scotland. We travel along the west coast of Skye and at the next anchorage you can even visit Skye's famous Talisker malt whisky distillery.

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Historic Borders of Scotland & England

• Fully customisable itinerary
• Prices from: £975 per person
• Best time to go: April - October
• Transport: Rental car included (optional)

Scottish Borders

Explore the sweeping valleys and historic abbeys of the Scottish Borders, which inspired literary legends such as John Buchan and Sir Walter Scott.

Discover the majestic ruins of Melrose Abbey, the resting place of the heart of Robert the Bruce, and the Gothic mansion of Abbotsford House – once home to author Sir Walter Scott. 

Hadrian's Wall

Discover the rich Roman history and dramatic rolling landscapes of Hadrian’s Wall.

Beyond the border, Northumberland features more castles than any other county in England highlighting the turbulent history between Scotland and England.

Experience the unspoilt beauty and seclusion of the largest expanse of Dark Sky in Europe and gaze at the Milky Way, shooting stars and comets. 

Holy Island of Lindisfarne

Explore the wild and peaceful Lindisfarne, including the ruins of an expansive medieval monastery with ornately sculpted Celtic carvings – as well as the 16th century Lindisfarne Castle. Cut off from the mainland twice daily by racing tides, the island offers a place for tranquillity.

Northumberland coastline

Experience the dazzling scenery of the Northumberland coast, charming seaside towns and beaches. Travel by boat to the Farne Islands – the most famous bird sanctuary in the British Isles, or visit the secluded medieval chapel at Warkworth Hermitage.  

Cheviot Hills

The remote Cheviot Hills are bursting at the seams with thrilling and evocative history from Bronze Age standing stones, to the bloody Flodden Battlefield. Encounter the untamed and unforgettable Wild Chillingham cattle before visiting Chillingham Castle itself.

A Stunning Self-Drive Tour in Scotland & England

This self-drive tour will lead you on a spectacular journey through the Scottish Borders and Northumberland. Journeying through these charming regions you can expect magnificent castles and abbeys, unspoilt coastline and an abundance of diverse wildlife and nature.

Begin your journey in the ancient town of Melrose in the Scottish Borders where you will encounter a scenic area with a fascinating history. The Borders was a battleground between Scotland and England for centuries, and you can learn about its tumultuous past by visiting magnificent ruined abbeys and castles.

From Melrose, drive south to Kielder Forest and Water Park and enjoy abundant wildlife and nature, an ever-evolving network of forest paths and the darkest, clearest skies in the country.

Your next stop is the ancient market town of Hexham, the perfect base for exploring Hadrian’s Wall. Stretching 84 miles from coast to coast, Hadrian’s Wall is the largest ancient monument in northern Europe. Step back in time and visit forts and museums to bring the past to life.

Continue your journey to the glittering Northumbrian coastline and enjoy the luxurious interiors and elegant, horticultural gardens of the quirky Alnwick Castle. The Northumberland coast is famous for its wild, unspoilt beauty. Discover cobbled coastal villages hardly changed by time and the romantic ruins of Dunstanburgh and Bamburgh castles. There is the option to visit Holy Island, which is accessible at low tide across the causeway and where the monastery became a centre for Christianity.

Finally, head inland to the heart of the Cheviot Hills to learn about the unique white cattle which are rarer than Giant Pandas, and experience the living history and culture that hides in every inch of the buffer area between England and Scotland.

Suggested Itinerary

The holiday ideas on our website are just examples of the amazing trips we offer.  Think of this itinerary as a starting point which can be tailored into something completely unique to you by our award-winning specialists.

We love the opportunity to use our first-hand knowledge and experience to design and deliver the perfect, bespoke holiday experience for you.

Day 1: Edinburgh to the Scottish Borders

Depart Edinburgh and uncover the secrets of the mysterious Rosslyn Chapel (featured in The Da Vinci Code) before making your way south to the spectacular Scottish Borders.

You can enjoy the panoramic vista from Scott’s view – Sir Walter Scott’s favourite view in Scotland – before visiting the first statue built of Scottish hero Sir William Wallace. Overnight – Melrose

Day 2: Scottish Borders Sightseeing

Spend a full day today exploring the formidable ruins of the four great medieval abbeys – Melrose, Jedburgh, Kelso and Dryburgh.

The abbeys were founded in the 12th century but their proximity to England meant that they were subject to frequent attacks by the English. Their dynamic ruins now paint a fascinating picture of a turbulent time in Scottish history. Melrose Abbey is where the heart of Scotland’s great warrior king – Robert the Bruce – is buried. Overnight – Melrose

Day 3: Scottish Borders to Hadrian's Wall Country

Travel south through the remote Kielder Water and Forest Park where you can enjoy breathtaking scenery, meander through charming woods to secluded picnic spots, follow the outdoor Sculpture Trail and learn about diverse wildlife.

Continue through picturesque Northumberland countryside to historic Hadrian’s Wall Country which will be your base for the next two nights. Overnight – Hadrian’s Wall Country

Day 4: Hadrian’s Wall Sightseeing

A full day to discover an array of Roman history and explore countless historic sites along the 73 mile stone wall.

Visit Housesteads Roman Fort at Bardon Mill, watch live excavations at the Vindolanda archaeology site, and revive battles and warriors at the Roman Army Museum. Overnight – Hadrian’s Wall Country

Day 5: Hadrian's Wall Country to the Northumberland Coast

Travel from Hadrian’s Wall to the golden beaches of the Northumberland Coast. En route, you could visit the ancient village and Hermitage of Warkworth and Alnwick Castle and Gardens. Overnight – Northumberland Coast

Day 6: Northumberland Coast Sightseeing

A full day of adventure on the unspoiled Northumberland Coast featuring a visit to the striking Bamburgh Castle, a boat trip to visit the wildlife of the Farne Islands, or skimming over the sand causeway to the evocative Lindisfarne Island. Overnight – Northumberland Coast

Day 7: Explore the Cheviot Hills

Venture into unexplored territory in the secluded Cheviot Hills and take the opportunity to learn about Northumberland’s haunting history.

Walk through hidden hillforts to wild waterfalls, encounter the untamed Wild Chillingham cattle, and visit medieval Chillingham Castle known as ‘England’s most haunted castle’. Overnight – Northumberland Coast

Day 8: Depart the Northumberland Coast

After breakfast, it’s time to end your journey and it’s less than a two hour drive to Edinburgh. 

What's Included?

Your holiday includes:

• Carefully selected en-suite accommodation for 7 nights including traditional Scottish or English breakfast
• Comprehensive information pack
• Personalised itinerary with our recommendations for the best places to eat and drink and sightseeing suggestions
• Map with our recommended driving route
• 8 days rental of an Economy car (other vehicle categories available) including comprehensive insurance
• 24-hour emergency contact number
• Full financial protection

Your holiday doesn't include:

• Travel insurance
• Lunches and evening meals

Accommodation & Prices

We know that after a busy day of sightseeing an exceptional place to stay makes all the difference. That’s why all of the accommodation we select is hand-picked using our first-hand knowledge of the best places to stay.

Our discerning team has a wealth of experience, and we extensively research and regularly review all of the accommodation we select for our clients.

Please choose from one of our accommodation categories below. If you wish to combine these categories or perhaps upgrade for a special occasion let us know in your enquiry.

A collection of quality 4* Guest Houses and 3* Hotels often located in beautiful locations which provide an excellent standard of accommodation.

Tastefully decorated and furnished, these properties are generally owned and operated by locals who have a genuine passion for their region which they are keen to share with you. Their warm hospitality is sure to be a highlight of your experience.

It also comprises larger 4* Hotels selected for their high standard of accommodation, exceptional service, and great location. These range from traditional luxury to contemporary Hotels.

These are truly magical places and amongst the best Britain has to offer. The perfect choice when you would like somewhere really special which can be a treat for the night or for your entire holiday.

Our packages include car rental and comprehensive insurance for the duration of your holiday. Absolute Escapes has an excellent relationship with a number of car hire operators and we are able to offer quality vehicles and great value for money.

If you plan to bring your own vehicle, we are also able to offer this itinerary without a rental car.

All our packages include:

• Collision Damage Waiver
• Super Damage Excess Waiver
• Third Party Insurance
• Theft Waiver
• Good for 2 people
• Maximum of 4 passengers
• 2 large suitcases
• Manual or automatic transmission
• Good for 2 – 4 people
• Maximum of 5 passengers

Intermediate

• Good for up to 4 people
• 3 large suitcases
• Good for 5 people
• Maximum of 7 passengers
• 3 – 4 large suitcases

Related blog posts

How do our self-drive holidays work.

Since 2004, we've led the way in planning remarkable road trips in the UK. Like a perfectly tailored suit, each itinerary is crafted around you. Learn more about us and our self-drive holidays in our new guide. Read more

5 of the Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Northumberland

Discover the historic castles, spectacular coastline and dramatic landscapes of Northumberland. We've complied a list of our favourite places to visit to help you discover the fascinating history of this Northern county. Read more

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Coach / Bus Tours in England 2024/2025

Take in the picturesque landscapes and remarkable sights on a guided Coach / Bus adventure of England. There are 70 vacation packages to choose from, that range in length from 2 days up to 15 days. The most popular month for these tours is September.

70 Coach / Bus trips around England with 1,045 reviews

• In-depth Cultural
• Coach / Bus

Best of Devon and Cornwall (6 Days)

It was a great adventure and experience, especially due to our excellent director Helen, an extremely cultured and warmhearted woman with a lot of historical and literary knowledge, not to forget her humour. Very intense six days with a full but balanced programme, including nature, culture and good food and fellowship. Thank you!

• €100 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

3-Day Lake District Explorer Small-Group Tour from Manchester

James 2 made my tour wonderful! He found all sorts of secret, surprise places to visit and was extremely knowledgeable about what we were viewing and the history of each area. He was so friendly and as a lone traveller (there was only me on the tour!) he made me feel very relaxed as if I were travelling with a good friend! Thank you James 2!!

3-Day Stonehenge, Glastonbury, Bath & the South West Coast Small-Group Tour from London

We had a wonderful time! Our tour guide, Kate, was knowledgeable and accommodating for all of our interests and needs. I would highly recommend this trip.

• Walking Adventure

London & Iconic England Tour - 6 days

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

London & Country

Wonderful trip! Fun places to visit with nice, friendly people.

Iconic England 3 Day Tour with Stonehenge, Roman Baths & Windsor Castle

• Sightseeing
• Christmas & New Year

Heart of England Express - 2 days

Heart of England Express (Hotel) - 2 days

Heart of England

This tour was excellent. Derek was a very entertaining tour guide & our driver had a great sense of humour. I highly recommend travelling with Tour Rad.

• €150 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Best of Britain (11 Days)

This was our first trip to the UK. The tour covered all we wanted to see. The coach was comfortable and the drivers very friendly. Patricia was an excellent guide very caring and knowledgeable about the history of the UK. The Isle of Skye section needs to be rethought - a long day with not a lot of the Isle covered. The local guide at Liverpool could not be heard on the walking tour. Very satisfied with the 11 day tour and would recommend it to travelers looking to see a large area of the UK.

Britain Sampler

Good organization. Great overview if you have never been to the UK before. Good balance between group activities and our own time.

Country Roads of Wales, Devon & Cornwall (Classic, 11 Days)

Elegance of Great Britain (Classic, Start Edinburgh, 12 Days)

British Royale (Small Groups, End Edinburgh, 10 Days, Door To Door)

British Royale (Small Groups, End London, 11 Days, Door To Door)

England coach / bus tour reviews.

We had a great trip. Ouf tour guide Chris couldn’t have been mord pleasing, caring and committed to making our trip as enjoyable as possible. He was an excellent driver , very safe and mindful of our comfort. Also we were blessed with the flexibility of thd tour in very wet conditions.

Regions in England

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Travel Styles

• 10 Best Coach & Bus Companies (with Reviews)
• England Travel Guide | All You Need to Know

BEER TOURS UK

Discover the hidden delights of British brewing

We have a three day Chester based tour open for September Wednesday 6th to Friday 8th. The first day will be a visit to a Chester brewer and historic pubs, the second a day in vibrant Liverpool and the third day a trip to  Shropshire to visit a unique brewery followed by several wonderfully atmospheric pubs in beautiful Shrewsbury.  You can join the whole three day tour with accommodation in Chester or for individual days. Later in September we will again tour Liverpool on Thursday  21st and North Wales on Saturday 23  for a mini bus tour to a brewery and country inns.  If interested in any of these tours please contact us now for details on [email protected] 

The best of british beer tourism, with ground breaking new tours.

Our tours offer a fascinating glimpse into the rich and varied tapestry of the independent British cask ale brewing scene, all interwoven with visits to our unique British pubs.These are simply beer tours you just can't do alone.  We work closely with long-standing transport, brewery and pub partners to bring you a smooth and memorable beer experience to treasure- see our testimonials.  For 2023/24 we warmly welcome enquiries, both for our established tours and new our roll outs - including a tour to the beautiful Isle of Man, a Hop Walk in Herefordshire and our Northern Cities Beer Odyssey.

( see New Tours page ).  Please enquire at  [email protected]  or ring  07751 578605 (mobile) or  +44 (0) 1244 675995  for more information.We love to talk through our tours. 

Special discounts In recognition of their bravery and dedication throughout the pandemic, beer enthusiasts from the health & care sectors along with other  emergency  services will be continue to be welcomed with special  discounts throughout 2023  - please do enquire.   

Newsflash : forthcoming   tours following our successful 2023 tours we now have open  tours planned for november  and for 2024 in january, february, march and  april with visit s across cheshire, manchester shropshire, the black country and north wales. if interested in the details or in a bespoke group tour  please contact [email protected] we are also offering  walking tours  in chester and liverpool: walking tours around the fascinating and historic pubs of chester and liverpool. these can be tailored to your group for either the compact 2.5  hours  early evening pub experience or our 4 hour afte rnoon tour, which takes in a brewery visit with light  lunch. if you wish, you can decided the length of time you require for a small party. , unique to britain.

Cask ale and our wonderful pubs - many dating back centuries - are unique to Britain.

I have had the pleasure of going on 2 beer tours with Steve Hobman from Beer Tours UK. The first was to North Wales and Liverpool in 2013, and the second was to the Peak District and Manchester in 2018. 

On each tour we visited both rural and city local breweries and pubs, some were classic examples from the victorian era and early 20th century. we sampled both traditional british real ales as well as some newer, craft beer styles. , steve not only has a fantastic knowledge of british beer, but he ensures we learnt some of the history and culture of the places we visited. , the accommodation on both holidays was in delightful pubs, and the tours were well planned and paced. , as a british expat visiting the uk it was a great way of seeing parts of britain i had never seen and enjoying the best of british beer. , mark davies, all about cask ale.

Beer Tours UK has a very special offer in British beer tourism. We arrange bespoke tours for small groups, with enormous flexibility. Since we began, we have welcomed beer enthusiasts from Canada , the USA , Japan , Scandinavia and Australia along with many homegrown groups.

As a pioneer in British beer tourism, we have been leading both ale veterans and ale novices to breweries and pubs across northern England and North Wales for several years. We started out way with a clear mission to showcase the unique national heritage of craft cask-conditioned ale alongside the iconic British pub - the only place you can drink cask. 

Yes, we do recognise and respect the talents and creativity of the new craft keg brewers - and some of our brewing partners we visit now brew in both styles. And we may even trip over a craft gin producer or two. But cask ale and our wonderful pubs, many dating back centuries - from characteristic city centre ‘boozers’ to grand old coaching inns – are unique to Britain. Our tours celebrate them. This is really good fun beer tourism that you just can’t manage alone. We know the brewers, we know the pubs and we know the beers - well a quite a lot anyway. 

A single day tour to experience the best of local ale, whether visiting a brewery or several pubs in a single location. 

This excellent three day (3 nights) tour will explore the local area, revealing the best cask ale across breweries and pubs in the region.

An exceptional experience for five days (4 nights) visiting both rural and city breweries and accommodation in beautiful pubs. 

With tailored itineraries for organised groups or simply like-minded individuals, we travel to cask ale brewers across rural Cheshire and Shropshire and the wonderfully vibrant cities of Manchester , Liverpool , and Leeds while also heading into the dramatic landscapes of North Wales , the Peak District and the Yorkshire Dales – all wonderful backdrops for tours. We can also arrange tours in London , the Lake District , Scotland and the West Country or other parts of the UK . 

I contacted Beer Tours (UK) as I needed to organise something special for my 60th birthday. I contacted Steve and he created an itinerary and everyone was really looking forward to the trip. It didn't disappoint! Steve took us to pubs we wouldn't have found without him, to Brewery's where we enjoyed a tour (oh and free beer!) and some great scenery. If your looking for a recommendation for something different then try A Beer Tour with Steve Hobman.

Mike Carpenter, Altrincham

A visit to Stonehouse Brewery.

Steve Hobman

Founder | lead tours advisor.

Beer Tours UK is headed by beer writer and brewing media consultant Steve Hobman. Steve is a member of the British Guild of Beer Writers and the Brewing History society. 

Beer Tours UK is featured in articles across Europe for our experience in British beer tourism. 

Maltesen Magazine | Issue 116 | 2019

BEER Magazine | Issue 24 | Summer 2014

What the media say...

The UK's best vineyards for wine tastings, tours and stays

Stop off for a day out, or stay a little longer, to sample fine British wines where they're made

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Surrey and Hampshire

Sussex and kent, dorset, devon and cornwall, gloucestershire and wales, north of england.

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Denbies Wine Estate, Surrey

Nestled in the heart of the Surrey Hills in an area of outstanding natural beauty, Denbies Wine Estate is one of England’s largest single estate vineyards. Visitors can enjoy indoor wine tasting tours, outdoor vineyard train tours and eat at a number of restaurants, including Gallery Restaurant, Vineyard Restaurant & Wine Library, Conservatory Restaurant, and the Hatch On The Lawn Takeaway. The estate is also home to the Denbies Vineyard Hotel, which has 17 en suite rooms. The hotel has been “designed with the vineyard at its heart”, said The Telegraph . One of Britain’s first vineyard hotels, the “setting of this boutique property doesn’t disappoint”. denbies.co.uk

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Greyfriars Vineyard, Surrey

Located in the Surrey Hills, Greyfriars Vineyard has been making wine since 1989. Its " stunning south-facing chalk slopes" said Surrey Live . Greyfriars's tour with wine tasting takes visitors on a guided walk through the beautiful vineyards finishing with a "tutored tasting" of several of its "prize-winning sparkling and still wines". Alernatively, you can opt for a free self-guided tour. greyfriarsvineyard.co.uk

Hambledon Vineyard, Hampshire

Hambledon Vineyard boasts the title of England's oldest commercial vineyard and despite "flying the flag for English fizz" since 1952 "it's still full of new ideas", said Time Out . The small family-run operation's "charm" is showcased in its wine tours and the pop-up restaurant is a "lovely touch". Tours include a "walk around the vineyards and underground cellars", said Good Housekeeping , before sampling "English sparklers", or add on an afternoon tea. hambledonvineyard.co.uk

Oastbrook Estate Vineyard, East Sussex

Set in a rolling valley, Oastbrook Estate's winery is itself an "outstanding architectural feature", said WineTourism.com . Surrounded by vineyards and offering luxury accommodation "this truly is a unique place to visit to try amazing wines". Oastbrook produces a range of award-winning sparkling and still wines that "reflect the exceptional micro-climate of the Rother Valley". As well as luxury glamping and the Scandinavian-style Avalon Waterside Lodge, the estate also has its own "Hobbit house", Vineyard Hollow, within the vineyard, with two bedrooms, a living area, wood-burner and even a hot tub. oastbrook.com

Tinwood Estate, West Sussex

There's plenty of attractions for wine aficionados at the Tinwood Estate. On the edge of the South Downs near Chichester, visitors can book vineyard tours, tastings and afternoon teas. There's a "small-plates restaurant" open during the day, said The Times . One of the big highlights here are the three luxury vineyard lodges "each decorated in beautiful materials, with a terrace for better views of those ripening grapes" as well as a barrel sauna and a hot tub". The estate first started planting in 2007 and "boasts 110 acres of land under vine, where it largely produces Blanc de Blancs, Brut and English Sparkling Rose", said Square Meal .  tinwoodestate.com

Oxney Organic Estate, East Sussex

Near Rye in East Sussex, the Oxney Organic Estate makes “delectable chardonnays and fizz”, said The Times . As the name suggests, this 35-acre vineyard is said to be the "largest single-estate" maker of organic English wines, with wine tours every Saturday from April to November. And on a sunny day, you'll be able to take in the beautiful country views on an idyllic picnic lunch after your tour. Best of all, "you can sleep it off" in the estate's converted barn, shepherd's hut or farmhouse cottage. oxneyestate.com

Ashling Park Estate, West Sussex

Ashling Park is a vineyard and winery – and "what wine it is", said Neil Davey on TheWeek.com . But it also offers a gin school, an excellent restaurant and some delightful luxury lodges. The visitor centre and shop is very good and the tour is informative. In 2023 Ashling Park won gold for its eponymous rosé at the Wine GB Awards. It's also a Decanter Gold Medal winner. ashlingpark.co.uk

Ridgeview Wine Estate, East Sussex

Looking out of the tasting room window at Ridgeview Wine Estate, the inspiration for the name is clear. Beyond the vines stretching out across the valley, the landscape rises towards the chalk escarpment of the South Downs, which divides the vineyard from Brighton and the sea. As "one of England's most prestigious producers", said the Daily Mail , Ridgeview offers guided tours, relaxed wine tastings, or all-day dining at The Rows & Vine restaurant. ridgeview.co.uk

Tillingham Winery, East Sussex

Less than a 15-minute drive from the historic town of Rye you'll find Tillingham Winery, "one of the most exciting wine-makers in Britain," said The Times , which is "known for natural, non-intervention wines plus fermentation in earthenware qvevri jars". Book onto one of the vineyard tours in advance and enjoy the "country life" that's incorporated into the surroundings, said Kaye O'Doherty on TheWeek.com . As well as tours and tastings, Tillingham also offers 11 double rooms in a former hop barn and a restaurant with vistas over the Sussex countryside. Chef Brendan Eades, who scooped a Michelin Green Star in 2022, cooks up an exceptional, pescatarian feast with fish caught daily from Rye Harbour. tillingham.com

Rathfinny Wine Estate, East Sussex

Here "each bottling is supposed to reflect the unpredictable nature of the British summer season", said Elite Traveler . "Three miles from where the rolling hills of the South Downs give way to the coast" the 600-acre estate is home to The Flint Barns, which has 10 en-suite bedrooms, and the Tasting Room and Flint Barns Dining Room restaurants. Rathfinny's Cellar Door shop is open daily for drop-in wine tastings and shopping, while the estate also offers seasonal vineyard tours and tastings all year round. rathfinnyestate.com

Chapel Down, Kent

On the chalky North Downs, Chapel Down is perhaps "the most well-known wine producer in the UK", said Time Out . The guided tour is "a lot of fun" and it helps that "the wine is great, too", with Flint Dry a bestseller. Chapel Down has won numerous awards throughout the years and its Classic NV Brut is one of the "most accessible" English sparkling wines – "both from a price point and national availability", said Great British Wine . As well as tours Chapel Down also hosts experiences and visitors can book a table at its restaurant, The Swan Wine Kitchen. chapeldown.com

Biddenden Vineyards, Kent

The county's "oldest family-run vineyard", Biddenden produces "top-notch white, rosé, red and sparkling wines", said Country Living , from 11 grape varieties. All vine work is still carried out by hand. Vineyard tours, self-guided tours, meet-the-winemaker tours and picnics are available to book. Stay a little longer in a romantic cottage with a wood-fired hot tub. biddendenvineyards.com

Langham Wine Estate, Dorset

At this environmentally conscious vineyard in the heart of the West Country, they take a "low-intervention approach to wine making, from grape growing to wine production", said Square Meal . English sparkling is the "brand's main forte" which you can sample on a guided tour and tasting. And if an afternoon of wine tasting really takes it out of you, a sumptuous collection of lunches and afternoon teas are available in the vineyard café. With wines made solely from the classical champagne grape varieties of chardonnay, pinot noir and pinot meunier, this is high-quality fare – be sure not to miss the Rosé NV, which is packed full of gorgeous berry flavours. langhamwine.co.uk

Darts Farm's Pebblebed Vineyard, Devon

Visitors can book tours and tastings at Darts Farm's 18-acre Pebblebed Vineyard and traditional winery, in the village of Clyst St George in east Devon. The vineyards and winery are located on their farm and "the team are proud" said Luxury Lifestyle magazine, "to be one of very few single-estate producers" in the country, with the vineyard and winery in one place and wines made from their own grapes. dartsfarm.co.uk

Castlewood Vineyard, Devon

If you're seeking "fizz and festivals" look no further than Castlewood Vineyard in Devon, said Condé Nast Traveller . Its story began in 2006 on a south-facing Devon hillside overlooking the River Axe with owner Rob Corbett planting his vines by hand. Now the vineyard offers private tours and a June festival, held to celebrate the release of the latest vintage. If you stay in one of the Grade-II listed cottages you'll be "surrounded by pretty gardens and countryside". Equally, if you're there for just a day the steep slopes of the vineyard offer "amazing views of the Axe Valley". castlewoodvineyard.co.uk

Camel Valley, Cornwall

Made up of 82 acres of rolling hills bathed in southerly sunshine, Camel Valley is Cornwall's largest vineyard, and was "the first English wine producer to be granted a royal warrant", said Muddy Stilettos . Visitors can join a number of tours and tastings, or sit on a stone-clad terrace, sipping Pinot Noir Rosé Brut as they watch the sun set over vineyards that slope down to the River Camel as it snakes from Bodmin Moor to Padstow. And it's "handy for non-driving access", being on the Camel Trail cycle route. camelvalley.com

Three Choirs Vineyards, Gloucestershire

One of England's oldest vineyards, in 2023 Three Choirs celebrated 50 years since the first vines were planted on the estate in Newent, Gloucestershire. It now boasts 75 acres of vines and currently produces around 250,000 bottles of wine a year. Facilities and experiences include The Brasserie restaurant, Cellar Door shop, plus wine tastings and vineyard tours. A "pretty vineyard" with "fabulous views", there's even accommodation on site, said The Hotel Guru . The lodges and rooms are "smart and spacious" with "hints of luxury". three-choirs-vineyards.co.uk

Woodchester Valley Vineyard, Gloucestershire

This south Cotswolds vineyard is "putting Gloucestershire on the map as a world-class wine destination", said Muddy Stilettos . Set in the Stroud valleys, "family-run boutique winery" Woodchester Valley has been producing world-class white, rosé and sparkling wines since 2016 and visitors can book tours, tastings or enjoy a "sip-and-stay experience with a difference". In 2023 its vintage Pinot Gris "beat Italian rivals", said The Times , to win gold at the Global Pinot Gris/Pinot Grigio Masters. woodchestervalleyvineyard.co.uk

Gwinllan Conwy Vineyard, Conwy

There are vineyards "blossoming" all across Wales, said Natasha Lovell-Smith on Great British Food Awards . And one of the most popular is Gwinllan Conwy, which has received multiple national and international awards. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Snowdonia Mountain Range, the "success" of this vineyard is "underpinned by the microclimate" of north Wales, which "pairs resemblance" to the climate of New Zealand. Thanks to its proximity to the sea, this means the vineyard "experiences mild winters allowing the vines to develop earlier". This beautiful vineyard offers tours and wine tasting experiences throughout the year and at the online shop you can buy Welsh artisan produce or Welsh hampers, as well as wine. gwinllanconwy.co.uk

Llanerch Vineyard, Glamorgan

Tucked into the Welsh countryside, yet only 20 minutes from Cardiff, Llanerch Vineyard offers "a drop of romance", said Kerry Walker in The Daily Telegraph . While the vineyard itself is centred on a "whitewashed farmhouse" from 1851 and pulls off the "delicate act of combining original features", the hotel rooms are "bright and contemporary". Beyond the hotel and wine, is the "perkily turreted Neo-Gothic" Hensol Castle which is only a 15-minute walk away. But where Llanerch really "shines" is its restaurant which overlooks the vineyard and offers "great" food and "bang-on" service. You may "come for a wine tour" but you'll "stay for the imaginative locally sourced food". llanerch.co.uk

Ryedale Vineyards, North Yorkshire

The most northerly vineyard in Britain, Ryedale offers more than wine – it also makes cider from the estate's orchards. Voted one of the best vineyards to visit and tour in England, it offers an "informal, humorous and informative guided tour". For those wanting to stay, Ryedale has two "cosy en suite rooms in the farmhouse", said The Guardian , and the "slap-up breakfast" is the "perfect way to start a day" exploring the surrounding North Yorkshire wolds. ryedalevineyards.co.uk

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How One Family Lost $900,000 in a Timeshare Scam

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A massive scam targeting older Americans who own timeshare properties has resulted in hundreds of millions of dollars sent to Mexico.

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When is the next total solar eclipse in the US after 2024 and what is its path? What to know

The highly anticipated 2024 total solar eclipse will cross North America on Monday , giving millions of sky-gazers the chance to see a rare cosmic event that won't be viewable again for 20 years.

The eclipse's  path of totality  will travel over a portion of northern Mexico before entering the U.S. It then it will cross 13 states  from Texas to Maine, where the spectacle is expected to attract huge crowds.

If you aren't lucky enough to be in the path of totality this time around, you will have another chance - you'll just have to wait until the 2040s.

Here's what we know about the next total solar eclipse to cross over the U.S.

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When is the next total solar eclipse visible from the U.S.?

It will be 20 years before there's a chance to  witness a total solar eclipse  in the United States again.

According to NASA, after Monday's total solar  eclipse , the next one viewable from the contiguous U.S. will be on Aug. 23, 2044.

2044 total solar eclipse path of totality

Unfortunately, the 2044 total  solar eclipse  won't have the broad reach across the U.S. as the 2024 eclipse.

The path of totality during the 2044 eclipse will only touch three states, according to the Planetary Society, a nonprofit involved in research, public outreach, and political space advocacy.

The eclipse will begin in Greenland, sweep through Canada and end around sunset in Montana, North Dakota and South Dakota.

Pets and the eclipse: Will my pets be safe during the April 2024 solar eclipse? What experts say.

2045 solar eclipse

While the 2044 total eclipse will only touch three states, a 2045 eclipse will have a more robust path across the U.S.

Expected to occur on Saturday, Aug. 12, 2045, this solar eclipse will trace a path of totality over California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Kansas, Texas, Arkansas, Missouri, Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama, Florida, and Georgia.

A partial solar eclipse will also be viewable in 35 other states, according to National Eclipse.com

What is a total solar eclipse?

Any celestial object like a moon or a planet that passes between two other bodies can create  an eclipse  by obscuring the view of objects like the sun.

In the event of a solar eclipse, the moon comes in between the Earth and the sun, blocking its light from reaching a small part of our planet. Partial eclipses, when some part of the sun remains visible, are the most common, making total eclipses a rare sight to behold.

Total eclipses can lead to a period of darkness lasting for several minutes, during which time nocturnal animals stir while confused birds and insects may fall silent, NASA says.

When a solar eclipse reaches totality, people are able to see the sun’s outer atmosphere called the corona, which is usually obscured by the sun's bright surface. This offers scientists an uncommon opportunity  to study the corona .

Totality also offers spectators a chance to gaze upon the spectacular sight with the naked eye, though  proper  safety  glasses  are still required for the rest of the time.

What states are on the 2024 eclipse path of totality?

Mexico's Pacific coast will be the first location in continental North America to experience totality, which is expected to occur at about 11:07 a.m. PDT,  according to NASA .

As the moon's shadow will northeast, totality in the U.S. will begin in Texas at 1:27 p.m. CDT. The path will then cut diagonally across the country, traveling through Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont and New Hampshire.

The eclipse's path is expected to end in Maine at 3:35 p.m. EDT before visiting the maritime provinces of Canada, according to estimates.

See  interactive maps of the 2024 path .

Contributing: Doyle Rice, Ramon Padilla & Janet Loehrke, USA TODAY