When we think about the North of England, chances are we conjure up imagery of sweeping moorland landscapes, the endless fells of the Lake District, and the enticing stretches of beaches studded with ancient castles and dark cliffs. It’s a holiday destination for those who love being out in the elements.
Here, you can appreciate wild England. Visually, it’s reminiscent of a frontier land with unchartered reaches, and you can use your imagination on the miles and miles of trails. Our introduction to the North of England shines a light on the delights of the Lake District, Lancashire, County Durham, Northumberland, Yorkshire, and Cumbria. Follow the links to more detailed guides on each area, too.
The best way to get to know this dramatic region is by basing yourself at a holiday cottage. We have a large collection of holiday accommodation in the North of England for you to browse. Click the button below to get inspired.
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County Durham | the best place for history buffs
County Durham is a ceremonial county but not a shire like most of the others included in this guide. It shares its border with Northumberland, Cumbria, and North Yorkshire. Also, the county is split into four distinct regions: Durham City, Durham Vale, Durham Dales, and Durham Heritage Coast. Known for its top-flight university and a wealth of historic buildings, it’s an inspiring place to stay.
Our County Durham cottages can be found near the county's main visitor attractions such as Durham’s cathedral and castle, Penshaw Monument, Diggerland, Crook Hall and Gardens, the Oriental Museum, Raby Castle, Locomotion, and Killhope Lead Mining Museum. For more information on things to do in Durham, visit our guide.
The best places to stay in County Durham
Cumbria | The best place for Roman ruins and coastal sunsets
Cumbria is a wild county that incorporates the entire Lake District National Park as well as the Solway Coast. Standing at the western edge of the Yorkshire Dales and the North Pennines National Landscape, it’s a land of rural contrasts. The main towns beyond the Lake District’s borders are Carlisle, Cockermouth, Barrow-in-Furness, Ulverston, Penrith, and Kendal. It reaches the border with Scotland too, so day trips to Dumfries and Galloway are possible. Cumbria's hidden gem is its coastline by way of the Solway Coast. With a string of wonderful beaches including Haverigg, and Allonby, Cumbria's coast is worth heading to for legendary sunsets and views of southern Scotland.
Our Cumbria holiday cottages are located near most of the top Cumbria attractions. Plan a visit to the Lake District, Senhouse Roman Museum, Alauna Roman Fort, Wordsworth House, Lowther Castle, Hutton-in-the-Forest, Long Meg and Her Daughters, Penrith Castle, Seascale Beach, and the Solway Coast National Landscape.
The best places to stay in Cumbria
Lake District | The best place for lakes and fell walking
The Lake District is virtually unrivalled for lakeside walks in the UK. It’s home to the longest, and the deepest lakes in England, and some of the most amazing unspoiled views you can find. It has a rich literary heritage too, with writers such as Beatrix Potter, William Wordsworth, and Arthur Ransome all living and setting their stories and verses here. The towns are also a joy, such as Ambleside, Derwent, Keswick, and Windermere, with their multitude of places to eat and drink, and independent shops. There are museums galore too. Chiefly, the Lakes is a destination for those who love hiking or sailing, as there are fell and trail walks galore and beautiful lakes and tarns by the score.
Stay at a Lake District holiday property close to some of the best attractions in the national park including Hill Top (Beatrix Potter’s former home), Beatrix Potter World, Lakeland Motor Museum, the Bluebird K7 at Ruskin Museum, Castlerigg Stone Circle, Wray Castle, and the Kendal Mint Cake Co. There are so many things to do in the Lake District.
Highlights
- Grasmere – The final resting place of poet William Wordsworth is in this beautiful Lakeland village
- Ravenglass – The Lake District’s only coastal village with a beach, heritage railway, and some excellent Roman ruins
- The Lakes – There are 17 lakes and around 200 tarns to visit in the national park, and all of them are gorgeous
The best places to stay in the Lake District
Lancashire | The best place for days at the seaside
Lancashire resides in the North West of England, below Cumbria and next to Merseyside, and Cheshire. To the east and north, it borders West Yorkshire and the Peak District National Park. It’s a large county full of interesting landscapes and seaside towns such as Morecambe and Blackpool, or curious regions such as the Forest of Bowland National Landscape, and Pendle Hill. Famed for its long, golden beaches, Lancashire should be on your holiday list. With its proximity to northern cities like Liverpool and Manchester, you’ve got the very best blend of urban and rural to fill your time.
Our holiday properties in Lancashire are near to some of the county's many attractions; they include Lancaster Castle, Blackpool Pleasure Beach, Morecambe Bay, SEA LIFE Blackpool, the Owl & Birds of Prey Sanctuary, Brockholes, Astley Hall, Gawthorpe Hall, Southport Beach, Liverpool Pier Head, Crosby Beach and the Gormley Men, and the Trough of Bowland.
Highlights
- The Forest of Bowland – This low-lying area of Lancashire is a hidden gem of natural beauty spots
- Blackpool – The ultimate British seaside destination is unmissable, especially during the illuminations season with its miles of rollercoasters, trams, piers, and arcades
- Pendle Hill – Climb to the top of one of the North West’s highest hills and see the whole county
The best places to stay in Lancashire
Northumberland | The best place for castles and coastal walks
Northumberland is one of the largest and emptiest counties in England. Stretching from the River Tweed in the north to Whitley Bay in the south, it’s a vast county full of wonders. There are miles of unspoiled countryside to discover in the Kielder Forest National Nature Reserve, Kielder Water, and the Northumberland National Park which doubles as a Dark Sky Park Reserve for stargazers. Northumberland is also revered for its wonderful castles such as Alnwick, Bamburgh, and Dunstanburgh; the county has around 70 in total – read our castles guide for more info.
Treat yourself to a holiday cottage in Northumberland to seek out county treasures such as Hadrian’s Wall and the Roman ruins at Vercovicium and Vindolanda, the Roman Army Museum, Lindisfarne Heritage Centre, Kielder Observatory, and Andy Howey’s Birds of Prey Centre. If you love the great outdoors, you will relish the walking trails in the county such as Simonside, Thrunton Wood, and the Northumberland Coast Path and many other coastal walks.
Highlights
- Hadrian’s Wall – Perhaps one of England’s best-known ancient monuments, this is a must-see for all
- Dunstanburgh Castle – The coastal walk to this iconic castle ruin is unforgettable
- Kielder Water – A hike around the edge of this large lake is unmissable
The best places to stay in Northumberland
Yorkshire | The best place for outdoor activities
Yorkshire is so vast it’s been split into four smaller counties whose names follow the points of the compass: North Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, West Yorkshire, and the East Riding of Yorkshire. If you love climbing, caving, hiking, mountain biking, long-distance running, driving, or photography, a trip to Yorkshire is for you. Yorkshire also has some great centres of culture like Leeds, Sheffield, Halifax, Hebden Bridge, and York, with an endless array of places to eat, and entertainment venues. Historians will find much to occupy them too, with Yorkshire’s myriad of old castles, stately homes, Roman ruins, old mines, churches, abbeys, and old factories. With amazing beaches, striking coastal walking trails and moorland, this is a place that has inspired poets and songwriters alike to capture Yorkshire’s mystery and majesty.
The best attractions and things to do in Yorkshire are Whitby for its Abbey and Dracula associations, York city centre, the National Coal Mining Museum, JORVIK Viking Centre, Fountains Abbey, Castle Howard, Nidderdale National Landscape, York Bird of Prey Centre, Scarborough seafront and Peasholm Park, Brimham Rocks, and Malham Cove. Find a Yorkshire holiday cottage to suit your needs; it's the best way to see the region in comfort.
The best places to stay in Yorkshire
Discover your perfect holiday in the North of England
Now that you know a little more about the North of England, do you feel inspired enough to look for a holiday cottage to stay in? If so, we have a collection of holiday accommodation that’s just perfect for you, whether you are looking for a romantic getaway with your partner, or a family break with friends and family. We know that the North of England is sure to provide a wonderful backdrop for your next break away.
Our North of England cottages