ITINERARY
FOR:
Press
MARKET:
US
AUDIENCE:
Active Inspiration Seekers
DURATION:
5 days
THEME:
Modern North
The North, home to the industrial revolution is an exciting undiscovered place. Constantly changing,
constantly reinventing itself and with so much to offer. Victorian architecture mixed with new,
culture steeped in history with a packed programme of events, award winning bars and restaurants,
shopping, waterfront experiences, national parks and spectacular landscapes. There’s plenty to see
in the North of England, so much, that 5 days is simply not enough, you will want to come back.
See how new life has been breathed into this glorious region. Explore the vibrant cities and bustling
towns that have emerged, along with unique shopping, dining and cultural experiences.
Day 1
Arrive Liverpool from Manchester Airport (approx 40 mins by train)
Liverpool is a thriving capital of culture with world class museums and galleries
for every taste, many of which are free to explore.
There are more museums and galleries than any other UK City Region outside of
London, attracting leading international exhibitions and record visitor numbers.
Museum of Liverpool, World Museum Liverpool, Walker Art Gallery,
International Slavery Museum (the only one of its kind in the world), Merseyside
Maritime Museum, Lady Lever Art Gallery, Sudley House and Border Agency
National Museum – all of which are open seven days a week with free
admission.
Tate Liverpool, the home to the national collection of modern, contemporary art
in the north of England and the UK’s most visited gallery of its kind outside
London. Displaying famous modern works alongside cutting-edge contemporary
art, the gallery is a must-see for any fan of the arts visiting the city. FACT
(Foundation for Art and Creative Technology) is the UK's leading media arts
centre, based in the centre of Liverpool. Offering a unique programme of
exhibitions, film and participant-led art projects, there truly is no other place
quite like it.
Did you know? Sir Henry Tate invented the sugar cube. Born in Lancashire 1819
and the founder of Tate and Lyle, he presented his art collection to the Nation in
1894.
Take an opportunity to relax and enjoy the views, take the world famous ferry
across the Mersey.
Did you know? The first regular ferry from Birkenhead to Liverpool was run by
Benedectine Monks. The Monks would row over to the fishing village in Liverpool
on market days, and offer the service to travellers. The service was granted a
Royal Charter by Edward III in 1330.
Albert Dock, formerly warehouses, is now graced with bars, restaurants, unique
shops and home to museums. Check out the theatres – Everyman and
Playhouse, the Empire and FACT all with quality performances to show.
Liverpool One, the largest open air shopping centre in UK, is just a short walk
from Albert Dock.
Overnight Liverpool
Day 2
Head to Manchester by train – 32 minutes and take the tram to The Quays.
The Quays: Greater Manchester's waterfront destination offers a year-round
programme of events and activities for visitors of all ages and interests.
Incorporating attractions as diverse as The Lowry Arts Centre, IWM North and
BBC Tours, The Quays is Greater Manchester’s waterfront destination. From
world class art installations, sporting events, exhibitions and shows; to walks and
tours, boat trips and family-friendly activities: the former inland port is now
home to a vibrant visitor experience a world away from the industrial depiction
created by LS Lowry. The Quays is just a stones throw away from Old Trafford,
home to Manchester United Football Club and the allegedly haunted Ordsall
Hall.
Did you know? The BBC relocated to Manchester in 2011 creating a ‘Media City’
in the west of the region including leading digital creative and leisure facilities
Head into Manchester City Centre to try some culinary delights in fashionable
Spinningfields, offering a wealth of choice for foodies and unique, innovative
cocktails.
Overnight Manchester
Day 3
Take the train to the Lancaster – 1hr - experience the changing landscape,
steeped in history, beautiful countryside
Uncover Lancaster’s ancient and haunting history at its hilltop castle and enjoy
the vibrant nightlife in one of England’s Heritage Cities.
Stroll along the city’s historic canal or take a canal boat cruise to the magnificent
Lune Aqueduct, a striking architectural gem. Wander up woodland paths around
Williamson Park and the beautiful Ashton Memorial, Lancashire’s ‘Taj Mahal’,
built in 1909 with stunning views over Morecambe Bay. Discover Lancaster’s
Roman, maritime, Georgian and Victorian history at the four city museums and
make time to explore the city's traditional pubs, famous for live music and great
ales, many brewed locally.
Train to Newcastle – 2hrs (change in Carlisle) – take time to relax and enjoy the
beautiful countryside of the north of England as the train travels west to east
reaching your next city experience – Newcastle
Overnight Newcastle
Day 4
Explore NewcastleGateshead’s iconic Quayside, visit its famous cultural venues
and see the seven bridges that span the River Tyne.
The banks of the River Tyne and the thriving Quayside form the city’s most
fashionable district, packed with top cultural venues. The river views alone are
stunning, graced by no less than seven iconic bridges.
On the Gateshead bank is the curvaceous, shimmering Sage Gateshead. One of
the world’s premier music venues, it’s home to The Royal Northern Sinfonia and
hosts fantastic concerts.
The BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art, housed in a towering former flourmill
and free to explore, is also the perfect place for lunch or a cocktail with a view at
SIX, its rooftop restaurant and bar.
Cross the River Tyne on foot via the unique Gateshead Millennium Bridge, which
links Newcastle and Gateshead. Nicknamed the ‘Winking Eye’, it’s the world's
first and only tilting bridge.
Travel to York – 1hr by train from Newcastle. Overnight in York
Day 5
To finish the trip, experience York, a beautiful historic city, packed with history,
museums and galleries. Like all great Northern Cities it is full of museums and
galleries reflecting the North’s great heritage against a backdrop of modern day
living.
Experience Betty’s Tearoom for a spot of lunch and ask for a Yorkshire Fat
Rascal, or if that’s not quite hitting the mark, no trip to Yorkshire would be
complete without experiencing the famous Yorkshire Pudding.
Follow the savviest of fashion devotees to one of the UK’s best designer outlets
in York, and buy some top-quality outfits at bargain prices.
London may be the fashion capital of England, but York is home to over 120 top
designer and high street brands – offering much reduced from London prices. Go
on a shopping spree in McArthurGlen’s York Designer Outlet and you’ll soon see
why this vast indoor complex is judged the best destination for bargain fashions
in England. Browse the rails of brands such as Escada, LK Bennett, Reiss, Lacoste
and Ted Baker, and treat yourself with up to 60% off original prices.
York Designer Outlet is set in beautiful landscaped gardens, 10 minutes’ drive
outside the city’s historic centre.
Head back to Manchester for departure