ITINERARY
FOR:
Travel Trade
MARKET:
Australia
AUDIENCE:
Active Inspiration Seekers
DURATION:
5 days
THEME:
Modern North
Constantly changing, constantly refreshing, the North’s towns and cities have a way of reinventing
themselves. Aside from an endlessly fascinating heritage, the North offers visitors a bold and rich
contemporary experience. It’s in the regeneration of waterfronts, the architecture and changing
skylines of its cities. You can sample it in the restaurants, shopping experiences and find it in the
diverse arts events across the region. A warm welcome awaits you in the North where museums and
galleries, shopping and eating out can be enjoyed in some of the most exciting and surprising town
and city locations.
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 here than any other UK City Region
outside of London, attracting leading international exhibitions and record visitor
numbers. The Museum of Liverpool, World Museum Liverpool, Walker Art
Gallery, International Slavery Museum (the only one of its kind in the world),
Merseyside Maritime Museum, and Lady Lever Art Gallery are just some of the
gems to explore – all of which are open seven days a week and free to enter.
Home to the National Collection of Modern Art in the North, Tate Liverpool is
located in the city's Albert Dock and is one of the most visited galleries outside
of 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, it makes for a
fascinating visit.
Take an opportunity to relax and enjoy the views of Liverpool’s waterfront a
UNESCO World Heritage Site on the world famous ferry across the Mersey.
Albert Dock, formerly warehouses, is now graced with bars, restaurants, unique
shops and museums. Check out the theatres – Everyman and Playhouse, the
Empire and the Royal Court, renowned for their eclectic programme of
performances. Liverpool One, the largest open air shopping centre in the UK, is
just a short walk from Albert Dock.
Overnight Liverpool. Enjoy a cocktail, the ambience, the friendly nature of the
locals, as well as quality food at one of the many restaurants in the city.
Day 2
Head to Manchester by train – 32 minutes; and take the tram to The Quays.
The Quays in Greater Manchester offers a year-round programme of events and
activities for visitors of all ages and interests.
Manchester's waterfront destination, The Quays, incorporates attractions as
diverse as The Lowry Arts Centre, Imperial War Museum North and BBC Tours of
MediaCityUK. 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 also just a stone’s throw away from Old Trafford, home to Manchester
United Football Club, where you can take a stadium tour of the ‘Theatre of
Dreams’, and the allegedly haunted Ordsall Hall.
Head into Manchester city centre to try some culinary delights in fashionable
Spinningfields, which offers a wealth of choice for foodies and unique cocktails.
Day 3
Take the train to Newcastle (approx. 2hrs 30 mins) and enjoy the changing
scenery from the industrial to the beautiful countryside of the north of England
Perched on the banks of the River Tyne in the North East is the city of Newcastle.
The thriving Quayside forms the city’s most fashionable district and is packed
with top cultural venues to take in a show or concert. The river views alone are
stunning, graced with seven bridges including the iconic Tyne Bridge. On one
bank is the curvaceous, shimmering Sage Gateshead, one of the world’s premier
music venues, and home to the royal Northern Sinfonia. Opposite sits the BALTIC
- Centre for Contemporary Art, housed in a towering former flourmill. It’s the
perfect place to enjoy a cocktail and the views from its rooftop restaurant and
bar.
Don’t forget to 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.
Staying overnight in Newcastle, you’ll experience the Geordie welcome and
quality food and drink, and no trip to Newcastle would be complete without
sampling their world famous Newcastle Brown Ale.
Day 4
Travel to York (approx 1hr) train from Newcastle.
Like all great northern cities, York is full of museums and galleries reflecting the
North’s great heritage against a backdrop of modern day living.
Drop by 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.
Day 5
Train to Leeds (approx. 30 mins from York)
Be inspired at Leeds Art Gallery. This collection of 20th century British art is
regarded as one of the best outside London. Marvel at internationally important
masterpieces displayed alongside work by lesser-known artists but just as
impressive. When you’ve explored the galleries and exhibitions, take time out in
the stunning Victorian Tiled Hall Café before heading to the adjacent Henry
Moore Institute. Entrance is free.
Marvel at the beautifully restored Victorian shopping arcades in Leeds’ Victorian
Quarter and browse the luxury shops within them.
Synonymous with style and fashion since Harvey Nichols opened their first store
outside London, many designer stores have followed and are thriving.