ITINERARY
FOR:
Travel Trade
MARKET:
US
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 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. 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 Contemporary Art in the North of
England, Tate Liverpool is the UK’s most visited gallery of its kind 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, there truly is no other place
quite like it.
Formerly wharfside warehouses, the Albert Dock is now graced with bars,
restaurants, unique shops and is home to many of Liverpool’s museums. See
what’s on at the theatres: Everyman and Playhouse, the Empire and The Royal
Court all boast impressive programmes of events. Liverpool One, the largest
open air shopping centre in UK, is just a short walk from Albert Dock.
Stay overnight in Liverpool and enjoy a cocktail or two at one of the many
stylish bars. Soak up the city’s ambience and the friendly nature of the locals,
and peruse the diverse fine dining on offer in its numerous top quality
restaurants.
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. This former inland port is now home to a vibrant visitor
experience a world away from the industrial depiction created by local artist 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.
Spend the afternoon in the Northern Quarter, Manchester's vibrant, urban heart
in the city centre. It’s a uniquely ‘Mancunian’ neighbourhood: alternative,
bohemian and creative. Home to countless independent bars, cafés and
restaurants, visitors can spend hours browsing through its boutiques and vintage
stores. For dinner, taste classic English dishes at TNQ restaurant and bar before
heading to Apotheca to sample its range of quirky and inventive cocktails.
Alternatively head to Spinningfields which offers a wealth of choice for foodies
and nights out.
Day 3
From Manchester take the train to Lancaster – 1hr – and experience the
changing landscape, steeped in the region’s history.
Uncover Lancaster’s haunting history at its hilltop castle and enjoy the vibrant
nightlife in this attractive Heritage City.
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, 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
of which are 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
Day 4
Explore Newcastle’s iconic Quayside, its famous cultural venues, and see the
seven bridges that span the River Tyne.
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, so you can 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 orchestra.
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.
Day 5
Travel to York – 1hr by train from Newcastle. Overnight in York
To finish the trip, experience York, an elegant city packed with historical
attractions and places of interest. Like all great northern cities it’s 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 prices over London. 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 give yourself a treat.
York Designer Outlet is set in beautiful landscaped gardens, 10 minutes’ drive
outside the city’s historic centre.
Travel to Manchester for departure from Manchester Airport.