Great Britain

Historical sites in the North of England

The North of England is the perfect holiday destination for a history lover. Steeped in history with lots of significant places to visit, you certainly won't run out of things to do. We’ve put together a guide of some of our favourite historical places in the North of England to inspire your next trip.

The reason why there are so many historical sites in the North of England is simple, it is home to a number of cities which played a important part in the country's past. For example, Cheshire, Durham, York, Liverpool and Leeds are all destinations boasting interesting history to discover and unique venues to explore. 

Cheshire was originally a roman fortress and is known for its heritage and cultural activities. Our top pick is Tatton Park, but there are many country houses and historic market towns surrounding this wonderful location which you might like to add to your travel itinerary.

If you’re travelling as a family we would definitely recommend taking a short break in Durham. Its old fashioned streets and historic landmarks are mixed with a wide range of family activities. There are also plenty of places to eat and relax during your trip. 

York is another great option if you're searching for historical sites in Northern England. Whether you're wandering around the ruins of the castle wall and spending time in York Museum Gardens in the summer, or exploring the inside of the many historical museums in the colder months, you will never run out of things to discover.

 

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Durham in North of England

Historical sites in the North of England

Historical sites in Durham

We would strongly recommend visiting the cathedral and castle if you’re heading to Durham. Both buildings have been UNESCO sites since 1986, and they breathtaking to see and explore. The cathedral is a Norman period building that has been used for many different purposes over the years. Including during the 17th century when Oliver Cromwell used it as a makeshift prison to hold Scottish prisoners war. Not an uncommon usage for a building of this size or structure.

Durham Castle is a part of the University of Durham and you can do a guided tour around the castle. We would recommend taking some time to visit the Castle Museum which is suitable for the whole family.

Durham Cathedral

Historical sites in York

From learning about Vikings and Romans to discovering all there is to know about the city during wartime, there really is something for every history lover to enjoy during a visit to York.

Founded by the Romans, York has a fascinating history and you can see many interesting features around the city which are associated with this period. Vikings also played a key part in York’s history from when trade prospered here as a main port city for the North of England. Museums such as the York Museum, Castle Museum, and Jordvik Centre provide great insight into what this city used to be like in the past. 

One of the lovely things about this city is that there are plenty of parks and green spaces for you to enjoy, as well as cafés and restaurants where you can sit and watch the world go by. You might also like to spend a little bit of time wandering around The Shambles, a medieval cobbled street with plenty of places to shop.

 
York in England

Cheshire England

Historical sites in Cheshire

Located in the North West of England, Cheshire is home to many country houses, historic market towns, and impressive landscapes. Perhaps the most popular attraction in the county is Tatton Park, which offers loads to see for the whole family, including a mansion and its gardens, a farm, and expansive parkland. 

If you’re interested in history we would recommend spending some time exploring the Old Hall, a hidden gem in Tatton Park. The oldest building on the grounds, dating back to the turn of the 15th century, the Old Hall featured in TV's supernatural show 'Most Haunted' - so keep an eye out for spooks when you visit! Tatton Park hosts a variety of events throughout the year, so it's definitely worth checking what's on before your trip.
 

Great Britain is a fantastic mixture of countryside, towns, cities, and beaches

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