A Seven Day English Experience

Explore Northern England

Start your UK holiday visiting Manchester. Once an industrial powerhouse hub, the city is now a cultural hub, famous for its many fantastic nightclubs, large music scene and glorious sporting history.

The Science and Industry Museum in Manchester explores and traces the development of science, technology and industry. For the soccer fans, watch a match at the Etihad Stadium and visit the National Football Museum.

Start: Manchester

Finish: Manchester

Duration: 710km – 7 Days

 

Day 1: Manchester to Lancaster

 

Distance: 190km

Time: 2hrs 30minutes

Take the M56 down to Chester before heading to Lancaster and spend some time walking through the city walls. The town has the oldest racecourse and largest Roman Amphitheatre in Britain. Chester Cathedral is over 1000 years old and deserves a visit. Stroll around the 700-year-old shopping rows.

While in Lancaster, park your vehicle and hire a bike to check around as the city offers many tracks to explore. Visit the Lancaster Castle, The City Museum and the Lancaster Maritime Museum to learn more about its history. A self-guided driving tour between Lancaster and Pendle is an option to visit places of significance in the 1612 Pendle Witch Trials.

Recommended Accommodation:

• The Sun Hotel & Bar

• Royal Kings Arms Hotel

Campsites:

• Riverside Holiday Park

   

Day 2: Lancaster to Kendal

 

Distance: 35km

Time: 25minutes

Take the M6 to get to Levens Hall. Spend a couple of hours in this exciting mansion observing the 100 plus topiaries in different formats. The mansion itself is a beautiful Elizabethan-style building with a magnificent interior and large furniture and art collections. The place also has a small cafe that uses locally sourced, high-quality produce.

Kendal is home to many historical buildings, including the parish church, the 14th century Castle Dairy, Kendal Castle, Howe Castle and Abbot Hall Museum.

Peter Rabbit fans should take a 20-minute drive to Bowness-on-Windermere, where The World of Beatrix Potter Attraction is located. The interactive exhibition explores the beloved author's writing and her importance to Lakeland conservation.

Recommended Accommodation:

• Travelodge Kendal

• Stonecross Manor Hotel

Campsites:

• Kendal Camping

 

Day 3: Kendal to Newcastle

 

Distance: 148km

Time: 2hrs 17minutes

Travel To Alston on the A686, named 'One of the Greatest Drives in Britain' due to its dramatic scenery. At 1,000ft above sea level, the town has a reputation for delicious locally made specialities such as Cumberland Mustard and Alston Cheese. Grab a bite and take some goods for the rest of the trip.

Newcastle upon Tyne – or simply 'Newcastle' is a university city with a busy nightlife and is famous for its industrial heritage. Check out Newcastle Castle for its excellent museum.

Jesmond Dene is the jewel in the crown of Newcastle's parks and green spaces. The Dene is packed with historical and natural features, masses of wildlife, flowers and ancient woodland for everyone to enjoy.

If shopping is your thing, Fenwick's flagship store has been on Northumberland Street since it first opened its doors in 1882. The store carries high-end fashion, homeware and beauty products.

Recommended Accommodation:

• Royal Station Hotel

• Sandman Signature Newcastle

Campsites:

• Old Hartley

 

Day 4: Newcastle to Durham

 

Distance: 27km

Time: 35 minutes

Take the A167 to Durham and enjoy the scenery during this short drive. The River Wear loops around Durham Cathedral and Norman Durham Castle. Take a pleasant walk around the Durham riverside, soak in the tranquillity, and observe the local birds.

Durham University offers a Botanic Garden with woodland and tropical plants, and the Oriental Museum brings exhibitions of Asian, Egyptian and Middle Eastern artefacts.

Recommended Accommodation:

• Premier Inn Durham

• The Garden House Inn

Campsites:

• Durham Grange

   

Day 5: Durham to York

 

Distance: 122km

Time: 1hr 25minutes

Head to York via AM1 and make a quick stop at Allerton Castle for a tour. Rebuilt in the mid-1800s, the nineteenth-century Gothic-style property is used as a wedding venue nowadays.

Founded by ancient Romans, York is recognised for its many world-class museums, art galleries and Medieval buildings. Its massive 13th-century Gothic cathedral, York Minster, is graced with beautiful medieval stained glass murals.

The Jorvik Viking Centre and York Castle Museum provide fun interactive experiences for visitors.

Recommended Accommodation:

• Abbey Guest House

• Novotel York Centre

Campsites:

• York Rowntree Park

 

Day 6: York to Sheffield

 

Distance: 92km

Time: 1hr 20minutes

Sheffield is the fourth biggest city in England and has a reputation for its outdoor activities. The Sheffield Botanical Gardens and Winter Garden are an oasis of greenery in the middle of the town. The Rivelin Valley Nature Trail allows travellers to connect to nature while wandering the wonderful woodland alongside the water.

The city also has a vibrant arts and events scene with plenty of live music. Catch a football match at the Bramall Lane Stadium, home of Sheffield FC.

Recommended Accommodation:

• Leopold Hotel Sheffield

• Premier Inn Sheffield

Campsites:

• Swallowholme Camping & Caravan Park

 

Day 7: Sheffield to Manchester

 

Distance: 90km

Time: 1hr 46minutes

On your way back to Manchester via A621 and absorb the beauty of the English countryside for one last time. Take a slight detour to Chatsworth House and wander around the gardens, and get lost in the Labyrinth for a few moments before returning to your final destination.

If you would like to book car hire or motorhome rental in the UK, simply use our online booking engine above or contact our friendly reservations staff.