Midlands & Northern England city hopping
intro
Explore five fascinating cities on this urban adventure, bursting with art, food and shopping. Discover extraordinary museums, superb shopping and legends galore – from the Titanic in Liverpool to Manchester’s football heroes. Travelling between Birmingham and York, this itinerary encompasses five major cities, each with their own unique sights and style.
route info
The route
Birmingham – Liverpool – Manchester – Leeds – York
Birmingham – Liverpool: 100 miles (161km)
Liverpool – Manchester: 35 miles (56km)
Manchester – Leeds: 45 miles (73km)
Leeds – York: 27 miles (44km)
Getting around
- This itinerary covers a distance of around 200 miles (322km) and can be completed in either direction.
- While hiring a car gives the greatest flexibility, these cities are easily accessed by rail or intercity coaches (e.g. National Express).
Route highlights
- Cadbury World
- Tate Liverpool
- The Titanic Museum
- National Football Museum
- Leeds Playhouse
- York Minster
- JORVIK Viking Centre
Stop 1: Birmingham
Morning: Shop and dine at Bullring & Grand Central
From trendy streetwear to high-end designer brands, you’ll find it all at Bullring & Grand Central – and stop for lunch in one of its many restaurants, such as Selfridges’ dining hall.
Afternoon: Revel in chocolate heaven
Indulge your sweet tooth at Cadbury World – tracing cocoa’s journey from bean to bar, and witnessing a real-life chocolate factory in action!
Evening: Balti, Beers and Bowling
Try a Balti bowl, Birmingham’s signature dish, in the Balti Triangle before heading to the Roxy Ball Room for drinks, bowling and more. Stay at the historic Grand Hotel Birmingham.
Stop 2: Liverpool
Morning: Get the best city view
Discover the ultimate panorama of Liverpool on the Royal Liver Building 360 Tour, packed with fascinating info and extraordinary views of this historic city.
Afternoon: Follow in the Beatles’ footsteps
Get to know one of the world’s best-loved bands at The Beatles Story Museum, and catch a tribute gig at the Cavern Club – the very spot where they were discovered in 1961.
Evening: Samba and cocktails
Enjoy Latin-inspired food and cocktails at Alma de Cuba – a Cuban restaurant and live venue housed within a converted church. Stay at the recently opened The Halyard.
Stop 3: Liverpool and Manchester
Morning: Discover Liverpool’s maritime heritage
Be wowed by this thriving cultural quarter – with modern art at Tate Liverpool, immersive group games at Escape Hunt and Titanic legends at the Maritime Museum.
Afternoon: Explore your perfect museum
Manchester has a museum to suit every style, delving into everything from modern art to the Industrial Revolution. Which one will you choose this afternoon?
Evening: Discover Ducie Street Warehouse
Stay at Manchester’s Ducie Street Warehouse and enjoy fine dining and entertainment in this Grade II listed building housing a hotel, restaurant, bar, mini-cinema and night club.
Stop 4: Manchester
Morning: Marvel at the ‘beautiful game’
Meet your sporting heroes at Manchester’s National Football Museum, before a tour of Old Trafford or Etihad Stadium – home to two of the world’s greatest football teams.
Afternoon: Explore musical history
Stroll through the streets of Manchester and discover the venues and places that make up its musical legacy on a Manchester Musical Walkabout Tour.
Evening: A night at the opera
From drag cabaret and blockbuster musicals to famous opera and ballet, Manchester Opera House caters to every taste.
Stop 5: Leeds
Morning: Go shopping – Victorian style!
Revel in elegant architecture, stained-glass windows and top-quality boutiques on a shopping trip through Leeds’ beautiful Victorian arcades.
Afternoon: Catch a show
Take your seat for stand-up comedy, musicals and drama at the Leeds Playhouse – with a choice of matinee (afternoon) and evening shows.
Evening: Explore Leeds’ nightlife
Kick off the night at Green Room, a social space with rooftop bar, restaurant and regular club nights, or try one of the buzzing bars and clubs in the centre. Stay at the Park Plaza.
Stop 6: Leeds and York
Morning: Be wowed by Kirkstall Abbey
Before the last part of your journey, explore the beautiful ruins and serene woodland walks at Kirkstall Abbey, a 12th-century abbey near Leeds.
Afternoon: Climb York’s mighty tower
For a birds’-eye view of your final city, scale the 275-step spiral stone staircase to the top of York Minster. Breathtaking, in every sense of the word!
Evening: Experience ‘comedy-horror theatre’ on wheels
Take a Ghost Bus Tour of York, if you dare, and explore the city’s major haunts from the top deck of a double decker bus. Stay at Impossible Motel, a boutique hotel with rooftop jacuzzi.
Stop 7: York
Morning: Travel back to Viking times
Wind the clock back 1,000 years as you step into a Viking city – complete with legendary warriors and authentic relics – at York’s JORVIK Viking Centre.
Afternoon: Tuck into York’s best bites
Instead of lunch, book a foodie walking tour of the city – a feast of street eats, artisan cheeses, locally-brewed beer and irresistible desserts.
Evening: Sample local brews
If you’re staying the night, head to Brew York’s flagship bar in Walmgate boasting a Bavarian-style beer hall and a riverside beer garden serving Asian-inspired street food.
Midlands and Northern England Itinerary PDF
Midlands and Northern England Itinerary.pdf
Explore the Midlands and Northern England
