United Kingdom: All Roads Lead North

Visitors considering taking a holiday in the United Kingdom often make London or the south coast their first and only port of call.

However, the UK has plenty of other brilliant places to visit, particularly if you head towards the northern end of the country.

With vibrant cities, seaside towns and stunning areas of natural beauty, there is something to suit every taste ‘up north’.

With the cost of living also much cheaper the further you travel away from the south of the country, it is possible to enjoy short breaks or longer visits at surprisingly economical rates.

Read on as we look at some of our favourite places to visit in the north of the UK.

Blackpool

Blackpool has had a roller-coaster ride as a holiday resort – a rather ironic fact given that the town contains the highly acclaimed Pleasure Beach theme park!

Its reputation suffered massively during the 1980s and 90s, becoming more famous for attracting rowdy stag and hen parties than families.

However, Blackpool has bounced back in style since the turn of the century, with local authorities pumping millions of pounds into regenerating the town.

From playing games at the resort’s casino venues, watching superb live entertainment in one of the numerous show bars or enjoying the miles of beaches, Blackpool is back and it’s back with a bang.

Lake District

Travel even further north to Cumbria to enjoy the natural splendour of the stunningly beautiful Lake District.

Lake Windermere is the largest natural body of water in England and its shores have numerous locations where you can base yourself to explore the area.

Fans of water sports will in their element in the Lake District, with the area providing plenty of opportunities to try water-skiing, kayaking and more.

Small towns like Bowness and Ambleside are well worth checking out, with each offering superb accommodation, great local beers, excellent dining options and a relaxing vibe.

Edinburgh

Whether you’re planning a weekend away or a longer stay, Edinburgh’s mix of history and modern makes it a perfect place for a vacation.

Guided bus tours are a great way to visit historic places like the Scottish Parliament, St Giles’ Cathedral and the National Museum of Scotland.

Alternatively, head out on foot along Princes Street or George Street to discover Edinburgh’s fine selection of shops, bars, cafes and restaurants.

With live music venues, great theatres, comedy clubs and top class sporting action, you will never be short of something to do in Edinburgh.

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