When people down South (and for the purpose of this article anything south of Birmingham) want to go on holiday at home, chances are they will think Devon, London, Cornwall, the Cotswolds, Brighton … anywhere but up North (and for the purpose of this article, anything above Birmingham – but South of Scotland… but where is Birmingham? Who knows?) These Southerners are wrong to dismiss the North, though, as it is just as vibrant as down south (well maybe not London) and the people on the street won’t look at you with disgust if you ask them the time like down South. Let me try and convince any Southerners reading this that are Northern brethren and their home is quite lovely to visit and makes for a great holiday … if you don’t like sun that is.
Liverpool
Compared to the other places on this list, Liverpool might seem big, however it’s because I couldn’t narrow it down to one thing within the city. I’m going to say it: Liverpool is my favourite UK city. It’s got everything you can want. It’s friendly (and I mean it – everyone there must be on happy pills or something), it’s beautiful, and you can’t go a few feet without hearing a Beatles song. If I had to try and narrow it down to a few places for you:
- The Cavern Club – Yes, I know it’s not the original, but it’s a recreation and it is right next door to the original. This is the place that made the Beatles who they are today and whenever you go to visit there will be an incredible cover band on that really are first class. The atmosphere down there is tangible and the music is – obviously – the best in the world.
- The Albert Docks – The whole area of the docks is one of the most beautiful architectural places in the North and you won’t want to miss it. Plus, it’s full of attractions for you and the kids (if applicable).
- Anfield – Mecca for many a football fan. One of the most famous and important football stadiums in the world. Its history is full of intrigue, scandals, joy, and obsession. It’s an exciting church to one of the world’s biggest religions: football.
Manchester Art Gallery
Manchester might not seem like the obvious choice for family fun, but you’d be wrong. A city the size of Manchester is brimming with activities for kids and the top of my list for best things to do in the city is go to the Manchester Art Gallery which managed to be a finalist for the Guardian’s 2010 Family Friendly Museum of the Year award. Before you go, you might want to think about checking out Your Parking Space (or similar) to see if you can find a deal on a space, because the parking is notoriously bad. This restored Victorian Theatre is your classic art gallery, but one that caters to children as well; and I don’t need to tell you how rare that is.
Blackpool Pleasure Beach
Kids or no kids, the Blackpool Pleasure Beach might not be as corny and naff as you’re probably thinking. It’s not quite on a par with Orlando’s behemoth parks, but it’s about as much fun as you can have in our smaller British equivalents. It’s got fast, scary rides mixed with family friendly adventures like the relatively new Nicktoons Land.
In short, don’t dismiss the North; you’ll be missing out.
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