Northern England is experiencing a significant cultural and economic resurgence, presenting an array of appealing destinations for summer visitors. Travel expert Chris Moss has curated a list of ten top spots, highlighting areas that exemplify the region's renewed vigour, from cutting-edge food festivals to expansive coastal walks and innovative urban regeneration projects.
Among the standout locations is Todmorden in Lancashire, nestled in the Calder Valley. While nearby Hebden Bridge draws crowds, Todmorden maintains a distinctive, down-to-earth character. Known for its impressive selection of micropubs and traditional venues, it also boasts a strong culinary scene, having been the birthplace of the Incredible Edible urban gardening network. Visitors can look forward to a new Festival of Food running from 7th to 20th September, alongside its regular open-air and market hall offerings. The town also provides access to the Pennine Way and scenic moors, offering a less crowded alternative to traditional Brontë country.
Further north, Ouseburn in Newcastle offers a vibrant cultural hub just a short walk from the city centre. This former industrial district has transformed into a lively area for dining, live music, and art. It retains a village-like feel amidst its urban setting, with green spaces and picturesque streets. The Biscuit Factory, housed in a Victorian warehouse, claims to be the UK’s largest independent commercial art, craft, and design gallery, complemented by numerous smaller studios and the National Centre for Children’s Books. Guided heritage walks are regularly organised by the Ouseburn Trust.
Stockton-on-Tees in County Durham has embarked on a radical regeneration project, investing £23 million to create the Stockton Waterfront Urban Park. This expansive new public space, three times the size of Trafalgar Square, now occupies the former site of the Castlegate Shopping Centre and the Swallow Hotel. The park features a children's play area, an oval lawn adorned with 1,000 clay figurines designed by local schoolchildren, and a viewing platform offering vistas over the River Tees.
Meanwhile, Barnsley in South Yorkshire is set to host the itinerant Abandon Normal Devices (AND) festival for the first time. This reflects the town's ambition to become a leading tech hub, building on the North's historical contributions to technological innovation. The festival, which will run as a temporary site in Barnsley, will explore ambitious new ideas through XR (Extended Reality) installations, performances, screenings, and talks from leading artists and thinkers.