Train Day Trips and Day's Out | Best Things to Do in North | Northern

There are plenty of sights to see and activities to get stuck into throughout the North of England. Take a look at some of our recommended day trip itineraries below to help inspire your next exploration of our wonderful region. Whether you're planning a trip to the North of England with the whole family, or just you and your dog, we've got options for all!

Seasonal Days out in the North of England

Christmas days out by train

Planning a Christmas day out by train in the North of England can be a delightful festive experience, combining the charm of winter with the convenience of rail travel. Join Northern as we explore some of the North’s most festive destinations, including ...

Small town Christmas markets

There's no better way to get into the festive spirit than with a trip to a traditional Christmas market! We know the big cities can get pretty crowded this time of year, so we've put together our favourite small town Christmas markets to enjoy in the North. ...

Days out in the North

Days out with dogs

We love dogs as much as you do, so there’s no reason why you should leave your four-legged friend(s) at home – as you board one of our trains and embark on adventures that are guaranteed to get tails wagging. From a pint in pooch-friendly pubs, to cultural ...

Best things to do in the North on a rainy day

A day out with Northern is never dull, even if the weather is! Pack your umbrella, put your big coat on and prepare to make your way through the list of the best things to do in the North on a rainy day in some of our great destinations!

Best things to do in the North on a sunny day

The sun is shining and the great outdoors is calling. Pack a picnic and prepare to make your way through the list of the best things to do in the North on a sunny day. From the coast to city breaks, rooftop eateries to daredevil fairground rides, there’s ...

Fun-Filled Days Out in the North of England

5 fun-filled days out in North-East England

If you’re looking for a boredom-busting day out in the North-East then we’ve got you covered. From castles to art galleries and parks to theatres, we’ve compiled this list of our favourite days out in the North-East, so you can spend less time searching ...

Epic days out in North-West England

If you're looking for a great day out in North-West England, there's plenty to choose from! Manchester is home to world-famous museums and art galleries, while Preston and Lancaster are bursting with historical sites and charming market towns. Here are some ...

5 fun things to do on a Sunday in North England

Sundays need not be boring as North England has plenty of fun things to do to make your day exciting. From exploring the great outdoors to spending time with family and friends, there's something for everyone. Keep reading for our top picks! Set in ...

Top 5 fun-filled days out in Northern England

If you're looking for some fun days out in Northern England, you've come to the right place! From exploring quaint medieval towns to strolling through beautiful gardens, there's something for everyone in this beautiful region. So you can spend less time searching ...

Top 15 cheap days out

A brilliant day out needn’t break the bank, so we’ve compiled a list of cheap days out so you can have some fun on a budget. Many of our suggestions are even free, meaning you can save some change for a souvenir or nice meal to really round off the ...

National Trust events in the North 2023

If you’re looking for a fun-filled autumnal family day out in the North, then look no further. The National Trust are hosting plenty of free events to keep both parents and children entertained this October half-term. Dive in to see what’s on – and remember ...

Walks in the North of England

Woodland walks in the North

With crisp air and golden hues, autumn is one of the best seasons to enjoy a woodland walk solo, with family, or even your trusty dog and of course – Northern Trains can take you there! From Manchester to Leeds, York to Chester, here are some of the best ...

The best North England walks & hikes

Looking for the best walks in north-west and north-east England? You’ve come to the right place! Whether you’re looking for places to walk or go hiking in Yorkshire or a leisurely stroll with stunning coastal views in Alnmouth – there are plenty of walking ...

City walks

The cities in the beautiful North of England are teeming with hidden trails and fascinating sights, if you know where to look! Luckily, we’ve compiled lists of our favourite city walks so you can spend less time searching and more time enjoying yourself ...

Family Days Out in the North of England

Family Days Out in the North

Stunning countryside, beautiful towns and quaint villages - the North of England has it all, add in the friendly locals and it’s the perfect destination for a holiday or day out exploring. Family-friendly attractions are around every corner, offering something ...

Our top 10 half term family days out

With half term upon us it’s time to start thinking about how you’ll keep the kids entertained over the long holidays. Luckily for you we’ve compiled our top ten favourite attractions to check out this half-term. All of these suggestions are accessible ...

Best days out with teens in North England

When it comes to family days out, teenagers can be hard to please. They often want something that is both fun and challenging – something that will get their adrenaline pumping. If you're looking for ideas on where to take your teenager in the North of England, ...

Our top 10 fun-packed days out with the kids

It can be challenging to find fun activities to do with the kids at weekends or holidays, especially if your children are of different ages. So we’ve put together a list of great places that are accessible by train, making your travel cheaper and kinder ...

Experience these great days out in The Midlands

Whether you’re looking for something relaxing or something more adventurous, we’ve got you covered for your day out in the Midlands. There are plenty of great attractions and activities to enjoy, regardless of your interests. From stately homes and castles ...

Days out on the water

From paddleboarding and wild swimming, to river cruises and walks by the quayside, take a look at our city guides to plan your water activities across the North.

Month-by-Month Guide for Exploring the North

Five places worth visiting this January

You know what January’s like – we’re still full from Christmas day, and our bank balances leave a little to be desired, but we’re feeling renewed by the New Year and all the potential that a fresh calendar has to offer us. Why not tap into that ...

Five outstanding attractions to visit in February

February’s climate can often be less inviting than January, but you know what they say, there’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing! There are some stunning places to visit in the North, and often the colder weather means that your favourite ...

Start the spring right with our top 5 places to visit in March

March brings with it the return of Spring (thank goodness) and hopefully an improvement in the weather, although there are never any guarantees with the British climate! With the warmer weather coming, and before the April showers hit, there are so many activities ...

Explore the North of the UK: The top 5 best places to visit in April

The North of the United Kingdom is home to a wide variety of unique and fascinating places to visit. There is something for everyone, from historical sites to natural wonders and cultural landmarks to outdoor recreational areas. April is an excellent time ...

Explore the North of the UK: The top 5 best places to visit in May

May is a great time to visit the north of the UK as the weather is mild and the landscapes are lush and green. From beautiful beaches to charming small towns, there's something for everyone. Here are our top 5 picks for the best places to visit. The ...

Explore the North of the UK: The top 5 best places to visit in June

June is a great time to visit the north of England and explore some of the region's most beautiful and popular attractions. Below you will find our top 5 must-see destinations that are perfect for a weekend trip with friends and family.

Explore the North of the UK: The top 5 best places to visit in July

July is the perfect time to visit the north of the UK, with warmer weather and longer days ideal for exploring some of the region's most popular destinations. Below you will find a list of our top five recommendations for places to visit in July this year.

Our top 10 things to do this Summer!

For an off-beat adventure, head to Knaresborough where you can discover the legends surrounding Mother Shipton, her cave and the Petrifying Well. Mother Shipton was a famous prophetess who lived in the 14th century and was believed to be a witch because she ...

Top 5 best places to visit in September

September is a great time to enjoy a day out, the weather is still nice and the end of the summer holidays means attractions are generally quieter. Whether you’re taking the kids out on the weekend, or taking a break from them during the week, with friends ...

Hidden Gems to visit in the North this November

The Collection museum and art gallery in Lincoln includes the Usher Art Gallery and the City and County Museum of Lincolnshire. They run a mind-boggling array of events, workshops, talks, tours, and exhibits, alongside an ever changing roster of new, ...

Best places to visit up North in December

Northern England is teeming with hidden gems waiting to be discovered, and during the most magical month of the year there is no better time to explore this part of the country. From winter wonderlands to fascinating indoor museums, we have compiled our favourite ...

Autumn Activities in the North of England

Bonfire Night Events 2023

It’s that time of year again when fireworks and bonfire displays light up the skies across the UK. If you’re looking for the best bonfire night events and activities taking place this year, then we’ve got you covered. Check out our city guide to the ...

Halloween events in the North 2023

As the nights draw in and the leaves start to change, Halloween is just around the corner! The North’s cities are known for their rich history, vibrant culture and spooky settings for some of the best Halloween events in the UK. Whether you’re in Manchester ...

Things to do in autumn

Looking for things to do in autumn near you? There’s no better time to put your wellies on, wrap up warm and head out with the family to explore all the North has to offer this time of year! Embark on an autumnal adventure with Northern Trains and discover ...

Northern App

Streamline your journey and get tickets straight to your phone. Making your journey contact-free.

Northern App

Streamline your journey and get tickets straight to your phone. Making your journey contact-free.