Don’t let the cold put you off; the short month of February is jam-packed with things to do in the North of England. Whilst it might be a short month, school half-term is still packed into it, so if you're looking for a half-term break this February, Northern has you covered.
Maintain those fitness resolutions with walks in the Lake District; perhaps you wanted to expand your brain this year with trips to museums or science centres; or, invigorate your adventurer’s spirit by exploring the many caverns and caves in the Peak District.
Whatever your reason, embrace what the North of England has to offer today with travel made easy by Northern. Check out these things to do in February, brought to you by Northern!
1. Dark Skies Festival, Yorkshire
Nearest station: Dent
Created in 2016, the Dark Skies Festival takes place in one of England’s darkest areas, the Yorkshire Dales, allowing visitors to take in a night sky unparalleled in any city worldwide.
This year, the festival takes place from February 13th to March 1st, marking the 11th year of this celebration of our countryside.
With such a clear sky, you’ll also be able to catch glimpses of Jupiter, Mars and Venus at certain times. No matter where you want to go within the Yorkshire Dales, save with Northern’s Rangers tickets and Rovers tickets!
2. Lancaster Castle, Lancaster
Nearest station: Lancaster
A jack-of-all-trades, this castle has been home to various guests and has seen many different uses throughout its history.
Dating back to 1265, Lancaster Castle stands proudly over the city. Throughout its long history, it has served as a royal fortress, a home to monarchs, and a site for notorious trials and executions. Most recently a functioning prison, it now offers a fascinating thing to do in February for the whole family.
Avoid the rush to this historic landmark with an off-peak ticket and save with Northern. The castle is also only a 4-minute walk from the station so an easy destination for all.
3. Hall and Windmill, Lytham
Nearest station: Lytham
Lytham’s two landmarks, the Windmill and Lytham Hall, are both stunning pieces of architecture with unique and beautiful designs.
Lytham Hall is a beautiful Georgian House built in the 18th Century. The ancestral home of the Clifton family, it is still adorned with the many trinkets and fripperies the family left behind. The Windmill is open to the public and gives you the chance to examine a traditional windmill up close.
Plan a great time away at Lytham with Northern’s advanced tickets, and save up to 60% on tickets.
4. Poole’s Cavern, Buxton
Nearest station: Buxton
If the February weather is still getting to you, perhaps delving into the earth and escaping the elements is more your cup of tea. Just on the outskirts of the Spa town of Buxton lies Poole’s Cavern, with plenty of guided tours through the limestone caves filled with natural rock formations.
Learn more about the cavern’s tumultuous past, including extortion, monarchs visiting and visitors hurling rocks at the walls, causing the formations of “the Flitch of Bacon” and Poole’s Chair. This is the perfect family thing to do during the February half-term holidays.
Head to Poole’s Cavern when you want to with an anytime day ticket.
5. The International Centre for Life, Newcastle
Nearest station: Newcastle
Rated as the “best visitor experience” in England, the International Centre for Life is truly a gem of the North, offering a great variety of educational and fun activities. Just a short 5-minute walk from the station this is the perfect activity for families visiting Newcastle in February.
The centre isn’t just for kids with many events put on during the month specifically for adults to enjoy. No matter your age the International Centre for Life can keep you amused for days on end, so don’t wait until the days do end and save with cheaper same day tickets.
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Northern App
Streamline your journey and get tickets straight to your phone. Making your journey contact-free.