Best February city breaks in the UK

Try a Manchester city break

One of the trendiest cities in the North, Manchester has everything you need for the perfect city break. There is no shortage of things to do in Manchester, from football fanatics to shopping addicts, there is something for everyone.

If you head to Manchester’s Northern Quarter you’ll find cool cafés, vintage clothing shops and an artsy vibe that runs through the neighbourhood. The Northern Quarter is also home to Band on the Wall, a music venue that’s seen many British legends take the stage. If music isn’t your thing, take a trip to Diecast, Manchester's largest new event space with a selection of restaurants, shops, and events on most nights of the week for those mid-week getaways. 

The Northern Quarter boasts a selection of boutique hotels to make your stay unique, The Cow Hollow and Hotel Gotham come highly recommended. The summer months are typically more expensive for hotels, so you're likely to find a great deal in February.

If skyscrapers are more your vibe, head to the city centre to discover Manchester’s high-end restaurant scene, rooftop bars and luxury hotels. Or take a trip to Old Trafford Stadium to take in the atmosphere at one of Manchester United’s home games this February. 

As well as being a great location for sport, food and shopping, Manchester is also a hub for culture with a wide selection of museums to visit. The Science and Industry Museum is a must-go for anyone interested in peering into Manchester’s rich industrial past.

Hop on a train to Manchester and be sure to book in advance to save up to 65% off your tickets.

Discover a York getaway

One of our favourite destinations for a winter getaway, York is known for its cobbled streets and historic architecture, it’s the ideal city for crisp winter walks followed by a hot drink in a cosy English pub. York is the perfect city for everyone.

If you’re headed to York this February, a stroll around the city is a must. Make sure to stop by the Shambles, York’s most famous street. Take a stroll around York’s city walls which are still standing from the 13th century, you can explore parts of the wall or enjoy the full 3.4km walk. The York Minster Abbey is hard to miss, situated just an 8-minute walk from the Shambles, we would suggest getting a ticket to explore its mediaeval architecture inside.

There are also plenty of fun things to do in York for the family. Jorvik Viking Museum will take you on a ride through the Viking age, a fun learning experience that kids will love, and don’t miss the Viking Festival between 12th - 18th February 2024. For older children, take a visit to the York Dungeon for a thrilling tale of York’s dark history. Often referred to as ‘The Chocolate City’ and home to some of the UK’s favourite chocolate brands, make sure not to leave without a visit to the York Chocolate Factory, a chocolatier offering interactive tours for all ages.

York is a walkable city, so we would recommend booking accommodation in the city centre and leaving the car at home. For hotels on the side of luxury, check out Middlethorpe Hall & Spa for somewhere to cosy up after a long day of exploring. City centre locations include No.1 by Guesthouse, a Georgian townhouse just 10-minute walk from the Minster Abbey. For more family-friendly options, The Grand comes highly recommended and has on-site kid-friendly activities and family rooms.

York is the perfect destination for a short trip and to escape from reality without travelling too far. Start by booking a train to York with Northern and remember, kids go half price.

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Enjoy a weekend away in Liverpool

Head to Liverpool for a fun-filled break and no shortage of things to do. Liverpool is well known for its nightlife, so if you’re looking to dance the night away with friends or just looking for a romantic meal for two - there are plenty of options. We would recommend visiting the Cavern Club at least once, where The Beatles played their very first gig, the venue has live music on everyday. For a more chilled evening, make your way to The Present Company, ranked number 20 on the UK’s Top 50 Cocktail Bars.

There are lots of great places to eat in Liverpool, Bold Street is well known for its independent restaurants and bars, you’ll find everything from family Italian’s to Lebanese small plates. We would recommend checking out Big Liverpool Guide for tips on dining out on Bold Street. 

Liverpool is one of our favourite UK destinations because of the abundance of things to do both at night and during the day. Head to the Royal Albert Dock and take a step into Liverpool’s past at the Maritime Museum. If you’ve not had enough of them after the Cavern Club, there’s more of the Beatles at The Beatles Story exhibition. 

For places to stay, Liverpool has a variety of great hotels whatever your budget, we would recommend staying in the city centre to keep your city break walkable. Recently opened, Melia INNSide hotel comes highly rated, with panoramic views and all-day dining, you can enjoy the sights of Liverpool from the comfort of your hotel. Slightly further afield, Liverpool’s Titanic Hotel receives great reviews for its characterful decor and on-site spa. 

Book your train to Liverpool with Northern and save up to 65% when you buy your tickets in advance.

Have a Blackpool holiday

Escape on a family getaway to Blackpool this February half-term, where this iconic seaside town boasts plenty of attractions to keep you and the kids entertained. Take advantage of the off-season perks, including shorter queues, affordable hotels, and discounted ticket prices. 

If you’re planning a weekend visit, head to Blackpool Pleasure Beach for an entertaining show. Check their website for a comprehensive guide to the events happening throughout the year. Although the theme park doesn’t open until spring, you can still experience a thrill at Sandcastle Waterpark - the UK’s largest indoor waterpark. 

For those preferring to stay dry, SEA LIFE Blackpool offers a fantastic indoor aquarium, showcasing its diverse marine life for a fun and educational family trip. 

Explore the iconic Blackpool Tower for panoramic views of the town and immerse yourself in the Tower Ballroom’s rich history and catch a family-friendly show. 

Indulge in many of the eating options, with beachfront restaurants, family-friendly Italian, or traditional fish and chips venues. You’ll also have a great selection of accommodation options, ranging from larger hotels like Hilton Hotels or the renowned Boulevard Hotel to the charm of Blackpool’s many guesthouses and B&Bs. 

Start your holiday from the moment you leave home and take the train to Blackpool with Northern – remember kids go half price.

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Stay for a weekend in Newcastle

Grab your friends and head to Newcastle for the weekend this February, with its vibrant culture, historic landmarks and friendly people, it makes for a fantastic fun-filled getaway. 

We would recommend kicking off your weekend by exploring Newcastle’s food scene, visit Grainger Market for an atmospheric market with a variety of food stalls. From there, you can head to visit the historic Newcastle Castle where you can take a walking tour to find out more about Northern England's medieval past. 

Newcastle also has a great shopping scene, with a mix of high-street and boutique stores at Eldon Square, there is something for everyone. If the weather is dry, take a stroll along the River Tyne and cross the iconic Millenium Bridge, or take a trip to Tynemouth Beach. 

The city is well known for its vibrant nightlife, so make sure to hit one of the bars or clubs on Collingwood Street for a night out with friends before heading back for a good night's sleep at one of the city’s many hotels.

Book your train to Newcastle with Northern and remember to book in advance to save up to 65%.