Full bellies and small bank balances; yep, it’s January. Despite this, the New Year can also revitalise and renew you, presenting a fresh calendar filled with opportunities.
Take advantage of these opportunities within the North of England, with so many spots to explore and discover, it can match whatever vibe you’re looking for. Looking to escape the bitter elements? Trying to relax before your manic year begins? Hoping to expand your knowledge? The North has answers to all of these and more!
Make the most of the North with our top five places to visit in January below.
1. Whitby Abbey, Whitby
Nearest station: Whitby
Before it was the bastion of British fish and chips, Whitby was known for its historic ruins: Whitby Abbey. Founded in 657AD, the abbey’s gothic appearance inspired Bram Stoker to write Dracula, one of history’s most lucrative gothic novels.
Whitby Abbey’s interactive visitor centre offers digital reconstructions of the original building, an audio tour with trivia about those who lived there before and beautiful views of Whitby Town and Harbour.
Save on trains to Whitby and take a friend with you for some fish and chips and great sights and buy a duo ticket today!
2. Splash Art, Liverpool
Nearest station: Liverpool Lime Street
After feasting and drinking throughout the festive period, sometimes nothing is more appetising than a Dry January and a place to vent your emotions for the New Year.
This year, shake off any spirits of the past with a trip to Splash Art Liverpool. Express yourself to the max by splashing paint wherever you see fit and rid yourself of frustrations, or celebrate your joy by spraying, splashing, throwing, and squirting paint onto walls. Pick from various paints both neon and not, and show the world how creative you can be.
Travel with Northern and get up to 65% off your train travel this January. Bring all your friends along and grab a group ticket to travel for cheap.
3. Turkish Baths, Harrogate
Nearest station: Harrogate
The Victorian town of Harrogate is the perfect location for a rest and relaxation trip, offering the easiest way to melt the frost of January: the Turkish Baths.
1 of the 7 Victorian baths left within Britain, the Harrogate Turkish Baths are flush with beautiful and elegant features, like the Islamic arches, terrazzo floors and arabesque painted ceilings.
Having been adequately pampered, visit the many independent boutiques, antique stores and homely pubs within the centre of the town.
The perfect day trip of relaxation, book whenever you need it with anytime train tickets.
4. Clifford's Tower, York
Nearest station: York
Home to centuries of history, Clifford’s Tower underwent a refurbishment project in 2022 to turn it from a dusty husk into a landmark that provides mesmerising views and history that’ll pull on your heartstrings.
The restoration added walkways within the tower that weave back and forth, giving you views of the tower, which had been out of bounds for centuries. The roof has also been given a new life, with decking placed atop the tower, giving you a picturesque view of one of Britain’s oldest and most influential cities.
Explore York and its historic landmarks with a friend and save on tickets with duo tickets.
5. The Hepworth and Wakefield Garden, Wakefield
Nearest station: Wakefield Kirkgate
Designed by widely acclaimed landscape architect Tom Stuart-Smith, this garden is home to some exquisite sculptures which are surrounded by the garden’s exceptional flower beds. The gardens are free for anyone to explore.
Hepworth Wakefield’s award winning gallery is located within the gardens and offers the chance to appreciate some of the North of England’s best art.
Book a train to Wakefield today to save on travel with cheaper same day tickets available up to 15 minutes before departure.
Start your year with any of these destinations from across the North of England. There's plenty on this January for you to get stuck into, so don't be afraid and try something different this New Year. Make travel easy for yourself with Northern, and travel to 500+ destinations in the North.
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Streamline your journey and get tickets straight to your phone. Making your journey contact-free.