Things to do in summer in the North

Summer days out in the north of England offer a variety of activities and scenic locations. Visitors can explore the Lake District and Peak District, renowned for their stunning lakes, mountains, and walking trails. The Yorkshire Dales provide picturesque villages, rolling hills, and historic castles. Coastal towns like Whitby and Scarborough offer sandy beaches, cliffside walks, and traditional fish and chips. If you're looking for more of a city vibe, Manchester and Leeds boast vibrant cultural scenes, with museums, galleries, and bustling markets.

The options are endless if you're looking for things to do in the summer in the North and we've included lots of inspiration for your next adventure.

Things to do during the summer

The back of a crowd at a music festival stage at night

Local music festivals & events 2026

You don't have to go far to experience the festival atmosphere! The North's packed with fantastic festivals, from food to music and more, as well as events for the whole family to enjoy.

Find an event near you

Summer bucket list ideas

Make the most of the Great British Summer and tick off these bucket list ideas!

Top 10 things to do in the North for summer

Make the most of summer in the North with our top 10 things to do!

10 best family days out in the North

Take the fuss out of planning with our best family days out in the North.

Explore castles around the North

Explore captivating castles and ruins around the North of England.

Best beaches in the North

Discover our pick of the best beaches to explore in the North.

Things to do on a sunny day in the North

Make the most of the sun with our best things to do in the North.

Woodland walks in the North

Breathe in some fresh air with our pick of the best woodland walks.

Best walks & hikes in Northern England

Get active with our choice of the best walks and hikes in the North.

Best city walks in the North of England

Discover our pick of the best city walks the North has to offer.

Best places to visit in the summer

Best places to visit in June

Step into summer with the best places to visit in June.

Best places to visit in July

Enjoy the best the North has to offer this July.

Best places to visit in August

Say hello to the best places to visit in August.

Best places to eat across the North

Best places to eat in Leeds

All the best places to grab a bite to eat in Leeds.

Best places to eat in Manchester

Eat your way around Manchester with our guide.

Best places to eat in York

Your ticket to all the best spots in York.

Cities to visit during the summer

Visiting cities in the north of England during the summer offers a blend of cultural, historical, and modern attractions. Cities like Manchester, Leeds, and Liverpool feature vibrant arts scenes, diverse dining options, and numerous museums. You can explore historic architecture, bustling markets, and lively festivals. The waterfronts and parks provide relaxing spots to enjoy the warmer weather.

Each city has a unique character, making them perfect for summer outings.

Newcastle

The Yorkshire Coast

Liverpool

A northern train passing over a bridge as the sun begins to set.

Explore all destinations

Whether you want to discover your new favourite restaurants, go on a hike or explore historic sites and museums, there's an abundance of things to enjoy across the North. Explore all our destinations, and discover your next day out.

Explore all destinations

Visit the countryside this summer

The new Northumberland line

Big adventures & breathtaking beauty await.

Trains to the Peak District

Discover the UK's oldest National Park.

Trains to Cumbria and The Lakes

Explore the beauty of the North in Cumbria.

Explore more of the North this summer

Day Ranger tickets give you the freedom to explore all over the North by train, there are 1001 things to see and do. Just hop on and off the train as many times as you wish. It's the perfect way to make the most of your car-free day - and your money.

They can be purchased from your nearest staffed station and are unavailable through our website and App.

Rangers train tickets and Rovers train tickets

Rover tickets allow you to travel on four out of eight consecutive days within your chosen area, or on seven consecutive days covering the North East or North West.

Explore ticket options

When you've decided how you'll spend your time this summer, don't forget to book your tickets in advance to take full advantage of cheap train tickets.

If you're a family, don't forget to look out for special discounts and deals during the summer holidays and plan the perfect summer day out in the North. Children aged 5 - 15 travel half-price on the majority of fares across the UK rail network and under 5s travel for free alongside a fare-paying passenger.

If you're flexible on when you travel, look out for savings by choosing an off-peak ticket and travel during quieter times of the day.

You can also now explore the North like never before with a Northern Explorer ticket. This gives you the freedom to travel by train with unlimited opportunities to hop on and off again, from £35 per day.