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Taking the train, and exploring a new location, before catching the train home again, offers an exciting break from the norm. With no driving or parking stress to worry about, relax and watch the countryside go by. 

Trains run throughout the UK, with Northern services focusing on the North of the country, for example, Yorkshire, Lancashire and Cumbria. These counties are full of exciting and interesting attractions to visit, whether you’re travelling alone, with friends or family. 

Check out 10 of the most popular places to visit by train! 

01. Blackpool Tower

Blackpool Tower has been attracting visitors from around the world since it opened in 1894. Inspired by the iconic Eiffel Tower, it stands at an impressive 518 feet, or 158 metres, tall, and elegantly dominates the Blackpool skyline. The entire Grade I listed complex comprises the Circus, Ballroom - made famous by the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing, the roof gardens and the Tower itself. 

Also on the same site are the vertigo-inducing 380ft high SkyWalk, Dino Mini Golf and, underneath the Tower, the scarily immersive Blackpool Dungeon.

There are so many attractions all under one very tall roof - you’ll be spoiled for choice.

02. Chester Cathedral

The glorious Grade I listed building is situated in the heart of Chester within easy reach of the mainline station and has parts dating back as far as the 10th century. Possibly used for Christian worship by the Romans, the site was home to a Benedictine monastery before the cathedral's construction.

Extensively restored in the 1800s, with the later inclusion of a bell tower, the cathedral now hosts concerts and exhibitions, including a project to recreate the building in LEGO. It’s popular as a tourist attraction thanks to its beautiful stained glass windows, stunning rood screen, heavily carved misericords, and open cloisters. 

With a gift shop, cafe and plenty more to explore, Chester Cathedral should be on everyone’s itinerary. 

03. Streetlife Museum of Transport, Hull

Forming part of Hull’s Museum Quarter, the Streetlife Museum of Transport is home to a vast collection of horse-drawn carriages, veteran cars and other vehicles, and a range of objects relating to transport. 

Explore over 200 years of transportation history, and immerse yourself in the sights, sounds and smells of the past. The Museum Quarter comprises four museums, built around a central garden, designed to deliver an all-round adventure, bringing the history books to life in a fascinating experience.  

04. Lake Windermere

The Lake District is a beautiful part of the country and one of the oldest and the largest of our National Parks. Lake Windermere, at around 11 miles long and one mile wide, is visited by thousands of tourists every year. 

There is a vast range of activities to enjoy around its shores, with ferries crossing the lake regularly. Sailing, windsurfing, and swimming are popular past times, but there’s also a steam railway that runs through the glorious landscape, an aquarium, and many adventure activities to take part in. 

With tea shops to relax in, and picturesque Cumbrian villages to explore, the whole area offers a wonderful way to unwind. 

05. Victoria Tunnels, Newcastle 

Lying deep below the city of Newcastle, Victoria Tunnels were dug in the 1840s for easy transportation of coal from the colliery at Spital Tongues to boats on the river. Once the coal mines closed, and the waggons stopped rolling in 1860, the Tunnels were abandoned until the start of World War II when they were used as air-raid shelters for the residents of Newcastle. 

Now owned and managed by the Ouseburn Trust, the award-winning tours take you on an immersive adventure through the Tunnels, experiencing life underneath the streets. Feel the fear of people sheltering when the air raid sirens rang out or the bombs rained down. The tour even takes you beneath Hadrian's Roman Wall!

As you’d imagine there are many ghostly tales and the site is popular with paranormal groups, so who knows what you’ll see on a tour of the Victoria Tunnels. 

06. Lancaster Castle

Founded in the 11th century, on the site of an ancient Roman fort, Lancaster Castle overlooks the River Lune as it meanders through the city. Described by English Heritage as ‘"not only the North-West's most important historic and archaeological monument but also of international importance", it’s visited by thousands of tourists every year. 

Bearing witness to significant historical events, including the Scottish invasions of England in 1322 and 1389, the English Civil War, and the infamous Lancashire Witch Trials when 10 women were hanged for allegedly practising witchcraft in 1612, it has been extensively but sympathetically restored. 

Explore the many castle buildings, and beautiful hilltop grounds, followed by a delicious cream tea in the Castle’s tea rooms - perfect! 

07. Leeds City Museum

Spanning four vast floors, Leeds City Museum delivers family-friendly fun and fascination. The Life on Earth collection houses more than 800,000 animals, vegetables, and minerals, from prehistoric fossils and dinosaurs to tigers and exotic birds. Another gallery takes you through the rich history of Leeds and its inhabitants, with relics and more. The Voices of Asia gallery tells the story of the region’s influence over the city and how the diversity enhances life in contemporary Leeds.

08. York Castle, York

Built by William the Conqueror two years after the Battle of Hastings, to control the barbarians from the North, it was originally constructed from timber. After a great fire destroyed its walls, it was rebuilt of sandstone in 1244 by King Henry III. 

Now, with the main ramparts in ruins, it’s still a wonderful place to visit. Clifford’s Tower still remains, standing above the unique quatrefoil keep and the nearby museum tells its long and bloody history. 

09. Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem, Nottingham

This Grade II listed public house is said to be the oldest in England, and dates from 1189. Built into the sandstone rocks that Nottingham Castle sits upon, it was used as a beer and wine store for the Castle. However, it’s more famous for its role in the Crusades. Knights would pause here on their way to fight in the Holy Lands, and it is said that some still reside in its rock-carved rooms! 

Welcoming tourists from around the world, The Trip, as it’s known locally, has a fascinating history and is a wonderful location to explore, and enjoy a bite to eat!

10. Etihad Stadium, Manchester

Home to the mighty Manchester City Football Club, tours around the Etihad Stadium offer a fascinating insight into the trophy-winning team. 

Explore the changing rooms, the inner sanctum of the training academy, and walk out onto the hallowed turf itself! From the trophy cabinets to stories, anecdotes and facts galore, whether you’re a footie fan or not, this is an amazing glimpse into the intense life of a world champion team.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Manchester City (@mancity)

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