England's North Country

Incorporating a huge swathe of England, the North Country is both the former industrial heartland of Britain, and the proud bearer of its best countryside. The area can be split into four regions: Yorkshire, "God's Own Country" as locals would say, with its brooding landscapes and misty moors; the Northwest, dominated by the rejuvenated metropolises of Liverpool and Manchester and the birthplace of the world's best band - ever; Cumbria & the Lakes, England's "little Scotland" with water, mountains and hillwalkers in abundance; and Northeast England, frontier country defined by genuine wilderness areas and Norman castles peppering the ...

Incorporating a huge swathe of England, the North Country is both the former industrial heartland of Britain, and the proud bearer of its best countryside. The area can be split into four regions: Yorkshire, "God's Own Country" as locals would say, with its brooding landscapes and misty moors; the Northwest, dominated by the rejuvenated metropolises of Liverpool and Manchester and the birthplace of the world's best band - ever; Cumbria & the Lakes, England's "little Scotland" with water, mountains and hillwalkers in abundance; and Northeast England, frontier country defined by genuine wilderness areas and Norman castles peppering the countryside. National Parks and landscape are highlights of the area and some of the best include the Yorkshire Dales, with its high hills, moorlands and faded grandeur of monastic ruins; and Northumberland National Park, one of the loveliest wilderness areas left in England, incorporating moors of heather and gorse. Don't miss the deeply impressive Durham Cathedral, and mighty Hadrian's Wall is no better reminder that England's historical roots are embedded deeply in the boggy soils of the North Country.

About the Expert

Alan Murphy is coauthor of Lonely Planet's Britain, Scotland, India and North India. He has been writing and updating travel guidebooks for the past eight years.