There is so much that both sides of the UK offer, and while most people tend to be drawn to the south due to the Capital city being there, with that zoomed-in perception that the UK is all like London is making you miss out on some incredible history, sites and character that comes with northern charm.
The secret to a ‘travel well spend’ isn’t choosing one or the other, but it’s understanding how to do the best of both worlds during your travels in the UK.
The South
There is no way around it, unfortunately, but you may have to spend a little more in this spot to do and see the best, but if it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to visit, then you might aswell go hard or go home.
London has such a rich array of sites, both historical and modern, that will ensure that your time is more than well spent. But even doing a standard UK tour is worth it, then you get to see all of the sites, get pictures, but also gives you more time to do more culturally enriching things.
In London, you need to go to Camden Town for all of the markets. It’s great for food, keepsakes, and supporting local independent sellers, whether getting to see a range of different communities. Other spots to visit include Soho nightlight, daytime at Notting Hill, and then you could get the train to a town further away from London.
Beyond London Centre
Visiting towns such as Greenwich, Kent, Cotswolds, Bath and so forth are all locations beyond the centre that offer so much from Roman history, to stunning beaches, but also just a whole different side to the south.
If you truly want to visit the South of England, you need to get out of the city centres and go to a mixture of towns, rural areas and seaside towns that all have such a unique air to them that show you a whole different side to the southern lifestyle.
I would recommend visiting the south in the summer, this way you have a better chance of catching Britain at its nicest, warmest and absolute peak.
The North
Where to begin in the north, there is a range of well-loved northern cities with the standouts being Manchester, the Lake District, Leeds and Liverpool. While Northerners also have their favourites but even all for being relatively close to each other, they all offer something different, including a history, a charm and an accent.
Manchester is the most visited and well-known city in the north for its similarities to London, but also an ideally sized city centre, friendly locals, and so much for people to do, from good food, great travel options and several luxury retailers such as Selfridges and so forth.
Shopping centres in Leeds and Liverpool are also amazing, but they also have so much character of their own, such as unique locals that are known for their humour and friendliness, but you also have so many sites to go see in these locations, such as Concert Square, Otterspool Run and beyond.
Beyond Northern Cities
The north is known for its space and rural beauty, especially in the likes of the Lake District, where there is so much to see beyond the charming centre of Ambleside, but in fact, there are several hiking trails and views that are truly breathtaking. It’s a whole different side of the UK that brings so many people together, and just isn’t something that you can find in the south.
The north in these places is also noticeably cheaper than the south, as you are more open to supporting local businesses.