Why the UK’s Northern Cities are so Popular with Tourists

In days gone by London was the only UK destination that featured on the maps of international tourists. Thanks to rejuvenation, renovation and a more sophisticated approach to tourism and the needs of tourists, northern cities are taking over.

Manchester Cathedral from Blackfriars Bridge / Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Pimlico Badger

Manchester and Liverpool are now the third and fourth most popular destinations for foreign visitors to these shores. They travel north to revel in the history of the region, soaking up the cultural atmosphere created in equal measure by the unique characteristics of the local population and the best of architectural genius. Prime examples of superb building skills on show are the historical Three Graces of Liverpool, the dramatically modern Manchester Imperial War Museum and the soaring Hilton Hotel.

History and Culture

Both Manchester and Liverpool have rich historical and cultural roots that are celebrated today through the opening of contemporary art galleries and museums. The Manchester Art Gallery includes an impressive collection of Pre-Raphaelite paintings and an ever-changing programme of imaginative exhibitions. In recognition of its programmes, the museum was short listed for the Guardian’s Family Friendly Museum of the Year award. Equally celebrated, the Walker Art Gallery in Liverpool holds what is arguably the finest collection of decorative artworks, including those by Turner and Rembrandt.

Both cities have an excellent reputation for stage plays and theatre productions. Music contributes to the culture too with the ‘Madchester’ scene in Manchester and several bands hailing from Liverpool, going back to The Beatles.

Liverpool / Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by djmcaleese

Hospitality

Both cities are well known for the warm and lively characteristics of the people who make their homes there. A vibrant and cosmopolitan atmosphere exists in both cities, with both Manchester and Liverpool hospitality offering diverse restaurants, bars, cafes and nightclubs. One of the most recent additions to Manchester’s hospitality is the Cloud 23 Skyline Bar at the Hilton Hotel in Deansgate. Cloud 23 exudes sophistication, serving exclusive cocktails against a cityscape backdrop viewed through floor-to-ceiling windows.

Not to be outdone, Liverpool offers the Panoramic on the 34th floor of West Tower with stunning 360° views across the city to the Wirral peninsular. For those who like to keep their feet more firmly on the ground, both cities have an array of fine dining restaurants and bars offering both local and international cuisine.

Shopping

For the best in designer shopping in contemporary, sophisticated surroundings, both Manchester and Liverpool have everything for the discerning shopper from main chain store outlets to exclusive and unusual designer or vintage boutique shops.

When in Liverpool, visit the exclusive Metquarter for fashion and beauty outlets or the elegant Victorian arcades of Lord Street in Southport, in the Liverpool city region outside the city centre. No visit to Manchester would be complete without a visit to Afflecks, an astonishing maze where you can buy practically anything you can think of from the 50 independent outlets that range over five floors.

Manchester stadium / Agnieszka Mieszczak

Sports

Both Manchester and Liverpool are rightly proud of their football teams, both of which put the cities firmly on the sporting map. Liverpool’s football teams, Liverpool and Everton, are not the only claims to sporting fame for the city, as it is also home to the world famous Grand National horse race held each year at the Aintree Racecourse. Manchester too shares a dual football identity with the internationally famous teams of Manchester United and Manchester City.

Sometimes it seems the world is getting smaller, but it’s also true that a wider appreciation and willingness to explore has revealed many previously hidden riches in two of England’s most beautiful northern cities.

About the author: Francesca is a freelancer who proudly hails from the city of Liverpool! She enjoys sharing her knowledge of the city as a great tourism desitination, as well as the UK as a whole. This guest post was written on behalf of the University of Liverpool.

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Tags: blackfriars, bridge photo, cosmopolitan atmosphere, cultural roots, hilton hotel, hotel history, imperial war museum, impressive collection, international tourists, manchester art gallery, manchester cathedral, northern cities, pre raphaelite paintings, prime examples, sophisticated approach, stage plays, three graces, uk destination, walker art gallery

Category: Cities, Cities