There’s a renewed energy building across the north of England and into Scotland and for Australian travellers, it’s never been easier to tap into it.
From its cultural capital of Edinburgh and culinary hotspots to sweeping national parks and storybook villages of Scotland, to the regions spanning North England, from Newcastle and Northumberland down to the West Midlands, offer a richly layered itinerary that feels both familiar and refreshingly underexplored.
With improved connectivity via key gateways like Manchester Airport and Birmingham Airport, travellers can now bypass the bustle of London and start their UK journey closer to the action.
A northern gateway to discovery
For many Australians, flying into Manchester opens up a dynamic entry point to the UK’s north. Known for its music, sport and industrial heritage, the city has evolved into a cultural powerhouse, with a thriving food scene and easy rail access to surrounding regions.
Just under an hour away lies Liverpool, a UNESCO City of Music and home of The Beatles. Its revitalised waterfront, museums and galleries make it a must-visit, while nearby Cheshire offers a gentler pace, with historic estates and picturesque countryside.
Nature lovers can head further north to the stunning Lake District, where mirror-like lakes and rolling fells inspired writers like William Wordsworth. It’s a region made for slow travel – think scenic drives, walking trails and cosy pubs.
Into the heart of England
Further south, the West Midlands delivers a compelling mix of heritage and modernity. Birmingham has emerged as one of the UK’s most exciting cities, with the West Midlands region boasting 5 Michelin-starred restaurants making it an undisputed hub for fine dining, alongside a revitalised canal precinct and buzzing arts scene.
A short journey away is Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace of William Shakespeare, where Tudor architecture and riverside charm transport visitors back in time. For those seeking outdoor adventure, the nearby Peak District offers dramatic landscapes ideal for hiking, cycling and scenic escapes.
Crossing into Scotland
On the east coast, Edinburgh offers a striking contrast, with its medieval Old Town, elegant Georgian New Town and world-famous festivals. Beyond the capital, regions like Dumfries and Galloway and the Scottish Borders invite travellers to uncover quieter corners filled with rolling hills, historic abbeys and coastal beauty.
A journey shaped by flavour
Beyond the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, from 23 July to 2 August, food and drink is a significant focus for this dynamic destination.
The Wee Food Tour, for example, invites is a walking adventure through Glasgow where afternoon of tastings will be experienced in six different restaurants, specialty shops and independent, family run businesses that are experts in their dishes and products they make. At The Haggis Experience, for the ultimate Scottish food foray, visitors learn to make their own at a working sheep farm outside of Stirling or, in vast contrast, check out its plethora of vegan eateries.
Then, of course, there is no shortage of Scotch whisky at any one of a number of distilleries.
Further south, Manchester and Birmingham also offer diverse dining scenes that reflect the UK’s multicultural identity, while traditional pubs across the countryside serve hearty fare alongside locally brewed ales.
If you have had your fill of food, walk it off by strolling past Glasgow’s gothic and Victorian architecture, view the landlocked lighthouse, peruse the halls behind the sleek silver lines of the Zaha Hadid-designed Riverside Museum or head to the bohemian Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. Or you could take a walking tour of its street art on the Glasgow Mural Trail.
And loving all things sustainable – there’s 300km of bike paths, paddle boarding and a nightclub powered by the heat of its revellers to discover.
Seamless itineraries, richer experiences
What sets this part of Britain apart is its connectivity. Efficient rail networks link cities and regions, making multi-stop itineraries both practical and rewarding. Travellers can easily combine the urban energy of Manchester and Birmingham with the natural beauty of the Lake District and the cultural depth of Glasgow and Edinburgh.
For travel advisors, this opens the door to crafting journeys that go beyond the expected – itineraries that balance iconic sights with lesser-known gems, all within a manageable travel footprint.
Why now?
When the 2026 Commonwealth Games arrive in Glasgow from 23 July to 2 August, the world’s attention will turn to Scotland’s largest city, so what better time to discover all the city has to offer?
With increasing air access into Manchester and Birmingham, and a growing appetite among travellers for deeper, more meaningful experiences, the timing is right to spotlight Britain’s north.
This is a region where history and modern life intersect, where landscapes shift from cityscapes to countryside in a matter of hours, and where every stop adds a new layer to the journey.
For Australians looking to rediscover the UK – or experience it differently – the north offers a compelling alternative. And with Scotland just a scenic rail journey away, it’s a reminder that some of Britain’s most rewarding travel experiences begin the moment you look beyond London.
