England Originals has put together a new multi-destination itinerary exploring the northern cities of England by train – perfect for travellers looking to discover the hidden gems of England’s north at their own pace.

The city of Durham © England Originals

Janet Redler Travel is proud to be a trade partner for England Originals, which is brought to you by England’s Historic Cities – a partnership of 13 historic cities in England. The northern cities by rail itinerary encompasses six of these wonderful cities - Chester, Lancaster and Carlisle in the north west of England, as well as Durham, York and Lincoln in the north east - which can easily be explored as a self-drive itinerary, or by train with a Brit Rail Pass.

Day 1 - Chester

Hop on a fast train from London and you can cover the 200 miles to Chester in just over two hours to begin your northern odyssey.

Chester is a classic contemporary city, which boasts the largest Roman amphitheatre in Britain, the most complete city walls at almost two miles long, and the 1,000-year-old Chester Cathedral which impresses with its stunning architecture and rich history.

The Rows in Chester © England Originals

Take a relaxing boat trip on the River Dee or, for a taste of excitement, experience a thrilling horse racing event at Chester Racecourse, the oldest in the world. Chester Zoo is a must-visit attraction for animal lovers and families will enjoy the Deva Roman Experience and Grosvenor Museum, where Chester's ancient Roman heritage comes alive.

Walk the complete circuit of Chester city walls © England Originals

Sick to Death is an unmissable new attraction in Chester telling the gory story of medicine through the ages and for a unique historical experience, join a Chester Viking Tour or a Roman Soldier Walking Tour to truly immerse yourself in Chester's storied past.

Day 2 - Lancaster

A scenic one-hour-thirty-minute rail journey from Chester brings you to Lancaster, a captivating city brimming with history, culture, and entertainment.

The Judges' Lodgings Museum is the city’s oldest town house, where visitors can learn about Victorian legal history. The museum is nestled below Lancaster Castle, a stunning medieval fortress offering panoramic views and immersive historical tours.

Lancaster Castle © VisitBritain

Visit Lancaster Priory, a beautiful historical church or Leighton Hall, with its exquisite architecture and gardens, provides a glimpse into local aristocratic life. The Lancaster City Museum provides a deep dive into the area's past, while the Lancaster Maritime Museum celebrates its maritime legacy.

Spectacular views from Ashton Memorial © England Originals

The Cottage Museum offers a cozy look at Lancaster’s domestic past and for a touch of theatrical charm, the Lancaster Grand Theatre offers a diverse array of performances.

Day 3 - Carlisle

Carlisle is nestled in the far northern corner of England, close to the Scottish border, but can be reached by train from Lancaster in just 50 minutes. The largest city in England by area, Carlisle is the urban capital of Cumbria and links two world heritage sites - Hadrian’s Wall and the Lake District National Park.

Carlisle Castle © England Originals

Visitors to Carlisle will find a wealth of history and culture awaiting them. Begin your adventure at Carlisle Castle, a formidable fortress offering a glimpse into England’s medieval past. Nearby, Carlisle Cathedral stands as a stunning example of Gothic architecture, while Cumbria’s Museum of Military Life provides fascinating insights into the region's regimental history. Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery – known as the Tullie – has recently been redeveloped and boasts an incredibly diverse range of exhibitions and curiosities.

Carlisle Cathedral © England Originals

Consider joining a guided tour with Discover Lakeland Guided Tours, Great Guided Tours or Solway Connections Guided Tours, for a unique perspective on Carlisle's rich heritage and scenic surroundings.

Day 4 – Durham

Continue your journey to the ancient city of Durham by train through the awe-inspiring Pennine Hills, which form the backbone of northern England.

First stop has to be historic Durham Cathedral, a masterpiece of Norman architecture, that stands as a testament to the city’s medieval grandeur and which forms part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site along with the 11th century castle.

Durham Cathedral © England Originals

Take a Durham Castle Tour for a glimpse into the region's storied past, explore the Oriental Garden, devoted to the art and archaeology of the cultures of Northern Africa and Asia, or visit the Historic Libraries at Palace Green Library which showcase rare manuscripts and offer insights into academic history.

Enjoy a riverside walk or a boat trip in Durham © England Originals

Nearby Beamish Museum, known as the Living Museum of the North, brings history to life with its immersive exhibits and, for a serene escape, Crook Hall Gardens provides a beautiful retreat with its enchanting landscape. Durham University Botanic Garden is a magnet for garden lovers with an incredibly diverse range of plant species in a tranquil woodland setting.

Day 5 - York

Less than an hour away from Durham by train, York has an array of remarkable attractions and to make the most of the city’s many offerings, visitors can use the Visit York Pass, which grants access to 30+ attractions in and around the city, with one, two or three-day options.

Clifford’s Tower in York © England Originals

A must visit is the majestic York Minster which stands as a stunning centrepiece to the city, its gothic architecture and intricate stained-glass windows captivate all who enter. Nearby, is the Jorvik Viking Centre which provides an immersive experience into Viking life, while Clifford’s Tower offers panoramic views and insights into York’s medieval past.

Jorvik Viking Centre © England Originals

For those with a keen interest in the past, the dramatic ruins of Whitby Abbey on the coast evoke a sense of historical grandeur, just a short hop from York. Also worth a detour is Castle Howard, star of many a movie and TV series, which showcases grand baroque architecture and beautifully landscaped gardens, providing a taste of aristocratic elegance.

Day 6 - Lincoln

Journey south to Lincoln for the final leg of your trip and witness awe-inspiring Lincoln Cathedral, with its stunning Gothic architecture, at the heart of the ancient city. Nearby, Lincoln Castle offers a fascinating glimpse into medieval life and provides panoramic views from its walls.

Lincoln Cathedral © England Originals

International Bomber Command Centre honours the legacy of World War II with its insightful exhibitions and memorials or visit Doddington Hall & Gardens which showcases elegant Tudor architecture and beautifully landscaped gardens, offering a serene retreat.

The Strait in Lincoln © England Originals

The Medieval Bishops’ Palace and the Museum of Lincolnshire Life delve into local heritage, while the Guildhall and Stonebow offer a touch of civic history. Alternatively, The Lincoln Museum provides engaging exhibits on the city’s past.

Each of these delightful cities boasts a plethora of accommodation to suit all budgets and tastes, and we can advise on the best eating places in the local neighbourhood. So, if you or your group would like to explore England’s northern cities by rail, or on a self-drive tailor-made tour, please do contact our friendly team today and we will happily make the arrangements.

To find out more about our England Originals tour itineraries, click here.