Explore a New City with Prospect Coaches
You don’t have to leave the UK to make memories you’ll always treasure. Exploring the country’s towns and cities is a popular pastime for many, as each offers something totally unique. Those up for some fun or looking for things to do will find themselves fully engaged throughout a visit to the north of the country.
There are numerous large cities in the north of England, all of which are fantastic places to visit. If you’re planning a coach trip and thinking of heading up north, it’s well worth considering Sheffield, Manchester, Liverpool or Leeds to give you a taster of what all the fuss is about.
Manchester
Manchester is bursting with history, culture, nightlife and there’s plenty to see and do during your visit, from marvelling at the stunning gothic architecture (Manchester Cathedral, the Town Hall, and John Rylands Library) and exploring our industrial heritage at the Museum of Science and Industry to studying the fine art on display at the Manchester and Whitworth Art Galleries.
Manchester Museum and the Imperial War Museum North are excellent destinations for those who wish to dip into Manchester’s lively history. Manchester is also the home of the National Football Museum, where the social history of football is explored. The city is, of course, recognised the world over for the fantastic displays of football demonstrated every season by Manchester United and Manchester City, so make sure that you take a tour of their respective grounds during your visit.
Fans of Joy Division, The Smiths, Oasis, The Stone Roses and The Happy Mondays will love the opportunity to visit the city which was home to and inspired their idols. Music and theatre continue to wash over the city, with amazing venues paying homage to an eclectic range of artists and performers, from The Royal Exchange and Palace Theatres to The Manchester Academy and The Manchester Arena.
With The Arndale Centre, Northern Quarter, Trafford Centre and Lowry Outlet Mall all within easy reach, there’s no reason you can’t shop until you drop.
Liverpool
Liverpool is the home of the ground-breaking band, The Beatles, who single-handedly revolutionised music and still have a universal fan base to this day. The legacy of the musical geniuses who put Liverpool on the map is still visible today.
Take a trip to The Cavern Club where The Beatles played their first gigs together and marvel at the memorabilia which adorns the walls. You can also visit The Beatles Story Museum down on the Albert Dock. Attractions on the dock, the first structure in Britain to be constructed using cast iron, brick and stone, include The Tate Liverpool and the Merseyside Maritime Museum.
The Capital of Culture in 2008, visitors to Liverpool flock to Anfield Stadium (the home of Liverpool Football Club), the Museum of Liverpool, the World Museum and Mendips -the childhood home of John Lennon. Whilst you’re here, why not pay a visit to The Bluecoat? The venue hosts contemporary art and performances unlike any other.
Shop in Liverpool One, take a trip down the River Mersey, dine on Bold Street and party the night away on Concert Square, the nightlife hub of the city; a trip to Liverpool is one not to be missed.
Leeds
Leeds has an abundance of things to see and do. The compact city centre is paradise for shoppers who can reach 1,000 designer, high street and independent shops with ease. Shops are housed within quirky arcades which are a delight to explore or you can head to Trinity Leeds – 3 floors of contemporary shops, restaurants, and bars.
The culture of Leeds is on display at renowned galleries, theatres, and museums throughout the city, including Leeds Art Gallery, The Henry Moore Institute, and the Yorkshire Sculpture Park. Leeds also holds a number of festivals annually including Light Night, which turns the centre into an amazing art installation, and the Love Arts Festival.
If you’re planning an evening out in Leeds, you can catch a show at the O2 Academy or First Direct Arena or a performance at Leeds Grand Theatre. The city also hosts numerous independent bars in Briggate, Millennium Square and Call Lane where you can sample expertly mixed cocktails and find your new favourite.
Leeds holds over 80 festivals per year and is home to Leeds Waterfront Festival and Leeds Festival, one of the UK’s best music festivals, held at Bramham Park. With plenty to get involved in during a visit to Leeds, an opportunity to explore the city is one not to be missed.
Sheffield
Sheffield is a booming hub of creativity which is oozing with character and counts The Arctic Monkeys amongst its famous sons. This is an industrious yet modern and innovative city which is surrounded by the stunningly beautiful Peak District National Park. Come to Sheffield for thriving culture, including music, street art, festivals, and theatre.
Make sure you pay a visit to Millennium Gallery – the city’s hub of art, design, and crafts - which depicts the city’s heritage. See the metalwork which dubbed Sheffield as the 'Steel City' and explore some of the finest art exhibitions on tour from the likes of the Tate and The National Portrait Gallery.
Worship has taken place at Sheffield Cathedral for over 1,000 years, right in the heart of the city, and the city itself has grown and developed around the site. The cathedral remains a place of sanctuary and exploration today.
Why not pay a visit to the National Emergency Services Museum, or perhaps the Kelham Island Museum where you can discover the story of steel in Sheffield for yourself? If you appreciate the arts, Crucible Theatre is an excellent venue which hosts exceptional musicals, plays, and is famed for hosting the World Snooker Championships.
Meadowhall is Sheffield’s out of town shopping destination offering high street names, a fantastic food court, and a multiplex cinema. Fargate, the Antiques Quarter and The Moor are popular city centre shopping areas where an eclectic mix of restaurants and bars are just waiting to be discovered.
If you are planning a visit to any of these wonderful cities and require transport from Birmingham for your group, Prospect Coaches is ready to make sure you can enjoy a wonderful, hassle-free trip. Contact us today.