Like most of Europe, there is no clear demarcation of the countries that fit into Northern Europe and many variations exist. However, the United Nations geoscheme places 10 countries in Northern Europe, from the five Scandinavian countries to the United Kingdom, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, and Iceland, along with 7 dependent areas like the Isle of Man, Faroe Islands, and Jersey.
Northern Europe with its wide expanse of wilderness, forests, lakes, and volcanoes, enshrined by the mystical northern lights epitomizes all that the great outdoors should be. Some of Europe’s best hiking trails are located in this scenic expanse of land which also has some breathtakingly beautiful coastline. Winter transforms the verdant green into thick carpets of snow, giving rise to some of the best skiing sites in the world. Most countries in this part of Europe have developed economies and their cities are shining examples of the high standards of living. Some of the cleanest cities in the world such as Copenhagen and Stockholm are located in Northern Europe where green sustainable living is a way of life. Despite the long depressing winters, Northern Europe also has some of the happiest cities in the world, with Reykjavik, Helsinki, and Bergen featuring in this list.
Manchester is a special city in North West England with a rich history and culture. This once largest industrial metropolis has transformed itself into England’s edgy northern capital – it’s the home of some of Britain’s biggest music legends, iconic landmarks, a multitude of shopping, thriving arts, culture scene, world-famous sports and entertainment facilities. Take…
Liverpool is the 7th largest city in Britain and was once one of the world’s largest ports. Besides the obvious fact that The Beatles come from there, Liverpool is well known for its industrial heritage, having built the first dock and inter-city passenger railway line. Nowadays, the city’s waterfront is a designated World Heritage Site and…
York, a city located in North Yorkshire, England is famous for its historical landmarks and variety of cultural and sporting activities. Founded as Eboracum by the Romans in 71 AD, some of its Roman heritage is evident in parts of the medieval wall which is still quite intact. With the conquest by the Danes in…
Home to the oldest University in Britain and the second oldest surviving university in the World (after the University of Bologna), the city of Oxford is an architectural marvel, and its many amazing buildings are the reasons why it is so famous. See the inspiration for Harry Potter’s Great Hall at Christ Church, view the city…
Famous for its sprawling parks and home to Princess Elizabeth’s popular corgis back in the days, London is one of the must-visit cities on earth. What’s interesting is that it’s not only a great destination for humans, but for pets too. Travelers of all types love to bring their four-legged buddies to this capital city…
There’s no place in Yorkshire, or Northern England for that matter, that felt quite as ‘medieval’ to us as York. Its age-old streets are brimming with history, attracting hordes of travelers like us looking for a classic historic English experience. The city is an incredible labyrinth of 13th-century walls, at the heart of which likes…
Manchester has the reputation of being one of the most gay-friendly cities in England. The city is famed for its football culture, but gay travelers know it for Canal Street, the heart of the Gay Village of Manchester. With Manchester being just two hours away from London, the LGBTQ population from the capital often comes…
Jolly old’ London is one of the world’s most gay-friendly cities and has been a haven for the members of the LGBT community for more than a hundred years. In the last two decades, the city has become extremely gay-friendly, with LGBT clubs and bars popping up in tourist areas. London has been home to…
The 21st-century, urban-chic city of Leeds in northern England shines with a distinct and yet un-overwhelming Yorkshire swagger. It boasts a fabulous drinking-dining scene and revitalized architecture. Leeds is also famous for being one of the friendliest gay cities in England, with LGBTQ people accounting for almost 10% of the city’s population. In fact, Leeds’…
Bristol in South West England straddles the River Avon and is one of the largest cities in England. The city is awash with the past, right from heritage structures, derelict docks-turned-leisure venues, and an iconic suspension bridge. Moreover, Bristol is famous for its quirky, alternative character and counterculture vibe, thanks to a world-class street art scene.…
The city of Brighton houses one of England‘s largest gay communities and is often called its ‘gay capital’. Home to UK’s best Pride Festival, the English seaside resort town of Brighton is home to many gay-friendly hotels and gay bars. In fact, gay hotels in Brighton run the gamut from high-end luxury hotels and mid-range…
The seaside resort city of Blackpool sits pretty on the Irish Sea coast in the United Kingdom. This Lancashire seaside getaway became popular when England’s wealthy patrons came here to bathe in seawater during the mid-18th century. But, did you know that today Blackpool is the gay capital of northern UK? Yes! There are many gay…
Britain’s second-largest city Birmingham brims with exciting possibilities. The city boasts beautifully restored Victorian buildings, picturesque canals, and glitzy, futuristic real estate. And it also boasts a fantastic heritage in the form of the Jewelry Quarter. What’s more, Birmingham is also home to a diverse and vibrant LGBTQ+ population and also hosts the UK’s biggest…
When I was a child my favorite uncle told me so many stories about London, he said: “a bad day in London is still better than a good day anywhere else”, funny, but true. There is nowhere in the world quite like London. This is not just another capital city, it’s a thriving metropolis with a unique…
The two big ‘intellectual’ names in England are the university cities of Cambridge and Oxford. Like Oxford, Cambridge is also an old city that dates back to the 13th century. However, what sets this city apart from its historic rival are the green spaces that surround it. In the midst of all this green is…
Bath is one of England’s most beautiful cities. Located near Bristol airport and just over two hours away from London. Bath has a history that dates back thousands of years. A hugely popular place. The city welcomes visitors in their hundreds of thousands every year. They are drawn to the stories of its famous residents…
The English writer Samuel Johnson once said: “When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life; for there is in London all that life can afford.” And certainly, with its storied history and cultural diversity, it isn’t hard to love London. The British capital is home to some of the world’s best-known…
If you wanted to spend your nights in London before the 19th century, your options were to rent a house, check into your gentleman’s club, or get a room at a lodging. But thanks to the industrial revolution and the introduction of the railways, people started visiting London more often. In order to accommodate travelers,…
York, the walled city in North East England, has been one of the favorite destinations for lovebirds that are looking for a romantic trip. The city isn’t too small, but it isn’t too big either. It’s the right size for couples to stroll around and search for some lovely spots. With the charismatic museums, adorable…
It’s hard to imagine it, but the rich industrial city of Manchester in northwestern England is a very romantic city. Whether it’s the bohemian Northern Quarter, the achingly cool Ancoats, or the canal-side Castlefield, Manchester is as charming as it’s rich in history and culture. So, there’s a lot to do in the city, like…
Not for nothing is Kent called the “Garden of England.” Overlooking the English Channel and the North Sea, Kent is home to fruit-laden orchards, fertile farms, and a gently rolling fragrant landscape. Who says you need remote Greek islands or rustic Italian hideaways for romance when Kent is the perfect place for a blissful holiday…
Idyllic lush villages with stone houses, handsome little market towns, and acres of picturesque pastureland make the Cotswolds one of the most romantic regions of the United Kingdom. The region looks resolutely designed for romantic breaks with its postcard-perfect villages, bohemian boutiques, and quaint pubs that serve afternoon tea. Of course, what also helps is…
No city in the world does luxury hotels quite like London. The Swinging City’s oldest five-star guesthouses, like Claridge’s and Brown’s, date back to the Georgian era. Next came the Victorian age and the rise of the illustrious railway hotel, which is the Landmark London and Andaz Liverpool Street. Then, of course, there are the grand…
Not so long ago, Blackpool overlooking the Irish Sea was all about rowdy hen and stag parties and “Kiss Me Quick” hats. But, not anymore. Today, this no-nonsense Victorian-era seaside resort boasts an impressive promenade, complete with “Spanish steps,” a mesmerizing, golden-sand shoreline, and gorgeous architecture. This is besides its already long list of historical sights and…