With Spring sprung and the sun showing its face (slightly) more often, April is a great month to explore the north, hop from city to city, and experience everything in some of Britain’s most cultured and iconic cities.
Make the most of your spring and indulge in some of the jewels of the north, embracing the culture that makes these cities unique and independent.
We’ve got a whole host of ideas to keep you occupied from Easter Monday till May Day. From interactive museums to shopping, plan your April getaway with Northern in mind to get cheap tickets to your favourite destinations.
1. National Football Museum, Manchester
Nearest station: Manchester Victoria
Football is written into the country’s DNA, from the origin of the sport, right up to the most important spectacles of the year. Many stake their entire being upon their team winning, from the local leagues up to the premiership; weeks are made or broken through the results of these teams.
The National Football Museum in Manchester is the perfect day out for the football fanatic in your life. With memorabilia from across the years and a range of interactive exhibits including a penalty shootout, pass master and shot stopper. There’s also the Discovery Zone, which is designed for younger visitors to still enjoy the museum to the utmost.
Plan a fantastic day out to the National Football Museum with Northern and book now with an advanced ticket to save on train fare.
2. Newcastle Central Arcade, Newcastle
Nearest station: Newcastle
Looking for a spot of retail therapy to update your wardrobe for slightly warmer climates? Look no further than Central Arcade, a bustling area filled with independent boutiques surrounded by gorgeous architecture.
The Arcade is a must-see destination in Newcastle for shopaholics, history buffs and architecture connoisseurs. Built in 1837 by Richard Grainger, the Arcade was erected as part of the redevelopment of the city, showing another side to Newcastle’s storied past.
If you’re making a spur-of-the-moment decision to head shopping (let’s be honest, shopping waits for no one), get a same-day ticket with Northern up to 1 minute before departure.
3. British Music Experience, Liverpool
Nearest station: Liverpool Lime Street
There is only one museum within Britain that is wholly and solely dedicated to preserving and presenting music from just before the golden era of music ended: the British Music Experience. Located in one of Britain’s most musically literate cities, Liverpool, the museum offers a range of exhibits to see and interact with, including outfits worn by David Bowie, Freddie Mercury and The Spice Girls, as well as instruments played by artists like Noel Gallagher.
The exhibits include galleries, holograms, audio-visual experiences and an interactive area with Gibson Guitars, where they teach you how to play many different instruments through video lessons.
Head along with your closest confidant and form a new music duo today! Book a duo ticket with Northern and save on train fare.
4. Legoland Discovery Centre, Manchester
Nearest station: Manchester Victoria or Picadilly (then a bus transfer from either)
The Legoland Discovery Centre is a great place to let loose and give into some of your innate creative freedom. With many attractions like the Ninjago City Adventure, Virtual Reality Racing, and plenty of building to do, the Discovery Centre is the perfect option for your incredibly curious kids.
However, the centre isn’t just for kids and has an adults-only night to head along to every month. For April, it’s on the 3rd and gives you the chance to indulge in some childlike wonder again. You’ll have full access to the centre, with the 4D Cinema, Kingdom Quest Ride and a speed build contest all available.
No matter your reason for getting involved at the Legoland Discovery Centre, Northern has you covered with an anytime train ticket, letting you set your own schedule.
5. Jorvik Viking Centre, York
Nearest station: York
How about a trip back in time to a more simple way of living? The Jorvik Viking Centre is the premier place to learn everything you’d need to know about the Vikings who settled on our shores way back in 975 AD.
The centre has artfully reconstructed the Viking town that once occupied the region and offers a ride through the town, completely immersing you in the Viking age. The town is occupied by animatronic citizens who all speak in their native languages, from Old English to Old Norse to Ancient Arabic. Not only will you gain a greater understanding of the people, but also of the way Vikings lived, through farming, fighting and trading.
Book in advance with Northern to secure the best way to learn about one of history’s most interesting people.
Northern App
Streamline your journey and get tickets straight to your phone. Making your journey contact-free.
Northern App
Streamline your journey and get tickets straight to your phone. Making your journey contact-free.