Many people think of Northern England as an uninspiring land of icy winters, dreary coalmines and unintelligible accents. In reality, however, The North is an enchanting region of charming towns, fantastic old buildings and some of Britain’s most beautiful landscapes. Regional Hotspots: Northumberland National Park – Nudged up against the Scottish border, this sparsely populated national park is home to some of England’s most pristine wilderness. Prehistoric remains dot the spectacular moorlands, and some of the best-preserved sections of Hadrian’s Wall can be found along the park’s south edge. Durham – This delightful city is home to a well-regarded university, an 11th-century castle, and the most impressive Romanesque cathedral in Britain. Dating back to 1093 AD, the World Heritage–listed cathedral features a 66-metre tower with magnificent views over the surrounding countryside. Yorkshire Dales National Park – Covering an area of 1762 square kilometres, this stunning national park offers a diverse range of landscapes from moorland plateaus in the north to limestone crags and caves in the south. North Yorkshire Moors Railway – Climb aboard a beautifully restored steam train for this unforgettable journey through the quaint villages and rugged moors of Yorkshire. Whitby – A charming medieval town on England’s north-east coast, Whitby was once home to Captain James Cook, is featured in Bram Stoker’s Dracula, and is said to have the best fish and chips in the whole country. Isle of Man – Home to the world’s oldest continuously operating parliament, the Isle of Man is located midway between Northern England and Ireland. The island is a hiker’s dream, with gorgeous valleys, barren hills and dramatic sea cliffs providing a spectacular backdrop to the ‘Way of the Gull’ – a 96-mile footpath around the island.