The Most Instagrammable Spots in Northern England

If you’re planning a visit to the north of England, we’ve done the hard work for you and pulled together a list of 12 Instagrammable destinations that you should add to your itinerary. You may have seen photos of these cafés, shops and sights all over your Instagram feed, but there’s always room for another picture!

Manchester’s Refuge bar and restaurant is incredibly photogenic as a whole, but the Winter Garden owns a certain charm that simply has to be photographed. The indoor trees covered in fairy lights, luscious green velvet furniture and intricately patterned tiled floor are all Instagram gems with many captivating shots and angles waiting to be discovered.

The Refuge, Oxford Street, Manchester, UK, +44 161 233 5151

https://www.instagram.com/p/BfTKYfuBkOS/?tagged=refugemanchester

Another must-visit Manchester destination, Foundation Coffee House is an Instagrammer’s dream. Known for its tiled floors, slick booths and stylish typography, you’ll be photographing everything from the bathroom to the menu displayed behind the till.

Foundation Coffee House, Sevendale House, Lever St, Manchester, UK, +44 161 238 8633

https://www.instagram.com/p/BjsBaxyjVqj/?taken-at=763880250

One of the most photogenic places in the north of England, Chrome Hill is a landscape photographer’s dream. There are actually two hills right next to each other that resemble a dragon’s back. When you stand on top of one hill, you are perfectly placed to photograph the other. Head here at the golden hour or on a misty morning to capture the perfect shot.

Chrome Hill, Buxton, UK

https://www.instagram.com/p/BiUxbsHFtuR/?taken-at=224092091

Not too far away from Chrome Hill, you’ll find Winnats Pass, another dramatic natural landmark in the Peak District that is the subject of many an Instagram photo. If you climb up to the top of the hill, you will find yourself positioned to take the perfect shot of the road snaking through the valley far below.

Winnats Pass, Hope Valley, UK

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bjtobs6lfF-/?taken-at=227894519

Antony Gormley’s eerie cast-iron, life-size figures are spread out across Crosby Beach as far as the eye can see. This unique outdoor display of art is particularly alluring to photograph at sunset when the statues are in silhouette.

Crosby Beach, UK

https://www.instagram.com/p/BjqL1gIDUw-/?taken-at=187288681675846

One of the most dramatic castles in England, Bamburgh Castle is an essential stop for anyone visiting the north-east coast. Head to the beach at sunset to capture reflections of the sky on the water and secure a fantastic shot of this incredibly photogenic location.

Bamburgh Castle, Bamburgh, UK, +44 1668 214515

https://www.instagram.com/p/BjkTJcVHz5J/?taken-at=1333210

This Leeds-based book, magazine and gift store isn’t just filled with wonderful products; it’s also a beautifully styled space that is just begging to be photographed. The white walls provide the perfect blank canvas for all the colourful books and abundance of house plants displayed inside Colours May Vary.

Colours May Vary, Munro House, Duke St, Leeds, UK, +44 113 244 2704

https://www.instagram.com/p/BhZfqyQgeYX/?taken-at=296758362

You may not think of photographing a railway bridge, but Ribblehead Viaduct is an essential location for any landscape photographers visiting the north of England. This long and dramatic viaduct stretches over the moors, backed by moody peaks, to create a classic shot.

Ribblehead Viaduct, Low Sleights Rd, Carnforth, UK

https://www.instagram.com/p/BeqIRnkB3oa/?taken-at=9863051

This beautiful sculpture park contains a variety of permanent and visiting works of art by some of the best sculptors in the world, including Jeff Koons and Andy Goldsworthy. You’ll find unlimited photo opportunities here, as the works of art complement and contrast with the surrounding countryside.

Yorkshire Sculpture Park, West Bretton, Wakefield, UK, +44 1924 832631

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bjusd0lFcCx/?taken-at=497899

One of the most photogenic stores in the entire country, Swallows & Damsons is a small yet stylish florist located in Sheffield. Wooden shelves packed with beautifully crafted pots and vases line the dark walls, and floral illustrations adorn the space behind the till. And, of course, the whole store is brimming with gorgeous bouquets of alluring wildflowers.

Swallows & Damsons, 326 Abbeydale Rd, Sheffield, UK, +44 114 255 1944

https://www.instagram.com/p/BhObQ7fAgSG/?tagged=swallowsanddamsons

There are many photogenic botanical gardens scattered all around the north of England, but Tatton Park’s are particularly impressive thanks to their photogenic white-framed glasshouses that contrast beautifully with the greenery. Don’t forget to seek out the potting sheds and the vines creeping over the tall brick walls for extra shots.

Tatton Park Gardens, Mereheath Dr, Knutsford, UK

https://www.instagram.com/p/BjkOlXjFEq5/?taken-at=786595292

Wander around Manchester’s Northern Quarter with the aim of photographing the ever-changing colourful street art that lines its walls. You’ll never run out of scenes to capture as the area is constantly evolving, although you should seek out one of the large-scale permanent murals for the ultimate shot.

Northern Quarter, Manchester, UK

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bju_dJJBNxD/?taken-at=212918250