The Most Instagrammable Spots In Northern England

Many of us now use Instagram to plan our travels, researching where to eat, drink, shop and sightsee via other people’s photographs. When we reach our destination, we usually arrive armed with a list of places that we want to take photos of, sharing our trip with our Instagram followers.

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!

The Refuge Winter Garden, Manchester

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

Foundation Coffee House, Manchester

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

Chrome Hill, Peak District

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

Winnats Pass, Peak District

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

Crosby Beach

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

Bamburgh Castle, Northumberland

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

Colours May Vary, Leeds

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

Ribblehead Viaduct, Yorkshire Dales

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

Yorkshire Sculpture Park

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

Swallows & Damons, Sheffield

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

Tatton Park Gardens

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

The Northern Quarter, Manchester

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

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.