Discover the Best of Northern England on the Northern Glory Road Trip
From the rolling dales of Yorkshire to the sparkling lakes of Cumbria, Northern England is full of charm waiting to be explored by car. This route takes you through some of the most beloved Yorkshire attractions, sweeping countryside and vibrant northern cities. Use the Hertz Road Trip Planner to map out your journey for the open road.
NORTHERN GLORY, YORKSHIRE DALES AND LAKE DISTRICT ROAD TRIP
Explore the finest Yorkshire attractions and beyond, driving through rolling hills, medieval castles and stunning national parks with your favourite rental car
Start
Northern Glory
Leeds - Newcastle
Fall for the charm of the English countryside on this idyllic road trip. See the highlights of Yorkshire and Cumbria, passing by snow-capped peaks, tumbling waterfalls and medieval castles as you drive along the winding lanes. The air is fresh and the atmosphere is welcoming, so enjoy a proper cup of tea and let the natural beauty of the north win you over.
Northern Glory
Stop 1: Royal Armouries 1/12
Hailed by many as the true capital of the North, Leeds is the perfect place to start your Yorkshire road trip. Explore the Henry Moore Institute near the grand Town Hall before heading to the Royal Armouries Museum, where you’ll find displays of historic arms and armour while knights joust on thundering stallions outside. If you like you can park up and jump on a water taxi into the centre of Leeds to shop, dine and admire the city’s Victorian architecture.
Northern Glory
Stop 2: Saltaire Village 2/12
Saltaire was the brainwave of 19th century philanthropist and mill owner Sir Titus Salt. When he built Salts Mill for textile production, he constructed an entire village for his workers to live in. Today, the original mill is a Grade II*-listed building which hosts art exhibitions and eclectic shops. Down in the village, you’ll find local cafes, bakeries and boutiques lining the bunting-clad streets. If the weather’s playing ball, enjoy a picnic in Roberts Park and a stroll along the canal.
Northern Glory
Stop 3: Brontë Parsonage Museum 3/12
The pretty but petite village of Haworth is a literary landmark. This is where the Brontë sisters penned their classic novels in the early 19th Century, including Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights. The Parsonage, their former home, is now a dedicated museum with a fascinating array of their belongings on show. Steam trains are another iconic part of life in Haworth. Head down to the station to see the classic black and red locomotives chug past and jump on board to explore the neighbouring villages.
Northern Glory
Stop 4: Skipton Castle 4/12
Fringed by ancient woods, Skipton Castle is one of the finest examples of medieval grandeur in Britain. Within the sturdy fortress walls, discover a sprawling network of courtyards, banquet halls and defensive towers that are more than 900 years old. Admire ornate designs carved into the stonework and then enjoy a leafy stroll through the neighbouring woodland. Just two minutes away is the centre of Skipton. Once voted “Britain’s Happiest Place”, this bustling market town is the perfect spot to spend an afternoon.
Northern Glory
Stop 5: Bolton Abbey 5/12
Just over the border into the Yorkshire Dales National Park, you’ll discover the idyllic setting of Bolton Abbey. Vivid green lawns and flourishing trees frame the ruins of Priory Church, a majestic structure with soaring naves and Augustinian roots. Explore the medieval ruins, cross the stepping stones over the meandering river and then venture out into 30,000 acres of countryside beyond. If you’re visiting in spring, head for Strid Wood to admire the vibrant bluebells that carpet the forest floor.
Northern Glory
Stop 6: Malham Cove 6/12
The natural phenomenon of Malham Cove is a must-see when you’re in the Dales. This sheer face of limestone, which towers more than 200 feet high, was formed millions of years ago when thick glaciers melted to form a surging waterfall over the top. Hike up to the summit for breathtaking views over the countryside, while the resident peregrine falcons soar overhead. Continue your outdoor adventures at Goredale Scar and Janet’s Foss waterfall, both within a 10-minute drive of the cove.
Northern Glory
Stop 7: White Scar Cave 7/12
Head down into White Scar Cave to discover an extensive network of winding tunnels, glistening lakes and cascading waterfalls – all hidden beneath the rolling Yorkshire hills. Put on your hard hat and follow the tour guide along pre-lit platforms to learn about curious rock formations including The Judge’s Head and Arium Lily that were millions of years in the making. Back above ground, drive 10 minutes to Ribblehead Viaduct to watch the trains passing over the epic Grade II-listed arches.
Northern Glory
Stop 8: Wensleydale Creamery 8/12
Treat your taste buds Yorkshire-style at the Wensleydale Creamery – the home of Wensleydale cheese. This creamy, crumbly cheese is enjoyed all over the world but its biggest fans by far are Wallace and Gromit. Have a snap with the iconic TV duo inside the creamery, see the cheese-making process and then head to the coffee shop. With the rolling Dales as your backdrop, you can indulge in a slice of authentic Yorkshire Wensleydale and a proper cup of tea.
Northern Glory
Stop 9: Richmond & Richmond Castle 9/12
Leaving the cheese capital of Hawes, you’ll cruise down through the breath-taking scenery of Swaledale straight into Richmond. Perched high above the River Swale, this jaw-dropping Norman market town feels like a movie set. Its crown jewel is Richmond Castle, one of the oldest and finest Norman fortresses in Britain, boasting panoramic views of the Dales.
Northern Glory
Stop 10: North Pennines Area of Natural Beauty 10/12
Leafy woodlands, babbling brooks and gentle rays of sunshine combine to create a setting fit for a fairy tale in the North Pennines. This national landscape is officially deemed an Area of Outstanding Beauty, a title it wholly lives up to. This region is officially designated a national landscape and a UNESCO Global Geopark. Whichever winding route you decide to take, make sure you call by Ashgill Force Waterfall, the tallest in the park. If you decide to stay for the night, you can join the local stargazers under the twinkling night’s sky.
Northern Glory
Stop 11: Durham Cathedral 11/12
Medieval landmarks and historic structures are the hallmark of Durham. The Romanesque spires of Durham Cathedral make a strong play for the city’s most impressive sight. Intricate stained-glass windows glow with rich shades of ruby and sapphire, while stone cloisters create an ornate walkway around the grassy courtyard. Take in the 11th-Century Durham Castle, then head into the city centre to explore the shops, cafes and restaurants that bring the cobbled streets to life.
Northern Glory
Stop 12: Gateshead Millennium Bridge 12/12
Round off your northern experience in Newcastle where the Geordie locals welcome you with open arms. The drive from Durham is scenic and family-friendly, with the Angel of the North and the Beamish Museum en route. This open-air museum recreates village life in the 19th and early 20th century, complete with vintage trams and wartime spirit. In Newcastle, park up the car and walk over the River Tyne on Gateshead Millennium Bridge, then head to Eldon Square for the best shopping in the city.
Roadtrip Loading
Member rates