1 week outside London

I'll let our UK posters chime in since they have a much deeper knowledge base than I, but as a devout Beatles fan, I wouldn't say no to at least a couple of nights in Liverpool. And while you didn't mention it, I heartily recommend at least 3 nights in York. Sooooo much to see there.

I would spend part of the time in York.

I, too, would suggest York. It is one of my favorite towns in England and easily reachable from London via train.

It depends what interests you. Birmingham and Manchester are cities from the Industrial Revolution. York is much older and, in my view, infinitely better to visit. But, if you go north from London you are possibly limited in other places nearby of similar interest for tourists.

Alternatively, you could go west and see, for example, Oxford, Bath, Salisbury, and Stonehenge (although I have always been underwhelmed by the latter). If you let us know your interests, we can try to advise.

All great info everyone, thanks. We’ve been to York and I agree it was a lovely place. Might have to go back for a visit and do Liverpool with day trips to Manchester etc.
I love all and any input.

I’m totally biased but I think the north west definitely gives you a lot of options covering most periods of history and types of landscape. Use Liverpool, Manchester or Chester as a base travel between the three is easy on the train. You can also use them as a jumping off point to north wales, Peak District or Pennines.

If I was going to split a trip to just 2 I would choose Liverpool and Chester. Nothing wrong with Manchester, I went to Uni there, but the other two places have more going for them for a trip.

Are you definitely committed to a city? Have you thought about a week in the countryside instead - therre's some superb countryside in England and in April things are beginning to grow again...

I was going to suggest York as well but see you’ve already been. I would suggest looking further north to Newcastle and Northumbria, which has some beautiful coastal scenery. Or if you don’t want to travel so far, Sheffield is a good base for the Peak District, as is Buxton. Of course you could also spend a week in the Lake District! And nothing wrong with the other places mentioned as well.

Sorry,
Birmingham and Manchester are low on my list to visit in the UK. Liverpool is OK and Chester great, but YORK beats them all.
Also, love Winchester, Salisbury and Bath.

Bristol doesn't get enough love IMO. We love the place, and a day trip to Bath from there is just about right.