Best way to travel in Northern England

If you only want to visit the major cities it will all be doable by train. Nationalrail.co.uk will have the information you need. book in advance to get the best prices - tickets released 3 months in advance. Take luggage that you can carry easily. There will be steps, large gaps between train and platform etc. However, if you want to get out into the countryside and surrounding areas, which I strongly recommend, then I would advise renting a car. Scooters wouldn't be a great idea. The distances are too large and of course the weather is very unpredictable here. Also, Newcastle rather than Gateshead is where you want to stay. They're on opposite sides of the river Tyne but apart from a few attractions along the riverside easily accessible by foot from Newcastle city centre there is really nothing to see there. These northern cities (excepting York which is different) can be interesting to visit in their own way but they are not pretty places or particularly popular with overseas tourists. Do you have a reason for wanting to do this specific trip?

I also think you need a car if you want to see the countryside......For a map, order the AA road atlas for Great Britain. It shows all of the little roads. You can get it from Amazon.com or Amazon.co.uk

We really want to see the smaller towns and villages on our route. If there is a major attraction on the way it is a possible stop. So far, other than the first 2 days in Liverpool, the only tourist attractions that we have on our potential list is Barden Tower, Haydon Hall, Skipton Castle, Walley Abbey, Middleham Castle, Walburn Hall, Bishops Manor Houseand Bolsover Castle Gibside, Ormsby Hall and Washington Old Hall (because it is connected to our first presidents family. In my research I may find others to choose from. I would like to go to a Cricket match with someone to explain what I am seeing, which I'm pretty sure that I could find anywhere. Also, in my plans is to find a smaller town or village that is having what I assume you call a fete. Here is is a fair. Mostly, the countryside and old houses and buildings that are still in use is what I am looking for. Finding local craftsmen would be nice in the process. Planning is still in the beginning stages, and with a year to work on it, they may change completely. All that I am sure of is that one or 2 castles will be enough. If you know of any one of a kind-will only see in England- sites, let me know.

The north of England is so worth visiting. Less over run with tourists than more popular southern sights although attractions will still be busy at peak times. In that area I would recommend: Chatsworth House (amazing), Hadrians wall (ditto). Yorkshire Dales are very typically English in my opinion and with pretty villages and lovely pastural scenery along with the famous moors. You can visit the Bronte parsonage in that area. There are numerous castles along the Northumberland coast if you head a bit further North. Lindisfarne Island is worth a visit too. Not an expert just places I enjoy! I'm not familiar with many of the places you listed to be honest. You will definitely need a car.

Regarding the cricket, what time of the year is the trip? What sort of cricket do you want to see? There's village cricket, County cricket, T20 cricket (20 overs each side), One Day Internationals (50 overs each side), and international Test Matches (5 days). Each one has a distinct personality and they are quite different from each other. If you have a look at The Laws . Do you have a big satellite dish? When we lived in Texas we used a large dish to watch West Indies cricket on the backhaul. Maybe internet? Maybe YouTube? Any questions about cricket - pop them my way... BTW - I wouldn't suggest scooters... where would you put your luggage? Those are pretty hilly and long routes you have chosen. As a former biker I wouldn't do it on scooters.

Thank you to all that have replied. You have given me some good pointers to go with on this quest. Wish me luck!!!

Kathie, I like Michelin Maps and you might just be able to get one on this site. Just click on Travel Store...

As you have time I would recommend purchasing Ordnance Survey Maps from the UK (Google Ordnance Survey). They have incredibly detailed maps which are great for visiting villages and doing walks. They also have a road atlas, which is one inch to four miles (2cm to 5km). This includes maps of some of the regional towns and I imagine that all the cities you want to visit will be included. Don't know what the cost is or how much shipping would be but you might see if there is somewhere in the States where you can get them.

I agree with Lesley. If you are driving and visiting smaller villages, buy the Ordinance Survey maps for the area you are visiting. I usually get one as detailed as possible. They have amazing detail, (ancient sites etc) that are fun to look for. Re Cricket- if you are new to the game, get as local/village a match as you can. There is much more activity and they usually last one day or less. Probably more likely to be on a saturday or Sunday in the Summer. You dont have to stay the whole day, but definitely plan on at least a few hours to get into the mood and the feel of the game