Prime minister Andy Burnham snubs other northern cities by creating 'No10 North' in Manchester

The article discusses the recent focus on Manchester following Prime Minister Andy Burnham's establishment of 'No10 North' in the city, a move that has placed it firmly in the national spotlight. This development has prompted a broader look at the rich cultural, historical, and leisure offerings of other major cities across the North of England, which may be feeling overlooked. The piece serves as a comprehensive guide, highlighting the unique attractions of these rival cities, from Liverpool's world-class art galleries to Newcastle's underground tunnels and Sheffield's industrial heritage.

Liverpool is presented as a city of high culture and historic pubs. Visitors can explore the Walker Art Gallery, which houses masterpieces by Rembrandt, Turner, Rubens, and Monet, or visit the modern Tate Liverpool. For a more traditional experience, the Philharmonic Dining Rooms are recommended as a place to enjoy a drink. This emphasis on art and social history positions Liverpool as a key cultural destination in the North.

Newcastle's attractions are centered on its unique history and local craft beer scene. The city offers tours of the Victoria Tunnel, a 2.4-mile passage originally built to transport coal from the docks, providing an eerie glimpse into its industrial past. For a more contemporary taste of the city, the Brinkburn Street Brewery provides tours that include tastings of their craft beers. This combination of historical exploration and modern brewing culture defines Newcastle's distinct character.

Sheffield, known as 'Steel City', is celebrated for its surprising mix of sports, theatre, and industrial heritage. The Crucible Theatre is world-famous for hosting the annual World Snooker Championship, but it also functions as a regular theatre, with upcoming productions like King Lear. The city's metalworking legacy is on display at the Millennium Gallery's 'Metalwork Collection', considered the world's finest, and at the Kelham Island Museum, which narrates the local history of industrialization. The elegant Sheffield Botanical Gardens offer a natural counterpoint to the city's industrial roots.

Leeds is characterized as a destination for beer enthusiasts and culture lovers. The city is home to the famous 'Otley Run', a 17-stop pub crawl covering 2.5 miles that includes venues like Woodies Craft Ale House. For a dose of history, the Royal Armouries Museum displays armour belonging to Henry VIII, samurai swords, and even armour made for an Indian elephant. The broader Yorkshire region is also highlighted, with Temple Newsam, a Tudor-Jacobean country house with grounds by Capability Brown, and in Bradford, the Salts Mill gallery featuring works by David Hockney, the Bradford Industrial Museum, and the National Science and Media Museum with its statue of J. B. Priestley. Doncaster's attractions include the South Yorkshire Aircraft Museum, the Potteric Carr wetland nature reserve, and the historic Doncaster Market. York offers historical immersion through the York Castle Museum and the York Dungeon, while Salford complements the Manchester scene with the Salford Museum and Art Gallery, which features more of L.S. Lowry's work.