City Swap – North Vs South

Hire a car from www.hertz.co.uk and explore

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The UK represents a very small land mass and is home to a variety of starkly contrasting days out - all within the vicinity of a few hour’s drive. Framing the debate in terms of a ‘North Vs South’ battle will always be popular, even if it is partly inspired by provincial prejudices. It makes for an interesting debate on the nature of the UK’s cities and countryside. It poses the question: where is the best destination for a weekend road trip?

The North may not have the gorgeous sun drenched beaches of Devon and Cornwall – think Constantine Bay or Fistral Beach - but it does have a coastline with its own unique character and beauty. The Northumberland Coastal Route takes you on roads through places like Holy Island, Seahouses, Amble and Bamburgh Castle, all of which exude a bleak and rugged charm quite different from the quaint beauty of the Southern shoreline.

It’s this sense of brooding drama that very much characterises the Northern countryside, from the lakes in Cumbria to the Lochs in Scotland and the North Eastern Coastline. Sparsely populated areas make for an inspiring wilderness inhabited by cosy pubs and oldy-worldy hotels.

Drivers who like country outings may like to take on the majestic Hartside Pass in the Lake District, winding through the moors and forests of the A686, and leading part way to the Northumberland Coast. If you’re in this part of the world, hire a car from www.hertz.co.uk and explore.

At the other end of the aesthetic spectrum, London is the beating heart of UK commerce and culture. Some Northerners may often write off the appeal of London. Alluding to its impersonal nature and expensive prices but if you can rent an apartment in one of the trendy suburbs such as Highgate or Islington, you may be surprised at how cheaply you can achieve a holiday in the capital.

The British Museum, The Victoria and Albert, Natural History and Science Museums are all free entry – an example of some of the last great publicly minded institutions left in the British Isles.

London has a vibrancy and a vitality that only capital cities can afford. The Northern cities may not be able to compete on that level, but they can contend in other ways. Cities like Leeds, Newcastle and Manchester are still designed around the local population; drinks and meals are affordable and cultural scenes are much more penetrable, rather than being the preserve of the elite.

The UK is a melting pot of diverse culture and landscape. Our geographical contrasts are part of our distinct national heritage.