Best Northern UK city breaks for vegans in 2024!

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Best Northern UK city breaks for vegans in 2024!

In recent years the North has become a popular getaway for vegan travellers as it has slowly established itself at the forefront of the vegan movement. Not just for the wide variety of vegan food options available but the close proximity of exciting cities bursting with lots to do and places to explore! Want to know more? Here are my guides to two of the best Northern UK city breaks for vegans in 2024, you just have to check out!

Liverpool

The hometown of five legends: John, George, Paul, Ringo Starr…and yours truly. 😉

Liverpool is a dynamic and culturally rich city with a unique identity shaped by its maritime heritage, music legacy and sporting achievements.

Museum of Liverpool by the waterfront with the Liver building behind it — View of the Museum of Liverpool and famous Liver Building

It’s a fascinating city that will captivate you with its Northern charm and down to Earth people.

Not to mention there’s absolutely tonnes of things to see and do (even if you’re on a tight budget…or no budget at all!) with plenty of affordable hotel options.

Whilst you’re there, make sure to check out the city’s legendary nightlife, including super-clubs, thriving gay quarter, dance warehouses and indie bars.

It’s certainly a night out to remember! Start on Matthew Street and work your way out – you’ll have a blast!

St George's Hall in Liverpool — St. George’s Hall

Top 10 things to do in Liverpool:

1) Walking Tour – this top walking tour takes you through the heart of Liverpool. It covers major attractions such as the Royal Albert Dock, Liverpool Waterfront, St George’s Hall and The Beatles’ famous Cavern Club.

2) The Beatles Story – visit Liverpool’s award-winning Beatles Story, the world’s largest permanent museum telling the story of the lives and times of The Beatles.

3) World Museum – enjoy exhibitions about the natural world, world cultures, scientific discoveries and the wonders of space. They also have amazing Planetarium shows!

4) Walker Art Gallery – enjoy exploring an extensive collection of significant artworks in different genres from the 13th to the 20th century.

5) Shopping in Liverpool One – enjoy browsing 170+ stores at Liverpool One from high street favourites to designer fashion.

6) Merseyside Maritime Museum – ‘dive’ into the maritime heritage of Liverpool at the engaging and informative Merseyside Maritime Museum.

7) The Royal Albert Dock – enjoy strolling around Liverpool’s historic waterfront complex which played a significant role in its maritime and trading history, becoming a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004.

8) Tate Liverpool – enjoy this contemporary art gallery and museum located at the Albert Dock. It has a diverse collection of modern and contemporary art, including works by renowned artists such as Pablo Picasso and Andy Warhol.

9) Liverpool Cathedral – explore the impressive architecture of the Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King in all its nutty, modern architectural glory! Don’t forget to check out the platform at the top of its tower to enjoy an amazing panoramic view of the city!

10) Cocktails at Cains Brewery Village – enjoy a very twisted 18 hole crazy golf experience with an exceptional cocktail bar based in Liverpool’s Baltic Triangle!

Albert Dock in Liverpool with boats tied up along the edge of the walkway — Liverpool’s historic Albert Dock

Top vegan restaurants in Liverpool:

The Vibe Cafe Liverpool – a funky, bi-level spot for creative, plant-based breakfast and lunch with a great selection of fair-trade coffee and smoothies.
Food From Nowhere – a volunteer-run café underneath the city’s leading radical bookshop.
Down the Hatch – my favourite vegan restaurant in Liverpool. Offering awesome vegan junk food and committed to: “making sure your belly is full and your hangover is cured, one overflowing plate at a time.” Can’t argue with that!

Mel and her friend Kate holding up colourful cocktails outside the Cains Brewery Village — Cocktails at Cains Brewery Village

Manchester

Manchester is one of the best city breaks in the UK! I’ve lived in Manchester for over 10 years now and know it inside and out. This is how I know it’s one of the best Northern UK city breaks for vegans – if not the best!

From its industrial revolution roots, Manchester has emerged as a bustling city full of history, culture, music trail blazers and stunning architecture.

Street art of a pair of hands making a heart with "Mcr" underneath with bees flying all around — Street art in Manchester’s Northern Quarter

There’s lots to see and do in this awesome Northern city. Not to mention a cracking night life offering a range of nightclubs and bars that are buzzing until day break!

Manchester is also fantastic for if you’re on a budget. There’s lots of free museums and attractions as well as a range of accommodation options.

I’d recommend booking an apartment hotel so you can really feel at home for the weekend!

Christmas time in particular is a very special time to come to Manchester. The city has the best Christmas markets in the UK and even has its own Vegan Christmas Festival.

Mel holding up a cocktail up to the Manchester skyline from the Cloud 23 Bar window — The best view of Manchester from the Hilton Hotel’s Cloud 23 bar

Top 10 things to do in Manchester:

1) Walking Tour – enjoy a tour of Manchester’s main attractions such as Piccadilly Gardens, Chinatown, Vimto Sculpture, St. Peter’s Square, Royal Exchange Theatre and Manchester Cathedral.

2) The Northern Quarter – visit one of Manchester’s trendiest neighbourhoods for all the best independent shops, restaurants and street art. I recommend taking a tour if you’d like to find out more about the area and its awesome street art!

3) Imperial War Museum North – gain a deeper insight into the impact of war on society through immersive exhibitions.

4) Castlefield Canal and Roman ruins – visit the reconstructed remains of the Roman fort of Mamucium, which dates back to the 1st century AD in one of Manchester’s most picturesque areas – Castlefield!

5) Manchester Museum – one of the largest and most comprehensive museums in the region. Known for its diverse collections and educational exhibits, including dinosaurs and Egyptian treasures!

6) Manchester Art Gallery – explore a vast collection of fine art, spanning various periods and artistic movements.

7) China Town – enjoy immersing yourself in Chinese culture, cuisine and traditions within one of the largest and most prominent Chinese communities in the UK.

8) Canal Street – famous and historic, Manchester’s LGBTQ+ community offers a range of entertainment, dining and cultural experiences. But the cocktails and nightlife in particular are the very best in Manchester!

9) Museum of Science and Industry – gain insight into the city’s industrial heritage and scientific innovations that have shaped the world we live in today.

10) Shopping at the Trafford Centre – indulge in some retail therapy at one of the largest shopping centres in the UK. With a vast array of stores, restaurants and entertainment, including arcades, a cinema and Lego Land. The Trafford Centre offers a complete shopping experience!

Top restaurants for vegans in Manchester:

Vegan Shack – offers great vegan junk food classics such as plant-based burgers, loaded fries, vegan fried chicken and delicious vegan milkshakes!
Bundobust – an awesome underground Indian street food tapas restaurant serving all your favourite Indian dishes with a twist. Despite being a vegetarian restaurant, most of the menu is in fact vegan (and tasty AF!).
Wholesome Food Junkies – another great place for vegan fast food. Try their KFC burger with crispy cauliflower and Sriracha sauce – it’s to die for!
The Koffee Pot – the best vegan brunch options in town, which includes a full English with tofu scrambled egg and vegan bacon and vegan pancake stacks.
Purezza – the BEST vegan pizza you’ll find anywhere and 100% plant-based!