In an unexpected twist of tourism logic, six rather nondescript Northern towns in England have chosen to maintain Tourist Information Centres, despite having attractions that are as enticing as a damp weekend in November. These towns, including the likes of Garstang, Batley, and Bolton, have decided to keep the dream alive for the occasional curious soul.

Garstang boasts a 'Hidden gem' seal, which might be more about hidden misery than undiscovered beauty. If you love farms, fishing, and flogging yourself over fells, this might just be your paradise. But fret not, they do have a Booths, a posh supermarket chain that might confuse Southerners enough to pay a visit.

Batley offers the charm of old industrial sites, with attractions like a museum and Redbrick Mill, an interiors design outlet housed in an old mill. Just don't expect Fox's Biscuits Stadium to be the Yorkshire equivalent of Willy Wonka's factory.

Accrington offers parks, an art gallery in an old house, and a shopping arcade in—what else—an old mill. The town's name, when pronounced with a Scouse accent, might just conjure up more phlegm than excitement.

Northallerton has a Tourist Information Centre strategically located in a car park, possibly to encourage a swift departure. If you insist on staying, there's an old house with gardens that hasn't yet become a health club. Rishi Sunak's the MP here, but don't count on Tourist Information to help you find him.

Bolton can't seem to decide if it's in Lancashire or Greater Manchester. With most of its inhabitants starring on TV, you might get lucky and spot a detective drama being filmed on Le Mans Crescent. Or pretend to be Paddy McGuinness while feigning interest at Park Cake Bakeries.

Thirsk is home to the World of James Herriot, where you can live out your dream of seeing where books about vets putting their arms up cow’s arses were penned. Otherwise, you might be directed to a war memorial, a supposedly cursed chair, or advised to head 36 miles south to York for something more exciting.