The North officially starts at Scotch Corner. As you drive north along th A1, the signs say to the north until you reach Scotch Corner. Leeds, Sherborne, Bagby etc are all in the midlands. Teesside, Fishburn, Carlisle and Newcastle are in the north. I know most Londoners believe the north starts at Watford Gap but Manchester is in the midlands. The UK stretches a long way north.