Containing two ‘Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty’, a National Park, Hadrian’s Wall, the dynamic city of Newcastle, and County Durham, with its fine cathedral and castle, the North East of England is awash with stunning scenery, fascinating history and sophisticated cultural offerings. Majestic castles, Roman ruins, historic houses, plenty of exciting attractions and walking routes galore are littered across this beautiful landscape of dramatic hills, sweeping valleys, dune-fringed beaches and ragged cliffs.
Co. Durham
The Durham Dales, including Teesdale and Weardale, are part of the North Pennines ‘Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’, a spectacular landscape of hills, moors, valleys and rivers, is dotted with picturesque villages and market towns.
The Vale of Durham is packed full of award-winning attractions that include Locomotion: The National Railway Museum at Shildon and Beamish – The Living Museum of the North, the country’s largest open air museum vividly recreating life in the North East in the early 1800’s and 1900’s.
There is a wealth of regal history with grand castles including Auckland Castle and Raby Castle, Home of Lord Barnard’s family since 1626, with a 200 acre deer park, gardens, carriage collection and children’s attractions, plus Durham Cathedral is the greatest Norman building remaining in England and was once a prison! Soaring majestically above the Medieval city and surrounding plain, it is famed as much for its location as for its architecture and is the burial place of the Venerable Bede, author of the first English history and St Cuthbert, a great northern saint.
It isn't all museums and historic buildings, The Durham Heritage Coast, from Sunderland to the historic port city of Hartlepool, is one of the finest in England. The coastal path that runs along much of its length takes you on a spectacular journey of natural, historical and geological interest, with dramatic views along the shore and out over the North Sea.
Tees Valley
Tees Valley, made up of over 170 towns, villages and cities, covers the lower, flatter area of the valley of the River Tees and is split between County Durham and Yorkshire. With miles of stunning coastline and acres of ancient woodland, it is home to over a hundred visitor attractions.
Preston Park Museum and Grounds houses a vast collection of artefacts and tells the story of Stockton-On-Tees, while the RSPB's Saltholme Nature Reserve has a breathtaking, state-of-the-art visitor centre with panoramic views of the wetlands and wildlife. Recent years have seen a number of high profile regeneration schemes, which continue to add to the architectural treasures of the region - the spectacular Infinity Bridge at Stockton-on-Tees is the newest bridge on the River Tees and a beacon of the Tees Valley’s £320m North Shore scheme. There’s always something happening here too, from local farmers markets and music festivals to Stockton International Riverside Festival, the Stockton Cycling Festival and historic maritime celebrations in Hartlepool.
Newcastle & Tyne And Wear
Newcastle-upon-Tyne, famed for its shipbuilding heritage and proud civic traditions, is a now rejuvenated city with a vibrant arts and music scene, theatres, excellent restaurants, acclaimed architecture, award-winning attractions and of course fabulous shopping! The futuristic Gateshead Millennium Bridge is probably the most recognised feature of the Quayside which has awe-inspiring architecture, buzzing bars and eclectic eateries in spades.
At the other end of the scale, dating back to 1178, Newcastle Castle Keep is one of the finest examples of Norman stonework in Britain.
For those that like art, head to BALTIC, a major international centre for contemporary art presenting a diverse and dynamic international programme of contemporary visual art, you can find it in a historic industrial building on the South bank of the River Tyne in Gateshead.
The other landmark, Sage Gateshead, is a concert venue and centre for musical education staging a varied and eclectic programme in state-of-the-art halls. There’s also The Laing Art Gallery, the Great North Museum and The Theatre Royal, the third home of the Royal Shakespeare Company. The fantastic mix of small, independent boutiques, high street stores, designer shops and malls like the Metro Centre and Eldon Square attracts shopaholics from all over the country, while amazing events including music, theatre, comedy, sporting contests, exhibitions and festivals cement this part of the North East’s reputation as ‘the’ place to visit.
Northumberland
An unspoilt and undiscovered holiday paradise, Northumbria is full of wild and beautiful scenery, golden beaches, an ancient history and friendly locals. The region is bordered by the North Sea and includes four national parks as well as the vast Border Forest Park.
The stunning coastline at its eastern edge stretches 100 miles from Staithes on the Cleveland boundary, to Berwick-on-Tweed, England’s most northerly and frequently fought over town. In between you’ll find plenty of atmosphere and lots of opportunities to enjoy yourself for a day out, a weekend break or a longer stay.
Relax among the hills, forests and waterfalls of the National Parks. Discover historic castles, splendid churches and quaint towns that help you trace man’s occupation of the region from prehistoric times through rock carvings, ancient hill forts, Saxon churches, Norman priories, medieval castles, and a wealth of industrial archaeology.
Transport yourself 2,000 years into the past with a trip to the world famous Hadrian’s Wall, Roman Britain’s largest construction scheme. Other Roman remails in the area includes Housesteads Roman Fort at Haydon Bridge, the most complete example of a British Roman fort and features magnificent ruins and stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
Alnwick Castle and Chillingham Castle with their splendid views and romantic gardens, are both well worth a visit and delightful gardens can be found at Alnwick, Cragside and at Howick Gardens and Arboretum.
Explore the region's agricultural history at Heatherslaw Mill, a restored waterdriven corn mill and agricultural museum near the delightful model village of Ford.
The region also has a rich maritime heritage and ruined coastal fortifications such as Dunstanburgh and fairy-tale Lindisfarne are relics of a turbulent era. Lying just a few miles off the beautiful Northumberland coast, Holy Island contains a wealth of history and is home to one of the region’s most revered treasures, Lindisfarne Priory. The epicentre of Christianity in Anglo Saxon times and once the home of St Oswald, it was the birthplace of the Lindisfarne Gospels, one of the world’s most precious books and remains a place of pilgrimage today.
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