Exploring North East England

Alnwick Castle

Anyone looking to explore the British Isles should make a special effort to visit the North East of England a region that offers a unique blend of cosmopolitan urban live combined with outstanding natural beauty.

The beauty of North East England is not only its masses of award-winning attractions and amazing things to do, it’s the compact nature of the region, which means you can fit more of them in for every day of your stay.

North East England takes in Northumberland, County Durham, NewcastleGateshead, Sunderland, North Tyneside and South Tyneside and Tees Valley and is full of hidden gems for visitors. With two World Heritage Sites, a National Park, two Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and an abundance of castles and gardens; the region is immersed in history and heritage, offers spectacular coastlines and countryside, flourishes with vibrant city culture and, most importantly, assures a warm and friendly welcome.

You can explore castles, country houses and glorious gardens, including The Alnwick Garden – with Britain’s largest water feature and Alnwick Castle – the setting for Harry Potter’s Hogwarts. In fact we are home to more castles than any other region in England – whether you want explore romantic ruins or stay in an historic hotel.

And from coast to countryside discover Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Heritage Coastline or the Northumberland and England’s least populated National Park.

Hadrians Wall

Follow the track first marched by the Romans at the World Heritage Site of Hadrian’s Wall which is one of two UNESCO World Heritage sites in North East England. The other, Durham Castle and Cathedral has captivated author Bill Bryson, who described the Cathedral as ‘the best cathedral on planet earth.’

The founding fathers of Christianity championed their cause in North East England and the fruits of their labours are evident from majestic cathedrals and churches to inspiring pilgrim trails that criss-cross our countryside and coastline.

Off the Northumberland Coast and accessible only at low tide is the Holy Island of Lindisfarne. In the 7th century it was a seat of Christian learning and priory home to St Cuthbert whose remains now rest in Durham Cathedral.
Our proud maritime and rail histories are also waiting to be discovered at dedicated and lively museums across the region, where our rich and fascinating history is brought to life.

Millennium Bridge

For a cultural experience, visit one of our vibrant cities –
NewcastleGateshead’s Millennium Bridge is the world’s first and only tilting bridge, providing access to the internationally acclaimed music and arts centre The Sage Gateshead and BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art.
Sunderland, Durham or Middlesbrough – to shop, dine out or simply enjoy an evening of entertainment at one of the myriad of theatres, cinemas and regional music venues.

By the time you have done all that you are bound to have worked up an appetite. In this respect North East England has something for everyone from high quality restaurants like the Michelin Star White Room at Seaham Hall to cosy country pubs like the Rose & Crown at Romaldkirk, an 18th Century coaching inn set on the village green.
We are famed for our friendliness – you can expect a warm welcome wherever you wander in North East England. And with accommodation ranging from luxury chill-out spas to cosy B&B’s, you can be assured of a wonderful rest at the end of each day.

Content and images provided by Visit North East England

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