City
Experience a distinctive mix of old and new, traditional and cutting edge in a host of ever-evolving English cities. Browse streets full-to-bursting with boutiques that boast the latest fashions and admire futuristic architecture towering above medieval monuments. Be dazzled by modern musicals, much-loved plays and works of art by the likes of Turner, Emin and Banksy. As day melts into night, indulge in Michelin-starred dishes and tongue-tingling curries before ordering a gin and tonic at a late-night museum event or throwing your best shapes at one of many buzzing cocktail bars and nightclubs. City breaks have never been so exciting.
Rainy Day Activities: Step back in time at York Castle Museum
Travel back in time on a rainy day at this trend-setting museum, which transports visitors back through 300 years of history.
Location: York, North Yorkshire
Go ghost hunting in ‘Europe's most haunted city’
York claims to be the world’s first city to run ghost walks – you’ll soon see why, with tales of murder, mayhem and gore at every corner.
Location: York, North Yorkshire
Visit the Angel of the North
Antony Gormley’s Angel of the North is one of the UK’s most famous pieces of public art.
Location: Gateshead, Tyne and Wear
Follow art trails around NewcastleGateshead
Throughout NewcastleGateshead you will discover public art in the most surprising of places from figurative sculptures to conceptual work.
Location: Newcastle, Tyne and Wear
September events: Test your fitness levels at The Great North Run
The Great North Run is an iconic half marathon with more than 54,000 runners registering to take part every year.
Location: Newcastle, Tyne and Wear
Rainy Day Activities: Sunderland Museum
Sunderland Museum and Winter Gardens is a great place for the whole family to spend the day – and it’s free.
Location: Sunderland, Tyne and Wear
Animal antics at Down at the Farm
Down at the Farm is one of Sunderland's most popular farms, home to a wide range of rare breed animals including giant tortoises, alpacas, raccoons, donkeys and red deer.
Location: Sunderland, Tyne and Wear
Go Walrus hunting at Sunderland Museum
Discover the inspirational statue behind the Lewis Carroll poem Walrus and the Carpenter.
Location: Sunderland, Tyne and Wear
Go under the sea at The Deep Aquarium
Get out of the rain and head... into the water? This underwater world features Europe's deepest viewing tunnel, offering unparalleled views of exotic fish, sharks and other sea creatures.
Location: Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire
Soak up the atmosphere and changing colours of Durham City
Wrap up warm and enjoy walks amongst a leafy Durham City this autumn, and discover the timeless magic of Crook Hall for a wonderfully English experience.
Location: Durham City, Durham
Meet feathered friends at Lotherton Hall Estate
Get up close and personal with rare birds, tropical mammals and wild-roaming deer at Lotherton Hall in Aberford, near Leeds.
Location: Leeds, Yorkshire
Master your bread-making skills at Blackfriars Restaurant
Visit England’s oldest dining room in Newcastle and leave with some expert cooking skills from a master baker.
Location: Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear
Go ghost hunting in Newcastle Castle
Uncover the horrifying history and hauntings of the castle from which Newcastle gets its name.
Location: Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear
Look through England's smallest window at the George Hotel
Enjoy five cask ales and a menu of pub classics whilst soaking up the traditional Georgian décor of this former gatehouse in Hull.
Location: Hull, Yorkshire
Indulge in all things vintage in York
‘York Does Vintage’ better than anyone else as the city’s affordable vintage fair in Merchant Adventurers’ Hall transports you to bygone eras.
Location: York, North Yorkshire