Moors covered in carpets of heather and a heritage coastline studded with fossils. The scenery in the North East is worthy of romantic Bronte sisters' novels and magical Harry Potter film sets. Starry nights sparkle over Northumberland National Park's clear skies, an astronomer's paradise. You'll always be looking up in York at the cathedral's epic stained glass and to medieval buildings that huddle over cobbled alleyways, or at Durham's World Heritage towers and turrets. Leap into the 21st century in Newcastle with its world-class music and arts venues overlooking the River Tyne criss-crossed with a family of impressive bridges.
North East England
See the light at the end of the tunnel
Standedge Tunnel, in the heart of the Pennine countryside, is the longest canal tunnel in Britain.
Location: Marsden, Yorkshire
Get back to nature at High Force waterfall
Explore a peaceful landscape of moors and hills, valleys, waterfalls and rivers dotted with picturesque villages and historic market towns.
Location: Durham Dales
Take a cruise along the River Ouse
The city of York owes its existence to the rivers. Escape the city rush and admire the scenery from the comfort of a City Cruises boat.
Location: York, North Yorkshire
Explore the city of York by bike
York is voted as one of the most bike-friendly cities in England with a wide range of cycle routes through the city and beyond.
Location: York, North Yorkshire
See England's finest view from Sutton Bank
Celebrated author and vet James Herriot gave the view from Sutton Bank the ultimate accolade – “England’s finest”. Find out if he was right…
Location: Sutton Bank, near Thirsk, North Yorkshire
Take on adventures aplenty in Dalby Forest
See some of Yorkshire’s beautiful countryside from a mountain bike, Segway, tree-top trail and by night, at one of the UK’s premier activity centres.
Location: Dalby Forest, North Yorkshire
Discover wildlife and the history of Derwent Reservoir
Spot red squirrels, adders and bog plants at Derwent Reservoir and Pow Hill Country Park in the Durham Dales.
Location: Durham Dales
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
Visit England’s highest, longest and deepest canal tunnel
All aboard! Take a seat on the glass topped boat and take a journey into the highest, longest and deepest canal tunnel in the country.
Location: Marsden, West Yorkshire
Explore an ecological paradise at Marsden Moor
Walk, cycle or climb your way across this rugged wild landscape steeped in history that has inspired people since prehistoric times.
Location: Marsden, West Yorkshire
Take on the challenging Hadrian's Wall Path National Trail
Follow in the footsteps of an Emperor along the Hadrian's Wall Path National Trail.
Location: Wallsend, Tyne and Wear
Sit back with a picnic and enjoy the view
Rest your feet and enjoy your picnic whilst overlooking the beautiful scenery of the North Yorkshire coast.
Location: Scarborough, North Yorkshire
Saddle up for windswept romance on the Yorkshire coast
When it comes to romantic things to do, it’s doesn’t get much better than a windswept horse ride, followed by retreating to a cosy lodge.
Location: Scarborough, North Yorkshire
Explore, learn and discover on the Dinosaur Coast
Find your own fossils and discover what it was like to live 180 million years ago.
Location: Scarborough, North Yorkshire
Coast to Coast Cycling
A challenging route from the Irish Sea to the North Sea.
Location: Whitehaven / Whitby
Explore the Forge Valley
A walk through 165 million years of history.
Location: Forge Valley, North Yorkshire
Explore some of England’s most dramatic caves
Head underground to gaze in wonder at the fascinating caves that form a major, but hidden, part of the Yorkshire Dales landscape.
Location: Ingleton, North Yorkshire
Follow in the footsteps of William Wilberforce
The Wilberforce Trail explores the politician’s fascinating past, from his early life and politics to his passionate campaign against the slave trade.
Location: Hull, East Yorkshire
Experience the thrill of Power Boat racing on the Humber
Get your pulse racing with a weekend of High Octane drama and excitement at the Super Stock Championship.
Location: Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire
Wild Swimming in Grassington
Grassington is an idyllic little Dales market town with a cobbled square, quirky shops and cosy pubs.
Location: Grassignton, North Yorkshire