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
Make a splash at Sandhaven Beach
Sandcastles, surf and smiles await in the fantastic seaside town of South Shields!
Location: South Shields, South Tyneside
Walk in Roman footsteps at Arbeia Roman Fort
Britain’s biggest and best reconstruction of a Roman fort is the perfect place to immerse yourself in an ancient way of life.
Location: South Shields, South Tyneside
Watch films for less at the Tyneside Cinema
If affordable cinema and cheap drinks are up your street, then Tyneside Cinema’s discounted film nights could be just the thing.
Location: Newcastle, Tyne and Wear
Experience panoramic views on Grey’s Monument
Experience panoramic views and close encounters with a former Prime Minister, followed by a well-earned cup of Earl Grey tea.
Location: Newcastle, Tyne and Wear
Free fun for the family at Monkwearmouth Station Museum
Monkwearmouth Station Museum has received national commendations for work with young children and provides fun and education for the whole family.
Location: Sunderland, 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
July events: Sunderland International Airshow
Pack a picnic, head to the beach and lie back for dazzling aerial acrobatics, classic aircraft, live music, fireworks and traditional seaside fun.
Location: Sunderland, Tyne and Wear
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
July Events: South Tyneside Festival
This fabulous summer festival brings three months of free entertainment to the vibrant seaside resort of South Shields.
Location: South Shields, Tyne and Wear
Brighten up your autumn with Sunderland Illuminations
Don't mourn the arrival of longer, darker nights; let the North East coastal city of Sunderland fill your autumn with light and magic.
Location: Sunderland, Tyne and Wear
Pay homage to the written word in South Shields
Step inside The Word, National Centre for the Written Word, a state-of-the-art venue in South Shields.
Location: South Shields, South Tyneside
