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
Get on board at the National Railway Museum
The world's largest railway museum is home to a staggering collection of restored locomotives, including the fastest steam engine of all time.
Location: York, North Yorkshire
Nine floors of silver-screens
A visit to the National Media Museum is a must if you love photography, film, television, animation, gaming or the internet.
Location: Bradford, West Yorkshire
Rainy Day Activities: Discover military history at The Royal Armouries
Britain’s national museum of arms and armour is home to a fascinating and unique collection, including the only existing suit of armour built for an elephant.
Location: Leeds, West Yorkshire
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
Visit the Yorkshire Sculpture Triangle
Celebrate 200 of the world’s greatest artists at 4 leading arts venues in Yorkshire.
Location: Wakefield, West Yorkshire
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
Go behind the scenes at Sunderland Empire Theatre
Tread the same boards as a young Charlie Chaplin, Laurel and Hardy and the Beatles on a tour of this enchanting old Edwardian theatre.
Location: Sunderland, Tyne and Wear
Take in a weekend of jazz at Marsden Jazz Festival
Hear old school traditional to cutting-edge contemporary jazz at Marsden Jazz Festival.
Location: Marsden, West Yorkshire
Create your own work of art in a quaint artist’s bolthole
Get the creative juices following and spend the weekend discovering inspiring landscapes just waiting to be captured.
Location: Staithes, North Yorkshire
See A-listers perform at Europe’s largest open air theatre
Elton John, Jessie J; you might think you’re reading the line up for a big city gig, think again.The stars flock to Scarborough.
Location: Scarborough, 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
May events: Visit the 1940s in West Yorkshire
Head to Haworth in West Yorkshire and get a glimpse into life in the 1940s.
Location: Haworth, West Yorkshire
July festivals: Durham Brass
Brass is given a modern twist with art installations in the streets and a dose of contemporary hip hop at BRASS Durham International Festival.
Location: Durham
June events: Become part of the Hebden Bridge Arts Festival
Celebrate Hebden Bridge's quirky and distinctive arts scene at this unique festival, known for delivering big names in a local setting.
Location: Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire
On location with the world’s most popular heritage railway
Ride along with the North Yorkshire Moors Railway as it takes a starring role, from Dad’s Army to Harry Potter.
Location: Goathland, North Yorkshire
Journey through British history at Kynren
Experience an epic storytelling journey through time at this spectacular live-action night show in Durham.
Location: Bishop Auckland, Durham
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
July events: Tramlines Festival
Tramlines Festival rolls into Sheffield each summer, bringing the party to Hillsborough Park with four stages of lots of top musical acts.
Location: Sheffield, South Yorkshire
July events: Mouth of the Tyne Festival
Hop on the metro from Newcastle and be transported to a chilled-out, seaside music festival that mixes live music, performing arts, food and crafts.
Location: Tynemouth, Tyne and Wear
