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
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 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
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 to the movies 1930s style at Tyneside Cinema
Live the glamour of 1930s cinema-going at this restored movie theatre, with free newsreel screenings, guided tours, a stylish bar and recent releases.
Location: NewcastleGateshead, 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
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
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
Go Walrus hunting at Sunderland Museum
Discover the inspirational statue behind the Lewis Carroll poem Walrus and the Carpenter.
Location: Sunderland, Tyne and Wear
Enjoy Newcastle’s nightlife – and its famous ales
Get a real taste of NewcastleGateshead on a local ale trail to buzzing pubs, then head on to catch a live gig in the coolest neighbourhoods.
Location: NewcastleGateshead, 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
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