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
Star gazing like a Roman at Cawfields Roman Wall
Built in AD122, Hadrian’s Wall was once the largest frontier in the Roman Empire and remained that way for 300 years.
Location: Haltwhistle, Northumberland
Build sandcastles at Bamburgh Beach
Do you know your cockles from your winkles? St. Aidan and Grace Darling certainly did. And what better place to learn than on Bamburgh Beach.
Location: Bamburgh, Northumberland
Go seal and puffin spotting on the Farne Islands
Visit Farne Islands to see thousands of seabirds and a huge Grey seal colony.
Location: Farne Islands, Northumberland
Rainy Day Activities: Explore mining history at Woodhorn Museum
Explore hundreds of years of mining heritage at this unique museum in Northumberland, built from what was once the largest pit village in the world.
Location: Ashington, Northumberland
Go wild camping in the Northumberland Countryside
Be close to nature as you enjoy an overnight camping experience with the experts at Badger and the Bear Outdoor Adventure Camp.
Location: Amble, Northumberland
Immerse yourself in the magic of The Alnwick Garden
Let the little ones run free around the 12 acres of gardens at the multi award-winning Alnwick Gardens in Northumberland.
Location: Alnwick, Northumberland
See thousands of cute puffins on the Farne Islands
Around 150,000 breeding pairs of seabirds make the Farne Islands their home each summer. Hop on a boat to see and hear them up close!
Location: Farne Islands, Northumberland
December events: Discover yuletide fun at Kielder Winter Wonderland
Visit Father and Mrs Christmas in their secret woodland home, help the elves prepare for the big day, meet real reindeer and enjoy a jolly musical experience.
Location: Kielder Water & Forest Park, Northumberland