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
Go ghost hunting in ‘Europe's most haunted city’
York claims to be the world’s first city to run ghost walks – you’ll soon see why, with tales of murder, mayhem and gore at every corner.
Location: York, 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
Life in Victorian Bradford
Founded by Sir Titus Salt in 1853, Saltaire is a UNESCO World Heritage site and remains a living, working 19th century village.
Location: Saltaire, West Yorkshire
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 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
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
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
Cycle along the old coastal railway line to Whitby
Ride 21 view-filled and traffic-free miles along the ‘Cinder Track’, the old coastal railway line between Scarborough and Whitby.
Location: Whitby, Yorkshire
Learn about lively Huddersfield on a walking trail
Immerse yourself in this creative town, rich in culture, stories, international food and heritage. Grab a free walking trail and off you go!
Location: Huddersfield, West Yorkshire
May events: Put your best foot forward at WalkFest
Put a spring in your step over the spring bank holiday weekend at the North York Moors National Park’s annual walking festival.
Location: North York Moors, North Yorkshire
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
Take a leisurely and scenic cruise on the Lakes
The Lake District is one of the country’s most famous beauty spots, and where better to take it all in that from the lakes themselves?
Location: Lake District, Cumbria
Follow the Yorkshire Sculpture Triangle trail
Celebrate 200 of the world's greatest artists at four leading cultural venues in Yorkshire.
Location: Wakefield and Leeds, West Yorkshire
Discover James Hudson Taylor’s heritage
The British missionary James Hudson Taylor was born in Barnsley – take a trail through the places he lived and preached at.
Location: Barnsley, South Yorkshire
Enjoy a slice of authentic Yorkshire countryside
Visit Penistone, the highest market town in the county. As well as being pretty to look at, there’s plenty to do and delicious food and ales to try.
Location: Penistone, South Yorkshire
Explore the great outdoors around Barnsley
Nature-lovers looking for fresh air, exercise and natural beauty can take on adventures big and small in Barnsley.
Location: Barnsley, South Yorkshire
See the last operating Vulcan bomber in flight
Aviation fans won’t want to miss the Vulcan Experience, a chance to see the world’s last flying Vulcan bomber, here at its original home.
Location: Robin Hood Airport, South Yorkshire
See more of Sheffield on a city walking tour
Witness Sheffield's recent thrilling revival along with elements of its rich heritage as you pace the city streets.
Location: Sheffield, South Yorkshire