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
See England's finest view from Sutton Bank
Celebrated author and vet James Herriot gave the view from Sutton Bank the ultimate accolade – “England’s finest”. Find out if he was right…
Location: Sutton Bank, near Thirsk, 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
Saddle up for windswept romance on the Yorkshire coast
When it comes to romantic things to do, it’s doesn’t get much better than a windswept horse ride, followed by retreating to a cosy lodge.
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
Enjoy the ultimate free flying experience over North York Moors
If you’ve got a head for heights and the being ratcheted up to a thousand feet fills you with excitement, a gliding lesson might be just the ticket.
Location: Thirsk, North 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
Sample the great outdoors in Nidderdale
The striking scenery, character, historic landmarks and wildlife of this Yorkshire Dales Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty are made for adventure.
Location: Pateley Bridge/Masham, North 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
Rainy Day Activities: Relax in Harrogate’s Turkish Baths
Use the next rainy day as an excuse for a spa treatment in these elaborate Turkish baths, recently restored to their former glory.
Location: Harrogate, North Yorkshire
Cross the great viaduct to historic Knaresborough
Mysterious caves, a medieval castle and a magical spring that turns objects to stone are just a few reasons to visit this gorgeous riverside town.
Location: Knaresborough, North Yorkshire