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
Discover wildlife and the history of Derwent Reservoir
Spot red squirrels, adders and bog plants at Derwent Reservoir and Pow Hill Country Park in the Durham Dales.
Location: Durham Dales
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
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
Dig for buried treasure at Roman Vindolanda
See live archaeological excavations before your eyes at the ancient fort of Vindolanda.
Location: Vindolanda, Northumberland
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
Explore historic Whitby Abbey
Discover how over 2,000 years of history made Whitby Abbey one of England’s most important archaeological sites.
Location: Whitby, North Yorkshire
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
Camp next to Hadrian's Wall
This isn't just any wall, this is an impressive piece of roman architecture.
Location: Melkridge, Cumbria
Barnard Castle in the Durham Dales
A walking architectural history lesson.
Location: Barnard Castle, Durham Dales
Bag some bon bons at England’s Oldest Sweet Shop
Evoke happy childhood memories with hundreds of retro sweets at The Oldest Sweet Shop in England.
Location: Harrogate, North Yorkshire
Be crowned king of the castle in glorious Skipton
Exercise your princely skills at North Yorkshire’s marvelous Norman keep.
Location: Skipton, North Yorkshire
Explore the magnificent ruins of Kirkstall Abbey
This atmospheric 12th-century abbey is one of the most complete Cistercian monasteries in Britain, surrounded by tranquil tree-filled parkland.
Location: Leeds, Yorkshire
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
Relive the sights and sounds of wartime Britain at Eden Camp
Be transported back through time from an ex-POW camp in Malton, North Yorkshire, to life in wartime Britain on both the home front and on the front line.
Location: Malton, North Yorkshire
Discover the quirky side of Robin Hood’s Bay
Enjoy a traditional seaside break with a twist at this old smuggling and fishing village on the North York Moors National Park coast.
Location: Robin Hood's Bay, Whitby
Feel like a duke or duchess for the day but without the price tag
You don’t have to be as rich as a lord to visit East Riddlesden Hall, near Keighley, former home of the 17th century cloth merchant James Murgatroyd.
Location: Keighley, West Yorkshire
Uncover Northumberland’s Neolithic rock art
Lace up your hiking boots and discover the mysterious rock art set within the dramatic beauty of Northumberland National Park.
Location: Northumberland National Park, Northumberland
Peep into Durham’s locomotive past
Discover Durham’s role in the development of the railways at Locomotion, the National Railway Museum at Shildon.
Location: Vale of Durham
Journey to the Holy Island of Lindisfarne
A visit to history-rich and beautiful Lindisfarne, cut off twice daily from the rest of the world by fast-moving tides, is an adventure not to miss.
Location: Lindisfarne, Northumberland