The Best North East England Attractions & Activities

Alnwick Castle in Northumberland is a grand medieval fortress, home to the Percy family for over 700 years. Known as a filming site for "Harry Potter", it features opulent staterooms, gardens, and history blending Norman origins with modern heritage.

Durham Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a masterpiece of Norman architecture towering over the River Wear. Renowned for its soaring nave, intricate stonework and medieval stained glass, it remains a centre of worship and a symbol of Durham.

Beamish Museum in County Durham is an open-air museum bringing the North East’s past to life. Explore recreated towns, farms, and pit villages, ride vintage trams, and meet costumed guides for an immersive journey through history.

The Alnwick Garden in Northumberland is a striking contemporary garden featuring a grand cascading fountain, enchanting rose and ornamental gardens, a bamboo labyrinth, and the famous Poison Garden. It also hosts the world’s largest treehouse restaurant.

The National Museum of the Royal Navy recreates an 18th-century seaport. Centred on the HMS Trincomalee, it offers immersive exhibits, historic ships, and lively displays bringing Britain’s naval past vividly to life.

a wealth of architectural history, with buildings dating from the 14C and a superb 30-acre garden famed for its rhododendrons and unique quarry garden

the first house in the world to be lit by hydroelectricity crammed full of ingenious gadgets – most of them still working and with one of the largest rock gardens in Europe

an open air attraction offering animal interaction and outdoor play in the countryside with a wide variety of animals for llamas to racoons

offering unrivalled close ups of thousands of puffins, Arctic terns and guillemots (May to July) and seal pups in the autumn. Charges apply including members

the most remarkable Roman remains in the country, a real insight into Roman military life and discover the past behind the archaeological remains

an historic park in the heart of suburban Newcastle. It is a peaceful haven for residents, visitors and wildlife alike

Kielder Castle is the visitor centre for Britain's biggest forest with over 250 square miles to explore with exhibitions about forestry and conservation

explore the rich seam of local railway history and discover how the railways have changed all our lives, with a model railway to please all enthusiasts

the house, home of the quirky Museum of Curiosities, is surrounded by an informal landscape of lawns, lakes, woodland, parkland and farmland

a sensational survivor of ‘the wildwood’ that once covered much of Britain, where post-glacial melt waters have carved out some spectacular limestone cliffs and gorges

medieval Manor House which was the ancestral home of George Washington, with a tranquil garden and a 'nuttery' - a haven for wildlife

Auckland Palace in County Durham, once home to the Prince Bishops of Durham, is a beautifully restored residence. Its grand rooms, chapel and gardens tell stories of power, faith and centuries of northern heritage.

housed in a 1950s grain warehouse, presenting the experience of contemporary art, with no permanent collection and so offering a constantly changing programme of exhibitions and events

Bamburgh Castle towers over the Northumberland coast, dramatically set on a volcanic outcrop above sandy beaches. With royal history, striking architecture, and sweeping sea views, it’s one of England’s most iconic coastal fortresses.

Barnard Castle, a striking riverside ruin in County Durham, was founded in the 12th century. Its towering walls and great hall overlook the River Tees, offering history, dramatic views and a glimpse into medieval fortress life.

Berwick-upon-Tweed Barracks & Main Guard showcase the town’s military past through engaging museum displays. These 18th-century buildings reveal stories of soldiers, the King’s Own Scottish Borderers and Berwick’s border defences.

originally rich merchants' houses & shops, 3 rooms are open to the public. Exhibitions about the history include the elopement of Bessie Surtees, an 18C love story

The Captain Cook Birthplace Museum, in Stewart Park, Middlesbrough, explores the life and voyages of the famed explorer. Exhibits, maps, and artefacts trace his adventures and global impact from his humble local beginnings.

Durham Castle, part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, stands beside the cathedral overlooking the River Wear. Built by the Normans, it now houses Durham University but offers guided tours revealing its grand halls and historic chambers.

set across 11 acres, the visitor can discover the incredible world of Anglo-Saxon Northumbria and the extraordinary life of Bede - the father of English history with plenty of interactive displays and a rare breed farm with rescued animals

Land of Iron, in Skinningrove, celebrates the region’s ironstone mining heritage. Interactive exhibits, machinery, and recreated mine scenes tell the story of the industry that shaped Teesside’s landscape and communities.

North East Englands premier aircraft museum with a restoration workshop which is open to visitors

Ormesby Hall, in Middlesbrough, is an elegant Georgian mansion surrounded by parkland. Once home to the Pennyman family, it features period interiors, model railway exhibits, and tranquil gardens managed by the National Trust.

Paxton House & Country Park near Berwick-upon-Tweed is a grand Georgian mansion set in landscaped grounds. It features fine art, elegant interiors and riverside walks, offering a blend of culture, history and scenic beauty.

first lighthouse to be powered by electricity with a real flavour of a working lighthouse, surrounded by wildflower meadows and great wildlife viewing

The Bowes Museum in Barnard Castle is a grand French-style chateau housing fine and decorative arts. Highlights include European paintings, fashion, ceramics and the famous Silver Swan automaton, all displayed in an impressive historic setting.

Whitehouse Farm is a 40 acre farm centre that has been entertaining and educating people of all ages since 1997

built out of a former quarry over the last 25 years, visited by thousands of visitors a year. From ferns, shrubs, perennials and grasses to The National Collection of Centaurea. There is plenty to inspire gardeners and visitors alike

ten pin bowling and electronic games. This venue can be booked for a birthday celebration.

with excavated remains and stunning reconstructions of original buildings and roman artefacts combine to give a unique insight the Romans in Britain during the second to fifth Century

vibrant and exciting focus for arts, offering a theatre, gallery, artists' studios, recording studio, licensed bar, rehearsal rooms and function rooms. Offers a year round programme of arts activities

preserving and displaying the heritage of the North Tyne and Redewater area of Northumberland with relics and photographs covering all aspects of local history and traditions in the area

take a trip to the Farne Islands & observe the grey seal colonies. All-day bird watching is available during the breeding season

introducing the birdlife of Northumberland and the North East. Tours with friendly guides who share their knowledge of local birds with infectious enthusiasm

this fortified farmhouse with thick stone walls, of a type distinctive to the troubled 16th-century Anglo-Scottish borders with the living quarters only accessible at first-floor level

exciting wildlife attraction designed to inspire deeper understanding and appreciation of the natural world. At the heart of the visit there are giant ocean tanks with spectacular underwater walkthrough tunnels

designed by George Stephenson, the only preserved standard gauge rope-hauled railway in the world featuring two steam engines, diesel locomotives, colliery wagons and an exhibition

a rare example of an 18th Century landscape garden, a tree lined avenue, pockets of peaceful woodland and adventure play areas

set in the beautiful rolling hills of County Durham, a mixed farm of 290 hectares - a great day out for children who can see and touch animals at close quarters

Albert Park, in Middlesbrough, is a historic Victorian park opened in 1868. It offers scenic lakes, gardens, and tree-lined paths, with sports facilities, a café, and regular community events in a peaceful green setting.

ARC Stockton is a vibrant arts centre in Stockton-on-Tees offering theatre, film, music, comedy, and creative workshops. It’s a lively hub for culture and community, supporting local talent and diverse performances.

Bailiffgate Museum, set in a former church, shares the area’s heritage through interactive exhibits, local artefacts and changing displays. Covering everything from coal mining to castles, it offers an engaging insight into Northumberland’s past.

Bedlington Country Park in Northumberland offers riverside walks, wooded valleys and rich wildlife along the River Blyth. With peaceful trails and picnic spots, it’s a relaxing escape for walkers, cyclists and nature enthusiasts.

Berwick Castle & Ramparts offer striking reminders of the town’s turbulent past. The castle ruins and Elizabethan walls provide scenic walks and panoramic views, tracing centuries of conflict along the Anglo-Scottish border.

Billingham Beck Valley Country Park in Teesside is a peaceful nature reserve with wetlands, woodlands and meadows. Home to diverse wildlife and walking trails, it’s ideal for birdwatching and quiet outdoor exploration.

Binchester Roman Fort near Bishop Auckland reveals the remains of a major Roman military site. Visitors can explore well-preserved bathhouses, excavations and exhibits that uncover life on the northern frontier.

Bowes Castle, built on the site of a Roman fort, is a ruined 12th-century stronghold once guarding the strategic Stainmore Pass. Visitors can explore the impressive stone keep and enjoy its quiet setting in the Durham countryside.

Bowlees Visitor Centre in Upper Teesdale is a gateway to the North Pennines AONB. It offers exhibitions, family trails, a café and access to stunning walks, including the nearby Low Force waterfall and wildflower meadows.

Howick Hall Gardens, once home to Earl Grey, blends formal borders with wild woodland walks. Famous for its seasonal blooms and arboretum, it offers tranquil trails, rich plant collections and the charming tea house celebrating its namesake blend.

Newnham Grange Country Farm, in Middlesbrough, offers a family-friendly glimpse into rural life. Visitors can meet farm animals, explore play areas, and enjoy peaceful countryside walks in a welcoming, hands-on setting.