Tourist Information & Hotels in North East England
3 regions make up this stunning destination. Northumberland and Newcastle & Gateshead County Durham and the Tees Valley . A diverse area, where you can get the best of both worlds – relax on miles of golden beaches, explore the history and maritime past of North East England, enjoy the theatre and nightlife in some of the major cities and towns, such as Newcastle, Durham, Middlesbrough , Sunderland and Darlington . Whatever your preference, you will not be short of things to do.
Northumberland
Recognised as England's most tranquil county. Much of Northumberland is part of Northumberland National Park – an unspoilt coastline with towering cliffs, secluded beaches, and is an area of outstanding natural beauty. Northumberland is rich in history, with many interesting castles and museums. See the influence of the Roman Empire along the 1900 year old Hadrians Wall Or, the introduction of Christianity at Lindisfarne . Bamburgh and Dunstanburgh Castles are 2 of 25 castles worth visiting. Set on dramatic coastal perches, they are fine examples to Northumberland's turbulent past. There are some magnificent coastal drives, but the area can be just as much enjoyed cycling, passing through peaceful and friendly villages like Embleton and Beadnell . Stopping off for a picnic on a cliff top, or a lunch in one of the many characterful pubs.
Walkers can enjoy areas of outstanding natural beauty in Northumberland National Park. Classic's hotels will be happy to provide you with more detailed walking routes around the
Cheviot Hills and see the amazing sculptures hidden in
Kielder Forest near to Kielder Water.
For the family, there is the miniature railway between Ford and Etal and Blanchland is one of England's oldest and prettiest villages. Hexham is a lively market town with its famous racecourse and only 20 minutes from Newcastle. The border town of Berwick has wonderful views from the Elizabethan Coastal walls. Morpeth is home to a famous bagpipe museum.
Holy Island is not always accessible; it is cut off by the tide twice a day. On Holy Island there is Pilgrims causeway and a Heritage Centre , where you can see the Lindisfarne Christian Gospels. There are wildlife boat trips out of Amble and Seahouses going seal and puffin spotting.
Newcastle, Co. Durham and Tees Valley
Area to some of England's most well known cities and towns, an area heavily involved in England's Industrial past. A lot of which has been preserved for you to see in the many museums and buildings dotted throughout North East England.
Newcastle– the main city in North East England. Superb shopping facilities, with the Metro Centre in Gateshead being one of the largest indoor shopping malls in England. To dine out or simply enjoy an evening of entertainment at one of the many theatres, cinemas, and music venues, then Newcastle is the place to stay.
Tees Valley – Captain James Cook , the intrepid 18th century seafarer and discoverer of Australia and New Zealand, was born in Middlesborough, and there is a museum in Stewart Park as well as a full size replica of HM Endeavour , the ship in which he sailed to South Seas at nearby Stockton. Hartlepool Maritime Experience , an 18th century seaport recreates life at the time of the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. Step on board Englands oldest warship over 200 year old HMS Trincomlee. Saltburn Smugglers Heritage Centre Show reflects on some of the darker exploits which carried on in North East England. Darlington – home of the railway. Its where it all started and Darlington's railway museum houses Stephenson's Locomotion. There is a white water rafting course at Teesside White Water course – suitable & safe for beginners! For the walker, there is an easy 4 miles walk up Roseberry Topping where there are fabulous views over the Tees Valley.
Co. Durham
The land of the Prince Bishops has so much to offer the visitor. From World Heritage sites , such as Durham Cathedral, to a vibrant café culture on the attractive streets of Durham. Further a field Upper Teesdale and the North Pennines are areas of outstanding natural beauty, and home to High Force, England's highest waterfall.
You can explore the leadmines in Upper Weardale. In fact this whole area is wonderful for the walker and rambler. Barnard Castle is home to Raby Castle and Bowes Museum . Durham city has fascinating individual shops and restaurants and dominated by Durham cathedral, considered by Bill Bryson in his book, "to be the best cathedral on Planet Earth".
Beamish open air museum shows life in North East England over the centuries, and you can catch a tram, eat old fashioned sweets, or stroll round the grounds and gardens. For the rail enthusiast, there are over 60 trains on show at the Locomotion museum in Shildon. Harperley POW camp once home to 1500 hundred prisoners is now an amazing museum, and a great place to visit for all the family.
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