Tyne and Wear · City
Newcastle upon Tyne
Bridges, riverside architecture, museums and nightlife with easy access to the coast and Northumberland.
Explore Newcastle →Castles, coastlines and cities with a strong sense of place
Explore a region where Newcastle and Durham sit within easy reach of Northumberland's castles, dark skies, Roman history and one of England's most dramatic coastlines.
A region of strong contrastsCity energy, ancient history and wide open landscapesSpend the morning in a cathedral city, the afternoon beside a castle and the evening under some of England's darkest skies.
Explore North East England
Choose somewhere to begin
Use the map to explore cities, market towns, coast, countryside and heritage across Northumberland, County Durham and Tyne and Wear.
Featured places
Where to go in North East England
The region is compact enough to combine city breaks with coast and countryside, but varied enough to reward a slower trip.
County Durham · City
Durham
A compact historic city centred on its cathedral, castle and wooded riverbanks.
Explore Durham →Northumberland · Landscape
Northumberland National Park
Open hills, Roman history and exceptionally dark skies across one of England's quietest landscapes.
Explore Northumberland National Park →Northumberland · Coast
Bamburgh & the Northumberland Coast
Wide beaches, castle views and small coastal villages along one of England's most memorable stretches of shoreline.
Explore the Northumberland Coast →Northumberland · Town
Alnwick
A historic market town best known for its castle and gardens, with the coast and Cheviots within easy reach.
Explore Alnwick →Northumberland · Heritage
Hadrian's Wall
Roman forts, ridge walks and sweeping views across one of Britain's most important historic landscapes.
Explore Hadrian's Wall →Northumberland · Coast
Holy Island
A tidal island of castle, priory and big sea views reached by a causeway that demands careful timing.
Explore Holy Island →County Durham · Landscape
North Pennines
Open moors, waterfalls, market towns and a quieter alternative to better-known northern landscapes.
Explore the North Pennines →Tyne and Wear · Coast
Tynemouth
Beaches, a historic priory and a lively coastal village atmosphere close to central Newcastle.
Explore Tynemouth →
Choose your kind of day
What is North East England best for?
Fortresses, cathedrals & Roman frontiersHistory & Castles
Beaches, islands & fishing villagesNorthumberland Coast
Cheviots, Pennines & dark skiesWild Landscapes
Rivers, bridges & cathedral streetsCity Breaks
Easy combinations
Places that work well together
The North East rewards simple combinations: city and coast, castle and village, or Roman history with open countryside.
Newcastle, Tynemouth & the coast
A straightforward city-and-seaside combination.
- Newcastle for architecture, museums and the Tyne
- Tynemouth for beaches and priory views
- Whitley Bay or Seaton Sluice for more coastline
Alnwick, Bamburgh & Holy Island
A classic Northumberland route built around castles and coast.
- Alnwick for castle and gardens
- Bamburgh for beach and fortress views
- Holy Island when the causeway times allow
Hadrian's Wall & Hexham
A strong heritage day with Roman sites and market-town character.
- Choose one or two major wall sites rather than rushing the whole route
- Use Hexham as a practical base or food stop
- Allow time for walking if the weather is good
Give the landscape time
The North East can look compact on a map, but coastal roads, rural routes and heritage stops make slower days more rewarding. Pick one cluster and explore it properly.
For a dayChoose one city, one coast section or one heritage area.
For a weekendCombine Newcastle or Durham with coast, castles or Hadrian's Wall.
For Holy IslandCheck safe causeway crossing times before setting out.
For dark skiesNorthumberland is especially rewarding after dark when conditions are clear.
When you know where you are going
Stay · Do · Explore
Once you have chosen a part of the North East, the local guide will help you turn it into a complete trip.
Keep exploring
Continue your northern journey
Yorkshire, Cumbria and the Scottish Borders are natural next steps if you are travelling further.