Bale Hill Cottage, North East Pennines

North Pennines Observatory, a Dark Sky Discovery Site : One of the outstanding features of the North Pennines aonb and unesco Global Geopark is the quality of the dark night skies. In fact it’s the darkest mainland aonb and has more officially designated Dark Sky Discovery Sites (totalling 16) than any other UK destination.

Hadrian’s Wall including Housesteads Fort : Hadrian’s Wall is a spectacular World Heritage Site, marching 73 miles from sea to sea across some of the wildest and dramatic country in England. Experience roman life and epic history in stunning locations.

Beamish Open Air Museum - Experience a real sense of your past at Beamish, and discover what life was like in North East England in the 1820's,1910's and 1940's .

Lindisfarne Holy Island – Lindisfarne’s ruined priory built in the 11th century is one of the most evocative places on the Northumberland coast. The original burial place of 7th century St Cuthbert, it was rebuilt after the Viking attack, but was destroyed again by Henry viii. National Trust owned 16th century Lindisfarne Castle was converted into an enviable private house in 1903.

Alnwick Castle – Looking up at Alnwick Castle you may expect to see a quidditch match in full flow, as it played Hogwarts in the first two Harry Potter movies. Still the home of the Percy’s (since 1309), Alnwick is in better condition than most of Northumberland’s castles with fabulous gardens, tea room and a tree house.

Newcastle-Upon-Tyne – The north east’s biggest city makes a lively contrast with the medieval castles, ruined abbeys and wide open spaces of the north east’s coast National Parks and aonb.

Kielder Water – Kielder Water is the largest artificial lake in the UK by capacity of water and it is surrounded by Kielder Forest, the biggest man-made woodland in Europe. Activities include hiring a boat, canoeing, kayaking, sailing, windsurfing or water skiing. For the more adventurous, there’s a slalom and water ski/wakeboarding jumps.

Cragside – Set in more than 900 acres of country park and gardens, National Trust owned Cragside was built in the 19th century for the first Lord Armstrong. A whimsical cross between an English manor house and a Bavarian schloss, it was the first house in the world to be lit by hydroelectricity.

The Angel of the North - Since spreading its wings in February 1998, Antony Gormley's The Angel of the North has become one of the most talked about pieces of public art ever produced.

Baltic Centre of Contemporary Art – Housed in a landmark industrial building on the south bank of the River Tyne in Gateshead, this is a major international centre in cutting edge art.

Hamsterley Forest - Hamsterley Forest is a delightful 2000 hectare oasis, sprawling along the sides of a sheltered valley. Visitors to Hamsterley have no shortage of options when it comes to forest adventure or a tranquil getaway from the hustles of modern living.

Durham Cathedral - Durham Cathedral is one of the great buildings of Europe. Set grandly on a rocky promontory next to the Castle with the medieval city huddled below and the river sweeping round, the profile of the World Heritage Site is instantly recognisable to people travelling up and down the East Coast Main Line. Durham Cathedral is a Christian Church of the Anglican Communion, the shrine of St Cuthbert, the seat of the Bishop of Durham and a focus of pilgrimage and spirituality in North East England. We inhabit a treasured sacred space set in the natural and human landscape of the World Heritage Site.

Durham Castle - Sitting at the heart of Durham's World Heritage site and occupied continuously since the 11th century, the Castle is now home to the students of University College, part of Durham University. Experience over 1000 years of history on a Durham Castle Tour and discover how it functions today as the home of University College.

Bowes Museum - The Bowes Museum is a hidden treasure, a jewel in the heart of beautiful Teesdale. The magnificent building stands proud in the historic market town of Barnard Castle housing internationally significant collections of fine and decorative arts. Purpose built in the 19th century by John and Joséphine Bowes, the Museum has a wonderful story to tell.