Things to do in the North East
March 21, 2026
A complete guide of things to do in the North East. Experience unforgettable walks, attractions, dark skies, and stays across Northumberland, Tyne & Wear, County Durham and Tees Valley.
The North East of England is one of the UK’s most underrated destinations, a region where dramatic coastlines meet ancient castles, vibrant cities sit alongside peaceful countryside, and world-class food is never far from a quiet beach walk.
Whether you’re planning a weekend escape, a family holiday, a romantic break or a last-minute staycation, the North East offers year-round things to do, whatever the weather and whatever your pace. North East Escapes has some of the best places to stay in the North East.
Why Visit the North East?
Before diving into the detail, it’s worth understanding what makes the North East such a special place to visit.
The region is defined by its unspoilt landscapes, where wild, open beaches meet rolling countryside and expansive hills, creating a sense of space that’s increasingly rare elsewhere in the UK.
Its rich history is woven into everyday life, from ancient Roman walls and medieval castles to striking cathedral cities that tell stories spanning centuries.
Compared to many other UK destinations, the North East remains refreshingly uncrowded, allowing visitors to explore at a relaxed pace while enjoying excellent value when it comes to places to stay in the North East, food and attractions.
Above all, it’s the warm, welcoming culture an strong local identity that leaves a lasting impression, making it a place where you can truly slow down.
Whether that’s walking along the coast, cycling through the countryside, is covering historic towns or simply switching off and enjoying great food in good company.
Things to Do in the North East
The North East is wonderfully varied. You could spend a morning exploring historic streets, an afternoon walking along the coast, and an evening enjoying local food and drink, all without travelling far.
Explore Historic Towns & Cities
Newcastle upon Tyne
A vibrant riverside city known for its iconic bridges, cultural scene and independent shopping. Walk along the Quayside, explore the historic Grainger Town, or visit the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art.
County Durham
A compact, characterful city dominated by Durham Cathedral and Castle. Its winding river walks, cobbled streets and independent cafés make it ideal for a relaxed day out.
Alnwick
A historic market town famous for Alnwick Castle and The Alnwick Garden. It’s also a great base for exploring the Northumberland coast.
Tynemouth
A coastal town with a strong independent spirit, home to Tynemouth Priory, Longsands Beach and a thriving food scene.
Top Castles & Cathedrals in the North East
Few regions in England rival the North East for historic landmarks.
One of the UK’s most iconic castles and a filming location for Harry Potter and Downton Abbey. Explore grand interiors, medieval towers and expansive grounds.
Standing dramatically above the coastline, Bamburgh Castle offers breathtaking sea views and deep connections to Northumbrian history.
Warkworth Castle
A picturesque medieval ruin overlooking the River Coquet, perfect for combining history with a scenic walk.
Prudhoe Castle
A well-preserved Norman stronghold offering impressive views and family-friendly exploration.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Europe’s finest Norman buildings. Its position above the River Wear is truly unforgettable.
A beautiful abbey with Roman roots and a peaceful atmosphere, ideal for history lovers.
St Nicholas’ Cathedral, Newcastle
Often overlooked, this historic cathedral sits quietly in the heart of the city.
Top Tourist Attractions in the North East
Whether you’re travelling with family, friends or as a couple, there’s no shortage of standout attractions.
Family-Friendly Attractions in the North East
The North East is an excellent destination for families, offering a wide mix of educational, outdoor and hands-on experiences that appeal to all ages. Whether you’re travelling with toddlers, teenagers or a mix of generations, there’s no shortage of engaging days out to enjoy together.
Beamish Open-Air Museum is one of the region’s most loved attractions, bringing history to life through immersive streets, homes and transport from the 1820s to the 1950s. Children can explore freely, interact with costumed characters and experience what everyday life was like in the past.
Alnwick Castle is a must-visit for families, combining dramatic medieval architecture with interactive activities, themed events and famously being a filming location for the Harry Potter series. Its expansive grounds and family-focused programming make it as entertaining as it is educational.
Just next door, The Alnwick Garden offers a completely different experience, with imaginative landscapes, the iconic Grand Cascade, a bamboo labyrinth and one of the world’s largest treehouse structures. It’s a space designed to inspire curiosity, creativity and outdoor play.
For something truly unforgettable, Kielder Observatory offers family-friendly stargazing sessions in one of the darkest sky areas in England. Guided experiences allow children and adults alike to learn about planets, constellations and galaxies through powerful telescopes.
In Newcastle, the Life Science Centre is a hands-on favourite, featuring interactive exhibits, live science shows and a planetarium that makes learning fun and accessible for younger visitors.
Culture-loving families will enjoy the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art, where creative workshops and family trails help children engage with modern art in a relaxed, welcoming environment.
Further south, The Bowes Museum in Barnard Castle blends art, history and innovation, with family-friendly galleries, beautiful gardens and rotating exhibitions designed to appeal to younger audiences.
Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens offers a fantastic free day out, combining museum galleries with a stunning indoor botanical garden filled with exotic plants and seasonal displays.
The Laing Art Gallery in Newcastle provides accessible exhibitions, family activity packs and creative sessions that introduce children to art in an engaging way.
Beyond museums and galleries, the region is also home to a wealth of outdoor and adventure-led attractions.
Whitehouse Farm Centre near Morpeth is perfect for younger children, offering animal encounters, soft play and tractor rides. Hall Hill Farm near Durham combines farm experiences with play areas and seasonal events.
Animal lovers will enjoy Northumberland Zoo, home to a wide range of species and interactive keeper talks, while Tweddle Children’s Animal Farm in Teesside is especially popular with younger families.
For coastal fun, Tynemouth Priory and Castle allows children to explore historic ruins with dramatic sea views, often accompanied by family trails and events during school holidays.
Together, these attractions make the North East an incredibly versatile destination for family holidays, offering a balance of learning, adventure, creativity and outdoor exploration, all within easy reach of family-friendly accommodation from North East Escapes.
Top Beaches in the North East
The North East coastline is one of England’s best-kept secrets, long stretches of golden sand, dramatic cliffs and peaceful coves.
Best Beaches to Visit
Bamburgh Beach
Wild, open and breathtaking, with castle views and endless space.
Embleton Bay
A wide, unspoilt beach ideal for walking and photography.
Druridge Bay
Seven miles of sand backed by dunes and countryside.
Tynemouth Longsands
Popular with surfers and families, with excellent cafés nearby.
Seaham Beach
Famous for sea glass and rugged coastal scenery.
Top Walks in the North East
For walkers of all abilities, the North East delivers spectacular routes.
Coastal Walks
Northumberland Coast Path – Castles, dunes and wildlife
Cullercoats to Tynemouth – Easy and scenic
Craster to Dunstanburgh Castle – One of the region’s most iconic walks
Countryside & Forest Walks
Kielder Forest & Water – Dark skies, lakeside paths and wildlife
Simonside Hills – Panoramic views and moorland trails
Derwent Walk – Family-friendly and peaceful
Riverside Walks
Durham River Wear Loop
Hexham riverside paths
Hidden Gems in the North East
Beyond the headline attractions, the North East is full of quieter, lesser-known places that reward those who explore.
Hidden Food & Drink Spots
Craster Smokehouse – Famous kippers and coastal charm
The Ship Inn, Low Newton-by-the-Sea – A local favourite with sea views
Ernest, Ouseburn – Seasonal tasting menus
Riley’s Fish Shack – Beachside dining with unforgettable sunsets
Independent Shops & Experiences
Ouseburn Valley – Creative studios, markets and live music
Corbridge – Antiques, bookshops and artisan food
Saltwell Park (Gateshead) – Victorian parkland and hidden cafés
Off-the-Radar Places
Holy Island causeway walks at sunrise or sunset
Where to Stay in the North East
Choosing the right place to stay transforms a good trip into a memorable one. North East Escapes offers a curated collection of beautiful holiday homes to stay in across the region, perfect for every kind of break.
The North East is a region that surprises people, not with hype, but with depth, beauty and authenticity. It’s a place of contrasts. Wild yet welcoming, historic yet creative, peaceful yet full of life.
Whether you’re exploring castles, walking windswept beaches, discovering hidden food spots or simply enjoying a slower pace of life, there’s always something new to uncover in the North East.
And with a handpicked stay from North East Escapes, you’ll have the perfect base to experience it all, explore our holiday homes.
