When you think of the North East, the Angel of the North and Tyne Bridge of course spring to mind. Here are some other places to tick off on your UK road-trip bucket list on your next visit to the North East.
In need of a breath of fresh air or a picnic spot with a view? You’ll find that the High Force Waterfall is an impressive pit stop. Take the gentle woodland walk to the base of the waterfall for a magnificent view. Surrounded by the Upper Teesdale countryside, look out for wildlife and a wide range of wildflowers. High Force is a good stopping point if you want to explore the North Pennines by car or on foot.
For your sat nav: DL12 0XH
With a huge variety of wildlife, including puffins and seals to spot on Farne Islands, you won’t be stuck for things to see here. Just a few miles off the Northumberland cost, the 28 islands (many of them disappear underwater at high tide) make for a great family day out. To access Inner Farne and Staple islands, head to Seahouses harbour, where you’ll get a boat across. Note that the islands are only accessible at certain times of year. Find out more here.
For your sat nav (Seahouses harbour): NE68 7RN
Victoria Tunnel, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne
Step back in time to the 19th century as you step underground to explore this preserved wagon-way. Running from the Town Moor to the river Tyne, the tunnel was originally used to transport coal around the city. In 1939, the tunnel was transformed into an air-raid shelter to protect thousands of people during World War II. Today, the award-winning attraction is open for daily tours where you’ll be able to head down into the tunnel and have the opportunity to walk underneath Hadrian’s Roman Wall.
For your sat nav: NE1 2PQ
No trip to the North East is complete without visiting one of the UK’s grandest buildings; Durham Cathedral. Nestled in the beautiful surroundings of the Durham peninsula’s woodlands and riverbanks, the Romanesque cathedral is a peaceful place to explore for an afternoon. Note, there’s no parking at the cathedral but a park and ride service is available from the city.
For your sat nav: DH1 3EH
If you’re planning a family road trip around the north east, the award-winning Saltwell Park has a huge variety of things on offer to keep everyone occupied. From the ornamental and woodland gardens to the boating lake and maze, you can easily spend an afternoon here wandering around. Before you hit the road, enjoy afternoon tea in the café as you overlook the gardens.
For your sat nav: NE9 5AX
Housesteads Roman Fort – Hadrian’s Wall
Transport yourself back to the Roman Empire with a trip to Housesteads Roman Fort. See the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hadrian’s Wall as you take in the breathtaking surrounding views. Housesteads is one of the best places to see many original features of a Roman fort as it has an interactive tour that brings to life what it was like for the 800 soldiers who worked and lived here in the Roman period.
For your sat nav: NE47 6NN
Home to Victorian inventor Lord Armstrong, Cragside house was the first house in the world to be lit using hydroelectricity. Set in grounds that extend to more than 1,000 acres, enjoy stretching your legs around the formal, rock and pinetum gardens before heading up to the house across the impressive iron bridge. The play area and labyrinth will give little explorers a chance to burn off some steam, too.
For your sat nav: NE65 7PX
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