Cities, Towns and Counties
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Welcome to North East England

North East England is made up of seven distinct areas of Newcastle, Gateshead, Northumberland, Durham, Sunderland, South Tyneside and North Tyneside. The region has three major cities; Newcastle; Durham and Sunderland all offering their own unique style from vibrant nightlife to culture and thriving retail centres. Each city is perfectly located just a stone’s throw away from beautiful coastlines offering everything from the holiday resorts of Whitley Bay and South Shields to the unspoilt beaches of Northumberland. Add into this thriving cultural centres such as Gateshead and UNESCO World Heritage sites including Hadrian’s Wall and you’ll soon discover North East England has a lot to offer your clients.

Our compact region can be explored in just a few days or if you can, stay longer and immerse your clients in the true Geordie welcome we have become so well known for. With connections from around the world coming to Newcastle International Airport as well as ferries and cruise ships at the Port of Tyne , isn’t it time you started adding North East England to your next trip?

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Newcastle and Gateshead

No visit to the North East would be complete without a visit to Newcastle and neighbouring Gateshead. This dynamic destination welcomes visitors with the infectious Geordie spirit, offering award-winning cuisine at unique venues like Blackfriars Restaurant, world-class museums like the Great North Museum: Hancock, and a thriving nightlife scene. Explore the iconic Tyne Bridge and the vibrant Quayside with its bustling bars, restaurants, and historical attractions. Experience the city's energy by day, either in the cosmopolitan city centre of Newcastle with its independent and major high street retailers, or explore the area’s lesser-known neighbourhoods like Jesmond or Ouseburn, all offering visitors culture, heritage and a fantastic choice of places to stay and eat. For a touch of luxury, consider including a stay at one of the many hotels with stunning views of the River Tyne. Explore the exciting Millennium Bridge, a feat of modern engineering, and the BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art.

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Durham City

Your clients will be able to explore the region’s culture with a visit around Durham's historic city centre, and take in the area’s rich mining heritage at Beamish Museum, the Living Museum of the North, an award-winning open-air museum. For a unique experience, include a scenic train ride on the Weardale Railway, a preserved steam railway offering stunning views of the countryside or pay a visit to Auckland Palace, the centrepiece of The Auckland Project, which encompasses multiple museums and art galleries.

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Northumberland

Northumberland never fails to captivate visitors with its dramatic coastlines, charming seaside towns and stunning National Park. Northumberland has the most pristine dark skies in England, offering exceptional stargazing opportunities and experiences.

Northumberland is also home to the region’s second UNESCO World Heritage Site – Hadrian’s Wall. As well as marvelling at the breathtaking views you can also visit several attractions telling the story of the Roman occupation of the area, including Roman Vindolanda Fort and Museum where annual excavations continue to unearth fascinating Roman artefacts and gems. Northumberland has more castles than any other county in England and there is no better example of this than Alnwick Castle, which is still the official home of the Duke and Duchess of Northumberland. As well as exploring the castle make sure your trip includes a visit to The Alnwick Garden and the enchanting Lilidorei.

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North Tyneside

North Tyneside can offer a more relaxed pace for your clients. Unwind on beautiful beaches like the award-winning Tynemouth Longsands, a haven for sunbathers and beachcombers.

Explore vibrant coastal towns like Whitley Bay with its bustling bars, restaurants, and historic attractions like the Spanish Battery and Seaton Delaval Hall, or enjoy exhilarating coastal pursuits like surfing, paddle boarding or kayaking.

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Sunderland

For anyone looking for a city steeped in maritime history and a vibrant culture, Sunderland is the perfect fit.

Take your clients to the Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens to see their impressive art collection and exotic plant species housed in stunning Victorian glasshouses.

To delve into Sunderland's vibrant arts scene plan a visit to the Empire Theatre which is the biggest theatre between Manchester and Edinburgh and the only one capable of hosting full scale west end productions in the North East.

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South Tyneside

South Tyneside offers visitors a delightful blend of seaside charm along with a fascinating Roman history. Key stops are South Shields, a vibrant market town renowned for its award-winning seafood; Sandhaven Beach, perfect for sunbathing, paddling, or building sandcastles. For a dose of history, include a visit to the Arbeia South Shields Roman Fort and Museum. This fascinating site offers a window into Roman military life and trade along Hadrian's Wall and has interactive exhibits and activities.

Nature lovers will appreciate the unique Marsden Grotto, a bar, hotel and restaurant built into the cliff face. The Grotto’s fascinating history from smugglers to famous ghosts make it a great stop off.

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Ready to plan a visit to North East England?

Get all the essential information and insider tips for planning the perfect visit to North East England here.
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