So much to see!
We weren't sure how much time some of you would be visiting for and thought you might get a bit bored.
Actually there's a load of stuff to see in the North East, and seeing as this could well be your first visit to this part of the world, here's a small guide to give you a flavour of the place.
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Beamish Museum "The North of England Open Air Museum, where the past comes to life. Beamish is unique. We're no ordinary museum but a living, working experience of life as it was in the Great North in the early 1800s and 1900s" |
Beamish Golf Club "Beamish Park is a beautiful and somewhat challenging course. Comfortable lounge offering beautiful views of the surrounding course. Catering with hot and cold snacks served all day." |
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City of Durham Not a big town but a pretty one. I've been visiting this place since... well since I was born actually. Last year I was here in the winter when the Cathedral was covered in snow - Spectacular. Nice just to wander around, look in shops and have a quiet coffee. |
Newcastle Now my mum's side of the family are all from Sunderland so the bitter rivalry between these two cities prevents me from being too kind to this place. Up until recently it was a drab post-industrial relic but recent investment and a vibrant nightlife have pushed it into the 21st century. Highlights include the shops, the river and the art gallery. |
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Penshaw Monument Penshaw Monument was built in 1844 and dedicated to John George Lambton, first Earl of Durham and the first Governor of Canada. |
Washington Old Hall See the town called 'Washington' on the map? Coincidentally the same as the famous American name you may think. Actually this is the ancestral home of George Washington and you too can walk around the old homstead of hero of the dollar bill |
Visits further away.....
Hadrian's WallSomeone once asked what the Romans ever did for us. In this case they build a wall to keep the Scottish out. Yes 2000 years ago the Romans got as far north as this spot and decided they'd gone far enough. Spend some time walking up and down this wall in February and you'll understand why too. |
City of York Ooo lots to see here. Next to Durham its got one of the biggest cathedrals in the country and has a history stretching back to the Viking invaders of the 10th century. |
Lindisfarne Castle According to my aunt, who is very good at these kind of things, I have some ancestry that links back to the mysterious Holy Island, home of Lindisfarne Castle |
High Force Fancy a walk in the country? How about a waterfall? Well now you can have both. |
The Northumberland Coast Ah, there's nothing quite like the bracing winds of the North Sea. In February its probably best viewed from the comfort of your car but you can certainly appreciate the huge golden bays of the coastline from there. |
Alnwick Castle This castle really has it all. Its a family home, its a famous film location, its got fabulous gardens and its got a huuuge treehouse. Ok so its a bit of a drive to get there but when else are you going to be this far north? |