Destination Guide

North East England

Tourist Information

Tourist Information & Hotels in North East England

Three regions make up this stunning destination.  Northumberland and Newcastle & Gateshead County Durham and the Tees Valley. A diverse area, where you can get the best of both worlds – relax on miles of golden beaches, explore the history and maritime past of North East England. Enjoy the theatre and nightlife in some of the major cities and towns, such as Newcastle, Durham, Middlesbrough, Sunderland and Darlington. Whatever your preference, you will not be short of things to do.

Northumberland
Recognised as England's most tranquil county. Much of Northumberland is part of Northumberland National Park  – an unspoilt coastline with towering cliffs, secluded beaches, and is an area of outstanding natural beauty. Northumberland is rich in history, with many interesting castles and museums. See the influence of the Roman Empire along the 1900 year old  Hadrians Wall Or, the introduction of Christianity at Lindisfarne . Bamburgh and Dunstanburgh Castles  are 2 of 25 castles worth visiting. Set on dramatic coastal perches, they are fine examples to Northumberland's turbulent past.  There are some magnificent coastal drives, but the area can be just as much enjoyed cycling, passing through peaceful and friendly villages like Embleton and Beadnell. Stopping off for a picnic on a cliff top, or a lunch in one of the many characterful pubs.

Walkers can enjoy areas of outstanding natural beauty in Northumberland National Park. Classic's hotels will be happy to provide you with more detailed walking routes around the Cheviot Hills and see the amazing sculptures hidden in Kielder Forest near to Kielder Water.

For the family, there is the miniature railway between Ford and Etal and Blanchland is one of England's oldest and prettiest villages. Hexham  is a lively market town with its famous racecourse and only 20 minutes from Newcastle. The border town of Berwick has wonderful views from the Elizabethan Coastal walls. Morpeth  is home to a famous bagpipe museum.

Holy Island is not always accessible; it is cut off by the tide twice a day. On Holy Island there is Pilgrims causeway and a Heritage Centre , where you can see the Lindisfarne Christian Gospels. There are wildlife boat trips out of Amble  and Seahouses  going seal and puffin spotting.

Newcastle, Co. Durham and Tees Valley
Area to some of England's most well known cities and towns, an area heavily involved in England's Industrial past. A lot of which has been preserved for you to see in the many museums and buildings dotted throughout North East England. Take a day out to Beamish Open Air Victorian town, or a visit to Durham and its 800 year old cathedral.

Newcastle– the main city in  North East England. Superb shopping facilities, with the Metro Centre   in Gateshead being one of the largest indoor shopping malls in England. To dine out or simply enjoy an evening of entertainment at one of the many theatres, cinemas, and music venues, then Newcastle is the place to stay. 

Tees Valley – Captain James Cook , the intrepid 18^th century seafarer and discoverer of Australia and New Zealand was born in a small village in Yorkshire.