North East England Travel Guide
Explore the culturally rich and scenic beauty of North East England with our guide. Discover the best places to visit, hiking and biking routes, food and drink scene, where to stay, and more.
- Introduction to North East England
- List of Places to Visit in North East England
- Hiking/Biking Routes of North East England
- Best Things to Do in North East England: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for North East England
- Food and Drink Scene of North East England
- Where to Stay in North East England: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in North East England: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of North East England
- Best Time to Visit North East England
- Do’s and Don’ts of North East England
- Safety and Health
- Getting to North East England: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in North East England
- Where to Go Next from North East England: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
Introduction to North East England
North East England, located in the northern part of England, is a paradise for history and nature lovers. With a vibrant cultural scene, awe-inspiring landscapes, and beautiful coastlines, the region attracts visitors throughout the year. From medieval castles and cathedrals to tranquil beaches and rugged hills, North East England has something for everyone. In this guide, we will explore the best places to visit, things to do, and how to make the most of your trip to North East England.
List of Places to Visit in North East England
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
North East England is home to several museums and historical places that showcase the region’s rich cultural heritage. The Beamish Museum in County Durham is a living museum that takes visitors back to the 19th century. The museum features recreated buildings, streets, and shops, providing a fascinating insight into the region’s past.
The Durham Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is also a must-visit attraction. This stunning cathedral dates back to the 11th century and is an excellent example of Norman architecture. Another iconic landmark is Hadrian’s Wall, which was built by the Romans to protect their northern frontier. Part of the wall runs through North East England, and visitors can explore the remains of the wall and the forts along the way.
Natural Attractions of North East England: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
North East England is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering plenty of opportunities to enjoy nature. The Northumberland National Park is a vast area of hills, moorland, and forests, perfect for hiking and walking. The park is home to several trails, including the Hadrian’s Wall Path and the St. Cuthbert’s Way.
Another beautiful natural attraction is the Farne Islands off the coast of Northumberland. These islands are a paradise for birdwatchers, home to a wide variety of seabirds and seals. The islands can be reached by boat from Seahouses, and visitors can take guided tours to see the wildlife up close.
Hiking/Biking Routes of North East England
North East England offers some of the best hiking and biking routes in the country, with stunning landscapes and picturesque villages along the way. The Coast to Coast Trail, which runs from the east coast of England to the west, passes through North East England and offers a challenging but rewarding hike.
For mountain bikers, the Kielder Forest and Water Park is a must-visit destination. This vast forest has several trails, including the Deadwater Trail, which is a 7-mile single-track route through the forest.
Best Things to Do in North East England: Activities and Tours
Aside from hiking and biking, North East England offers plenty of other activities and tours. For adrenaline junkies, Go Ape Matfen, a high ropes course set in the beautiful Matfen Hall estate, is a must-visit attraction. Visitors can navigate treetop obstacles and zip lines while enjoying breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.
For a unique experience, visitors can take a tour of the Alnwick Castle in Northumberland. The castle was used as a filming location for the Harry Potter movies, and visitors can take part in broomstick-flying lessons and other Harry Potter-themed activities.
Week-Long Itinerary for North East England
For those planning a week-long trip to North East England, here’s a suggested itinerary:
- Day 1: Start your trip in Newcastle upon Tyne, explore the city’s famous landmarks like the Tyne Bridge and St. James’ Park.
- Day 2: Visit the Beamish Museum and see the recreated 19th-century town.
- Day 3: Spend the day hiking in the Northumberland National Park.
- Day 4: Visit Hadrian’s Wall and explore the Roman forts.
- Day 5: Take a boat tour of the Farne Islands and see the seabirds and seals up close.
- Day 6: Visit the Alnwick Castle and take part in the Harry Potter-themed activities.
- Day 7: End your trip in Durham and visit the stunning Durham Cathedral.
Food and Drink Scene of North East England
Must-Try Dishes
North East England has a rich culinary scene, with a variety of local dishes that visitors must try. The famous dish of the region is the Stottie cake, a dense bread roll that is traditionally served with ham and pease pudding. Another popular dish is the Pan Haggerty, which is a layered dish of potatoes, onions, and cheese.
Visitors should also try the regional delicacy of the pease pudding, a savory dish made from boiled split peas, and the Singin’ Hinnies, which are traditional Northumberland griddle cakes.
Local Beverages
North East England has a vibrant beer scene, with several local breweries producing some of the best beers in the country. Visitors can try the Wylam Brewery’s Jakehead IPA, a hoppy and fruity beer, or the Mordue Brewery’s Workie Ticket, a strong ale with caramel and toffee flavors.
Aside from beer, North East England is also known for its spirits, particularly its gin. Visitors can try the Durham Gin, which is flavored with local botanicals like elderflower and lavender, or the Hepple Gin, which is distilled using a unique Triple Technique process.
Where to Stay in North East England: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
North East England offers plenty of accommodation options to suit all budgets. In Newcastle, visitors can find a wide range of hotels, from luxury hotels like the Malmaison Newcastle to budget-friendly options like the Tune Hotel.
In the countryside, visitors can stay in traditional guesthouses like The Hayloft in Northumberland or the Bowes Hotel in Durham. For backpackers, there are several hostels throughout the region, including the Albatross Hostel in Newcastle.
What to Buy in North East England: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
Visitors can bring a piece of North East England back home with them by purchasing some of the region’s local products. The Northumberland Tartan is a unique tartan that was created to represent the region and its history. Visitors can buy Northumberland Tartan scarves, throws, and even kilts.
Visitors can also purchase local food products like the Lindisfarne Mead, a honey-based mead that has been produced for over 1300 years, or the Northumberland Cheese, a cheese made from locally sourced milk.
Local Culture and Customs of North East England
North East England has a strong cultural identity, with its unique dialect and traditions. Visitors may hear the local dialect, known as Geordie, which includes phrases like “canny” meaning good or “howay” meaning come on.
The region is also known for its traditional Morris dancing, which is a form of folk dance performed by groups of dancers in colorful costumes.
Best Time to Visit North East England
The best time to visit North East England is during the summer months of June to September when temperatures are mild, and the days are long. The region can also be visited in the off-season, from October to May, when there are fewer crowds and accommodation is cheaper.
Do’s and Don’ts of North East England
Do:
- Try the local cuisine and beverages.
- Explore the Northumberland National Park.
- Visit the historical sites and museums.
- Take a boat tour of the Farne Islands.
- Attend a Morris dancing performance.
Don’t:
- Underestimate the weather, bring appropriate clothing and gear.
- Speak ill of the local dialect or traditions.
- Miss out on the opportunity to hike or bike in the region.
- Forget to respect the local culture and customs.
- Leave without trying the Stottie cake.
Safety and Health
Safety in North East England
North East England is generally a safe region, with low crime rates. Visitors should be aware of their surroundings, avoid unlit areas at night, and take basic precautions to protect their belongings.
Health in North East England
Visitors to North East England do not require any specific vaccinations. However, travelers should have adequate health insurance coverage in case of any medical emergencies. It’s also essential to take precautions against tick bites when hiking in the countryside, as they can transmit Lyme disease.
Getting to North East England: Transportation Options and Logistics
North East England is easily accessible by air, train, and bus. The Newcastle International Airport is the main airport in the region, with regular domestic and international flights.
Visitors can also reach the region by train, with regular services from London and other major cities to Newcastle, Durham, and other towns in the region. Bus services are also available, with several major bus companies operating services throughout the region.
Airports Near North East England
- Newcastle International Airport
- Durham Tees Valley Airport
Bus Stations Near North East England
- Newcastle Bus Station
- Middlesbrough Bus Station
- Sunderland Bus Station
Other Options
- Ferry services run from the Netherlands and Norway to Newcastle.
How to Get Around in North East England
North East England has an extensive public transportation network, including buses, trains, and the Metro system in Newcastle. Visitors can purchase a “North East Explorer” ticket, which offers unlimited travel on all public transportation in the region.
Driving is also an option, with several car rental companies available throughout the region. However, visitors should be aware that some of the roads in the countryside can be narrow and winding, and parking in larger towns and cities can be challenging.
Where to Go Next from North East England: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
North East England is well-connected to other parts of the country, making it easy to explore other destinations after your visit.
- Edinburgh, Scotland: Just two hours north of North East England, Edinburgh is a stunning city with a rich history and culture. Visitors can explore the Edinburgh Castle, walk along the Royal Mile, and sample the local cuisine.
- Lake District National Park: Located to the west of North East England, the Lake District is a stunning area of lakes and mountains, perfect for hiking and exploring.
- York: This historic city is located to the south of North East England and is famous for its Roman Walls and Gothic architecture.
Conclusion
North East England is a beautiful region with a rich cultural heritage and stunning landscapes. From hiking and biking to exploring historical landmarks and trying local cuisine, there’s something for everyone in North East England. With this guide, you can plan your trip to the region and make the most of your visit.
