England - North East

With the spectacular Hadrian’s Wall running through the middle of this great region, this really is an area of contrasts, with a great coastline to the east and mountains and moors to the west.   With the famous Holy Island,  this area claims to be the Cradle of Christianity.  Newcastle and Durham stand out as thriving shopping areas and plenty to do at night.  The award winning Gatehead Millennium Bridge is a fantastic piece of architecture.  The large area of Yorkshire spreads through many a county and borough and includes some of the UKs great tourist attractions such as Harrogate, York and Leeds along side the famous Yorkshire Moors and countryside.  Whatever you might be expecting, expect something different in the fast-moving cultural area, it has an energy and excitement that is distinctly, uniquely its own and blends world-class attractions with a 2000 years of history.

NEWCASTLE
Newcastle offers just what you would expect and more from one of the UK’s premier cities – great culture, history, art, food and shopping. The Tyneside area has recently been rejuvenated beyond all expectations. You can walk or cycle the great Gateshead Millennium Bridge, which is a stunning piece of architecture linking both sides of the Tyne.  For shopping you must visit the Metrocentre in Gatehead which is one of the largest shopping and leisure centres in the UK.

NORTHUMBERLAND
Northumberland includes England’s most northerly town, Berwick-on-Tweed.  With it’s Georgian sandstone houses and medieval alleyways this is a charming place to visit. View the very well preserved buildings and shop around the Guildhall in some most characterful and unique places .  In the evening the Guildhall still rings the curfew bell.  Walkers and art lovers can take the Lowry Trail which covers 6 miles exploring Berwick’s relationship with Art. This coastline offers white sands and dunes of the Heritage Coast.  Take in the beaches of Belford and Seahouses which are some of the finest in England. The Holy Islands 16th century castle is also a must visit.  Plan your trip at low tide to make the pilgrimage to Lindisfarne where this castle lays.

DURHAM
A charming place to visit, Durham was described by Bill Bryson as 'a perfect little city'. The cathedral and castle are designated world heritage sites. The cathedral is one of the finest Norman Cathedrals in the world, housing the tombs of St Cuthbert and the Venerable Bede.
Durham is also an international centre of learning, with one of Britain's leading universities.  England’s largest waterfall is also in County Durham. 

YORKSHIRE - HARROGATE, YORK AND LEEDS
Enjoy the best of this regions hospitality.  This great area stretches across North Yorkshire, East Riding of Yorkshire and a number of city boroughs including Leeds, Doncaster and Sheffield.   Harrogate in North Yorkshire has character and charm.  Once a popular Victorian spa centre you can take in the history by visiting the Royal Pump Room Museum.  Here is plenty of culture in the form of the Theatre and the  Mercer Art Gallery.  There are many eateries and the town has a great cafe culture.  Top marks for boutique shopping and antiques too.  There are some marvelous green open spaces, relax in 200 acres surrounding the town, such as Valley Gardens and view the many floral displays that enhance the town’s beauty. 

York is one the UK’s top cities to visit.  History is everywhere and there are so many cultured attractions to visit.  There is the Jorvik centre which will take you back the Viking era, the Yorkshire Wheel, York Minster, and the Dungeons amongst many other attractions that are so popular in this great city.  You could also view the city by guide, horse and carriage or open top bus!

Leeds a little further south is another city not to be missed. It has a compact city centre and is therefore easily explored by foot. It has been transformed in later years into a contemporary city with a thriving arts and culture scene.  To the East you can enjoy countryside and coastline.  The award winning trans Pennine Cycle Trail and the Yorkshire Wolds Way is waiting to be explored.  Along this coast you can enjoy some typical British seaside resorts such as Whitby and Bridlington.

Finally we cannot discover Yorkshire without mentioning the famous Moors. This is the great outdoors with a range of recreational activities on your doorstep.  The Moors also offer solitude, where you can walk for miles through the heather moorland.  The most notable market towns Pickering, Helmsley, Kirkbymoorside and Malton are all steeped in tradition and waiting to offer you the typical Yorkshire hospitality.  This is also where many a classic TV program has been filmed.