Top Things to do in North East England
Top Hotels in North East England
- 1. Maldron Hotel Newcastle
- 2. Malmaison Newcastle
- 3. Innside Newcastle
- 4. Travelodge Durham
- 5. Radisson Blu Hotel Durham
- 6. The Beaumont Hexham, Hotel
- 7. Travelodge Newcastle Quayside
- 8. Crowne Plaza Newcastle - Stephenson Quarter, an IHG Hotel
- 9. Premier Inn Newcastle City Centre (The Gate) hotel
- 10. Premier Inn Berwick-Upon-Tweed Hotel
The 10 Best Things to do Good for a Rainy Day in North East England, England
Discover the best top things to do in North East England, United Kingdom including Cragside House and Gardens, Victoria Tunnel, Andy Howeys Birds of Prey Centre, Mining Art Gallery, Newcastle Castle, St James' Park, The Discovery Museum, Head of Steam - Darlington Railway Museum, Durham Cathedral, The Bowes Museum.
Restaurants in North East England
1. Cragside House and Gardens
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3,424 reviews
Reviewed By davidfJ2126DK - Liverpool, United Kingdom
Whilst we are NT Members and visited for free, I'm conscious that it is quite pricey for non-members (currently £13.00 per adult/ £38.00 per family for house and gardens). It is however, well worth the price if you make a full day of it! Extensive gardens, unique hydro-electric power system, remarkable house, great childrens play areas and a delightful 5-6 mile drive all within the site with numerous stop-off points to enjoy walks, picnic areas and lakeside views. The cafe/restaurant is not cheap but the food we had was delicious. Note that the House is not open every day - check out the national Trust for details and restrictions, especially during gthe Winter months. To fully appreciate the intriguing story of Lord Armstrong (the previous owner of the property), a visit to Bambough castle (not National Trust) is also highly recommended, and we found it really enjoyable and fascinating.
2. Victoria Tunnel
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,894 reviews
Guided tours of the fully preserved 19th century coal waggonway and WW2 air-raid shelter. Pre-booking is essential and tickets can be booked online through our website or by telephone during office hours. Tours every day, check the website for details. Our extensive Covid-19 precautions have been assessed by Visit Britain and we have been awarded "Good to Go" certification.
Reviewed By 597derekp
15/12/18. Victory Pub Christmas Jolly Boys outing at the Victoria Tunnel. A thoroughly enjoyable and educational history tour of this amazing engineering feat of the 1840s. 2 fantastic volunteer guides. Fascinating facts about the tunnel's original use and later use during World War 2 as an air raid shelter for up to 9,000 people. Highly recommended.
3. Andy Howeys Birds of Prey Centre
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 527 reviews
Reviewed By PTStu - Motherwell, United Kingdom
We went as a family of 4 with our 2 boys (age 2 & 4). It was reptile day so we got to see and hold snakes, lizards, millipede, rat, baby owls and then the tarantula. The kids totally loved it and were buzzing. Me and Mum loved it too and managed to come out of our comfort zones by holding the tarantula and snake. The staff were so good with us they made it easy. I think we all enjoyed it as much as each other. I thoroughly recommend this for all ages. The staff really make the difference and make the experience good for kids & adults.
4. Mining Art Gallery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 108 reviews
The Mining Art Gallery will provide a permanent home for more than 400 works from prominent local artists connected with the regions mining communities, including Tom McGuinness and Norman Cornish. The gallery will be located in the former Old Bank Chambers in the heart of the Market Place. Parking available at North Bondgate car park, DL14 7PG. PLEASE NOTE: We are temporarily closed due to Covid-19.
Reviewed By 74alanm - Durham, United Kingdom
Took an elderly relative, who is an ex miner, to The Mining Art Gallery in Bishop Auckland Market Place. Excellent ...Oil paintings, sketches & drawing of life down coal mine and in the community. Not only if interest to ex pitmen. Assistance & info available from helpful guide. Price included a look up the nearby, newly built observation tower which has local historical info & fantastic high point views of Auckland Castle and surrounding area. A must do trip
5. Newcastle Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 870 reviews
Steeped in history this imposing Norman fortress, in the centre of Newcastle upon Tyne, is a rugged reminder of northern England's turbulent history. This was no baron's stately home. Newcastle Castle is a grim reminder of royal authority where armies gathered and criminals were imprisoned and executed. It is where the story of Newcastle began, the reason the city got its name and has the most commanding views over the city and the River Tyne. Open for the public to explore and enjoy our rich and varied history Newcastle Castle takes the safety of public and staff very seriously. Due to the Coronavirus pandemic we have introduced a number of measures to keep you safe whilst you explore, discover and enjoy.
Reviewed By Keith_Bnufc - England, United Kingdom
Spent about an hour and a half in there last week- interesting, informative, helpful staff and great views from the top. Only complaint was that it isn’t bigger!
6. St James' Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,435 reviews
Delve into Newcastle United's history all the way back to the late 1800s by joining us on a tour of the iconic St James' Park. Accompanied by a tour guide you will visit areas of the ground reserved for players and officials only, including the Home Dressing Room, Media Suite, Director's Box, and more. Tours last approximately 90 minutes, and run daily at 11.30, 12.30, And 14.30, At a cost of £15 an adult, £12 a concession, and £8 a junior.
Reviewed By Mikelemberg - Mill Valley, United States
Had opportunity to see my first premier league game at st James park. Sat up with the boisterous and loud fans. Super loud, singing and chanting. It is a bit rated R. Great stadium and atmosphere (and Newcastle won the first match of the season).
7. The Discovery Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,686 reviews
It’s free to get in to Discovery Museum, which is a massive space showcasing the best of Newcastle’s heritage over three floors and extensive galleries crammed with inventions, world-firsts, model ships and interactive activities for curious kids – and adults! Telling the story of Newcastle and its people from Roman times through to the present day Discovery Museum champions the spirit of the north east area. With events on all year.
Reviewed By nikkisuk
The museum is free to visit (although donations are gratefully received). We visited on a sunny Saturday and there was a steady flow of people but not by any means overcrowded. There are three floors of rooms that you can visit covering topics such as life locally, the local regiment, a science maze and on our visit there was an inventors section and the Stephenson Rocket exhibition. My two boys, aged nine and seven, thoroughly enjoyed their day there. Lots of the displays have reading but there is also a great deal of interactive exhibits. There is a cafe there but we took our own lunch and used the tables on the lower ground floor to picnic. There is no real outdoor space, other than the front on the pavement but the building is light and airy so that if it is a sunny day, you don't feel like you're missing out too much. Several car parks locally which are reasonable in price. Easily can spend a good four hours there.
8. Head of Steam - Darlington Railway Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 315 reviews
Visit the place where railways were born! Set in our original 1840's railway station follow the history of Darlington and the growth of the railways. We have a shop with souvenirs to suit all tastes and pockets and a varied events programme. There really is something for everyone!
Reviewed By 95jbc - West Boldon, United Kingdom
Enjoyed all of it.. great exhibits.. very educational and entertaining.. loved it all.. good coffee shop .. good parking
9. Durham Cathedral
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6,765 reviews
Durham Cathedral welcomes non-flash visitor photography. We have been a place of worship, welcome and hospitality for almost one thousand years. We rely on donations, and we suggest you give £3 per person to support the Cathedral's future. Located at the heart of the Durham UNESCO World Heritage Site, Durham Cathedral is one of the finest examples of Romanesque architecture in Europe. Built in 1093, the Cathedral is famous as the Shrine of St Cuthbert and the resting place of the Venerable Bede. Durham Cathedral also boasts the most intact surviving set of medieval monastic buildings in the UK. These spectacular spaces house Open Treasure, a world-class visitor experience which reveals the remarkable story of Durham Cathedral and its incredible collections through temporary and permanent exhibits for visitors of all ages. Charges apply to group tours, public tours and Open Treasure.
Reviewed By RafalWVIIX - Skoki, Poland
Durham Cathedral was second best place I'd a chance to visit during my short trip around north-east England. The Cathedral Church of Christ, Blessed Mary the Virgin and St Cuthbert of Durham is magnificent example of late Romanesque architecture with Gothic features incorporated here and there, that created harmonious whole. I would say, that Durham's Cathedral is fine example of transition form from late Romanesque style to the new, Gothic style. Construction of cathedral started in 1093, and took several decades, Stone edifice was erected in place of much smaller and humbler Anglo-Saxon wooden church. In thirteen century cathedral was already in need of repairing. Along with those necessary works, cathedral's expansion has progressed. From three towers that cathedral has acquired that time, the central one was damaged by lightning and then was rebuilt in 15th century. Thanks to new techniques developed during Medieval period cathedral was equipped with new rose and pointed arch windows characteristic for newborn architectural style that was taking over Europe, namely, Gothic. In 17th century cathedral was used as makeshift prison after the Battle of Dunbar. The prisoners, kept in inhumane conditions, destroyed much of the woodwork. These damages were partly restored in second half of 17th century by Bishop John Cosin. Works carried out in 18th and 19th centuries considerably altered cathedral's character. Much of the outer stone work of the cathedral was smoothed off and most of the Chapter House was demolished. Cosin's wooden organ screen was removed. During Victorian restoration Cathedral's central tower was refurbished, also new marble choir screen and pulpit in the Crossing were added. 20th century brought along with it restoring the Shrine of St Cuthbert behind the High Altar. Current, 21st century witnessed some more changes that took place in cathedral's interior. Two altars in Nine Altars Chapel were re-dedicated and new painting and sculptures were placed there. The Durham's Cathedral is a must see for everyone who's roaming around north-east England. What's made the greatest impression on me, were in the first place massive, Romanesque columns, and omnipresent arches. The Cathedral has unique atmosphere, and the play between the light and the shadow within its walls is truly amazing. Its exterior is no less impressive. One of the best cathedrals I'd ever seen. Period.
10. The Bowes Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,727 reviews
It’s been delighting visitors for more than 100 years, and now a £12m revamp has transformed The Bowes Museum into a must see 21st Century place to visit.A romantic history, stunning galleries, great location, fine dining, top class exhibitions, family fun events, a thriving toddler group – all these can be discovered inside this fabulous listed building which resembles a French chateau.And that’s not all. It’s surrounded by parkland, woodland walks, formal gardens and a newly opened children’s play area.No visit is complete without a browse in our shop, or a delicious snack in Café Bowes.If you’re looking for a great day out, make The Bowes Museum your destination of choice. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook for up to the minute info on what’s on when.
Reviewed By amdgriggs - Sheffield, United Kingdom
Finally made it here, having mistakenly thought for years this was a little local history museum, and wow! Amazing and impressive French chateau style building, imposing setting, and a huge and fascinating collection. We quickly decided to concentrate on just a couple of areas to avoid being completely overwhelmed, so watched the unique silver swan demo (of course!) and then went round the absorbing section on the history of the museum followed by the delightful temporary exhibition on the Pre-Raphaelites. We also managed two visits to the excellent cafe (lovely homemade soup and cheese scones) - so much cosier than the cold and windy day outside. A great discovery for me - I’d be delighted to come for another visit to explore further.
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