Fancy a day out in our beautiful area?
Why not have a look at some of information below and see if anything takes your fancy.
Do you enjoy having a look back in time. Beamish Open Air Museum situated about 20 minutes from Durham City Centre by car is the biggest open air museum in the country. You can experience life in the North of England from the 1900 onwards. The museum is a great day out and is easily accessible. The postcode for Beamish Open Air Museum is DH9 0RG. Please see link below for more details of what’s on and their opening times.
Beamish Museum
If you are a member of the National Trust or interested in National Trust venues we have four fabulous options that are in striking distance of Durham.
Crook Hall
Closest is Crook Hall and Gardens – These are characterful gardens on the edge of Durham city, set against the backdrop of a medieval hall.
Frankland Lane, Sidegate, Durham, DH1 5SZ
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/north-east/crook-hall-gardens
Gibside
Slightly further afield is Gibside which is about 40 minutes away just off the A1 near the Metrocentre.
This is a Georgian landscape garden forged in an industrial past.
Near Rowlands Gill, Gateshead, Tyne & Wear, NE16 6BG
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/north-east/gibside
In Northumberland there are two National Trust properties which are definitely worth a visit.
Wallington Hall
Wallington Hall is a lovely welcoming place which is really family and dog friendly.
It is where a historical house meets rolling hills, woodlands and a walled garden.
Cambo, near Morpeth, Northumberland, NE61 4AR
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/north-east/wallington
Cragside
Cragside is nestled in a lovely part of Northumberland in a small place called Rothbury. This house is powered by hydro electricity and was classed as a really modern house of the Victorian era.
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/north-east/cragside
Raby Castle
Raby Castle – You can enjoy the castle and gardens as well as the variety of activities that are on each month.
https://www.raby.co.uk/raby-castle/
Northumberland boasts one of the most beautiful coastlines in the country. There are number of places that we could recommend if this is something you fancy.
Dunstanburgh Castle
Dunstanburgh Castle this is just a 1.3 mile walk from the village of Craster.
https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/dunstanburgh-castle/
Craster
Craster is a lovely village which is also worth a visit for its Gastro pubs. https://thejollyfishermancraster.co.uk/
Alnwick Castle
Alnwick Castle and Gardens is well worth a visit. You will recognise the exterior of the castle from the Harry Potter films.
There are lovely gardens that are an attraction well worth a visit.
https://www.alnwickcastle.com/
Bamburgh Castle
Bamburgh Castle – there is a car park directly behind the Castle from which you can access the Castle. There is a lovely walk along the beautiful sandy beach as well as being able to visit the castle itself and admire the amazing views of the Northumberland coastline.
https://www.bamburghcastle.com/
Whilst in the Northumberland area there are a few things that are also worth a look if you have the time.
Northumberlandia
Northumberlandia – also known as the ‘The Lady of the North’ is situated just up the A1 near the market town of Cramlington just off the A1.
https://www.northumberlandia.com/about/about-the-lady/
Hadrians Wall
It would a shame not to visit Hadrians Wall whilst you are in the North East. There are a few different start points from where you can walk to what was Sycamore Gap. There is now a memorial and the remaining parts of the tree is protected.
The Sill
The Sill is a lovely visitor centre which is certainly worth a visit. You can enjoy a lovely walk along Hadrians Wall or enjoy the facilities at the visitor centre.
Steel Rigg Car Park is great place to park for a walk along Hadrians wall.
https://www.northumberlandnationalpark.org.uk/places-to-visit/hadrians-wall/steel-rigg/
Vindolanda
Vindolanda is former Roman Fort which has been excavated and is now a destination for all Roman enthusiasts.
Hamsterley Forest
On a lovely day we could also direct you to Hamsterley Forest which is about 45 minutes from the city centre of Durham by car. It is owned by the forestry commission and has plenty of different trails around the extensive woodland area.
https://www.forestryengland.uk/hamsterley-forest
If you prefer more of a retail therapy vibe there are plenty of options for you in the area.
Dalton Park
In County Durham we have Dalton Park which is a retail outlet just off the A19 just south of Durham City Centre.
https://www.dalton-park.co.uk/
Metro Centre
It would be remiss of us to not point you in the direction of the Metro Centre just off the A1 in Gateshead. The largest indoor shopping centre in Europe is well worth a visit.
Newcastle City Centre
Newcastle City Centre is a 10 minute train journey away. There is a wide variety of shops, bars and eateries both in the city centre and also on the Quayside.
https://newcastlegateshead.com/explore/newcastle-city-centre
City of York
Also, by train you can hop on a train and head south to the historic City of York. The train journey is about an hour. Here you can visit the wealth of bars, shops, eateries and also experience the array of historic places York has to offer.
