A Local’s Guide to the North East

The North East of England is a rich tapestry of coastline, castles, countryside, and culture – each stretch steeped in history and brimming with local character. Whether you’re visiting for windswept beach walks, hearty pub grub, or family-friendly fun, this is a region best explored like a local. Here’s everything you need to know to get the most out of your trip to Northumberland, Durham, Redcar & East Cleveland, and Tyne & Wear.

Our Top 10 Must Do’s

Walk Hadrian’s Wall at Sycamore Gap

A world-famous section of Roman wall with cinematic scenery.

Visit Bamburgh Castle

Towering above one of England’s most beautiful beaches.

Experience Durham Cathedral

One of Europe’s greatest Norman buildings.

Catch a live gig at Sage Gateshead

Music, architecture, and views rolled into one.

Ride the North Yorkshire Moors Railway from Grosmont

A steam train journey through dramatic moorland.

Explore Saltburn’s Victorian charm

Cliff lift, pier, and surfer vibes.

Sample fresh seafood at Riley’s Fish Shack in Tynemouth

A true coastal treat.

Sip coffee on Grey Street, Newcastle

One of the UK’s most elegant city streets.

Get hands-on at Beamish, the Living Museum of the North

History brought to life for all ages.

Walk through the wilds of Kielder Forest

Stargazing and solitude await.

Historic Sites

Durham Cathedral & Castle

A UNESCO World Heritage Site with a thousand years of history. Don’t miss the cathedral’s cloisters (featured in Harry Potter) and the castle tours.

Hadrian’s Wall

Housesteads, Vindolanda, and Chesters Fort offer immersive Roman experiences. Vindolanda even has live digs and a Roman Army Museum.

Bamburgh Castle

Explore the Armstrong collection, enjoy the tearoom with sea views, and attend open-air theatre events in summer.

Tynemouth Priory and Castle

Steeped in Anglo-Saxon and Victorian history. Walk the headland and soak in panoramic coastal views.

Guisborough Priory

Peaceful ruins surrounded by manicured gardens. Perfect for a quiet afternoon with a picnic.

Alnwick Castle and Gardens

Film location for Hogwarts and Downton Abbey. The adjacent gardens are award-winning, with treehouses and water sculptures.

Warkworth Castle

A dramatic riverside fortress with a hidden hermitage only accessible by boat.

South Shields Roman Fort (Arbeia)

A reconstructed garrison and museum that brings Roman frontier life to vivid reality.

Walks

The Cleveland Way

Saltburn to Whitby stretch offers clifftop views and quiet coastal paths. Perfect for walkers of all levels.

Craster to Dunstanburgh Castle

A short and easy coastal walk with dramatic ruins as your reward. Continue onward to Embleton Bay for golden sands.

The Derwent Walk

Follows an old railway line from Consett to Swalwell. Ideal for peaceful, shaded strolls.

Simonside Hills, Northumberland

Offers 360-degree views across the Cheviots. A moderate challenge with fantastic scenery.

Hamsterley Forest Trails

Family trails, mountain bike paths, and woodland sculpture walks all in one place.

Jesmond Dene, Newcastle

Urban tranquillity with Victorian parkland, waterfalls, and a petting zoo.

Kielder Forest & Lakeside Way

26 miles of well-marked paths around the reservoir. Great for longer hikes.

Wainwright’s Coast to Coast Path

Catch a North East section near Richmond or Reeth for sweeping valley views.

Cycling

C2C (Coast to Coast)

Cross the Pennines from Whitehaven to Sunderland. The final stretch into Roker Beach is scenic and celebratory.

Kielder Water & Forest Park

Hire a bike and explore the Lakeside Way or more challenging mountain trails.

Redcar to Saltburn

A seaside ride that passes beaches, cliffs, and viewpoints. Perfect for a summer evening.

Waskerley Way

Part of the National Cycle Network. Suitable for families and road bikes. Connects to other rural routes.

The Tyne Riverside Park Loop

Starting at Newburn, this flat route passes cafes and countryside.

Alnmouth Loop

Explore country lanes and riverside views, with Alnmouth Beach as a rewarding endpoint.

Durham Heritage Coast Cycleway

A mix of rural farmland and coastal paths, with nature reserves along the way.

Hamsterley Bike Park

Downhill trails for mountain biking enthusiasts. Also has green family-friendly tracks.

Beaches

Druridge Bay, Northumberland

7 miles of golden sand. Often empty, great for kites, dogs, and serenity.

Saltburn-by-the-Sea

Victorian pier, surf schools, cliff tramway, and charming seafront cafes.

Tynemouth Longsands

One of the region’s busiest beaches with plenty of space, surf rentals, and lifeguards.

Marsden Bay

Explore caves and rock pools, then stop at Marsden Grotto pub carved into the cliffs.

Seaton Carew

Ideal for families. Donkey rides, amusements, and long, sandy stretches.

Embleton Bay

Wild, windswept and often deserted. Dunstanburgh Castle looms in the background.

Bamburgh Beach

With its castle backdrop and fine white sand, it’s a must-visit. Popular but never crowded.

Seaham Hall Beach

Famous for sea glass and cliff-top views. Great photo opportunities.

Food & Drink

The Pub & Kitchen, Cassop

A village pub with a contemporary twist.

The Potted Lobster, Bamburgh

Beautifully presented dishes in a relaxed coastal setting.

Riley’s Fish Shack, Tynemouth

Wood-fired seafood served in a beach shack setting with unbeatable views.

The Owl & Otter, County Durham

A gastropub serving homemade British food in comfort and style.

House of Tides South Shields

Michelin star and four AA Rosette-awarded restaurant, in a beautifully restored former merchants town house, right on the Quayside.

Restaurant Pine, Newcastle

Overlooking the rolling countryside, right by Hadrian’s Wall, this Michelin-starred restaurant offers an intimate dining experience.

The Bay Horse, Hurworth

Elegant yet cosy, serving seasonal British dishes.

Cellar Door, Durham

A fine dining experience in a 13th century converted cellar, that overlooks the river in Durham.

Colman Sea Food Temple, South Shields

Serving the finest seafood and fish and chips since 1926, done to perfection.

The Seaview Restaurant, Saltburn

Overlooking Saltburn’s long stretch of golden sands and dramatic cliffs, enjoy fresh seafood caught in local waters each day.

Tynemouth Colonel Porters, Newcastle

An emporium that celebrates their journey. A tavern, botanical garden and rhum bar. A true northern star.

Stack, Newcastle

Live music venue providing delicious street food, excellent entertainment and much more. Check out the Seaburn one too!

Alnwick’s Dirty Bottles

A quirky bar and smokehouse with ghost stories and great whiskey.

The Fish Shack, Amble

A snug restaurant in Amble, purpose built from an old boat. Overlooking the River Coquet and Warkwoth Castle in the distance.

The Joiners Arms, Newton-by-the-Sea

A gastro pub exuding rustic and familiar village, pub vibes.

Bamburgh Walled Garden, Bamburgh

A gorgeous garden café, and outdoor playgroup. A perfect family spot.

Dog Friendly Spots

Bamburgh Beach

Vast, open and dog friendly year-round. Dogs love it and so do their humans.

Hamsterley Forest

Trails of all lengths, off-lead areas, and streams to splash in.

The Ship Inn, Low Newton

A tiny pub on the beach with dog treats and local ales.

Saltburn Valley Gardens

Gentle wooded walks and paw-friendly pathways.

Jesmond Dene Park

A hidden valley in Newcastle with a petting zoo and river walks.

HamsNorthumberland National Park

Miles of moorland, hills, and streams for roaming.

Marsden Bay

Plenty of rock pools to sniff and explore.

South Gare & Coatham Marsh

Off-lead fun and wildlife watching near Redcar.

Family Friendly Spots

Beamish Museum

Travel back through time with trams, shops, and hands-on fun.

Life Science Centre, Newcastle

Space, STEM, and a planetarium all in one place.

Adventure Valley, Durham

Farm animals, zip wires, and indoor play areas.

Whitehouse Farm, Morpeth

Tractor rides, feeding sessions, and a reptile house.

Blue Reef Aquarium, Tynemouth

Sharks, seals, and close encounters.

Blue Reef Aquarium, Tynemouth

Sharks, seals, and close encounters.

Saltburn Miniature Railway

Delightful for small children (and nostalgic adults).

The Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle

Art, fashion, and a silver swan automaton that enchants all ages.

Activities for All

Surfing at Tynemouth and Saltburn

Catch a wave or try paddleboarding.

Stargazing at Kielder Observatory

One of the darkest skies in Europe. Pre-book for an unforgettable night.

Grey Street coffee crawl, Newcastle

Independent cafés, people-watching, and architectural beauty.

Art at BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art

Free entry, bold exhibitions, and riverside views.

Alnwick Garden Treehouse

Have a treetop dinner or explore rope bridges.

Durham Riverside Walk

Follow the Wear past rowing boats and ancient bridges.

Spa day at Seaham Hall

Coastal luxury and award-winning relaxation.

Explore Ouseburn Valley

Independent galleries, artisan bakeries, and Canalside pubs.

Getting Around the North East

By Car

Ideal for exploring Northumberland, the Durham Dales, and the coast at your own pace.

Tyne & Wear Metro

Connects central Newcastle, Gateshead, Sunderland, and the beaches. Affordable and efficient.

Rail

Regular trains run between major towns like Durham, Darlington, Newcastle, and Berwick-upon-Tweed.

Bus Services

Reliable and frequent within towns. Look for Arriva, Go North East, and Stagecoach.

Cycling

Many designated paths including parts of the National Cycle Network. Bike hire available in towns and at visitor centres.

Walking

Many areas are compact and perfect for exploring on foot. Coastal paths and nature reserves are well signposted.

Ferries on the Tyne

Enjoy a quick hop between North and South Shields on the passenger ferry.

Tourist Shuttles

Some rural attractions offer seasonal shuttles from major towns—check ahead online.

Airports

Newcastle International Airport serves domestic and international destinations, with metro links to the city.

Places to stay

Visit our handpicked collection of unique and characterful holiday homes across the North East. From cosy coastal cottages to countryside hideaways and stylish city pads, Treetops & Tides will help you find your perfect North East holiday home.