North East England

You’ll find some real gems when visiting the North East of England, some hidden, but most standing out. This area encompasses South Yorkshire, West Yorkshire, North Yorkshire, all of which have their own delights, plus Leeds, York, Scarborough and Beverley. You’ll find some truly wonderful places to stay and visit and plenty of diverse landscapes and attractions to keep you entertained.

As you travel through the north, you’ll see places like Durham, with its famous cathedral, Northumberland with its castle-lined coastline, the historic Tyne and Wear.

Yorkshire

When you see the county of Yorkshire, you’ll understand why it is known as God’s Country by the locals. A visit to Yorkshire will subject you to stunning scenery, cities steeped with traditions and heritage, plus charming market towns, some amazing local delicacies and of course, plenty of unique areas to explore.
Yorkshire is such a large and diverse part of the North East, there is plenty to delight. The county is split into individual regions. In the county’s centre, you can head to York where you can admire the gothic York Minster cathedral, see where they film your favourite soaps by heading to the Yorkshire Dales, head to Scarborough for a spot of surfing, or head to a city, like Leeds, to take in museums, shopping and more.
The east of the county is the place to go for open farmland and estuaries. It is a favourite destination among walkers and the wildlife is amazing, with the chance to see hares, owls, butterflies and more. Spend time in market towns or follow in the footsteps of Philip Larkin and let the landscape inspire you.
West Yorkshire offers vibrant cities, towns proud of their industrial heritage and pretty villages. It is where Bronte fans need to head to explore the villages and vales where the famous literary family grew up.
The North of Yorkshire is full of cobbled passages and ancient forts, as well as some of the most stunning moors in the whole country. Whereas the South of the county is a place for jaw-dropping scenery. Take in places like Doncaster, where there is lots of history or walk around the Peak District. Plus the city of Sheffield where you’ll find plenty of interesting attractions.

Newcastle and Gateshead

These twin cities are linked by a series of bridges that cross the Tyne. There are museums and galleries galore in this area of the North East. Football fans will want to make the pilgrimage here to cheer on Newcastle United and shoppers will love the shops at the Metro Centre or Eldon Square.

Northumberland

Northumberland is a must for history buffs. There is an abundance of sites of historical interest, plus vast landscapes and plenty of wildlife. It is an area full of castles with battlements, portcullises and more, plus there are some beautiful sandy beaches. Just off the coast are the Farne Islands where you’ll get the chance to spot puffins.

Durham

Harry Potter fans will want to get a look at Durham Cathedral as its one of the buildings used in the films. It is a Wold Heritage site and certainly worth a visit! Durham is a treasure trove of historical sites, plus there are parks, living museums and miles of heather fields to explore. Plus fans of cricket will want to be in town for the Ashes.

Scarborough

If a beach get away is what you want from your Northern adventure, there are two sandy beaches to choose from. It is one of the north’s best surfing beaches, plus the coast gives you the chance to spot the local seal colonies. Sadly, Scarborough Fair, as made famous by Simon and Garfunkle no longer exists, but you’ll still find plenty of local produce and regular celebrations.

Leeds

Being a busy and thriving city, Leeds deserves a section all to itself. The city mixes the classic and contemporary like no other. It’s the perfect destination for anyone looking for culture, a vibrant nightlife or retail therapy.

These pages will show you all the best things to do and places to stay in the North East of England.