Things to do in the North East

Polly Checkland Harding

Industrial heritage, medieval architecture, stunning landscapes and world-class culture: the North East of England has it all. Stretching along the North Sea coast, the area encompasses Northumberland in the north, with the cities of Newcastle, Sunderland and Durham dotted beneath. Newcastle is the unofficial capital, a vibrant, historic and cultural city on the banks of the River Tyne. Here, medieval buildings signal the city’s military and mercantile standing in the middle ages, including the castle after which it was named. Today, Newcastle is a creative destination, the centre filled with outstanding Georgian architecture, internationally significant art galleries and renowned theatres.

Dominated by its cathedral and castle, Durham also boasts medieval streets – alongside a rich mining heritage and contemporary cultural attractions that include the recently renovated Assembly Rooms Theatre. The Bowes Museum at Barnard Castle is a combination of the above, marrying art, fashion and design with a truly magnificent historic building. Over in Sunderland, industrial heritage sits shoulder to shoulder with modern art: home to the National Glass Centre, the city has seen its 1907 fire station transformed into an arts hub and restaurant, with the Sunderland Museum, Library and Winter Garden charting the area’s long and varied history.

Read on to discover more of the best things to do in the North East.

What's on in North East

Where to go in North East

North East
Shop
Bookwyrm

This LGBTQ+ bookshop, nestled in the heart of Durham’s city centre, is more than a business but rather is a community hub.

North East
Museum
Museum of Archaeology

Durham University’s specialist museum showcases an exhibition which ranges from the prehistory to modern times, charting the history of Durham.

North East
Museum
Oriental Museum

Durham University displays a devoted exhibition, looking at the art and archaeology of the great cultures of Northern Africa and Asia.

North East
Theatre
The Durham

A home for theatre in Durham, showcasing many talents such as those of the Durham Dramatic Society at greatly affordable prices.

North East
Restaurant
Boquerones Tapas and Cocktails

Beautifully rustic Mediterranean interiors, animated atmosphere and mouth watering food all work in happy unison to make a visit to Boquerones Tapas and Cocktails always agreeable.

North East
Bar or Pub
Think Tank?

This live-music venue in Newcastle fundamentally was born out of a desire to host local talent.

North East
Restaurant
Little Buildings

One of Newcastle’s most well loved gig venues, Little Buildings is open 7 days a week and remains a local favourite.

North East
Gallery
Hatton Gallery

The diverse collection includes over 3,000 works from the 14th – 20th centuries, available through Newcastle University grounds.

North East
Gallery
The Biscuit Factory

A converted Victorian warehouse, with over 250 collections of work on display at any given time, as well as The Factory Kitchen Café.

North East Visitor Guides

Walks in Sunderland
Walks in Sunderland

A cultivated array of walks and cultural spaces to visit, with nods to local history, sporting events, landmarks and heritage.

Walks in Durham
Walks in Durham

A curated guide on where to walk in Durham, featuring riverside routes, easy ambles, sought-out hikes and marked cultural stopping points.

Walks in Newcastle
Walks in Newcastle

A guide to the most attractive, rewarding and beautiful walks in central Newcastle and the landscape beyond.

The Kingslodge Inn
Hotels in the North East

To make life easy when it comes to booking your stay, here’s our guide to the best hotels in the North East of England.

The Grainger Market
Shopping in the North East

Our guide to the best shops in the North East of England, including independents, boutiques and markets in Durham, Newcastle and Sunderland.

Easter Holidays in Manchester and the North
Spotlight on

Things to do over the Easter Holidays

Looking for some ideas to keep little and big kids as busy as the Easter bunny? Check out our guide.

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