This is the edifice from which the city of Newcastle (‘new castle’) got its name. A 12th century defensive fortress, added to over the centuries, Newcastle Castle is steeped in history and grandeur, with a 43 foot high Great Hall and stunning views across the city.

Explore the history of glassmaking in Britain, and Sunderland’s rich glassblowing heritage in particular, at the National Glass Centre, as well as enjoying demonstrations from the skilled team and exhibited work from some of the world’s best glass and ceramic artists.

Situated in the town of Barnard Castle, County Durham, the Bowes Museum combines an astonishing historic building with a nationally-significant art collection.

Seven Stories, the National Centre for Children’s Books in Newcastle, is dedicated to bringing stories for children to life through exhibitions and events. There’s an on site bookshop and cafe, as well as an extraordinary archive of children’s literature.

Part of the Durham UNESCO World Heritage Site, along with Durham Castle, Durham Cathedral has been in daily use for 900 years, contains the remains of two saints and was dubbed ‘the best cathedral on Planet Earth’ by Bill Bryson. Climb the 325 steps up the cathedral tower for incredible views across the city.

Founded by the owner of a thriving wine shop and beer bottling company, important gifts and bequests from prominent public figures and successful industrialists helped to build a collection at Laing Art Gallery in Newcastle that’s now of Designated status, with Victorian art particularly well represented.

This historic theatre in Durham was built in the 18th century and formerly used as a ballroom. The Assembly Rooms now hosts touring productions and work by its resident theatre companies, and was extensively refurbished in 2019.

Located in the village of Washington outside Sunderland, manor house and National Trust property Washington Old Hall incorporates part of the medieval home of George Washington’s ancestors.

Celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2021, the Northern Gallery for Contemporary Art is one of the oldest contemporary art galleries in Britain. Occupying 3,000 square feet inside the National Glass Centre, the gallery showcases work from both new and established artists in its changing exhibition programme.

The leading independent cinema in the North East, Tyneside Cinema in Newcastle screens the best new releases from the UK and internationally in historic Art Deco surrounds, as well as hosting a programme of regular live events.

Discover a museum exploring Sunderland’s history, critically-acclaimed art exhibitions and a tropical winter garden – all under one roof.

Part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site with Durham Cathedral, Durham Castle has been continually occupied since the 11th century and is now a part of Durham University. Discover the fascinating history and collections of this historic building.

This premier international centre for contemporary art occupies a former flour mill on the banks of the River Tyne in Newcastle, and hosts exhibitions by the world’s leading artists.

Beamish is an open air, living museum that tells the story of life in the North of England through a 1900s town, colliery and pit cottages, 1940s farm and Pockerley Old Hall, which dates back to the 1820s. There are even traditional shopping and dining options, as well as a railway station and tramway.

The North’s leading gallery of craft and design, The Shipley holds a collection of Designated national importance, including 800 paintings and works on paper, as well as one of the best contemporary craft holdings outside of London.