5 days in the north-east of England
Introduction
The north-east of England contrasts cosmopolitan cities against a proud industrial history and breathtaking landscapes. Watched over by the Angel of the North, stylish Newcastle is a city full of foodie gems and raucous nightlife that’s legendary throughout Britain. If you’re seeking tradition, Durham, with its castle and cathedral, is bursting with history. While bordering Scotland, the county of Northumberland features seaside castles, peaceful countryside and rare wildlife on its islands.
Here’s our pick of the top things to see and do over five days in the north-east of England:
Days 1-2 - Newcastle
Days 1 – 2 – Newcastle
Under the wings of Britain’s biggest sculpture, the Angel of the North, sits the friendly city of Newcastle. Locals, AKA Geordies, are known for their sense of humour and fun-loving spirit, which guarantees an unforgettable night out in Newcastle’s many pubs and clubs. But don’t go thinking this city is one note – head to creative quarter Ouseburn for art galleries, bookshops and a community farm, or sample international cuisine at Grainger Market.
Things to do in Newcastle
Getting to Newcastle
Newcastle International Airport welcomes flights from over 80 European destinations, and is connected to Newcastle city centre by the Tyne and Wear Metro. The journey takes around 25 minutes.
Newcastle is around 280 miles (450km) from London. Regular train services from London King’s Cross station are operated by LNER and Northern, and take around three hours.
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Days 3-4 - Northumberland
Days 3 – 4 – Northumberland
Close to Newcastle by distance, but a world away in terms of scenery, culture and population, change the pace as you step into England’s northernmost county. Things to do in Northumberland include surfing on the coastlines of Bamburgh Castle, puffin spotting in the Farne Islands and stargazing in some of Britain’s darkest skies. Visit charming towns with award-winning restaurants, and discover traditional festivals and celebrations unique to this part of the country.
Things to do in Northumberland
Getting to Northumberland from Newcastle
Depending on your desired destination, there are several options for reaching Northumberland from Newcastle via public transport. Trains to Berwick-upon-Tweed take around 45 minutes, while trains to Morpeth take only 12 minutes. Getting around the region is easy too, thanks to an excellent local bus network in Northumberland.
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Day 5 – Durham
Day 5 – Durham
With a spectacular cathedral that’s featured in the Harry Potter and Avengers franchises, it’s safe to say that beautiful Durham is always camera ready. It’s a city steeped in history, featuring medieval castles and world-class museums, but Durham is far from old-fashioned. Explore a local gin distillery, take a food tour, or visit in the summer months to experience the city’s annual Pride celebration or eclectic Fringe Festival.
Things to do in Durham
Getting to Durham from Northumberland
Trains from Morpeth in Northumberland to Durham take around 30 minutes. There are also several bus routes around the region operated by Arriva and Go North East.
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North-East of England FAQs
Durham Cathedral was founded in 1093, while Durham Castle dates from the late 11th century. Both have stood for more than 900 years and remain central to Durham’s historic cityscape.
Bamburgh Castle has more than 3,000 years of history. The site has served as a royal stronghold, medieval fortress and coastal home, overlooking the Northumberland coast.
If your dog is well behaved, it’s welcome in certain parts of Beamish Museum, particularly the outdoor areas but should be kept on a short leash. There may be restrictions for certain indoor sections of the museum. It should also be noted that no dogs are allowed at evening events.
Grainger Market is home to a variety of independent food traders. Visitors can find local specialities, baked goods, snacks and international street food, making it a useful stop while exploring Newcastle city centre.
It’s open 9am – 5:30pm Monday – Saturday and closed on Sundays.
The Angel of the North is in Gateshead, approximately five miles (8km) south of Newcastle city centre. Standing 20 metres high with a wingspan of 54 metres, it is one of north-east England’s most recognisable landmarks.