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.
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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.
