Food
Days Out
Beach
Bike & Hike
Sports
Nature
Gardens
Activities
Historical
Eating & Drinking
Enjoy excellent food complemented by an extensive wine list and first-class service in the exceptionally comfortable and relaxing ambiance of the Red Well Inn.
These tearooms are popular for their seasonal farm-fresh menu of light lunches, homemade cakes and refreshments. Its farm shop also stocks locally produced fruit and vegetables, cheeses and award-winning home reared and prepared meats.
This traditional village pub serves good home cooked food and is especially renowned for its Sunday lunches.
This friendly family run pub offers three distinct experiences in each of its cocktail bar, lounge and restaurant. The restaurant's proud claim is to serve a 'world of food' in an eclectic menu ranging from oriental dishes to meat platters.
Here you'll enjoy a friendly atmosphere, good food and excellent service where attention to detail are the watchwords. Check out the early bird menu featuring a 3 Course Meal for only £8.95!
Chapters restaurant can be found in Stokesley, just outside the North York Moors. It offers a good selection of classic dishes, given a contemporary twist, and served in Mediterranean themed surroundings.
An absolute must visit. Delicious food, exceptional service and a superb setting. Elegant, funky and very relaxed; this venue has a whole host of events on throughout the week. Go casual early and enjoy the laid back atmosphere, or dress up for dinner later in the evening and have a cocktail in this vibrant restaurant.
Fun Days Out
Richmond - 12.5 Miles (20 KM)
Richmond is a historic market town set on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Places to visit and things to see include monuments, abbeys, a Norman castle and the cobbled market place surrounded by Georgian buildings. The town is threaded by the fast-flowing River Swale and surrounded by breathtaking scenery - its restored railway station is a must to visit, with its cafe/restaurant, cinema, art gallery, micro-brewery and bakery.
Hall Hill Farm is home to a number of farmyard animals, some of which you can stroke and feed. Visitors here can enjoy a complimentary farm trailer ride and there are also donkey rides.
Durham - 16.2 Miles (25.9 KM)
Durham is a compact city offering a wide range of attractions, shops and restaurants. The panoramic view of the cathedral and castle has been described as ?one of the finest architectural experiences of Europe? and together they are now designated a World Heritage Site.
The Forbidden Corner is one of England's most recent follies. Comprising a unique labyrinth of tunnels, chambers, follies, paths and passages that lead nowhere, it's great fun to explore.
The Wensleydale Railway runs steam trains between Leeming Bar and Redmire via Bedale and Leyburn. The 17 mile trip takes approximately 50 minutes.
Beamish is a world famous open air museum whose reconstructed streets and houses tell the story of the people of North East England at two important points of their history - 1825 and 1913.
This fascinating combination of woodland garden, bird of prey and mammal centre is home to some of the largest and rarest trees and shrubs in England. There are tree trails, a nature trail and a children's trail, a large lake, picnic area and a children's play area. Visitors can take part in the raptor flying demonstrations and enjoy the new mammal enclosures, including 'Meerkat Island' and 'Walk Through Wallaby Wood'.
Karting North East is best known as a premier karting circuit but, it offers much more with others activities like paintballing, rage rally, archery, off road 4x4 and tomahawk throwing also available. They are located in Warden Law Motorsport Centre in Sunderland offering the perfect environment to pursue the choice of activities on offer. They have a long established reputation that has earned them the position of being one of the best activity centres in the country. Their karting circuit is unparalleled it is both fast and technical with lots of hairpin turns, tight corners, straights and much more. Riders have to be eight to use the karts but there is a two seater kart that children aged five can ride in with an adult, as long as they have a full driving licence. The paintball facility is a newer addition and is the biggest paintball arena in the UK, it is different in that spectators can see you play, it is a realistic combat environment with plenty of features. The off road experience uses a fleet of ex Army Landrovers on a specially designed track. Rage Rally is fast and responsive and offers a thrilling driving experience. All equipment is maintained and of the highest standard and safety is paramount, but, they still ensure a fun time is had by all. Before engaging in an activity a safety briefing is given as well as a run down on equipment, rules etc. The staff are friendly, fun, enthusiastic, patient and highly trained. There are a range of offers and packages available so check these out before booking. There are plenty of areas to sit that are comfortable and offer great views of the track as well as refreshments available, if you are not partaking. Karting North East offers a range of fun and adrenaline filled activities that everyone can get involved in and have fun with, a great group or family outing, children will love you if you book a sesion here.
The Giants Den is a massive 15,000 square feet of non-stop fun for children up to 12 years of age. The adventure starts here!
HMS Trincomalee represents the pinnacle of the ship restorer's craft and visitors can now savour its unique atmosphere and experience what life was like onboard this classic British Frigate.
The centre operates with families in mind and children can meet hundreds of parkland animals in a parkland setting. Lots of children's activities are run in the school holidays.
Lightwater Valley Theme Park is renowned for its friendly atmosphere and thrilling line up of amazing rides, including Europe's longest rollercoaster, the stomach churning 'Eagles Claw'.
Beach
No recommended Beach found within 30 miles of this property.
Biking & Hiking
A former railway line that is now a lovely traffic free path open to pedestrians, cycles, horses, and dogs, its 10.5 mile route winds all the way up from Swalwell to Consett.
Swainby - 21.5 Miles (34.4 KM)
A moderately hard walk, with steep climbing and descent. Journey from Swainby onto the Cleveland Hills. Once you've admired the view, the track descends into woodland, through Faceby and concludes at Whorlton Castle. The castle is definitely worth investigating as it is home to the remains of a Motte and Bailey.
A circular walk on Roseberry Topping and across to Captain Cook's monument. The walk should take about 3 hours and is classed as moderate in difficulty.
Golf & Sports
This community leisure centre offers a range of facilities including a 25m swimming pool, toddler pool, skate park, squash courts, adventure play area and fitness suite.
Just one mile north of Barnard Castle town centre, this is an excellent 18 hole golf course. Play a round on this beautiful course and soak up the lovely, local scenery.
This community swimming pool offers a range of facilities including a 25m swimming pool, 3 diving boards and two water slides. You can also play squash or hit the gym.
This fabulous 18 hole golf course is ideally situated on the outskirts of the picturesque town of Richmond. Its clubhouse offers a bar and restaurant.
This community swimming pool offers a range of facilities including a jacuzzi, steam room and sauna - as well as general fun sessions for all the family.
A great place for course fishing and a well know local carp haven. Some fish caught here have weighed in at 30lbs! There is also Perch, Pike, Bream and Roach to be found in plentiful supply in the lake.
For all your parachuting needs! Based on Shotton Airfield, it offers parachuting and light aviation. Basic parachute courses involve a day's training before 3,200ft solo jump.
Premier paragliding school in the UK offering BHPA courses in the Lakes and Yorkshire Dales. See the stunning scenery from the air as qualified instructors guide you in a taster course of this exhilarating sport.
F1K Indoor Go karting Newcastle is a fast adrenaline fuelled motorsport
experience that is suitable for all from 8 years and over. Safety,
professionalism and value for money can be found at this all weather indoor
venue.
Aerial extreme combines the buzz of a theme park ride with outdoor adventure. You can trek high above the floor either through trees or on one of the urban pole courses.
Prudhoe Waterworld has a 25m pool incorporated into a free form shape with shallow beach area, a wave machine and 40m aqua-slide plus plenty of other activities.
Nature Reserves
With plenty of waymarked cycle and walking trails, this is the perfect start point from which to explore the beautiful nearby North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It also features a visitor's centre, tearooms and an adventure play area.
A stunning lake, in a beautiful part of North Yorkshire. Keep an eye out for shovelers, merlins, oystercatchers, curlew sandpipers and yellow wagtails, to name a few. A whole host of various species of wildlife have made their home in and around the peaceful area that is Swale Lake.
Summerhill Country Park and Outdoor Nature Reserve combines two very different but appealing attractions in one site. Extending to 100 acres there is ample space to run and roam around, children will love playing hide and seek amongst the trees and playing in the two adventure playground. There are nature trails to explore, they vary in length as well as bike trails, where you will see lots of the local wildlife. The activities available here include indoor climbing, archery, balance bikes, high rope courses, mountain biking and environmental activities. They run a range of events and clubs, aimed at all ages, with an explorers club, pond dipping, mini beast safari, seasonal discovery walks, Nordic walking, seasonal art and craft activities, den building and lots more. There are lots of activities aimed at families for the school holidays. There is a nice cafe that serves a good election of hot and cold meals, it is warm and inviting and the prices are very reasonable, perfect on a cold winters day. The park is well maintained and kept clean. There is a visitor centre where you can get information on the park and the history of the region from Saxon times to present. The park is open daily and there is no charge for entry however, the certain activities have to be paid for and it is advisable to book these in advance. Summerhill Country Park offers loads of wide open space, fresh air, peace and tranquillity and an abundance of activities if required, the ideal place for a day out as something to suit everyone and it doesn't have to be expensive.
A fascinating centre to visit, showcasing 30 different species of birds. Enjoy ?The Ultimate Hands on Experience? where visitors get the opportunity to hold some of the birds of prey, watch them fly and dive all around you and learn all about these spellbinding creatures.
Gardens & Woodlands
A moorland country park on the banks of the Derwent Reservoir, ideal for that country walk with the dog or cycling by the river.
Roker Park Conservation Area is a municipal park that first opened to the public in 1880, it is found in a deep natural ravine close to the centre of Sunderland. It is a beautiful park that extends to six hectares of shrubland, flower beds, woodland, manicured lawns and wide open green spaces, a garden for the blind and a boating lake, as well as bowling greens, basketball area, football courts and tennis courts. Amongst the ancient oak trees is a network of caves and tunnels that were used by Smugglers in the past. The park is well designed and maintained and showcases its many fine features. Located in the park is a charming Victorian bandstand that dates to 1880 and is often used by local bands, in addition there is a large water fountain that dates to the same time. Children will love the play area and the miniature railway, that takes them on a ride through the park, or fishing with nets and buckets in the lake or sailing a boat here, or even feeding the ducks. There are plenty of walks and cycle trails to enjoy, with some walks taking you down to the beach at Roker Rocks and the promenade along the sea front. Roker Park has loads to offer and doesn't cost anything, there is not many places that can offer this, regardless of the time of year you visit there is lots to see and do for everyone.
Local Attractions
The Civic Darlington Theatre offers a wide array of performances from professional shows to seasonal pantos.
All your favourite high street shops and designer labels under one roof here at Dalton Park.
Camerons Brewery Visitor Centre offers you the opportunity to visit this family brewery and experience first hand the brewing process from start to finish. The brewery is located in the former Stranton pub, an old building with lots of character, and gives an insightful look in the process of beer production, as well as covering the interesting story of the history and growth of the brewery from its inception back in 1865. Camerons are a highly regarded breweries that adheres to stringent quality controls. Water is sourced in their own well and using quality ingredients they produce first rate craft beers for your enjoyment. The brewery has the capacity to make one million hectolitres of beer each year and make over 500,000 pints of beer or lager each day. Brewery tours are operated Monday to Saturday and you will get to meet the people involved in the brewing process, smell the hops and see the malt as you stroll through the brewery hall. The tours last about an hour to an hour and a half, you are required to wear a high vis vest and hard hat for health and safety reasons. There are interactive displays that are used to track brewing through the different ages. The guides are jovial and entertaining and impart their knowledge in a fun and interesting way. At the end of the tour you get the opportunity to sample some of their brews, considered to be the best part of the tour by many. Camerons Brewery is a large part of Hartlepools history and should not be missed if visiting the area, excellent tour.
Herrington Country Park is one of the biggest parks in Sunderland and offers its visitors lots to do, with a number of walks, cycle trails, environmental sculptures, large pond and a modern childrens play area as well as a skate/bmx park. It also hosts a number of impressive events such as the "Sunderland Festival", "The Race for Life" and "Pretty Muddy" that everyone can get involved in. The park also hosts one of the biggest open-air concerts in the North East in the amphitheatre. The park is clean, well maintained and laid out with plenty of different walking paths to take in the many features of the park whilst enjoying its peacefulness. The Penshaw Monument overlooks the park, it is a nice walk to the top and you get really good views. Don't forget to take bread to fed the ducks and swans, always plenty of them on the pond. Cafe in the park is small but cosy and serves a selection of beverages and snacks. Herrington Country Park is a lovely country park and perfect on a cold or dry day to enjoy the many features of the park, no real shelter if it rains, everyone will enjoy a trip here.
Bowes Railway was originally a colliery railway built to carry coal mainly from pits in North West Durham to the Tyne at Jarrow. See website for public open days and events.
All the up to date films are shown in the massive Odeon complex. Check the website for up to date film listings and times.
Falconry UK - 27.2 Miles (43.5 KM)
Falconry Centre is located in Sion Hill Hall, close to Thirsk amongst some stunning countryside. The centre was established to ensure the welfare and survival of these magnificent birds. It offers the unique chance to see up close a wonderful selection of birds. Housed here are more than seventy birds that span thirty species including hawks, buzzards, kites, vultures, falcons, kestrel and carra-caras. All birds are well cared for and look extremely healthy. The staff are really friendly, professional and knowledgeable and it is immediately evident they the welfare of the birds is paramount. Whilst here you can purely enjoy viewing these birds or watch them in a falconry display where they demonstrate their skill, speed and agility, these generally take place three times a day but are dependent on the weather. You can also get more involved with their range of experience days that cover a meet and greet with the birds to photography workshop or even a full day falconry experience, details are on the website and offer excellent value for money, again it is worth noting that they can be affected by bad weather. If you wish to help in the conservation of these birds you can choose to sponsor one, full details are on the website. There is a small gift shop that that sells a nice selection of gifts as well as a cafe that sells a selection of beverages, light lunches and snacks or you can take along a picnic. They are open daily from 1 March until 31 October. Falconry UK is a welcoming, educational and informative centre where you can learn so much about these wondrous birds within a natural environment, deserves top marks for the great work they do, highly recommended.
This shopping centre has over 140 shops, including world famous names so you are sure to find what you are looking for here.
The award winning Laing Art Gallery has truly dynamic exhibitions and excellent interactive, learning events for children and families. These fun sessions work alongside discussions and talks from contemporary artists to create a great atmosphere and passion for art from an early age.
Historical & Heritage Sites
A fascinating museum for all the family to enjoy, the Bowes Museum houses the greatest collection of European fine and decorative arts in the North of England.
Once the largest of the British Roman forts, Binchester has been partly excavated,but much remains undiscovered. Stare in wonder at the ancient Roman bath house and its incredible 1700 year old underfloor heating system!
Kiplin Hall was built in the early 1620s as a hunting lodge for King James I. Now furnished as a welcoming Victorian family home, it contains paintings and furniture collected by the Calverts, Crowes, Carpenters and Talbots - the four families who once lived here. (Ground floor accessible to wheelchair users)
A courtyard castle with rectangular towers, this spectacular medieval fortress is still in grand condition and situated in the heart of Wensleydale, inside the Yorkshire Dales National Park.
Middleham castle was once home to some of the most powerful lords of the 15th century, including Salisbury, Warwick and Richard, Duke of Gloucester, later King Richard III. After the castle fell into disrepair much of the stone was taken from its walls and used by locals to build many of the houses in this small Dales town, above which its ruins still tower.
Souter Lighthouse and The Leas is a familiar and immediately recognisable landmark on the coastline of Tyne and Wear. The lighthouse was opened in 1871 and is dramatic with its red and white hoops, it is a unique lighthouse in that the was the first lighthouse constructed in the country to be powered by electricity. You can climb the 76 steps to get to the top of the tower where you are awarded the most fantastic views of the surrounding area, they are quite steep so it might not be accessible for those with mobility issues. During a visit you get full access to the lighthouse and engine room and will also find out all about life and what was involved for a lighthouse keeper and his family. You will also find out about the mining village that existed here until 1968 when the area and colliery were demolished. In addition there is a small outdoor play area for children. The Leas can be found to the north and is a two and a half mile expanse of magnesian limestone cliffs, coastal grassland and shore. These cliffs along with the rock stacks of Marsden Bay is where you will find nesting Kittiwakes, Fulmar, Cormorants, Shags and Guillemots. To the south of the lighthouse is Whitburn Coastal Park and Nature Reserve it was former colliery land but is now a sanctuary for wildlife. The area is beautiful and so peaceful, with picturesque views and endless walks along this lovely area of coastline. The Lighthouse Cafe serves a good selection of homemade snacks and cakes made using fresh local produce, that are delicious and very reasonably priced. The shop has a good range of products including home made preserves, biscuits and their own Souter Lighthouse Best Bitter as well as nautical themed gifts, books and souvenirs. They organise a number of events that are aimed at children throughout the year, it is worth checking the website to see when these take place, they are great fun and really engage the children. The staff are great, very friendly, knowledgeable and helpful. Souter Lighthouse and The Leas is a beautiful and interesting place to visit and will appeal to all ages, a fantastic day out that everyone will enjoy, highly recommended.
Museum of Hartlepool has undergone a complete change to further enhance this great attraction, it forms part of the Hartlepool Maritime Experience and is located on the quay side. During your visit you will discover all about the history of the town, important events and its people through a range of displays and exhibits. The museum is well laid out and takes you in chronical order through the ages starting 5,000 thousand years ago in the Bronze Age where you are greeted by Hartlepool's oldest known man, you will see lots of wonderful artefacts, and objects as you stroll through, including prehistoric axes, old toys, Anglo-Saxon jewellery and much more. You then continue through the ages from past to present as the growth of the town is documented. There are actual historic figures as well as fictional figures who narrate the story of the town as well as lots of activities to get involved with including, trying your hand at being an archaeologist or a monastic scribe or dress up in historic costumes. The museum is open daily from from 10.00am to 5.00pm although, winter hours are from 11.00am to 4.00pm and there is no charge for entry. There is a small gift shop with a nice selection of gifts that are reasonably priced. Along the quay side you will find the Quayside Coffee Shop that is warm and inviting and serves a lovely selection of home cooked hot and cold dishes accompanied by a choice of beverages, prices are very good and the atmosphere is friendly and relaxed. The Museum of Hartlepool is a superb local museum, that is intriguing, fun and educational, it will appeal to all ages and makes for a fantastic day out, not to be missed.
Hartlepool's Maritime Experience is a fantastic interactive experience that is centred around a recreated 18th century seaport, it makes for an ideal day out for all. A visit allows you to step back in time to the era of Nelson, Napoleon and the Battle of Trafalgar. It is realistic with it replica quay side complete with shops, houses and vessels and much more. You can climb into the mari-time machine and be transported back two centuries in time to get a real experience of what it would have been like aboard a real British navy frigate, the 17th century war ship, HMS Trincomalee, see the conditions the seamen had to endure, not pleasant. Even the guides are in authentic costume adding to the overall experience, you will find them to be friendly, helpful and knowledgeable about the history of this era, that is told through talks and demonstrations, such as displays of musketry, cannon firing and sword fighting. There is also a steam driven ship moored here. The activities available for children are excellent. The Quayside Coffee Shop offers an excellent choice of beverages and snacks in a warm and comfy environment, the food is very good, well priced and the service is prompt too. Hartlepool's Maritime Experience is open all year round, and the admission charge allows you the with your pass a further four visits without any additional charge during the twelve month period. It makes for a fun and exciting day out for all ages and should not be missed if you are in the region, highly recommended.
Delve into the history of mining on the North Pennines in this fascinating museum. Hear about the people that worked there, the lifestyle they lead and the legacy this important mine had on the social and cultural history of the area.
Heugh Battery Museum is the only place to go in the United Kingdom if you want to learn all about a WWI battlefield site. This area of the country received considerable damage and loss of like following a bombing on 16th December 1914, in fact it was here that the first solider in this war lost his life, and the museum remembers this difficult time in the towns history. It delves into the impact of war on both sides, the soldiers and those who remain at home. The exhibits are set over three floors and include the underground magazines, the parade ground and main museum complete with an Observation Point tower that gives fantastic vistas out over the North Sea and surrounding coast line. Outside is a great selection of military vehicles, equipment and interesting artefacts, that you can examine up close and even climb on. The exhibits and displays are all well laid out and clearly signed with corresponding explanations that are very good. The museum is open most days in the summer holidays and during the winter season from Thursday to Sunday opening hours 10.00am to 16.00pm but, is closed for the period 16 December until 12 January, there is a small entrance charge but it is very reasonable. Volunteers are responsible for running the museum you will find them to be very friendly, helpful and knowledgeable and they are more than happy to answer any questions you might have. The Poppy Cafe is warm and comfy and serves a variety of beverages and a lovely selection of delicious home cooked hot and cold meals, the atmosphere is relaxed and the service is very good. Heugh Battery Museum is very interesting and informative, fun but educational at the same time and will appeal to all ages making for a great day out.
A superb 20th century hall designed by Walter H. Brierley ?the Lutyens of the North?. Displaying some wonderful collections, including various paintings, porcelain, clocks and antique furniture, this beautiful home is a showcase for some fascinating pieces. The current residence of Michael Mallaby, the house, set in charming countryside continues to enchant all those who visit.
The Centre for Life features a permanent exhibition that tells the story of Human Life through three major themes: Our Origins, Our World and Our Future.
Discovery is the North East of England's most popular free tourist attraction. Walk though its doors to discover all about life in Newcastle and Tyneside. Attracting an astonishing 467,000 visitors last year, it's well worth a look.
The museum runs regular activities for all ages throughout the holiday periods, as well as displaying the history of the City from its prehistoric past to the present day.
A brand new museum is now open which will form part of the Stadium tour! The museum is a wonderful trip down memory lane featuring photographs and memorabilia from across the years.
