The North East

From the heather-covered hills of Northumberland to the vibrant cities of Tyne and Wear; the historic landmarks of County Durham and the peaceful countryside of the Tees Valley, North East England has a wealth of treasures to share. A rich history and heritage that will unfold before your eyes as you travel from coast to countryside.

Each of the four regions that make up this stunning destination has its own character, attractions and charm - united in a passion for life and living it here!

Famed for our friendliness, you can expect a warm welcome wherever you wander in North East England.

We're brimming with passion about everything we do - as you'll discover if you ask for cookery tips at a farmers' market, listen to a Northern Sinfonia concert at The Sage, Gateshead or discuss the latest performance over coffee at the Gala Theatre, Durham.

Culture & Entertainment

The North East has a host of theatres, museums and galleries. The Theatre Royal plays host to the Royal Shakespeare Company, the ballet, musicals and touring plays - many direct from the London's West End. Newcastle Playhouse and the Gulbenkian Studio Theatre are home to the renowned Northern Stage and Live Theatre and People's Theatre all offer a rich variety of theatrical entertainment.

Our region is also home to several renowned art galleries including the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art, the Laing Art Gallery and the Biscuit Factory. Don't miss the striking modern 'Blue Carpet' artwork outside of the Laing or the stylish and innovative Millennium Bridge, an eye-catching sight and a pleasant way to cross the Tyne to the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art and The Sage Music Centre in Gateshead.

With a full programme of entertainment and events throughout the year: street parties on our famous Newcastle Quayside at Christmas and New Year; the Hoppings (Europe's largest travelling fair!); music, comedy, dance, film, and Chinese and Irish festivals throughout the year, it seems there's always something going on!

A small journey out of Newcastle in any direction and you are in an area rich in beauty and heritage. You can visit castles and long golden beaches, breathtaking countryside and a largely unspoilt landscape. The North East is also alive with history - the legacy of the Roman Empire at Hadrian's Wall, early English Christianity at Lindisfarne and the beginnings of the industrial revolution.

Sport

Sport is important in our region and we are the home to top teams such as Newcastle United Football Club, Middlesbrough Football Club, Sunderland Association Football Club, Newcastle Falcons Rugby Club, and Newcastle Eagles Basketball Club all regularly entertaining thousands of adoring fans.

The city also hosts the Great North Run - Europe's largest participation half-marathon.

To find out more about the North East visit www.visitnortheastengland.com