Coast & Countryside
NewcastleGateshead and Sunderland are unique, being major cities with their own coastline. Sunderland's beaches are within walking distance of the city centre and it takes less than 20 minutes from NewcastleGateshead to reach the award wining beaches of Whitley Bay, Tynemouth and South Shields. You will find a whole range of attractions, history and heritage, events, restaurants and things to do, but you will feel a million miles from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Explore North East England's stunning coast and countryside. Relax on Northumberland's white, sandy beaches dotted with ancient castles. Or be invigorated by the thunderous roar of England's largest waterfall High Force in the County Durham countryside. For even more exhilaration, Tees Valley is the best place for surfing and white water rafting (see adventure activities).
Both NewcastleGateshead and Sunderland have nearby beaches that are easily accessible by the light rail Metro system - perfect for a stroll to recover from the night before! Sandhaven and Littlehaven beaches in South Shields have lovely long clean stretches of sand, while Sunderland's award-winning beaches at Roker and Seaburn are one of the UK's longest stretches of city-side beaches. Tynemouth regularly hosts big surfing championships and there are plenty of opportunities to try some watersports out for yourself. Or if you'd rather relax, head to the atmospheric Fish Quay at North Shields to see the boats come in and have some tasty fish and chips.
Travel just minutes from the city centres of NewcastleGateshead and Sunderland and you can find yourself in the heart of the countryside. In rural Gateshead for example, watch the magnificent Red Kites at Derwent Walk Country Park or Gibside Estate.
Head north from NewcastleGateshead to Northumberland and a real gem is one of the most exciting contemporary gardens to be created in the last century. Of the many stunning features found in The Alnwick Garden don't miss the world's largest Treehouse. After wandering along its suspended walkways high in the trees why not treat yourself to a Treehouse lunch. Not on the menu are the contents of the fascinating Poison Garden (also in Alnwick Gardens). By taking a guided tour you'll come face to face with some of the world's deadliest plants including tobacco and marijuana plants.
On the nearby Northumberland coast, you'll discover England's "Cradle of Christianity" on the beautiful and atmospheric Holy Island of Lindisfarne. The approach is dramatic across a tidal causeway with the ruined priory and the marvellous Lindisfarne Castle dominating the skyline. Don't leave the island without sampling Lindisfarne Mead, a lovely fortified honey wine. Manufactured exclusively on the island it is reputed to have aphrodisiac qualities!
Of Northumberland's many historic small towns Corbridge is one of the most impressive. Stroll down the streets, which remain much as they did in medieval times, and you'll enjoy the mix of designer and vintage boutiques, cosy pubs and friendly coffee shops.
If you're after fresh air and the great outdoors Kielder is the place for you. You'll find the lowest levels of light pollution in England which makes it the ideal spot to star gaze over a midnight feast.
And talking of skies, what better than a Hot Air Balloon ride. There's nothing more exhilarating than rising majestically above the countryside. Stretching below you is some of Britain's most evocative landscapes with hidden valleys, tiny market towns, and long golden beaches. There are hot air balloon flights available over the mighty Cheviot Hills in the north of the region and the tranquil dales in County Durham in the south.
