Heritage & Historical Tyne & Wear

Bede's World - Jarrow
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Bede's World - Jarrow
Come for a fun and leisurely day out at Bede’s World, where you’ll learn all about Bede and the Anglo-Saxon way of life in Northumbria. Find out what life would have been like with a visit to our working farm. See our replica buildings made of wattle and daub, built with truly original materials and methods, using skills that would...
St Paul's Monastery, Jarrow
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St Paul's Monastery, Jarrow
The monastery at Jarrow was one of Europe's most influential centres of learning and culture in the 7th century. The remains standing today are from the medieval monastery, but part of the Anglo-Saxon monastery survives today as the chancel of St Paul's Church. Read more about the history of the monastery. Before You Go Parking: Car parking...
Arbeia Roman Fort and Museum - South Shields
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Arbeia Roman Fort and Museum - South Shields
An insight into Roman Britain Built around AD160, Arbeia Roman Fort once guarded the entrance to the River Tyne, playing an essential role in the mighty frontier system. Based four miles east of the end of Hadrian's Wall at South Shields, the Fort was originally built to house a garrison and soon became the military supply base for the 17 Forts...
South Shields Museum and Art Gallery
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South Shields Museum and Art Gallery
This friendly venue explores the story of South Tyneside through sensational displays, hands-on exhibits and stunning art, including the lifetime achievement of the successful local author Catherine Cookson. Free entry.
Hylton Castle
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Hylton Castle
 This distinctive and highly decorative gatehouse-tower of a castle was built by the wealthy Sir William Hylton shortly before 1400. Originally containing four floors of self-contained family accommodation, its entrance front displays royal and family heraldry, including Richard II's white hart badge. Read more about the history of Hylton...
Souter Lighthouse - Sunderland
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Souter Lighthouse - Sunderland
Striking Victorian lighthouse above 2½ miles of beach, cliff and grasslands with spectacular views     * The world's first electric lighthouse     * 76 steps to climb to reach the very top of the tower     * Loads of activities for children     * Outdoor play area...
Toy Museum - North Shields
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Toy Museum - North Shields
The museum has over 8,000 toys on display dating from 1890-1970. We have clockwork and mechanical toys, dolls, prams, cars, puzzles, games, pedal cars and childhood memorabilia. The only toy museum in the north of England looking out onto the sea.
Tynemouth Priory and Castle
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Tynemouth Priory and Castle
Tynemouth Castle and Priory on the coast of North East England was once one of the largest fortified areas in England. Overlooking the North Sea and the River Tyne, it dominates the headland. With its 2000 year history and beautiful views it is the perfect location for a family fun day out.
Stephenson Railway Museum - North Shields
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Stephenson Railway Museum - North Shields
Re-live the glorious days of the steam railway at the home of George Stephenson's 'Billy' and many other engines from the great age of steam.
Segedunum Roman Fort and Museum - Wallsend
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Segedunum Roman Fort and Museum - Wallsend
In AD122 the Emperor Hadrian ordered a mighty frontier system to be built across Britain to defend the Roman Empire from the barbarians to the North. The result was Hadrian's Wall, a 73 mile barrier stretching from the River Tyne in the east to the Solway Firth in the west. Segedunum, which means strong Fort, stood at the eastern end of...
Seaton Delaval Hall - Whitley Bay
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Seaton Delaval Hall - Whitley Bay
Seaton Delaval Hall is an English baroque house, built between 1718 and 1728 for Admiral George Delaval.  The house is regarded as the finest example of design by Sir John Vanbrugh; who also built Blenheim Palace and Castle Howard.  Of particular note are the Coach House with a collection of interesting vehicles and a restored Ice House....
St Marys Lighthouse - Whitley Bay
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St Marys Lighthouse - Whitley Bay
Reached between the tides via a short causeway from the car park, St. Mary's has all the fascination of a miniature, part-time island. Visitors can climb the 137 steps inside the tower to the lantern room to enjoy spectacular views along the North East coast of England. If you cannot manage the steps, a live video facility...
Laing Art Gallery - Newcastle upon Tyne
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Laing Art Gallery - Newcastle upon Tyne
The Laing is home to an impressive collection of art and sculpture and its exhibition programme is renowned for bringing the biggest names in historic, modern and contemporary art to the North East. The Gallery has a packed programme of free events including gallery talks, family activities and artists’ events. Free entry.
Castle Keep - Newcastle Upon Tyne
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Castle Keep - Newcastle Upon Tyne
The Castle of Newcastle Upon Tyne stands on a steep sided promontory overlooking the River Tyne. The site has been occupied for nearly 2000 years, with flint flakes and a stone axehead found in archaeological excavations testament to much earlier prehistoric activity.
BBC Newcastle Tour
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BBC Newcastle Tour
The National Television Awards 2016 were held on Wednesday 20th January 2016 at the 02 in Greenwich. We've collated the BBC winners from the evening in this blog post, including awards for Great British Bake Off, Doctor Foster, actress Suranne Jones (for her performance in Doctor Foster), Danny Dyer (for his performance in EastEnders) ...
Newcastle Half-Day Tour
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Newcastle Half-Day Tour
Enjoy your time Tyneside and learn more about the history of the Toon What's included 3.5-hour tour in Newcastle with an English-speaking live guide Admission fees and guided tour of St. Nicholas Cathedral Church and the Castle Keep     Learn Newcastle's history on a guided walk of the city, from a Roman Fort to an...
Discovery Museum - Newcastle Upon Tyne
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Discovery Museum - Newcastle Upon Tyne
Discovery Museum is the ideal place to find out all about life on Tyneside, from the region's shipbuilding heritage to inventions which changed the world. Packed full of interactive displays it is the perfect place for all ages to learn and have fun. Discovery also has special displays for children under 5 and 7 years old.
Centre for Life - Newcastle Upon Tyne
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Centre for Life - Newcastle Upon Tyne
Exhibitions, events, theatre shows and the biggest planetarium in the North- all included in the price of admission!   Have you come to Life yet? We’re an award-winning science centre full of exciting exhibitions, activities and events for all ages. Our programme changes regularly so there’s always a new reason to visit. And...
Great North Museum - Newcastle Upon Tyne
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Great North Museum - Newcastle Upon Tyne
Highlights include a large-scale, interactive model of Hadrian's Wall, major displays showing the wonder and diversity of the animal and plant kingdoms, spectacular objects from the Ancient Greeks and mummies from Ancient Egypt, a planetarium and a life-size T-Rex dinosaur skeleton and much more...Free entry
Denton Hall Turret - Hadrian's Wall
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Denton Hall Turret - Hadrian's Wall
The foundations of this turret and a 65-metre length of Hadrian's Wall lie immediately beside the A69. Built of unusually large stones, the turret has a platform in one corner which probably served as the base for a ladder to reach the upper floors. Before You Go Parking: On street parking is available at the site. Plan a Great Day Out ...
Benwell Roman Temple - Hadrian's Wall
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Benwell Roman Temple - Hadrian's Wall
The remains of Benwell Roman Temple can be found in a residential area a few miles from the centre of Newcastle. It was a small temple to the native god Antenociticus, in the civilian settlement which stood outside Benwell fort. Read more about the history of the temple. Before You Go Parking: On street parking is possible close to the...
Benwell Vallum Crossing
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Benwell Vallum Crossing
A stone-built causeway, where the road from the south crossed the Vallum earthwork on its way to Benwell fort. Opening Times 30 April 2017 - 24 March 2018 Open any reasonable time during daylight hours 25 March 2018 onwards Opening times will be available nearer the time
Beamish Open Air Museum
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Beamish Open Air Museum
At the North of England Open Air Museum, the past comes to life. Beamish is unique. We're no ordinary museum, but a living, working experience of life as it was in the Great North in the early 1800s and 1900s. Beamish, Britain's favourite open air museum, set in over 300 acres of beautiful countryside, vividly recreates life in the North of...
Finchale Priory - Durham
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Finchale Priory - Durham
The very extensive remains of a 13th-century priory, founded on the site of a retired pirate's hermitage. Part of it later served as a holiday retreat for the monks of Durham Cathedral. Beautifully sited by the River Wear, it can be reached from Durham via a delightful riverside and woodland walk.
Crook Hall and Gardens - Durham
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Crook Hall and Gardens - Durham
The 13th century Grade I listed Medieval hall provides a spectacular backdrop to the stunning gardens. Visitors from all over the world come to share in the timeless magic of Crook Hall and leave inspired by these idylic English theme gardens. Soak up the atmosphere over a home-made cream tea in the pretty courtyard or in front of a log fire in...
Heddon-on-the-Wall - Hadrian's Wall
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Heddon-on-the-Wall - Hadrian's Wall
A consolidated stretch of Wall, up to two metres thick in places. It was probably completed in AD 122 or 123. Read more about the history of Heddon-on-the-Wall. Before You Go Parking: There is no dedicated car park but it is possible to park in streets nearby. Plan a Great Day Out This stretch of Hadrian's Wall is just over 10 miles away...
Museum of Archaeology - Durham
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Museum of Archaeology - Durham
The Museum of Archaeology at the Old Fulling Mill in Durham City is one of the most photographed buildings in the North East: scenically located below Durham Cathedral on the banks of the River Wear. Although the origins of the museum can be traced back to 1833, it was not until the mid 1970s that the Fulling Mill took on its present role as a...
Durham Castle
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Durham Castle
Durham Castle is the hub of University College. It is part of the Durham World Heritage Site and a Grade 1 Listed Building. No other college in the British Isles can have a more ancient or impressive home. The Castle was previously the chief residence of the Bishops of Durham and as such played a significant role in the history of the United...
Durham Cathedral
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Durham Cathedral
Durham Cathedral is a Christian church of the Anglican Communion, the historic shrine of St Cuthbert, the seat of the Bishop of Durham, and a living centre of prayer, pilgrimage and presence in north-east England. We welcome all people, whatever their faith, to the Cathedral Church of Christ, Blessed Mary the Virgin and St Cuthbert of Durham.
Belsay Hall - Castle and Gardens
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Belsay Hall - Castle and Gardens
With so much to see and do, a trip to Belsay is one of the best value family days out in north-east England. Explore the grand medieval castle, later extended to include a magnificent Jacobean mansion and don’t miss the stunning views from the top of the tower. Then it’s on to Belsay Hall, an architectural masterpiece inspired...
Derwentcote Steel Furnace
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Derwentcote Steel Furnace
Built in the 1720s, Derwentcote is the earliest and most complete steel-making furnace in Britain. It produced high-grade steel for springs and cutting tools. Read more about the history of the furnace. Before You Go Access: The grounds are very uneven, and not suitable for wheelchair and pushchair users. Parking: There is a car park on the...
Woodhorn Northumberland Museum and Archives
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Woodhorn Northumberland Museum and Archives
You’ll be surprised how much there is to see at Woodhorn. Allow yourself a couple of hours for a visit - more if there's a special event taking place. Open 5 days a week all year round and with a varied exhibitions and events programme, you will want to come back time and time again. It’s great for all ages and there’s always...
Prudhoe Castle
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Prudhoe Castle
 Prudhoe Castle has many a story to tell so a family day out to this Northumberland fortress is truly worthwhile. Bult as part of a series of Norman Castles along the Tyne after the 1066 Norman conquest, Prudhoe was continuously occupied for over nine centuries. It was originally the home of the Umfravilles but was eventually taken over by...
Whitworth Hall - Spennymoor - Durham
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Whitworth Hall - Spennymoor - Durham
Recently refurbished, the Lakeside restaurant offers a fantastic menu at excellent prices and the children can play in the indoor or outdoor play area. In the summer months you can dine on our patio at the lakeside and watch the deer and the ducks at play. The park abounds with wild life with squirrels, wild geese, swans and even the odd heron.
HMS Trincomalee 1817
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HMS Trincomalee 1817
HMS Trincomalee, built in Bombay for the Admiralty in 1817, is the oldest ship afloat in the UK and the last of the commissioned frigates of the Nelson era. She saw service in the West Indies and throughout the vast Pacific in the nineteenth century before taking a role as a training vessel, largely in Portsmouth, that lasted until 1986, by which...
Hartlepool's Maritime Experience
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Hartlepool's Maritime Experience
Hartlepool's Maritime Experience, (formerly known as Hartlepool Historic Quay) is a superb re-creation of an 18th century seaport and a fantastic place to visit for families, groups and schools - in fact everybody. It brings to life the time of Nelson, Napoleon and the Battle of Trafalgar. Travel back in our mari-time machine to...
Hartlepools Maritime Experience
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Hartlepools Maritime Experience
Hartlepool's Maritime Experience, (formerly known as Hartlepool Historic Quay) is a superb re-creation of an 18th century seaport and a fantastic place to visit for families, groups and schools - in fact everybody. It brings to life the time of Nelson, Napoleon and the Battle of Trafalgar. Travel back in our mari-time machine to experience how...
Binchester Roman Fort
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Binchester Roman Fort
Binchester Roman Fort gives you an insight into what life was like for the Romans in County Durham. Explore the impressive remains of a Roman bath house with its amazing 1,700 year-old under floor heating system. Find out why taking a bath in Roman times was about more than just getting clean! Walk in the footsteps of the soldiers around the...
Auckland Castle - Bishop Auckland
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Auckland Castle - Bishop Auckland
This historic castle has been the home of the Bishops of Durham for over 800 years, and today is the Bishop's official residence. The historic building, with its magnificent Chapel, Throne Room and Long Dining Room, is already the administrative centre for the Diocese, and a notable tourist attraction, as well as being the Bishop's home. Now,...
Auckland Castle Deer House
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Auckland Castle Deer House
Opening Times 30 April 2017 - 24 March 2018 The park is open 1 April - 30 September, daily from 10:00 - 18:00, and 1 October - 29 March, daily from 10:00 - 16:00. Closed 24 - 26 December 2017 and 1 January 2018.
Corbridge Roman Town - Hadrian's Wall
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Corbridge Roman Town - Hadrian's Wall
 Not all the sites on Hadrian's Wall were heavily guarded fortresses. Corbridge was once a bustling town and supply base where Romans and civilians would pick up food and provisions. It remained a vibrant community right up until the end of Roman Britain in the early years of the 5th century. Today, you can still walk through the town's...
Aydon Castle
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Aydon Castle
 Tucked away just one mile from the village of Corbridge is Aydon Castle, the perfect location for a family day out. Almost completely intact, it is one of the finest and most unaltered examples of a 13th century English manor house. Set in a beautiful and secluded Northumberland woodland, it was originally built as an undefended residence,...
Locomotion
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Locomotion
Opening Times Daily 10:00 to 17:00 (Summer: 4 Apr - 2 Oct). (Catering is limited on Monday 11 July) Daily 10:00 to 16:00 (Winter: 3 Oct - 3 Apr). During Winter, building 8 (Collections) is open daily; buildings 1 to 4 are open Wed - Sun. Closed 22 Dec - 3 Jan FREE ENTRY
WARKWORTH CASTLE AND HERMITAGE
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WARKWORTH CASTLE AND HERMITAGE
Be king or queen for the day in this mighty Northumberland fortress crowning the hilltop above the River Coquet.  Enjoy a day out and see how the powerful Dukes of Northumberland, the Percy family lived.  Explore the floors and rooms in the magnificent cross-shaped keep which was once home to 'Harry Hotspur', immortalised as a rebel...
Hexham Old Gaol
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Hexham Old Gaol
Hexham Gaol was ordered to be built in June 1330, making it the oldest purpose-built prison in England. Prisons existed before this, but were generally adapted from buildings originally used for other purposes. A prison in the Middle Ages could be as simple as a set of stocks.
BRINKBURN PRIORY
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BRINKBURN PRIORY
The beautiful 12th century church of the Augustinian priory of Brinkburn survives completely roofed and restored. Picturesquely set by a bend in the River Coquet, it is reached by a scenic ten minute walk from the car park. Parts of the monastic buildings are incorporated into the elegant adjacent manor house.   Don't Miss The stained...
BLACK CARTS TURRET - HADRIAN'S WALL
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BLACK CARTS TURRET - HADRIAN'S WALL
To the west of Chesters Fort, this turret sits within a 460 metre length of Hadrian's Wall. There are magnificent views from here to the north. BEFORE YOU GO Access: The Hadrian's Wall National Trail runs through fields on the other side of the B6318 from Chesters Fort. Likely to be muddy. Parking: Car parking is available at Chesters...
TEMPLE OF MITHRAS, CARRAWBURGH - HADRIAN'S WALL
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TEMPLE OF MITHRAS, CARRAWBURGH - HADRIAN'S WALL
This fascinating temple to the god Mithras stands near Carrawburgh Roman Fort on Hadrian's Wall. Mithras was an eastern god who, according to legend, had captured and killed the primeval bull in a cave, which Mithraic temples, always small and gloomy, were intended to evoke. The temple was probably built by soldiers based at the fort in about...
Planetrees Roman Wall - Hadrian's Wall
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Planetrees Roman Wall - Hadrian's Wall
Not far east of Chesters Roman Fort in Northumberland is a 15 metre-long stretch of Hadrian's Wall at Planetrees. This length of wall is important for what it reveals about a change of plan that took place during the construction of the Wall, when its width was narrowed from 10 to 8 Roman feet - probably to speed up building. At Planetrees,...
Brunton Turret - Hadrian's Wall
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Brunton Turret - Hadrian's Wall
Wall section and a surviving piece of turret two and a half metres high, built by men of the Twentieth Legion. Before You Go Access: Car parking is available at Chesters Roman Fort, about a 20 minute walk away along the Chesters Roman Trail. Facilities: Chesters Roman Fort has a tearoom and toilet facilities, including baby changing. ...
Chesters Bridge Abutment - Hadrian's Wall
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Chesters Bridge Abutment - Hadrian's Wall
Close to Chesters Roman Fort in Northumberland are the remains of a Roman bridge across the North Tyne. On the eastern river bank you can see evidence of two successive bridges:  an early one that just carried Hadrian's Wall, and a second, much larger one, that carried the Military Way - the road that serviced the Wall. This fine bridge,...
Kirkleatham Museum
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Kirkleatham Museum
Local & social history museum for the Borough of Redcar & Cleveland. Collections and displays representing local domestic & working life, including fishing, sea rescue, ironstone mining, iron and steel making, transport and much more. Also photographs, paintings, drawings, costume, personal possessions, etc.
Zetland Lifeboat Museum
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Zetland Lifeboat Museum
The museum houses the worlds oldest lifeboat The Zetland. Built in 1802 The Zetland has saved over 500 lives. Other displays include replica fishermens cottage, gallery and local maritime history. Over 200 years ago, 7th October 1802 marked a very important event in the history of maritime rescue. On that date, the Zetland lifeboat...
Preston Park and Museum
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Preston Park and Museum
With 100 acres of parkland overlooking the River Tees, a range of permanent attractions and an exciting programme of special events & activities, a visit to Preston Park offers a great day out for all the family. At the centre of the Park is the Preston Hall Museum with displays of art, armour and social history. Visitors can discover life in...
Dorman Museum
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Dorman Museum
The Dorman Museum forms part of Middlesbrough Council's 'Museums & Galleries Service' along with its sister venues - the Captain Cook Birthplace Museum, situated in Stewart Park and Mima - Middlesbrough Institute of Modern Art - sited opposite the Town Hall. The museum offers a great range of eight themed display galleries, full disabled...
Raby Castle
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Raby Castle
Every room in Raby Castle, from the magnificent Barons' Hall, where 700 knights gathered to plot the 'Rising of the North', to the Mediaeval Kitchen which was used until 1954, gives an insight to life throughout the ages. Despite its powerful exterior of towers and fortifications, Raby houses a fabulous art collection and splendid interiors....
Housesteads Roman Fort (Hadrian's Wall)
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Housesteads Roman Fort (Hadrian's Wall)
Housesteads is the most complete example of a Roman fort in Britain, and one of the most popular sites on the Wall. It stands high on the exposed Whin Sill escarpment, commanding breathtaking views. Like Chesters, it was one of 12 permanent forts added to the new frontier by Hadrian in about AD 124. Known as ‘Vercovicium’ (‘the...
SEWINGSHIELDS WALL - HADRIAN'S WALL
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SEWINGSHIELDS WALL - HADRIAN'S WALL
This length of Hadrian's Wall, impressively sited along the Whin Sill, commands fine views of many prehistoric and later earthworks to the north.  A milecastle within this wall, perched on the very edge of the crag, was re-occupied by a farm in the Middle Ages. BEFORE YOU GO Parking: Charged car parking is available at the...
EDLINGHAM CASTLE
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EDLINGHAM CASTLE
The riverside ruins of a manor house progressively fortified against the Scots during the 14th century. Read more about the history of Edlingham Castle. BEFORE YOU GO Parking: There is a small amount of parking available at the church adjacent to the site. Please be aware: Waterproof footwear is recommended. Dogs: Dogs on leads...
Alnwick Castle
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Alnwick Castle
To many people, their first sight of this glorious medieval castle can seem foreboding, and certainly its history lacks nothing in drama and intrigue. Some of you may recognise us as a film location, for everything from Harry Potter to Elizabeth to Becket to Blackadder. Yet I am proud that today Alnwick Castle is very much a living castle, at the...
Bailiffgate Museum
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Bailiffgate Museum
Bailiffgate Museum presents for the first time the history of Alnwick and District. The people & places of North Northumberland are brought to life here in lively, interactive style, through an exploration of six engaging themes. Bailiffgate Museum and Gallery is a people’s museum, where fascinating stories of the past are told about...
Saltburn Cliff Lift
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Saltburn Cliff Lift
Saltburn by the Sea as a dignified Victorian resort grew up around the former smuggling village of Old Saltburn, when the industrialists of Middlesbrough needed somewhere to escape the dirt & grime and the railways could transport them easily to the coast. By 1870 Saltburn was a fashionable resort rivalling other well known Victorian watering...
Dunstanburgh Castle
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Dunstanburgh Castle
Dramatic Dunstanburgh Castle was built at a time when relations between King Edward II and his most powerful baron, Earl Thomas of Lancaster, had become openly hostile. Lancaster began the fortress in 1313, and the latest archaeological research carried out by English Heritage indicates that he built it on a far grander scale than was hitherto...
The Weardale Museum
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The Weardale Museum
The Weardale Museum is a small independent folk museum which was established by volunteers in 1985. ‘Preserving Weardale’s Heritage’ Our present opening times are ... 2pm - 5pm Easter and Bank Holidays May, June, July & Sept (Wednesday to Sunday inclusive) Every afternoon in August
Killhope Lead Mining Museum
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Killhope Lead Mining Museum
Killhope - set in the centre of the North Pennines in the Durham Dales - is a real adventure. Tour the mine, walk in the woodland, visit the exhibitions and see the wildlife. Finish your trip with a visit to the cafe and a wander around the gift shop.
The Heritage Centre at Bellingham
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The Heritage Centre at Bellingham
Visit The Heritage Centre at Bellingham - the museum for the ruggedly beautiful and historic North Tyne and Redewater area of Northumberland, England. Revel in the romantic age of steam in our railway and exhibitions - acclaimed by railway enthusiasts – then see what’s survived of our special station. Listen to local people talk...
The Bowes Museum
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The Bowes Museum
The Bowes Museum is a hidden treasure, a jewel in the heart of beautiful Teesdale. The magnificent building stands proud in the historic market town of Barnard Castle housing internationally significant collections of fine and decorative arts
Cleveland Ironstone Mining Museum
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Cleveland Ironstone Mining Museum
The Museum today offers visitors an opportunity to experience the underground world of a real ironstone mine and to explore the skills, customs and life of the Cleveland miner. It was these miners that helped make Cleveland the most important Ironstone mining district in Victorian and Edwardian Britain
Please find all castles and Stately homes, ancient abbeys and cathedrals in the Tyne & Wear area, if your looking  for a great day out at lush tree and flowered gardens and take in the sights of wonderful buildings and castles. These historic buildings also are steeped in rich history and visits to these buildings are extremely educational and informative.
If you cannot find what historical place you like by county level here, please use the search box for more detailed searches choosing 'historical'.