Other special places to visit

Northumberland

Thomas Bewick, the great artist, wood-engraver and naturalist, was born here and you can watch printing demonstrations to get a taste of how he worked. Walk along the River Tyne and view the countryside that inspired him.

Dunstanburgh Castle

A magnificent ruin, Dunstanburgh Castle dominates a lonely stretch of Northumberland's beautiful coastline. It was once one of the largest and grandest fortifications in northern England.

George Stephenson's Birthplace

Birthplace of the world-famous railway engineer, this white stone miner's cottage is furnished to reflect the year of Stephenson's birth in 1781. His whole family lived in the one room, now staffed by guides in Victorian costume.

Hadrian's Wall & Housesteads Fort

The Wall was built around AD 122 and remains amongst Britain's most impressive ruins. Housesteads Fort conjures up an evocative picture of Roman military life. Explore the barracks and discover some of the earliest-known flushing toilets.

North Yorkshire

Goddards Garden

This enchanting green oasis near York features terraces, a rockery, ponds, borders and a fine collection of shrubs. The house (now the Yorkshire office of the National Trust) was once home of Noel Goddard Terry of the famous York chocolate-making firm.

Mount Grace Priory

This atmospheric 14th-century ruined priory is England's most important Carthusian ruin. Explore the rooms where monks dwelt in hermit-like isolation and the small herb garden outside.

Rievaulx Terrace & Temples

Walk the ½ml between two classical Georgian temples along this elevated grass terrace while taking in wonderful views of Rievaulx Abbey below. This is one of Yorkshire's finest 18th-century landscape gardens.

Tyne & Wear

Holy Jesus Hospital

One of only two surviving 17th-century brick buildings in Newcastle upon Tyne, Holy Jesus Hospital displays features from all periods of its 700-year existence. There is an exhibition room and guided tours take place once a month.

Souter Lighthouse

This striking Victorian lighthouse was the first to use alternating electric current. The engine room, light tower and keeper's living quarters are all on view. Immediately to the north is the Leas, 2½ miles of beach and cliff with spectacular views.

Washington Old Hall

George Washington's ancestors once lived in the medieval part of this delightful manor house. There are displays of Washington memorabilia. The tranquil Jacobean garden completes this little-known gem.

Inside the Ionic Temple at Rievaulx Terrace & Temples, North Yorkshire

The National Trust

Other special places to visit