North East

Enter the world of Victorian inventor and engineer Lord Armstrong and his wife Lady Armstrong, and discover their incredible home and garden. Explore a vast rhododendron forest, a pinetum of towering conifers, tranquil lakes and a formal garden surrounding the impressive house nestled amongst rocky crags.

Gibside is one of a few surviving 18th-century designed landscapes and was fashioned with two things in mind: spectacular views and ‘wow’ moments. Escape the hustle and bustle of modern life and explore a landscape garden with views across the valley and walks taking in a Palladian chapel, the grand ruins of Gibside Hall and the towering Column to Liberty.

Discover Wallington, where a historic house meets rolling hills, woodlands and a walled garden. Explore inside the informal family home, wander through the summer flowers, take a scenic walk along the river or explore the cycle trails on two wheels, and look out for native wildlife, including red squirrels.

A place of great theatre and drama, once home to the larger-than-life Delaval family. Explore the gardens, conserved stone vaulted basement and the new South East Gardens, and follow the progress of our project to reintroduce some of the spectacle that the Delavals were known for.

Hooped in red and white, Souter Lighthouse was the first lighthouse in the world designed and built to be powered by electricity. It's surrounded by magnesian limestone cliffs, wave-cut foreshore and coastal grassland, home to nesting birds, wildlife and wildflowers.

A green oasis nestled in Middlesbrough. This classic Georgian mansion is surrounded by 250 acres of parkland, which offer year round seasonal walks with a colourful Victorian formal garden.

Travel across the causeway to Holy Island and discover the iconic Lindisfarne Castle perched on a rocky outcrop. Explore Edwin Lutyens' striking architecture, wander round the Gertrude Jekyll-designed walled garden and discover the views back across the Northumberland coastline. You'll need to book your tickets for the castle in advance.

With its deep gorge created by the River Allen, these ancient woods are the ideal backdrop for an outdoor adventure and the perfect place for nature lovers of all ages. There are miles of waymarked walks, sun-dappled paths and treetop views to enjoy in this semi-natural woodland, the largest in Northumberland.

Hadrian's Wall is the Roman Empire's best preserved outpost in northern Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Follow ancient footsteps exploring alongside the wall, and learn more about the soldiers' lives at the fort. You'll need to book your tickets for the fort in advance.

Due to the potentially devastating impact of Avian Flu (bird flu) on the Farne Islands, the islands will be closed to visitors from Sunday 3 July. By closing we will reduce the risk of disturbance on the birds, which will hopefully help at least slow down the spread of the disease during this breeding period before they leave the islands in late summer to continue their annual migratory cycle.

The original Washington and medieval home of George Washington's ancestors, this small manor house has a fascinating past and is surrounded by tranquil gardens and the 'nuttery', a haven for nature and wildlife. You'll need to book your tickets in advance.

The 'black beaches' of the coal mining days have been cleaned up and you can now explore this revitalised coastal landscape, with its rocky headlands, sheltered bays, rare magnesian limestone grasslands and wildlife-rich wooded valleys.

Stretch your legs, get your heart pumping and enjoy a healthy dose of fresh air with outdoor activities in the North East this summer.

Get outdoors and make the most of summer on a walk in the North East. Get a dose of fresh air as you follow in the footsteps of the Romans, explore woodlands and gardens brimming with life or discover a view to take your breath away on the coast.

A hidden garden, a Pinetum on a grand scale, or an eighteenth-century landscaped garden - find a garden to explore in the North East this summer.

Enjoy family adventures in the North East this summer. Go on a wildlife walk, find play areas galore or explore the best beaches - whatever you fancy, there's plenty of fun for all the family.

Find the perfect place to play out this summer. From trains and forts to natural play areas, mazes and low ropes, the North East has got them all.

Nurture a love of the outdoors and nature with our list of activities for young adventurers – whatever the weather.

Helping nature restoration and recovery at Wallington through the Green Recovery Challenge Fund

The Drawing Room at Cragside is undergoing a major conservation project over the next few months to conserve two major features in this grand room; the marble fireplace and chenille carpet.

Built in 1871 Souter was the first lighthouse in the world purpose built to use electricity. Learn more about it and the treacherous seas, fog on the Tyne and the family legacy.

Have you ever wondered which family had the greatest influence over the landscapes and architecture of Wallington? Discover more about the Blackett family and their extensive work.

The history of Seaton Delaval Hall spans a thousand years and is as dramatic as any theatrical production ever staged...