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National Trust in the North East

Explore dramatic coastlines, peaceful woodlands, historic houses, vibrant gardens, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site – all waiting to be discovered in the North East.

Places to visit

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Top places to visit in the North East

Cragside 

Britain's original smart home at the heart of a grand fantasy garden.

Morpeth, Northumberland

Fully open today
A couple walking over the Iron Bridge at Cragside Northumberland. The House can be seen in the background of the photo, sitting at the top of a craggy Rock Garden. It's spring day. The sky is blue. The man is wearing a red jacket. The lady is wearing a blue coat.

Gibside 

A Georgian landscape garden forged in an industrial past.

Gateshead, Tyne & Wear

Fully open today
Wildlfower meadow in the foreground with the Hall beyond at Gibside, Newcastle upon Tyne

Wallington 

Discover Wallington, where a historical house meets rolling hills, woodlands and a walled garden.

near Morpeth, Northumberland

Partially open today
A corner view of Wallington showing the south front and side of the house

Seaton Delaval Hall 

A place of great theatricality, drama and mischief

Seaton Sluice, Northumberland

Fully open today
Seaton Delaval Hall's historic double headed Van Sion Daffodils I Northumberland

Ormesby Hall 

Home to the Pennyman family for over 400 years, Ormesby Hall, garden and parkland is a green oasis on the edge of the North York Moors National Park.

Middlesbrough, North Yorkshire

Fully open today
The south facing garden at Ormesby Hall with colourful tulips in front of the house

Crook Hall Gardens 

Characterful gardens on the edge of Durham city, set against the backdrop of a medieval hall.

Durham

Fully open today
Brightly lit by sunshine, lichen-covered branches sport clusters of white and pink apple blossom between young green leaves. Lawns, flowerbeds and some buildings of Crook Hall are in soft focus in the background.

Souter Lighthouse and The Leas 

A historic lighthouse overlooking nature-rich clifftop grasslands, coastal park and rugged coastline.

Whitburn, Tyne & Wear

Partially open today
A family walks towards the red and white striped tower and white buildings of Souter Lighthouse on a winter's day

Lindisfarne Castle 

A castle (that’s not a castle), on an island (that’s not an island).

Berwick-upon-Tweed, Northumberland

Partially open today
View of castle and boat sheds from the beach, Lindisfarne Castle, Northumberland

Cherryburn 

The birthplace of the famous artist and naturalist Thomas Bewick, perhaps Northumberland’s greatest artist - a wood engraver and naturalist who revolutionised print art in Georgian England.

Stocksfield, Northumberland

Closed now
Cherryburn's farmhouse with spring flowers in front

Hadrian's Wall 

Roman wall running through an often wild landscape

Hexham, Northumberland

Fully open today
Four visitors and a dog walking along a footpath next to Hadrian's Wall

Washington Old Hall 

Manor house associated with the family of George Washington, first president of the USA.

Washington, Tyne & Wear

Fully open today
The exterior of Washington Old Hall against clear blue sky. Carved stone eagles top the walls either side of a set of stone steps. Trees in leaf are visible and a pink dog rose is close up in the foreground.

Farne Islands 

National Nature Reserve (NNR) and Site of Special Scientific Interest ( SSSI). Home to an internationally significant breeding colony of seabirds and Atlantic grey seals.

Northumberland

Partially open today
Grey seals on the Farne Islands, Northumberland

Things to see and do with the family in the North East

Fun-filled family days out in the North East 

Looking for unforgettable family adventures in the North East? Whether you're planning a weekend escape or a last-minute day trip, we’ve got you covered. Discover scenic walks, hands-on activities, exciting events, and brilliant ideas for rainy days. From the best play parks to hidden gems perfect for curious kids, explore our top family-friendly places and start planning your next great day out with the National Trust.

A couple with their young child walk across an iron bridge, with the large house at Cragside visible behind them in the background surrounded by evergreen trees.

Easter adventures 

Get ready to spring into action, it’s almost time for your Easter adventures across the North East. Join us to get close to nature and take part in family-friendly activity trails at the places we care for.

Visitors enjoying Easter activities at Gibside, Tyne & Wear

What's on in the North East

Upcoming events in the North East 

There’s always something happening at National Trust places across the North East. Join us for guided nature walks, outdoor theatre, family trails, craft workshops, storytelling sessions, and historical tours—all set in stunning coastlines, gardens, and countryside. Whether you're looking for a fun day out with the kids or a relaxing escape with friends, discover events that bring the North East’s landscapes and stories to life.

A family on a boat sailing to the Farne Islands

Art in the North East

The North East Emerging Artist Award 

Established in 2021, the award is inspired by Seaton Delaval Hall’s long-standing tradition of supporting the arts and encouraging emerging talent. It is open to artists from all artforms who are in or from the North East and aims is to showcase site-specific contemporary art in a historic context.

Visitors discover New Borders by Chantal Herbert & Dami Fawehinmi, winners of the NE Emerging Artist Award I Seaton Delaval Hall I Northumberland

Visit National Trust places in the North East without a car

Travel by train, bus, bike, on foot (or even online via our puffin cam) for a sustainable day out in the North East

Places you can visit in the North East without a car 

Whether you’re looking to travel by train, bus, bike or foot, there are many places in the North East that you can visit without a car - here's the info to help you plan a car-free day out.

A group of visitors cycling through the Wallington estate in autumn

Places to stay in the North East

From coastguard lookouts and fishermen's cottages to somewhere cosy inland, with an open fire you and your dog can warm yourselves in front of after a long walk, there are some unforgettable places to stay in the North East.

Northumberland and the North East 

Discover our places to stay across Northumberland. Whether you're a nature lover searching for somewhere you can spot coastal wildlife, or a history fan looking to explore Roman ruins, these cottages are the perfect base for your adventures.

The area surrounding Lookout Cottage, Northumberland

Volunteering in the North East

There are plenty of opportunities to get involved in our work in the North East.

Volunteering in the North East 

Join the volunteers who help look after the many interesting places in the North East, and ensure visitors have a great day there – from Cragside to Souter Lighthouse and Seaton Delaval Hall.

A staff member in a room with a stone fireplace and antique wooden chairs, talks to a family, who are holding clipboards with activity sheets

Supporter groups in the North East 

Find out about supporter groups based in the North East. You can support the places you love by volunteering or enjoying a programme of trips and talks.

West End Refugee Service (WERS) volunteering with rangers at Wallington, Northumberland

Upcoming events

‘Hop into the wild’ family trail, inspired by Disney and Pixar's "Hoppers" 

Gibside, Gateshead, Tyne & Wear

Hop into this self-guided outdoors adventure – with storytelling and play. Fun for all the family.

Event summary

on
28 Feb to 14 Mar 2026
at 10:00 to 16:00+ 14 other dates or times

World Book Day trail: February half term at Crook Hall Gardens 

Crook Hall Gardens, Durham

Embark on the ultimate World Book Day quest this February half term.

Event summary

on
28 Feb to 8 Mar 2026
at 10:00 to 16:00+ 8 other dates or times

Snowdrop festival fairy trail at Wallington 

Wallington, near Morpeth, Northumberland

Fairies from all corners of the land will be fluttering into Wallington for a magical Snowdrop Festival to welcome the arrival of spring.

Event summary

on
28 Feb to 1 Mar 2026
at 10:00 to 17:00+ 1 other date or time

Secrets of the Collection: Hobbies 

Ormesby Hall, Middlesbrough, North Yorkshire

Come along to see never before seen collection items in the Secrets of the Collection exhibition.

Event summary

on
28 Feb to 30 Mar 2026
at 10:30 to 14:45+ 22 other dates or times

February half term at Ormesby Hall 

Ormesby Hall, Middlesbrough, North Yorkshire

Let little ones be inspired by the power of books this February half term, with an Alice in Wonderland inspired trail and activities.

Event summary

on
28 Feb to 1 Mar 2026
at 10:30 to 15:00+ 1 other date or time

Winter white flower arrangement workshop by The Northern Flower Garden 

Crook Hall Gardens, Durham

Join florist Debbie from the Northern Flower Garden for a seasonal floral workshop.

Event summary

on
28 Feb 2026
at 11:00 to 13:00

Soaring seabirds trail: February half term at Souter Lighthouse 

Souter Lighthouse and The Leas, Whitburn, Tyne & Wear

Explore Souter Lighthouse and the Leas, learning about local wildlife along the way.

Event summary

on
28 Feb to 1 Mar 2026
at 11:00 to 16:00+ 1 other date or time

February half term family fun at Washington Old Hall 

Washington Old Hall, Washington, Tyne & Wear

Discover self-led family activities at Washington Old Hall this February half term.

Event summary

on
28 Feb to 1 Mar 2026
at 11:00 to 16:00+ 1 other date or time
Visitor garden Erddig Wrexham Wales

Where will you visit next?

Discover lots of gardens, historic houses, days out at the coast and more.