Where will you visit next?
Discover lots of gardens, historic houses, days out at the coast and more.
North East
Lose yourself in the North East's characterful houses and their glorious gardens, discover atmospheric woodland and rugged coastlines and explore other gems including a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Places to visit
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Top places to visit in the North East
Place
Wallington
Discover Wallington, where a historical house meets rolling hills, woodlands and a walled garden.
Place
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.
Place
Souter Lighthouse and The Leas
A historic lighthouse overlooking nature-rich clifftop grasslands, coastal park and rugged coastline.
Place
Crook Hall Gardens
Characterful gardens on the edge of Durham city, set against the backdrop of a medieval hall.
Place
Washington Old Hall
Manor house associated with the family of George Washington, first president of the USA
Place
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.
Things to see and do with the family in the North East
Family-friendly places in the North East
If you're looking for things to do with the kids we've got your covered this spring. From family walks to events and activities and a jam packed list of recommendations for May Half Term. Discover our suggestions for rainy days and our top play parks.
May half term events & activities
We're wild about things to do in the school holidays here in the North East and have some great events and activities up our sleeve for May half term. From bug bingo to moth mornings and pond dipping to garden activities, take a look at what's on in the school holidays.
What's on in the North East
Upcoming events in the North East
There's always something new to see or do at National Trust places near you – join in a host of seasonal events and adventures for all ages. Find out what's on for a memorable time with family and friends.
North East in Blossom 2025
Fall in love with blossom throughout the North East this year. This year, North East-based organisations have come together in partnership to celebrate blossom across the region, thanks to a project supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery. Join us on the journey as the programme blooms at Crook Hall Gardens and in Durham, at National Trust places including Gibside, Washington Old Hall, Seaton Delaval Hall and Ormesby Hall, as well as along the Tyne Derwent Way and across Gateshead, Newcastle and Middlesbrough.
Art in the North East
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Liz Gre at Lindisfarne Castle
Discover Embodied Cacophonies by Liz Gre- a light, sound and sculptural installation that explores the elemental nature of Holy Island and the cacophonies that surround us. The sculpture draws inspiration from weathered raw materials and the elemental nature of Holy Island – such as water, wind, limestone & the stars.
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Chris Daunt at Cherryburn
The Art and Craft of Wood Engraving is a new exhibition by master engraver Chris Daunt, displaying a cross-section of Chris' work, produced across decades of wood engraving. All of Chris' engravings are hand printed on a beautiful 19th century Albion Press in limited editions.
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The North East Emerging Artist Award
See the proposals from the eight artists shortlisted from 2024's submissions from 14 May - 22 June in the Stables and vote for your favourite. 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.
Blossom at the Great North Museum: Hancock
Follow the dawn to dusk cycle of a Japanese cherry blossom tree at Great North Museum: Hancock. This captivating visual experience was created by NOVAK, a Newcastle-based creative studio, and features a soundscape created by Digital Voice for Communities, who work to empower communities through digital media, in collaboration with the pupils of Riverside Primary Academy. The exhibition also includes poetry created by Lotte Dijkstra, a PhD researcher at Newcastle University, in collaboration with local school children.
Visit National Trust places in the North East without a car
Travel by train, bus, bike or on foot for a sustainable day out in the North East
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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.
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.
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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.
Get involved
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.
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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.
Upcoming events
Event
North East Emerging Artist Award: Shortlisted Artists' Proposals
Seaton Delaval Hall, Seaton Sluice, NorthumberlandSee the proposals from the eight artists shortlisted from 2024’s submissions. Play curator for the day and vote for your favourite proposal. Three finalists will be chosen to realise their proposals for next year's exhibition.
Event
North East in Blossom at Seaton Delaval Hall
Seaton Delaval Hall, Seaton Sluice, NorthumberlandFall in love with blossom at Seaton Delaval Hall and throughout the North East this year. Pick up a blossom map, take part in one of our events, or simply savour the uplifting impact of blossom. It’s time to connect with nature and each other.
Event
North East Blossom: The birds, the bees and the blossom by Bethan Maddocks
Seaton Delaval Hall, Seaton Sluice, NorthumberlandSee artwork by visual artist Bethan Maddocks and poetry by writer John Challis, exploring themes of nature recovery and blossom as a symbol of hope and renewal. Works have been created with participation from local community groups.
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Dusk Beaver Safari at Wallington
Wallington, near Morpeth, NorthumberlandJoin Wild Intrigue on a Dusk Beaver Safari at the Wallington beaver enclosure, to observe the family of Eurasian beavers released in July 2023.
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PhotoClub Exhibition 2025 at Washington Old Hall
Washington Old Hall, Washington, Tyne & WearEnjoy photos of local National Trust places taken by PhotoClub, an inclusive family group based at Newcastle City Library.
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North East in Blossom 2025: Blossom and Blooms walk at Gibside
Gibside, Gateshead, Tyne & WearLearn more about blossom and gardening on this self-guided nature walk around Gibside.
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History talk - an introduction to the history of Gibside
Gibside, Gateshead, Tyne & WearGet a taste for the history of Gibside with a Guided Walk volunteer.
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Tots' Plots
Seaton Delaval Hall, Seaton Sluice, NorthumberlandJoin us for our free weekly drop-in gardening club for toddlers, packed full of activities whatever the weather. No need to book in advance, just turn up to enjoy our free weekly gardening session in the Community Kitchen Garden.
Explore an area nearby