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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 which sits at the heart of a grand fantasy garden.

Morpeth, Northumberland

Fully open today
A gothic looking house surrounded by autumn trees

Gibside 

A Georgian landscape garden forged in an industrial past.

Gateshead, Tyne & Wear

Fully open today
Gibside Chapel in autumn

Wallington 

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

near Morpeth, Northumberland

Fully open today
The east front of the house in autumn at Wallington, Northumberland

Seaton Delaval Hall 

A place of great theatricality, drama and mischief

Seaton Sluice, Northumberland

Fully open today
South lawn at Seaton Delaval Hall in the spring sunshine

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
Ormesby Hall garden in autumn

Souter Lighthouse and The Leas 

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

Whitburn, Tyne & Wear

Fully open today
A white walled driveway leads towards the red and white striped tower and white buildings of Souter Lighthouse on a cloudy wintry day.

Crook Hall Gardens 

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

Durham

Fully open today
Crook Hall ablaze with colour in the Autumn time

Lindisfarne Castle 

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

Berwick-upon-Tweed, Northumberland

Fully open today
A sunrise photograph of Lindisfarne from Holy Island harbour with a silhouetted figure and a bench in the foreground

Cherryburn 

Cottage and farmhouse, the birthplace of Thomas Bewick

Stocksfield, Northumberland

Fully open today
Close square-on view of the new farmhouse at Cherryburn built by Thomas Bewick's brother in late 1820's showing dressed sandstone construction, with slated roof, brick chimneys and a front porch.

Hadrian's Wall and Housesteads Fort 

Roman wall running through an often wild landscape

Hexham, Northumberland

Fully open today
Visitors admiring the autumn view on their walk along the footpath at Hadrian's Wall and Housesteads Fort, Northumberland

Washington Old Hall 

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

Washington, Tyne & Wear

Fully open today
Exterior of the hall in autumn at Washington Old Hall, Tyne & Wear

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

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

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.

Children playing with leaves at Wallington, Northumberland

October half term in the North East 

Step into autumn with spooky trails, broomstick adventures, and seasonal fun this October half term. Explore family-friendly events across the North East and make magical memories with the National Trust. Plan your visit today.

A family exploring the garden in autumn at Wallington, Northumberland

Christmas in the North East 

Make magical memories with your family and friends this Christmas in the North East. Enjoy joyful days out filled with twinkling lights, towering Christmas trees, and sparkling decorations that bring the season to life—indoors and out.

Magnificence the reindeer with sleigh at Wallington

Art in the North East

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.

Artist Liz Gre with Lindisfarne Castle in the background.

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.

Master wood engraver Chris Daunt working

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. See 2025's winners' exhibition from Jordan Edge, Phoebe Scott and Lucy Waters 6 September - 19 October this year.

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

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.

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

Earth Photo Exhibition 2025 at Wallington 

Wallington, near Morpeth, Northumberland

This Autumn, Wallington is hosting the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG) and Parker Harris Earth Photo Exhibition 2025.

Event summary

on
3 Oct to 2 Nov 2025
at
10:00 to 17:00
+ 30 other dates or times

Memories of Washington Old Hall: Seventy Years, One Community 

Washington Old Hall, Washington, Tyne & Wear

Connect with local heritage and add your voice to the story. A new pop-up display marks 70 years since Washington Old Hall's refurbishment and opening to visitors.

Event summary

on
3 Oct to 2 Nov 2025
at
10:00 to 17:00
+ 24 other dates or times

North East Emerging Artist Award 

Seaton Delaval Hall, Seaton Sluice, Northumberland

Your chance to explore work from emerging and early career artists in or from the region. See the final pieces from the three winners from 2024: Jordan Edge, Phoebe Scott and Lucy Waters.

Event summary

on
3 Oct to 19 Oct 2025
at
11:00 to 16:30
+ 12 other dates or times

Murder Mystery Night at Ormesby Hall - Murder at First Bite: SOLD OUT 

Ormesby Hall, Middlesbrough, North Yorkshire

On Friday 3 October, in partnership with Tall Tales Mysteries, Ormesby Hall plays host to 'Murder At First Bite'.

Event summary

on
3 Oct 2025
at
19:00 to 22:30

Floristry workshop: harvest arrangement with the Northern Flower Garden 

Gibside, Gateshead, Tyne & Wear

Join florist Debbie for a seasonal floral workshop.

Event summary

on
4 Oct 2025
at
11:00 to 13:00

Learn to Nordic walk at Wallington 

Wallington, near Morpeth, Northumberland

Learn to Nordic walk at Wallington this year with the team from Strolls with Poles. Enjoy the scenery around Wallington whilst learning this wonderful new skill.

Event summary

on
5 Oct to 7 Dec 2025
at
10:30 to 12:30
+ 2 other dates or times

Red Squirrel Awareness Day at Wallington 

Wallington, near Morpeth, Northumberland

Celebrate the wonderful red squirrel with the ranger team at Wallington this Red Squirrel Awareness Week.

Event summary

on
5 Oct 2025
at
11:00 to 14:00

Live music in the hall 

Washington Old Hall, Washington, Tyne & Wear

Local musicians make a visit to Washington Old Hall extra special.

Event summary

on
6 Oct 2025
at
11:00 to 14:00
A group of four women along a path, in the background, down a hill is a reservoir

Where will you visit next?

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