Visitors at Wallington in Autumn — Wallington, Northumberland | © Rebecca Hughes

Historic houses and iconic buildings in the North East

Step inside the National Trust’s most remarkable buildings across North East England. From the dramatic Lindisfarne Castle to the theatrical Seaton Delaval Hall and the pioneering Cragside—Britain's first smart home—each place reveals a unique chapter of the region’s story. Discover what to see and do inside each place, from grand halls and ornate interiors to innovative design and the lives of those who shaped them.

Step into places where bold ideas and brilliant design changed the way we live. From pioneering technology to theatrical architecture, these buildings are as inspiring today as when they were first built.

Cragside house

Step into the Britain's original smart home. Cragside is a Victorian marvel filled with ingenious gadgets, grand interiors, and the vision of inventor Lord Armstrong. Explore rooms that once amazed royalty and discover how innovation shaped this extraordinary house.

Two visitors are looking up at an enormous, highly decorated marble fireplace in the Drawing Room at Cragside

Wallington

A grand country house with a creative heart. Inside Wallington, explore elegant rooms, a vast library, and a remarkable collection of art and curiosities that reflect the interests of the Trevelyan family.

Seaton Delaval Hall

Bold, theatrical, and full of surprises—Seaton Delaval Hall is a masterpiece of Baroque architecture. Discover dramatic interiors, playful design, and the story of a family known for their flair and flamboyance.

Souter Lighthouse

Step inside the world’s first electric lighthouse. Explore the original engine room, climb the tower, and discover the daily lives of the keepers who kept the light shining. With its striking design and preserved interiors, Souter offers a fascinating glimpse into Victorian innovation and coastal life.

Lindisfarne Castle

Perched on Holy Island, Lindisfarne Castle blends Tudor fort and Edwardian retreat. Step inside to see how architect Edwin Lutyens transformed it into a stylish holiday home, with sweeping views and timeless charm.

Discover the homes of artists, inventors, and everyday families whose lives shaped the world in quiet but powerful ways. These smaller places are full of big stories.

The cottage at Cherryburn

Visit the birthplace of Thomas Bewick, the celebrated wood engraver. This small stone cottage offers a glimpse into 18th-century rural life and the creative beginnings of one of the North East’s most influential artists.

Visitor watching a printing demonstration in action in the Thomas Bewick farmstead museum, Cherryburn, Northumberland

Washington Old Hall

Explore the atmospheric manor house linked to the family of George Washington, the first U.S. president. With its medieval origins and Jacobean features, Washington Old Hall blends centuries of history in a unique setting that connects North East England to American heritage.