Blog
2nd May 2019
Five of the Best Places to Visit in North East England
The Port of Tyne's location on the North East coast is an excellent base for exploring all that the region has to offer. From Northumberland to Newcastle; Hadrian's Wall to Holy Island, there is a shore excursion suitable for every type of traveler. Read on for our top five attractions within easy reach of the International Passenger Terminal…
Bamburgh, Northumberland – 1hr 25mins from Port of Tyne
A beautiful coastal village in the heart of Northumberland, Bamburgh was recently voted the UK’s best coastal destination, and is famous for its breathtaking castle, scenery and walking trails. When visiting this historic village, be sure to pay Bamburgh Castle a visit; with its incredible heritage and dramatic views, this imposing castle won’t disappoint. For those who enjoy walking, it’s well worth exploring the surrounding sand dunes, which lead onto miles and miles of white, sandy beaches. Fancy going a little further afield? Head into the village, where you will find one of the finest tea rooms in the country, the Copper Kettle, as well as a selection of places to shop and see.
Want to make a day of it? Visit the Port of Tyne’s website for Half and Full-Day Itineraries, which include Bamburgh.
Durham City – 30 mins from Port of Tyne
Voted Best City in the UK by readers of Condé Nast Traveller, Durham is a spectacular city situated only 30 minutes by road from the Port of Tyne. Durham Cathedral should be your first port of call; a majestic sight to behold, the cathedral is adjacent to Durham Castle, and is famous for being Harry Potter’s classroom in Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Once you’ve walked the halls of Hogwarts, be sure to explore the cobbled streets of the city centre, where you will find Durham Market Hall and Prince Bishops Shopping Centre – perfect for picking up a souvenir or two.
Hadrian’s Wall – 1hr from Port of Tyne
Do as the Roman’s did, and work your way along Hadrian’s Wall – a World Heritage site that was built by Emperor Hadrian and his 15,000 men. Stretching 73 miles from coast to coast, Hadrian’s Wall was built to guard the wild North West frontier of the Roman Empire. Today, you can explore its rich history and stunning landscape at over twenty English Heritage sites. Here at the Port, we recommend paying a visit to Segedunum Roman Fort in Wallsend, which is the most excavated fort along the Wall, and the Arbeia Roman Fort in South Shields, where reconstructions of the Commander’s House, a barrack block and a West Gate sit alongside real-life foundations of the Headquarters building.
Discover more in the Port of Tyne’s guide to Hadrian’s Wall – including details of Half and Full-Day Itineraries.
Holy Island of Lindisfarne – 1hr 42mins from Port of Tyne
Accessible only by a mile-long causeway in low tide, the Holy Island of Lindisfarne (or simply, Holy Island) is a wonderful haven with abounding history. Popular for its signs of the past dating as far back as 6AD, Holy Island is known for its imposing castle, which offers 360-degree views of the Island – and beyond. Experience the serenity of 12th Century Britain via Lindisfarne Priory, which was the Epicentre of Christianity in Anglo Saxon times, as well as being the birthplace of the Lindisfarne Gospels. Not religious? Simply enjoy the magical scenery on a long walk of the Island’s circumference – after all, it’s an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Why not visit the best of Northumberland on a Half or Full-Day excursion? See the Port’s Castles and Coast of North East England Itinerary for more details.
NewcastleGateshead – 15 mins from Port of Tyne
United by seven iconic bridges (including the Port-maintained Swing Bridge) across the Tyne, NewcastleGateshead is an award-winning Epicentre of arts, culture, shopping and sightseeing. On the South side, be sure to pay the internationally-acclaimed BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art a visit, taking in the sight of the unique Sage Gateshead music venue, and stopping at nearby By The River Brew Co for a spot of lunch. Head on over to the North side for a stroll along the beautiful Quayside, before making your way towards the architecturally-acclaimed Grey Street, which is home to the Grade I listed Theatre Royal. With an abundance of shops, cafes, restaurants, and a thriving nightlife, NewcastleGateshead is one place you’ll want to come back to – time and time again.
Plan your visit to NewcastleGateshead using the Port’s World-Class Culture Itinerary, which includes details of Half and Full-Day excursions.
For more information on things to do in North East England, visit the Places to Visit section on the Port of Tyne’s website.