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.

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A child is being held up by his parent to observe the hanging snowflake decorations in the Gallery at the House. Large white paper snowflakes hang from the ceiling while Christmas trees lines the sides of the room.

Place

Cragside

Britain's original smart home which sits at the heart of a grand designer garden.

View of a snowy avenue of bare trees leading to a columned chapel covered in snow.

Place

Gibside

A Georgian landscape garden forged in an industrial past.

Place

Wallington

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

North front of Seaton Delaval Hall in winter snow

Place

Seaton Delaval Hall

A place of great theatricality, drama and mischief

Exterior of Ormesby Hall at winter with lights on lawn

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.

The red and white striped tower and white buildings of Souter Lighthouse with its square white Foghorn House topped with two large black horns in the foreground.

Place

Souter Lighthouse and The Leas

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

A brick path between low hedges and topiary coated in light frost with bare winter trees in the distance

Place

Crook Hall Gardens

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

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

Place

Lindisfarne Castle

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

Cherryburn Farmhouse covered in snow, viewed through a hedge

Place

Cherryburn

Cottage and farmhouse, the birthplace of Thomas Bewick

Housesteads Fort under a winter sky and a blanket of snow

Place

Hadrian's Wall and Housesteads Fort

Roman wall running through an often wild landscape

A view of Washington Old Hall and part of its formal garden under a covering of snow, surrounded by bare snow-covered trees. The light is soft and rosy under pink tinged clouds, giving the sandstone of the buildings and garden walls a warm glow. The scene is like a Christmas card.

Place

Washington Old Hall

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

Grey seal pup on the beach at Blakeney Point

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.

An artist's impression of the UK's Tallest Living Christmas at Cragside. A huge tree dressed in lights towers above the House. It's a clear winter's evening. A crescent moon and twinkling lights are in the sky.

Houses and buildings in the North East

Dog-friendly places in the North East

A family exploring the garden at Cragside, Northumberland,

Coast and beaches in the North East

Visitors having lunch in the café at Seaton Delaval Hall, Northumberland

Places to eat in the North East

Family looking at a willow reindeer at Christmas time in the gardens at Wallington, Northumberland.

Family-friendly places in the North East

As well as lots of fun family adventures and events to be had this autumn in the North East, there’s plenty of play areas, wildlife to spot and things to do when it rains. Plan your adventures now.

Two family visitors on stage pointing at a crescent moon in the background, part of a sparkling seasonal backdrop on the West Wing Kitchen stage during Christmas at Seaton Delaval Hall

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. From craft workshops to guided walks and talks to meeting Father Christmas. Find out what's on, plan ahead and book tickets for a memorable time with family and friends.

Christmas in the North East

Enjoy magical days out with the kids and events and activities for all the family in the North East this festive season. Discover towering trees, decorations and sparkle indoors and out, woodland fairy trails, twilight lantern walks and so much more.

Sycamore Tree in a dip in Hadrian's Wall

Article

Heartwood

Artist Shona Branigan's commemorative artworks created from a disc of the trunk of the iconic Sycamore Gap tree.Heartwood captures the essence of the tree and the impression it left on those who connected with it.

Artist Liz Gre with Lindisfarne Castle in the background.

Article

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.

Master wood engraver Chris Daunt working

Article

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.

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

Article

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.

Travel by train, bus, bike or on foot for a sustainable day out in the North East

Two visitors with bikes on a trail around Wallington

Article

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.

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.

Puffins on the Farne Islands, Northumberland

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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.

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

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.

Visitors helping to plant snowdrops at Wallington.

Article

Supporter groups in the North East

Meet like-minded individuals in the North East by joining a supporter group near you. Enjoy a programme of talks and trips while supporting special places.

See all events

Event

Woodland fairy trail at Gibside this Christmas

Gibside, Gateshead, Tyne & Wear

Discover the secrets of the woodland fairies at Gibside.

Event

Christmas star trail at Gibside

Gibside, Gateshead, Tyne & Wear

Follow the trail of Christmas stars to Gibside Stables, each uniquely decorated by local community groups and volunteers.

Event

Festive Friday Crafts

Seaton Delaval Hall, Seaton Sluice, Northumberland

Join us every Friday in December for a festive craft session, suitable for under-5s. Get into the Christmas spirit and make decorations to hang on your tree or gift to a loved one.

Event

Live music during Twixmas at Wallington

Wallington, near Morpeth, Northumberland

Enjoy a visit to the House after Christmas, with a relaxed and cosy seasonal atmosphere.

Event

Delaval Discoveries: Potted History Talk

Seaton Delaval Hall, Seaton Sluice, Northumberland

Join our expert guides daily for an introduction to the gay Delavals, the most notorious of Georgian partygoers and pranksters and discover the story behind Sir John Vanbrugh's 300 year old masterpiece.

Event

SOLD OUT: Spirits of the Forest: Relaxed Twilight Lantern Walk at Cragside

Cragside, Morpeth, Northumberland

This slot is a quieter session with reduced numbers to take into account the additional requirements of some children and families in order to provide an experience special to all.

Event

SOLD OUT: Spirits of the Forest: Twilight Lantern Walk at Cragside

Cragside, Morpeth, Northumberland

As the sun sets, the Sprits of the Forest come to life. On this lantern walk, wander through the magically illuminated Debdon Valley to Cragside's giant Christmas tree.

Event

Bird race 2025

Souter Lighthouse and The Leas, Whitburn, Tyne & Wear

The race is on to count as many different bird species as possible!

Explore an area nearby

Two visitors laughing at each other whilst admiring the Dining Room at Christmas at Lanhydrock, Cornwall

Where will you visit next?

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

Plan a visit