Northeast England has so many amazing places to visit that inspired writers of children’s stories that a tour of the region is sure to make for a fantastic family trip. In addition to the many storybook settings to see, there are nature settings, historical museums, ancient Roman Forts, and cathedrals. nahls
There are many castles to visit, including Durham, Tynemouth, Warkworth, and Bamburgh, and Alnwick, film setting of the Happy Potter series.
Roman History is found at Hadrian’s Wall World Heritage Site, featuring 25 Roman forts and museums along the 73 mile 2000 year old wall. One site, Vindolanda, features archaeological digs that visitors can participate in. The wall features many cycling routes, as well as the National Trail Path, for those who want to hike the wall’s entirety. Housesteads Roman Fort is one of the most complete Roman forts in Britain, and the museum features a model of the fort, local carvings.
The Beamish Museum in Durham features a recreation of life in the 1800’s and 1900’s, with a working farm, Pockerly Manor, and the 1825 railway. The Durham Cathedral has been described by travel writer Bill Bryson as “The best cathedral in the world”. Raby Castle is a 14th Century medieval castle featuring a carriage collection, a 200 acre deer park, and an adventure playground. The Bowes Museum has a large collection of paintings, decorative art, ceramics, clocks, textiles, tapestries, and costumes, as well as local history pieces. Messipoker
Lewis Carroll grew up in Croft-on-Tees, and a carving of a smiling cat at the church where his father was rector is thought to have inspired the Cheshire Cat in “Alice in Wonderland”. Carroll’s “Walrus and the Carpenter” was inspired by carpenters in Sunderland’s shipyards, and a Walrus sculpture stands in Mowbray Park.
Nature lovers are sure to enjoy a trip to the Farne Islands, 5 meters off the North Northumberland Coast. 290 bird species have been recorded on the Farne Islands, making it popular with bird watchers and photographers. This is also a popular scuba diving location, as there is not only a seal colony but hundreds of shipwrecks.
Killhope, the North of England Lead Mining Museum, won the North East England Small Visitor Attraction of the year Gold in 2008. The mines evoke the setting of David Almond’s 1999 children’s book “Kit’s Wilderness.” Newcastle has Seven Stories, the Centre for Children’s Books, with a collection of children’s books, storytelling, exhibitions, crafts, and dressing up. preferablepups
Lindisfarne Priory is another destination, located on the Holy Island. A monastery was founded there in the 7th century, and a Viking raid on it in 793 is considered to be the beginning of the Viking Age. Also on the island is Lindisfarne Castle, built in 1550.
South Tyneside was the home of Dame Catherine Cookson, whose position as the most widely read novelist from the UK and subsequent philanthropy were inspired by her youth experiences.
