News Article

Get out and about over the half term holiday enjoy one of the walks from the latest edition of the ‘Walking Guide’.  As it says on the cover “It’s amazing where our walks can lead you”.

The picturesque town of Rothbury makes the perfect centre for a day in the hills. This route takes you among the beautiful heather moors from which you can look down upon the town and also enjoy breathtaking views of the Cheviot Hills. Rothbury itself has earned an enviable local reputation for its cafes – try a sustaining cuppa and cake.  DISTANCE: 8.0 KM (5.0 MILES) GRADE OF WALK: MODERATE TIME: 2-3 HOURS

Durham City and Houghall Discovery Trail No newcomer to the city should miss this historic trail, from which it’s easy to visit the World Heritage Site Durham Cathedral and Castle.or explore the cobbled streets sampling the many excellent cafes and shops. If you’re still here in the evening, a night out at the Gala Theatre will round off your day in style.  DISTANCE 7KM (4.5 MILES) GRADE OF WALK: EASY/MODERATE TIME: 2-3 HOURS

NewcastleGateshead Discovery This city tour offers wonderful views of the famous Tyne bridges. Make a full day of it with visits to both Quaysides to see the public art displayed at the BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art and The Sage Gateshead - stunning views can be enjoyed from both. Also on the list of ‘must sees’ are visits to the Life Science Centre and the Castle Keep. You can view beautiful works of art at The Biscuit Factory, shop in Eldon Square, eat at superb restaurants and cafes, and round it all off with a night at the theatre.  DISTANCE: 2.0 KM (1.4 MILES) GRADE OF WALK: EASY TIME: 1 HOUR OR LESS

Guisborough Woods and Highcliff Nab Get away from it all with a forest ramble that also takes in stunning views over the Tees Valley. Stay a while and shop for arts, crafts and fine local produce in the nearby town of Guisborough with its majestic Priory, bustling market and hall. Kirkleatham Museum is also nearby with impressive exhibitions on art, coast and country, ironstone mining and social history.  DISTANCE: 10.5 KM (6.5 MILES) GRADE OF WALK: MODERATE TIME: 2-3 HOURS

To view a list of walks in the North East, check out our online walking guide.  The guide includes lots of detailed routes and maps for walks in the region as well as advice and contact information.

Roaming Roman Trails 18th – 26th February at Corbridge and Housesteads Roman Forts.  Head along to these Roman forts and seek out the mini Roman soldiers hidden across the sites.  Collect all their names and receive a small prize.

Meet the Tudor at the Old Gaol Hexham 18-26th February.  Visitors can step back in time with costumed interpreters, such as a nobleman, a servant, a merchant’s wife or a bookbinders wife, and discover fascinating insights into Tudor life.

Souter Lighthouse, Coast Road, Whitburn, South Shields
18-26TH February ‘The Sea Captain’s Bed’ a lively artwork at Souter for the local February half-term, featuring superb craft, with elements of shipbuilding, maritime history, sailor’s folklore and the captain’s dreams and memories.  Children’s activities on all week
21st February ‘Behind the Scenes at the Lighthouse’ see the light flashing and the Engine Room at work and hear the foghorn blasting.

Check out half term activity at Discovery Museum, Blandford House, Newcastle upon Tyne including 22 February – Magnetic Insects: make your own creepy crawly magnet.  Full details of all half term activity at Discovery and other Tyne and Wear Museums check out www.twmuseums.org.uk

Family Fun Activity Day Tuesday 21st February at The Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle, a day of activities based around the Museum’s displays children must be accompanied by an adult 4 years+

Half term fun at Diggerland, Langley Park, Durham an adventure park based on diggers where children of all ages can ride and drive diggers. A great place for family fun.

Headland to Hart Station Walk 19th February 2006 Meet at The Heugh Battery, The Headland, Hartlepool Discover the history, geology and nature of the Headland and coast. During this 5-mile walk we will visit the Heugh Battery, Spion Kop Cemetery and Hart Warren Dunes, taking in spectacular and extensive coastal views. Booking essential. Join event with Tees Valley Wildlife Trust. For further information contact the Countryside Wardens on (01429) 853325.  10.30am-1.30pm Free

Orienteering at Newham Grange Leisure Farm, Middlesbrough Monday 20th February 11 a.m. – 2.00 p.m. using your observation map reading skills, have a go at the farm course.  Certificate for everyone taking part.  Further information 01642 515 729

Contacts

For further information on the region and opening times of all the attractions listed call 08701 601 781 or log onto www.visitnortheastengland.co.uk call into your local Tourist Information Centre.

Corbridge Roman Site
(Corstopitum) Hadrian's Wall
Corbridge, Northumberland, NE45 5NT
T: (01434) 632349
W: http://www.english-heritage.org.uk 
E: customers@english-heritage.org.uk

Chesters Roman Fort
(Cilurnum) Hadrian's Wall
Chollerford,
Humshaugh, Hexham, Northumberland, NE46 4EP
T: (01434) 681379
W: http://www.english-heritage.org.uk 
E: customers@english-heritage.org.uk

The Old Gaol, Hallgate,
Hexham, Northumberland, NE46 3NH
T: (01434) 652349
F: (01434) 652364
W: http://www.tynedaleheritage.org 
E: museum@tynedale.gov.uk

Souter Lighthouse
Coast Road, Whitburn,
South Shields, Sunderland, SR6 7NH
T: (0191) 529 3161
F: (0191) 529 0902
W: http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Discovery Museum
Blandford House, Blandford Square,
Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear, NE1 4JA
T: (0191) 232 6789
F: (0191) 233 1088
W: http://www.twmuseums.org.uk/discovery 
E: discovery@twmuseums.org.uk

The Bowes Museum
Newgate,
Barnard Castle, County Durham, DL12 8NP
T: (01833) 690606
F: (01833) 637163
W: http://www.bowesmuseum.org.uk 
E: info@bowesmuseum.org.uk

Riverside Industrial Estate,
Langley Park, Durham, DH7 9TT
T: 08700 344437
F: 09012 010300
W: http://www.diggerland.com 
E: mail@diggerland.com

Newham Grange Leisure Farm
Wykeham Way, Coulby Newham,
Middlesbrough, Cleveland, TS8 0TG
T: (01642) 300202
F: (01642) 300276
W: http://www.middlesbrough.gov.uk 
E: tracy_farbridge@middlesbrough.gov.uk