Things to do & places to visit in North East England, United Kingdom

North East England #125 destination in United Kingdom 2023. Timezone: Europe/London, current date and time: Monday, May 06, 2024, 2:47.

Top things to do (31)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Victoria Tunnel (2.561 reviews)
- Story time in a damp underground tunnel shouldn't be this fun!
Monday: 10:30 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Historic Sites

Guided tours of the fully preserved 19th century coal waggonway and WW2 air-raid shelter. Pre-booking is essential and tickets can be booked online through our website or by telephone during office hours. Tours every day, check the website for details. Our extensive Covid-19 precautions have been assessed by Visit Britain and we have been awarded "Good to Go" certification. See more..
5.0 Serenity Farne Island Boat Tours (2.365 reviews)
- A wonderful experience
Monday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Boat Tours

This was our second time out with Serenity. Last May and yesterday. The boats are super safe and comfortable with all the safety equipment explained before leaving harbour. The best time imo is May when all the birds are nesting. However we were not disappointed with all the wildlife we saw yesterday Capt Jimmy and his Mate Andrew gave an excellent running commentary all round the wonderful Farne Islands. Two hours very well spent just got £22 each. Excellent value We will return in the autumn Lastly take warm clothing and woolly hats and gloves. It can get chilly when the wind blows. See more..
5.0 The Escape Key (1.300 reviews)
- Brilliant experience for the family
Monday: Spent 1-2 hours Escape Games

The Escape Key is a premium escape room centre located in an atmospheric warehouse in the historic Gallowgate area (the place where witches were once hanged) of the city. We aim to give you the best possible experience with the quality of our games and the service we offer our customers. Play The Plague or Witch overlooking the ancient graveyard or try to save the world from Armageddon! The Electric City game is based on Newcastle's heritage as the first city in the world to be lit by electric light. We also offer two outdoor escape adventures. Rosie's Charm and Thirteen Ghosts played using our app on the streets of Newcastle. See more..
5.0 EXIT Newcastle (1.123 reviews)
- 10/10
Monday: 9:30 AM - 10:00 PM Escape Games • Missions • Game & Entertainment Centers

My favourite escape room so far. My friend and I took on the Attic. We had never done horror escape room and it definitely brought in an extra element. My friend was bricking it before we even went it and the host told us afterwards her screams had scared another group - sorry if it was you . We won’t give any spoilers, but everything matters! Wish I could forget the clues and do it again. Will definitely be coming again. The host was really friendly and built up the fear factor before we started See more..
5.0 Sky-High Skydiving (891 reviews)
- Absolutely awesome experience!
Monday: Adrenaline & Extreme Tours

I had a wonderful welcome to skydiving on my first tandem skydive. Dave and Liam were extremely friendly and experienced. They made me feel confident and this helped me stay as relaxed as I could be throughout the entire process of getting geared up, going up in the plane and the actual skydive and landing. Thank you very much and I would love to come back again and do it with my husband too next time. Definately recommend doing the 15,000ft rather than the 10,000ft. If you're gonna go up there then why not do the highest one? Also I highly recommend the Gold Package as the videos and pictures taken truly reflect what it felt like on the jump and the video quality is extemely good to say the least. Thank you SkyHighSkydiving!! See more..
5.0 Falconry Days (703 reviews)
- Well worth a visit
Monday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Nature & Wildlife Areas

Bird Of Prey Centre with over 75 birds of prey from around the world located in the middle of Northumberlands National Park.Visitor centre open every day from 11am, picnic area, hot/cold drinks and light snacks. See more..
5.0 Andy Howeys Birds of Prey Centre (601 reviews)
- Not to be missed!
Monday: Nature & Wildlife Areas

Absolutely fantastic, both the birds of prey and the reptile show are well worth it, close and personal, great for all ages and a really good price. Staff were knowledgeable, kind and had lots of time for questions. Beautiful birds and cute creepy crawlies Will definitely be going again soon. See more..
5.0 The Flight Experience (464 reviews)
- New owners, nice guy, good experience.
Monday: 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Game & Entertainment Centers

The Flight Experience, formerly The 737 Experience boasts two full scale flight simulator - Boeing 737-800 & Airbus A320. Based just a 10-minute walk from Newcastle City Centre. Our simulators use only the best industry hardware, software and visual setup to make it the most immersive simulator in the North of England. See more..
5.0 CBK Adventures (459 reviews)
- Paddleboarding (private lesson)
Monday: Adrenaline & Extreme Tours • Water Sports • Sightseeing Tours • Stand Up Paddleboarding • Kayaking & Canoeing

We booked a private SUP lesson. This was our first lesson, and we really enjoyed it. Dan was our instructor, and he was excellent, he was so knowledgable and friendly throughout our lesson. He went through all the basics with us and made sure we knew specific safety aspects to help keep ourselves and others safe on the water. We had plenty of time on the water as well. The private lesson is great value for money, especially if you want to avoid bigger groups, my wife has Asperger's and this was perfect for her. We will definitely be back in the future to hire some paddleboards. See more..
5.0 Escape Rooms Durham (399 reviews)
- Lumley Castle Escape: One of the best I’ve played
Monday: 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Escape Games

A real life escape game has arrived in Durham. You and your team will need to solve a series of puzzles in under an hour, can you beat the room? Great for team building, stag/hen do's or just a great way to spend an hour with friends or family! See more..
5.0 Riverside Falconry (352 reviews)
- Bird handling experience
Monday: 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM Nature & Wildlife Tours

My partner booked us a session here as a Christmas present and after a few Covid and avian flu delays we finally made it and brought the kids along too. We had a great time at Riverside Falconry with John, whose passion and knowledge shone through during our session. He has a great bond with his birds and it’s clear that his philosophy of keeping them flying and active rather than leaving them in an aviary for days on end leaves them in fantastic condition. We got to know the backstory of all the birds we handled, including Bruno, the kestrel who until very recently identified as female and Smudge, the geriatric owl with a rediscovered need for speed. Lennon the gyrfalcon was stunning as was Monty the eagle owl; though my youngest was a bit unsure of Monty, John helped my eldest hold him briefly which was great. The private session meant everything was relaxed and informal. We’ll definitely be returning soon for a Hawk Walk. Highly recommended! See more..
5.0 Endless Adventure North East (316 reviews)
- Great experience, will be back again to try others!
Monday: 7:30 AM - 9:30 PM River Rafting & Tubing • Canyoning & Rappelling Tours • Bike Tours • Climbing Tours • Kayaking & Canoeing

Got a tandem rafting experience for for my fiance's birthday, was just the two of us and two intructors (Phil & Harry). We had an absolutely amazing day! We were given plenty of safety equipment & safety briefs along the way, but we were given loads of opportunities to just have fun with it ourselves which was what we wanted. We felt well looked after all the way through and we'd highly recommend if you're new to adventuring and wantin to get your feet in the water (no pun intended)! See more..
5.0 Body & Mind Massage Therapy (308 reviews)
- Felt like flying after this life changing treatment!
Monday: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Spas

There are few things in life as important as physical and mental health, yet in our busy and stressful lives, so many people forget to look after their own wellbeing. Established in 2012, we called ourselves “Body & Mind” to reflect the benefits that authentic Thai massage can bring to physical and mental health. In as little as 30 minutes, we can help alleviate many of life’s stresses, strains and anxieties. Fast approaching our 6th Birthday, we have treated thousands of happy customers, many of which return again and again. See more..
5.0 Red Beard Tours (279 reviews)
- Why you should book this walking tour
Walking Tours

This was a really interesting walking trip that introduced us Southerners to a history of Newcastle and its importance in history of England. From mediaeval forts and friaries to the history of the growth of Newcastle from the wealth of coal, the Victorian era, the invention of the steam locomotive, the origins of modern shopping, it’s music alumni and street art. It was an amazing trip through the ages and I would recommend it to anyone who visits the city but also anyone who is born in or lives and works in Newcastle, if you are working in hospitality you would gain so much to talk about with customers to promote the great city. Rob ‘Red beard’ is not from Newcastle but has adopted the city and lives and breathes his love for it. An excellent communicator and funny too. Well worth the money. Thank you Rob. See more..
5.0 KA adventure sports (275 reviews)
- Outstanding surfing experience
Monday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Adrenaline & Extreme Tours • Gear Rentals

We booked a two hour surfing lesson for our grandkids (11 and 9) online after having received useful advice from ka by phone. Ryan the instructor was very helpful when we arrived, putting the kids at ease and being very thorough in his explanations. In a mixed age group he was energetic and attentive particularly when the youngest got a little tired towards the end of the session. The grandkids are now much more confident in the water and can't wait to come back. I would thoroughly recommend Ryan and KA See more..
5.0 Pedal Power Cycling (232 reviews)
- Private transfer of people, bikes, dogs and luggage.
Monday: 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM Bike Tours • Gear Rentals

We booked a private transfer for 5 bikes, 5 adults, 3 dogs and a dog trailer from Berwick on Tweed to Derby. Communication throughout was excellent, the driver was friendly and helpful and carefully loaded the bikes and luggage. The price was fair coming in at slightly less than it would have cost on the train but an awful lot easier! Thank you, great service. See more..
5.0 Iles Tours (220 reviews)
- Wonderful experience
Monday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Walking Tours • Sightseeing Tours

We did the Northumberland street and Grey’s monument tour. It was wonderful. We took our very young daughters along too and they enjoyed it too. The tour guide: Alex - is so well informed, he shared some wonderful tales and kept us very interested throughout. A must see especially for those residing in Newcastle - it just make it much more meaningful. See more..
5.0 Valhalla North Axe Throwing (219 reviews)
- An 'Axe-cellent' time!!
Monday: 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Game & Entertainment Centers

The multi award winning Valhalla North, is the UK's Number 1 Independent axe throwing venue! Founded in 2019 by partners Carl & Kat, we are the only International Axe Throwing Federation (IATF) affiliated venue in the North! Come and join us for a 1.5 hour session filled with fun, laughs and a healthy dose of competition! We offer sessions for groups of 1 - 48, for everything from IATF leagues and tournaments, just giving it a go, date nights, family groups, team building, corporate events, birthday parties, stag/hen do's, gender reveal parties, wedding receptions, you name it... axe throwing makes it that much better! - We're also full mobile with the events side of our business, our Valkyrie axe throwing trailer and free standing targets are perfect for any outdoor event! Our instructors are all world class axe professional axe throwers. Not all axe throwing clubs are created equal... Come throw with the elite. See more..
5.0 Lundgren Tours (219 reviews)
- 1000/10 points
Monday: 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM Night Tours • Sightseeing Tours

If you are looking for amazing opportunities to explore Newcastle's surroundings and want to spend a day full of fun I can highly recommend Lundgren Tours. I have been to several trips and must say that city as well as hiking trips have been well organized and provided the best spots to see. Rob is a great tour guide who doesn't bother you with boring historical facts but provides interesting and funny facts that stick in your head (or he reenacts historical events himself). Most of the destinations are hard to reach by public transport so attending Lundgren Tours´ trips are a great opportunity to visit the Lake District or castles at the East Coast. My personal highlight was the multi-day hiking trip which consisted of 3 full days in the Scottish Highlands. See more..
5.0 Allout Adventures (211 reviews)
- Just brilliant!
Monday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Shooting Ranges • Game & Entertainment Centers

A brilliant afternoon with Paul from AlloutAdventures! We had 5 kids ranging from 8yrs- 13yrs and they did the ‘ party’ option where they did shooting, archery, paintball and quads. Everyone at the centre was friendly and everything was straightforward and well planned. Paul who looked after our group of kids was particularly great and so patient we can’t thank him enough. Kids loved the activities and it was really excellent value for money. Thoroughly recommend this place for fantastic fun outdoors! See more..
5.0 Thai Orchid Spa and Massage (192 reviews)
- A pure joy!
Monday: 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM Spas

Thai Orchid Spa and Massage have recently moved into new spacious premises in the centre of Whitley Bay (we were previously located in Monkseaton). We provide a range of effective treatments under the expert guidance of our highly trained team. Each session is tailored specifically to your requirements, ranging from gentle oil massage to firm, deep tissue traditional Thai massage. We offer luxury spa treatments including: • Traditional Thai Massage • Foot Massage • Indian Head Massage • Herbal Oil Massage See more..
5.0 Twice Brewed Stargazing (191 reviews)
- Open your eyes to the beautiful Dark Skies of Northumberland!
Spent 2-3 hours Observatories & Planetariums

Located within Northumberland's International Dark Sky Park, Offering Stargazing events on their own, or with a package, dinner and also a Stayover option. We have a large array of telescopes ensuring each social bubble will have their own allocated telescope to use, guided by our passionate astronomers, when the weather is favourable you will explore the universe See more..
5.0 Northside Surf School (191 reviews)
- Beginners' stand-up paddleboarding for the whole family
Monday: Surfing & Windsurfing • Water Sports • Stand Up Paddleboarding

John taught six of us in our family for complete beginners lessons in stand up paddleboarding. He was more than helpful at every step and all of us (including four children aged between 9 and 17) had a great time, managing to paddle a couple of miles up and back along the river. All kit was provided for and the wet suit was handy when I fell in a couple of times. It was a fantastic start to our last day and a great finish to a wonderful holiday in Amble. See more..
5.0 Alpaca Encounters (150 reviews)
- An extraordinary birthday treat!
Monday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Zoos

Encounter Alpacas as they graze in their paddocks. Mingle with them, feed them and walk them - if you want too. We make your visit bespoke for the size of party and what you want to get from it. Call us to discuss your visit 07984 458869 See more..
5.0 Ancient Britain (123 reviews)
- Captivating
Monday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Cultural Tours • Historical & Heritage Tours • Private Tours • Archaeology Tours • Day Trips

Kevin was a simply brilliant tour guide, knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and braved the driving sleet whilst dressed in the full Celtic regalia, we followed him around three sites on the six hour tour which was a great journey back into the Roman way of life, and the ensuing Borders buffer zone between England and Scotland. Hadrian's Wall is no longer a mystery to us. We took this package as part of a three night deal at Langley Castle, Kevin's tour we took on the second day, we were concerned that it might be called off, but Kevin braved the elements along with us, and after around thirty minutes of being a marauding Celt, he got into hiking mode and off we went to view parts of the wall and two of the Roman Settlements. I am fairly sure that George Martin spent a lot of time in this area, it really feels like the foundation for his Fire and Ice books. Book Kevin for an in depth history of the area and you will not regret it. See more..
5.0 AeroSchool Flight Academy & Air Tours (116 reviews)
- Brilliant experience
Monday: 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM Air Tours

We took our 13 year old nephew for a trial flight and had an amazing time. He was able to take over the controls for a lot of the flight under the supervision of our pilot Jake, who immediately put him at ease. Jake was extremely informative pointing out places of interest and circling again so that we could see where we lived and enabling us to take loads of photos and videos along the way. I would highly recommend Scenic Air Tours as everything about them was 1st class, from the initial enquiry; booking of the flight with Carole, Andrew sorting out things on the ground before take off and of course Jake our excellent pilot. We will most definitely be back. Thank you all and keep up the good work. See more..
5.0 Adventure Sunderland (109 reviews)
- Great value for money, no pressure fun!
Monday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Adrenaline & Extreme Tours • Climbing Tours • Stand Up Paddleboarding • Kayaking & Canoeing

Jaz and Ben took us out stand up paddle boarding - there was 5 of us - 2 adults, 14yrs, 13yrs and 8yrs. From the off they made us feel comfortable and at ease asking us to fill in waivers on arrival. You get the use of a wet suit, helmet if required, a life jacket and a paddle board. They talked us through the safety aspects well and took us out on to the water. My youngest son fell over in the waves just as we were walking out, then became a hysterical snot monster before we even started but they were amazing with him - taking turns ferrying him around the whole time until they managed to persuade him to stand up on his own! The rest of us were gently encouraged rather than pressurised to stand up. I never made it up on my feet but I had fun trying! They made it a great experience and one I’d definitely do again. £20pp is amazing value given its 2 hours of fun, loan of the equipment and instructor time/help. They do so many other fun activities in the centre too. See more..
5.0 The Strategy (103 reviews)
- Wonderful wonderland!
Monday: 12:00 PM - 7:30 PM Spent 1-2 hours Escape Games

Live escape game venue in Sunderland, UK. Come and join us to take part in one of our live escape rooms. Anyone from the age of 8 years and above is welcome to take part. Anyone under the age of 18 years must be accompanied by an adult. See more..
5.0 Ferny Rigg Alpacas (89 reviews)
- "Fantastic"
Spent 1-2 hours Farms

A fun relaxing stroll in the country with a furry dinosaur who is guaranteed to make you smile. Come and walk one of our wonderful Alpacas in the Upper North Tyne Valley situated in the Northumberland National park. The beautiful countryside is within sight of the Kielder Dam just outside the village of Falstone, close to Bellingham. Booking essential. We also have two holiday cottages at the farm too, these are called Ferny Rigg Byre and Merry Burn Barn. Bookable through cottages.com See more..
5.0 NE Surf (71 reviews)
- Surf's up dude choose NE surf
Monday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Surfing & Windsurfing • Gear Rentals

Great communication and lovely people. My 5 children ages 12 to 21 all had great fun and learned to surf standing up in two hours from never having picked a surf board up. All equipment required was provided and included in the price and Emily managed to arrange good weather too :-) We went on our last day of our trip to Northumberland but wished we'd done it earlier in the week so we could have done the improvers course. The instructing style was jovial and fantastic, engaging all ages. Front foot forward guys ... See more..