Anker's House Museum

The Anker’s House Museum is a wonderful compact and informative museum attached to the Parish Church, which was established in 883AD. You’ll find interpretive displays with Roman and Anglo-Saxon artefacts, histories of Chester-le- Street, the Anchorage and the life of an Anchorite.

Arbeia Roman Fort & Museum

Built in around AD160, Arbeia Roman Fort once guarded the entrance to the River Tyne, playing an essential role in the mighty frontier system. Today the excavated remains, stunning reconstructions and archaeological finds combine to give a unique insight into Roman Britain.

Aycliffe & District Bus Preservation Society

Here you’ll find a collection of vintage United Automobile Services and Darlington Corporation buses in good running order, with working demonstrations by arrangement.

 

Bagpipe Museum

Located in Morpeth’s Grade 1 listed 13th century Chantry Bridge Chapel, the Museum specialises in the Northumbria small pipes and their music which are set in the context of bagpipes from around the world.

Bailiffgate Museum

Attractively located in the former St Mary’s Church, Bailiffgate Museum brings the people and places of North Northumberland to life in a lively, interactive style. A mixture of traditional displays and exciting hands-on activities makes the Museum suitable for all ages.

Beamish, The North of England Open Air Museum

Beamish is unique - it’s no ordinary Museum but a living, working experience of life as it was in the North East in the early 1800s and 1900s. Set in over 300 acres of beautiful countryside, Beamish has a 1913 Town Street, a Colliery Village, a working Farm and a Railway Station.

Bede's World

Visit this stunning museum, which brings the story of The Venerable Bede (AD673-735) and his fellow monks to life. Explore the fabulous Anglo- Saxon demonstration farm, home to rare breeds of animals including sheep, cattle and formidable pigs. Find out more about the historical importance of St Paul’s Church, and enjoy the varied calendar of special events taking place throughout all school and Bank holidays.

Berwick Museum and Art Gallery

Situated within Berwick Barracks, Berwick Museum & Art Gallery explores the old garrison town and its surrounds though its social history collection ‘Window on Berwick’, the new Mediaeval Berwick gallery, and its art collection ‘Burrell at Berwick’.

Billingham Art Gallery

Billingham Art Gallery is now closed. 

Bowes Railway

This is the only place in the world to see an operational preserved rope-hauled railway. On operating days, steam train rides are given to the hauler house for rope haulage demonstrations.

Cherryburn: Thomas Bewick's Birthplace

This intriguing cottage and farmhouse is the birthplace of Northumberland artist Thomas Bewick. A fascinating exhibition of Bewick’s life and work is displayed alongside demonstrations of Bewick’s skills such as hand-printing.

Chesters Roman Fort & Museum

Chesters Roman Fort offers the best visible remains of a cavalry fort in Britain today. Built to guard the Roman bridge, the fort is an opportunity to explore the entire foundations of the headquarters building, including the courtyard, hall, regimental temple and the largest, most luxurious building – the commandant’s house. An on-site Museum houses the Clayton Collection, a collection of fascinating finds from along Hadrian’s Wall.

Cleveland Ironstone Mining Museum

The Museum sits on the site of the first Cleveland Ironstone Mine from which industrial Teesside emerged. Discover the skills and customs that built Cleveland’s Ironstone heritage and discover life as a Cleveland miner in this unique venue.

Corbridge Roman Town & Museum

Originally a fort, Corbridge evolved into a prosperous garrison town. The area has been extensively excavated to reveal the remains of the fort; you can even walk on the original Stanegate Roman road. The Museum displays a rich selection of Roman finds including weapons and armour.

Cragside

This extraordinary Victorian mansion was the first in the world to be lit by hydro-electricity. Explore the vast woodland estate which houses one of Europe’s largest rock gardens, the formal garden, lakes, adventure play areas and a labyrinth.

Discovery Museum

Discovery Museum is one of the North East of England’s most popular free venues and the place to find out about life on Tyneside, from science and technology to fashion through the eras and military history. The Museum is bursting with interactive displays and hosts Turbinia, a 35 metre ship in its entrance.

DLI Museum & Durham Art Gallery

Built in the 1960s, the Museum is set in superb landscaped grounds with attractive walks and a large pond. The Museum tells the story of County Durham’s own proud regiment from 1758 - 1968. The Art Gallery presents a captivating programme of exhibitions and events throughout the year.

Durham Castle

The Castle, now a university college, was founded soon after the Norman Conquest. This magnificent Castle has been rebuilt, extended and adapted to changing circumstances and shares its fascinating history with the public through unique guided tours.

Durham Cathedral, The Treasures of St. Cuthbert

This stunning World Heritage Site contains relics of St Cuthbert, cathedral and episcopal plate of 17th and 18th centuries as well as Anglo-Saxon artefacts. St Cuthbert’s coffin from the 8th century is also on display.

Durham Heritage Centre & Museum

Relive the story of Durham from Medieval times to the 20th century in this excellent local history Museum. Enjoy models of the Mediaeval city and 19th century Market Place and be prepared for the reconstructions of the Victorian prison cells and Durham School’s ‘Death Chair’.

Fusiliers Museum of Northumberland

Located within The Abbots Tower at Alnwick Castle, the Museum houses a vast collection of uniforms, medals, weapons, paintings and memorabilia from a number of historical campaigns in which the Regiment has fought.

 

 

George Stephenson's Birthplace

Visit the birthplace of the world-famous railway engineer which has been furnished to reflect domestic living in 1781, the year Stephenson was born. This white stone miner’s cottage is located on a picturesque riverside path along the old Wylam Colliery wagon-way.

Grace Darling Museum

Following a major refurbishment, the Grace Darling Museum reopened in December 2007. Commemorating the life and times of lifeboat heroine Grace Darling, the Museum now includes a new 2.5m replica of Longstone Lighthouse where Grace and her family lived.

Great North Museum: Hancock

Highlights of the new museum include a large-scale, interactive model of Hadrian's Wall. Major new displays showcasing the wonder and diversity of the natural world, spectacular objects from Ancient Greece and mummies from Ancient Egypt, as well as a planetarium, a life-size T. rex dinosaur skeleton and much more...

Great North Museum: Hancock

This new £26million museum includes a largescale, interactive model of Hadrian’s Wall, major new displays showing the wonder and diversity of the animal and plant kingdoms, spectacular objects from the Ancient Greeks, mummies from Ancient Egypt, a planetarium and a life-size T-Rex dinosaur skeleton.

Guisborough Museum

This small volunteer run Museum shows the social, agricultural and commercial history of Guisborough through the ages. The Museum displays a wealth of artefacts and photographs unique to the town and its people.

Hartlepool Art Gallery

The best things in life are free and Hartlepool Art Gallery is no exception! With a frequently changing exhibition programme, you can enjoy contemporary and fine art, photography, crafts and work of national, regional and local importance. Plus artwork from Hartlepool Museum’s permanent collection. Climb the clock tower for panoramic views of Hartlepool (small charge).

Hartlepool's Maritime Experience

Have you ever wondered where you could go if you had your own time machine? Then why not set a course for Hartlepool’s Maritime Experience, bringing to life the sights and sounds of an 18th century seaport. A great day out for all the family! Offering something for all ages - take a step back in time… into the North East’s premier maritime attraction… don’t just learn about history, live it!

Hatton Gallery

With its impressive exhibition spaces, the Hatton Gallery has been at the heart of cultural life in the North East since the early 20th century. The Hatton stages a highly-regarded programme of historical, modern and contemporary art exhibitions and its permanent collection comprises over 3,500 works, ranging from the Renaissance to the twentieth century, and includes works in painting, sculpture, printmaking and drawing. The Hatton Gallery forms part of the Great North Museum.

Head of Steam - Darlington Railway Museum

Following a £1.7m refurbishment Darlington Railway Centre and Museum re-launched in April 2008 as Head of Steam. It is located on the 1825 route of the Stockton & Darlington Railway, the world’s first steam-worked public railway. Step into the newly restored station building and look out for large exhibits like Stephenson’s “Locomotion No. 1” and displays of railway memorabilia.

 

Heatherslaw Cornmill

Explore this lovingly-restored working water mill on the banks of the River Till which still produces high quality stoneground wholemeal flour from locally grown wheat.

Heugh Gun Battery Museum

A unique site filled with history and intrigue! Come and explore a faithfully restored 19th century coastal defence battery scene of the 1914 Bombardment of Hartlepool. Restored to show how it would have appeared in the First and Second World Wars. Where history happened! Come and see the new 'Trench Experience'. Plus coffee shop.

Hexham Old Gaol

Hexham Old Gaol was ordered to be built in 1330, making it the oldest purpose-built prison in England. It has been brought into the 21st century with a glass lift and audio visual screens which help visitors explore the history of the gaol and its prisoners.

HMS Trincomalee

HMS Trincomalee is the oldest British warship afloat in Europe. Restored in Hartlepool, HMS Trincomalee is afloat in the Graving Dock as the central attraction of Hartlepool’s Maritime Experience.

Housesteads Roman Fort

One of the best preserved Roman forts in Britain, Housesteads boasts spectacular views. Located halfway along Hadrian’s Wall there are magnificent ruins to explore – including granaries, barracks, a hospital and even a multi-seated latrine. There is also a small Museum, which shows how Housesteads looked in Roman times.

Killhope, The North of England Lead Mining Museum

A visit to Killhope, is a unique experience. Killhope is a fully restored 19th century lead mine, where you experience for yourself the life and work of the lead mining families of the Pennine dales. Including an award wining guided mine tour.

King's Own Scottish Borderers Museum

The history of one of the country's proudest regiments - from 1689 right up to the present day - is traced through vivid displays of uniforms, badges, medals, weapons and relics from the various dramatic campaigns in which it has been involved.

Kirkleatham Museum, Redcar

This wonderful family orientated venue illustrates the local history of Redcar and Cleveland. With displays of costume, textiles, decorative and fine art, land transport, science and technology, archaeology and natural science, there is something for everyone at Kirkleatham.

Lady Waterford Hall

Containing unique Northumbrian artworks by Lady Waterford and other artefacts from her time, this wonderful building should not be missed.

Laing Art Gallery

The Laing Art Gallery has something for everyone to enjoy. The impressive permanent collection and a dynamic exhibition programme brings an exciting variety of art to your doorstep, while fun learning events encourage even the youngest of children to get involved.

Lindisfarne Castle

This romantic 16th-century castle was transformed by the famous architect Edwin Lutyens into an Edwardian country home for Edward Hudson, founder of Country Life magazine. Perched atop the tidal island of Holy Island, the Castle offers fantastic views of Farne Island and Bamburgh Castle.

Lindisfarne Priory

Lindisfarne Priory was one of the most important places for early Christianity in Anglo-Saxon England. Wander around the atmospheric ruins, and visit the refurbished museum, where you’ll discover the fascinating story of the monks who lived on Holy Island until 1537.

Locomotion: The National Railway Museum at Shildon

Locomotion celebrates Shildon’s extraordinary history as one of the world’s oldest railway towns. This new Museum gives recognition to the significance of Shildon in railway history through a series of fun and exciting displays.

mima, Middlesbrough Institute of Modern Art

mima is the Middlesbough Institute of Modern Art. It’s a bold new gallery of modern and contemporary art designed by Erick van Egeraat Associated Architects. The gallery brings together the town’s art collections for the first time and hosts temporary exhibitions of fine art and craft from 1900 to the present day.

Monkwearmouth Station Museum

Housed in an original Grade 2 * listed Victorian station, the Museum hosts seven interactive galleries, including a specially designed children’s gallery and the original booking office. Watch modern day Metro trains pass by the Platform Gallery and explore the history of travel and transport in Tyne & Wear in the Journeys Gallery.

Museum of Hartlepool

With lots of interactive fun, colourful characters, full size fishing coble and even a few sea monsters, the Museum of Hartlepool tells the story of a past which is packed with exciting events and interesting people. Something new to see each time you make a visit. The finest free show in town…

Newbiggin Maritime Centre

Find out about the selfless courage of a community who has braved the elements to fish, mine for coal, whilst maintaining a lifeboat station and manning rescue missions to help family and friends in trouble. Newbiggin by the Sea was, and will be again, a hugely popular holiday ‘hot spot’ with day trippers enjoying the sandy bay, brass bands along the promenade and ice cream in the famous Bertorelli’s Ocean View café. The events that have shaped this fishing community are explored through pictures, film and games for our smaller visitors to enjoy. 

The Point café has tasty homemade cake and light meals, alongside the Sea Shore Shop offering local crafts, jewelry and pocket money treasures. The centre has an extensive, events, education workshop offering and a wonderful function room space for hire. All of this right next to the Sea.

 

North East Aircraft Museum

The Museum hosts the North of England’s premier collection of Aviation history and offers the largest Aviation collection between Yorkshire and Scotland.

Oriental Museum

The Oriental Museum is the Asian art, antiquities, and material culture Museum of the University of Durham. Opened in 1960, it displays a remarkable collection from the cultures of Asia, Egypt, Islamic North Africa and the Middle-East.

 

Ormesby Hall

The impressive hall is a mid 18th century mansion built for James and Dorothy Pennyman. Its simple Palladian façade masks the exquisite interior decoration, paintings and furnishing that this attractive rural mansion has to offer.

Preston Hall Museum

Welcome back to Preston Park Museum and Grounds – the adventure starts here

After nearly three years and £7 million of refurbishment, restoration and redevelopment, Preston Hall has emerged from its scaffolding shell to provide amazing days out for the whole family once more!

Nestled alongside the River Tees, Preston Hall, a former Georgian gentleman’s residence and former home of industrial magnate Robert Ropner, houses a varied collection of Teesside’s treasures.

Walk through the impressive doors to find out more about those who lived there, the varied museum collection, the vital role the mighty River Tees has played throughout history and the leisure time pursuits that were just as popular then as they are today. Step over a clock spinning backwards to emerge in our Victorian street… why not take afternoon tea and sample some sweets and cakes from times gone by?

From a stroll in Quarry Wood Nature Reserve to a circuit around the new adventure play area or a wander around the Victorian walled kitchen garden – there’s something for everyone to explore in the grounds themselves.

 

 

Roman Army Museum

The Roman Army Museum, situated beside one of the best preserved sections of the Wall, offers a captivating insight into the garrisons of Hadrian’s Wall. The past comes alive in this spacious museum, amazing Roman finds that have survived for nearly 2000 years, life sized figures and full scale reconstructions easily engage you with the Roman past.

Roman Vindolanda

Vindolanda is a fascinating Roman fort and civilian settlement lying just to the south of Hadrian’s Wall. Talk to archaeologists and volunteers, actively at work from April to September (weather permitting!) as they uncover even more of Vindolanda’s hidden past. Enjoy finding out more about the famous writing tablets and take pleasure in viewing the best Roman on-site Museum collection of extraordinary finds.

Ryhope Engines Museum

The Ryhope Engines Museum, based in the Ryhope Pumping Station is now regarded as one of the finest industrial monuments in the North East. Although the station no longer pumps water, the two huge beam engines are kept in working order and ‘steamed’ periodically for visitors.

Segedunum Roman Fort, Baths & Museum

Segedunum, which means strong fort, stands at the eastern end of Hadrian’s Wall. Today Segedunum is once again the gateway to Hadrian’s Wall. It is the most excavated fort along the wall and has a large interactive Museum plus a 35 meter high viewing tower providing outstanding views across this World Heritage Site.

Seven Stories, the Centre for Children's Books

Seven Stories is where children’s books come to life! Exhibitions, with original manuscripts and illustrations, special events and creative activities the whole family can enjoy.

Shipley Art Gallery

Relax, unwind and discover the fantastic range of art and design on show in the friendly surroundings of the Shipley. The venue has become well established and has built up one of the best craft and design collections outside of London, including ceramics, wood, glass, textiles and furniture.

Souter Lighthouse

This striking Victorian building is the world’s first electric lighthouse. Take in the fantastic views over Marsden Bay and the notorious currents of ‘Whitburn Steel’ before taking part in hands-on activities and events for all the family.

South Shields Museum & Art Gallery

Explore the history of South Tyneside through sensational displays, hands-on exhibits and stunning art. Relive the lifetime achievement of successful local author Catherine Cookson in ‘Tales of South Tyneside’, discover the ‘Changing Faces’ of the local landscape and industry, and take a fresh look at art in ‘Art Adventure’.

Stephenson Railway Museum

Relive the glorious days of the steam railway at Stephenson Railway Museum. The Museum is home to George Stephenson’s ‘Billy’ and other steam engines including ‘Jackie Milburn’ named after the Newcastle United legend.Take rides on a real steam train and discover the impact coal and electricity had on ordinary people’s lives.

Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens

Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens combines a museum, art gallery, exhibition space and Winter Gardens to create a stunning visitor attraction in the heart of the city centre.

Sunderland Volunteer Life Brigade

Sunderland Volunteer Life Brigade (SVLB) was founded in March 1877 to carry out Breeches Buoy rescues. Today, SVLB is a Coastal Search and Cliff Rescue unit on call 24 hours a day, each day of the year. The history of the SVLB is contained in The Watch House, where you can uncover the stories of life-saving on the coast of Sunderland since the Brigade began.

Limited opening applies, call for more information.

Tanfield Railway

This lovingly preserved colliery railway’s original purpose was the movement of coal from the nearby collieries to ships waiting on the River Tyne. The surviving section of the original railway, the 1725 Sunniside to Causey section, is now the world’s oldest working railway.

The Bowes Museum

The Bowes Museum is a hidden treasure, a jewel in the heart of beautiful Teesdale. Purpose built in the 19th century by John and Joséphine Bowes, the Museum has a wonderful story to tell. Enjoy the greatest collection of European fine and decorative arts in the North of England and an acclaimed exhibition and events programme.

The Captain Cook Birthplace Museum

Uncover the story of one of the world’s greatest navigators and mariners Captain James Cook, through the Museum’s hands-on displays. The Museum is situated in a purpose-built building close to the granite urn marking the site of Cook’s birthplace cottage in Stewart Park.

The Dorman Museum

The Dorman Museum offers eight themed display galleries inviting you to experience life in a bomb shelter, investigate local history and the chance to come face to face with ancient civilisations.

The Heritage Centre, Bellingham

The recently refurbished Heritage Centre displays the local history, tradition and heritage of the North Tyne and Redewater area of Northumberland, including a new farming gallery which also houses the Stannersburn Smithy.

The Old Fulling Mill Museum of Archaeology

The Museum of Archaeology at the Old Fulling Mill is scenically located below Durham Cathedral on the banks of the River Wear. The Museum houses a fascinating range of archaeological material, mostly from the North East, but also from Central Europe, Ancient Greece and Rome.

Tynemouth Volunteer Life Brigade Museum

The Museum is packed full of fascinating and unique artefacts from the Brigade’s history. Behind every picture and relic is a captivating story revealing links into both the Brigade’s past and present role as a Voluntary Life Brigade on the North Tyneside Coastline.

University Gallery & Baring Wing

The University Gallery and Baring Wing at Northumbria University, with its monumental 6.5 metre high bronze sculpture Pillar Man by Nico Widerberg, is one of the City's newest architectural highlights. A dynamic annual programme includes exhibitions by artists of national and international distinction, as well as exhibitions by less-established but promising artists. The permanent collection of mostly 20th century British artists' work includes the largest public collection of paintings by Norman Cornish, one of the region's most distinguished post-war artists.

Wallington

Wallington is a magnificent mansion with fine interiors and collections, set in an extensive garden and parkland. Wallington features a wonderful mix of displays including huge pre-Raphaelite paintings, an intriguing Cabinet of Curiosities and an extraordinary collection of dolls’ houses.

Washington F Pit

Washington ‘F’ Pit’s magnificent Victorian steam engine, engine house and headgear are preserved to mark the town’s coalmining heritage which stretches back over 250 years.

Seasonal opening applies, call for more information.

Washington Old Hall

This delightful stone-built 17th century manor house incorporates parts of the original medieval home of George Washington’s direct ancestors. The impressive Great Hall, authentic 17th century kitchen and attractive gardens are well worth a visit.

Weardale Museum at High House Chapel

This small independent folk Museum was established in 1985 by a group of volunteers. The Museum is home to a superb collection of crystallized minerals and fossils lovingly put together, including a replica 19th century leadminer’s kitchen. Admission includes entry to the historic Methodist chapel.

Winkies Castle Museum

Discover local history and heritage at Winkies Castle Folk Museum, founded by local cobbler Jack Anderson in 1975. Winkies Castle is home to many unique hands-on artefacts from hundreds of years of Marske’s history. Limited opening applies, call for more information.

Woodhorn

Experience the sights, sound and smells of the history of Northumberland through a series of interactive exhibitions including the ‘Follow the Banner’ exhibition and ‘The Colliery Experience’.

 

Wylam Railway Museum

Wylam was home to three famous railway pioneers: George Stephenson, William Hedley and Timothy Hackworth and has one of the oldest stations in the world, still in use by passengers today.

Zetland Lifeboat Museum

The Zetland Museum houses the oldest lifeboat in the world – The Zetland – built in 1802. This magnificent boat has saved over 500 lives and is pride of place in the Museum among exhibits such as a replica fisherman’s cottage and local maritime history display.