Come and take shelter in one of our amazing castles or country houses and discover the stories of the people who lived and worked here. Cragside, once home to the Victorian inventor Lord Armstrong, was the first house in the world to be lit by hydroelectricity and is full of ingenious gadgets, while Durham Cathedral and Castle are filled with breathtaking treasures and simply awe-inspiring.

Across the region, award-winning museums intrigue and entertain. Some are inspired by what life was like here in times gone by, others hold priceless collections and fun, hands-on activities.

Tour underwater worlds at Blue Reef Aquarium or get creative at art workshops run by the region’s art galleries. You won’t want to come out even when the sun does!