NORTH EAST AIRCRAFT MUSEUM

Old Washington Road, Sunderland, Tyne and Wear, SR5 3HZ
Tel: 0191 519 0662

Opening Times: Summer 7 days, 10am-5pm. Winter 7 days, 10am-3pm.
The well-run North East Aircraft Museum features two display halls and a restoration workshop which is open to visitors. An impressive collection of aircraft is on show, together with a large number of aero engines and many other aviation artefacts. Themed displays include the Royal Observer Corps, Bomber Command Association, Aircrew Association, RAF Association and the aviation heritage of the local area.

THE HERITAGE CENTRE

Station Yard, Bellingham, Hexham, Northumberland, NE48 2DG
Tel: 01434 220050
E-mail: info@bellingham-heritage.org.uk

Open: Easter to October, Thurs to Mon 10.30am-4.30pm.
August daily 10.30am - 4.30pm.
A small folk museum for North Tyne Valley and Redesdale. The Border Counties Railway exhibition has artefacts unique to this area. The re-created photographer's shop is based on the one which W. P. Collier had in the village in the 1920s and some of his vast collection of photographs of the area are on display. There are exhibitions on the Border Reivers and mining heritage. Other changing exhibitions reflect aspects of history and tradition in the Upper North Tyne and Redewater valleys. Plus hands on displays and childrens activities.

WOODHORN

Queen Elizabeth 2nd Country Park, Ashington, Northumberland, NE63 9YF
Tel: 01670 528080
Web: www.experiencewoodhorn.com

This fabulous attraction will open its doors to the public in autumn 2006 following a £16 million pound re-development. Set in a country park, Woodhorn will tell the story of Northumberland through its original listed colliery buildings, stunning social history displays, fascinating archive collections and a lively special exhibition programme in the new galleries. It will be a great day out. Admission is free.

ART CHAIN

Blaydon Trade Park, Tollbridge Road, Blaydon, Tyne and Wear NE21 5TR
Tel: 0191 414 4014
E-mail: info@artchain.co.uk
Web: www.artchain.co.uk  

Art Chain are a business selling a diverse and one of the largest ranges of art under one roof by local and international artists including:
   - Original Art
   - Limited editions from many of the worlds leading publishers

   - Open edition prints from one of the largest choices available

   - Sculptures and glassware

   - Moisannite jewellery as seen on TV and dress jewellery too
   - Photography including your own personal photographs put onto canvas

   - Gifts and much more

ARBEIA ROMAN FORT

Baring Street, South Shields, Tyne and Wear, NE33 2BB
Tel: 0191 456 1369    Fax: 0191 427 6862
E-mail: arbeia@twmuseums.org.uk

Situated four miles east of the end of Hadrian's Wall at South Shields Arbeia Roman Fort guarded the entrance to the River Tyne. Built about AD160 the stone fort played an essential role in the mighty frontier system. Originally built to house a garrison Arbeia soon became the military supply base for the 17 forts along the Wall. Today, the excavated remains, stunning reconstructions of original buildings and finds from the Fort show what life was like in Roman Britain.

SEGEDUNUM ROMAN FORT BATHS & MUSEUM

Buddle Street, Wallsend, Tyne & Wear, NE28 6EH
Tel: 0191 236 9347    Fax: 0191 295 5858
E-mail: segedunum@twmuseums.org.uk

In AD122 the Emperor Hadrian ordered a mighty frontier system to be built across Britain to defend the Roman Empire from the barbarians to the north. Segedunum Roman Fort stood on the banks of the River Tyne and was the last outpost of Hadrian's Wall. For almost 300 years Segedunum, which means 'strong fort', was home to 600 Roman soldiers. Today, Segedunum is once again the gateway to this world-famous heritage site.

STEPHENSON RAILWAY MUSEUM

Middle Engine Lane, North Shields, Tyne & Wear, NE29 8DX
Tel: 0191 200 7146    Fax: 0191 200 7146
E-mail: stephenson@twmuseums.org.uk

Relive the glorious days of the steam railway at Stephenson Railway Museum. The Museum is home to George Stephenson's 'Billy', a forerunner of the world-famous 'Rocket', and many other engines from the great age of steam including 'Jackie Milburn', named after the Newcastle United legend. A ride on a real steam train can be taken and the story of coal and electricity is also told. Many fun activities for all ages are held alongside temporary exhibitions.

SUNDERLAND MUSEUM & WINTER GARDENS

Mowbray Gardens, Burdon Road, Sunderland, Tyne & Wear, SR1 1PP
Tel: 0191 553 2323    Fax: 0191 553 7828
E-mail: sunderland@twmuseums.org.uk

Exciting hands-on exhibits and interactive displays tell the story of Sunderland from its prehistoric past through to the present day. The Art Gallery features paintings by L S Lowry alongside Victorian masterpieces and artefacts from the four corners of the world. The stunning Winter Gardens stimulates the senses with over 1,500 flowers and plants brought together in a spectacular showcase of the world's natural beauty.

MONKWEARMOUTH STATION MUSEUM

North Bridge Street, Sunderland, Tyne & Wear, SR5 1AP
Tel: 0191 567 7075    Fax: 0191 510 9415
E-mail: monkwearmouth@twmuseums.org.uk

This splendid Victorian railway station recreates a sense of rail travel in times past. explore the ticket office as it would have looked in Victorian times, see the guard's van and goods wagon in the railway sidings and watch today's trains zoom past the Platform Gallery. The Children's Gallery has a range of toys, books and dressing up clothes. Special temporary exhibitions can be seen throughout the year and regular activity sessions are also held.

Shefton Museum of Greek Art & Archaeology

University of Newcastle upon Tyne, Newcastle Upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear, NE1 7RU
Tel: 0191 222 8996

This museum houses a small but important collection which includes Greek and Etruscan ceramics and metalwork, Greek and Roman sculpture in terracotta and stone and provides excellent opportunities for research.

Museum Of Antiquities

The Quadrangle, Museum Of Antiquities, Newcastle Upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear, NE1 7RU
Tel: 0191 222 7849    Fax: 0191 222 8561
E-mail: m.o.antiquities@ncl.ac.uk

The Museum of Antiquities is the joint museum of the Society of Antiquaries of Newcastle upon Tyne and the University of Newcastle upon Tyne. It is the principal museum of archaeology in north east England. Its visitors are those who wish to know more about the history of the region, especially Hadrian's Wall and the Roman frontier. It has a renowned collection of artefacts, models and archives relating to the Wall, and a full-scale reconstruction of the Temple to Mithras at Carrawburgh. Other displays illustrate the variety of life in the region from early prehistory to the 17th century.

Grace Darling Museum

Radcliffe Road, Bamburgh, Northumberland, NE69 7AE
Tel: 01668 214465

The Grace Darling Museum was opened in September 1938 to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of Grace Darling's famous rescue, with her father, of nine survivors from the S.S. Forfarshire, which was wrecked in a great storm off the Farne Islands of the N.E coast of Northumberland. Among the exhibits in the Museum is the original Coble in which Grace and her father rowed to the wreck from the Longstone Lighthouse where William Darling was lighthouse keeper; goods belonging to the Darling family. Letters to and from Grace Darling and her father replica medals awarded to Grace etc. The museum is open Easter to October donations to R.N.L.I.

Bede's World Museum

Church Bank, Jarrow, Tyne and Wear, NE32 3DY
Tel: 0191 489 2106    Fax: 0191 428 2361
E-mail: visitor.info@bedesworld.co.uk

Museum celebrating the life of the Venerable Bede as well as the daily life of a monk in Anglo-Saxon Northumbria. Find out what life was like for an Anglo-Saxon; experience life on a demonstration Anglo-Saxon farm where you can see rare breeds of sheep, cattle, wild boar and geese - and feed some of them!; relax at Jarrow Hall restaurant and visit the holy surroundings of St Paul's Church and Monastic Site where Bede lived and worked 1300 years ago.

Military Vehicles Museum

Exhibition Park Pavilion, Newcastle Upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear, NE2 4PZ
Tel: 0191 281 7222
E-mail: miltmuseum@aol.com

The museum is a registered educational charity run entirely by volunteers and houses a unique collection of not only vehicles, as the title suggests, but also uniforms, weapons and artefacts used by Armed Forces across the world from the early 1900’s till the present day. The museum houses over 50 vehicles which range from bicycles to armoured personnel carriers. We have equipment dating from the First World War, over 70 mannequins dressed in uniforms and weapons ranging from fighting knives to Anti-aircraft guns.

Hancock Museum

Barras Bridge, Newcastle Upon Tyne, Tyne And Wear, NE2 4PT
Tel: 0191 222 7418    Fax: 0191 222 6753
E-mail: hancock.museum@ncl.ac.uk

The North of England's premier Natural History Museum unravels the secrets of the natural world through sensational galleries and close encounters with reptiles and insects. For more than one hundred years the Museum has provided visitors with an insight into the animal kingdom and the powerful and sometimes destructive forces of nature. From the Dinosaurs to live animals, the Hancock is home to creatures past and present and even the odd Egyptian mummy or two.

Berwick Borough Museum

The Clock Block, Berwick Barracks Parade, Berwick-upon-Tweed, Northumberland
Tel: 01289 330933    Fax: 01289 330540

A kaleidoscope of experiences from 'Window on Berwick' to Burrell's 'Berwick' Collection, including Degas, Japanese Imari pottery, Venetian glassware, German pewter and Ming vases. Plus Medieval chalices, Roman glass, fine Watercolours and exciting contemporary exhibitions

Border History Museum

The Old Gaol, Hallgate, Hexham, Northumberland, NE46 1XD
Tel: 01434 652349    Fax: 01434 652425

The Old Gaol is the earliest documented purpose-built prison in England. It was built by order of the Archbisop of York 1330-33. It held prisoners from Hexhamshire, and in the C16th from the English Middle March, before their trial in the nearby Moothall Court Room. The museum displays introduce visitors to the life and times of the Border Reivers. Collections description. Arms and armour from the C15th and C16th Items of local history (Tynedale) interest, photographs, documents and objects Border Library holds the Butler Collection, books, tapes and manuscript music relating to the culture of the Borders.

Coquetdale Arts Centre

Court Building, Front Street, Rothbury, Northumberland
Tel: 01669 621557
E-mail: info@coquetdale.org.uk

The Coquetdale Arts Centre is situated in the beautiful town of Rothbury in the heart of Northumberland. We have a large gallery where we exhibit the work of nearly 200 artists. We have a well equipped studio in which art classes take place throughout the year. We teach a wide range of media and techniques and classes are suitable for all abilities. In addition we run evenings of music and poetry, providing a chance to see and hear live performers in the pleasant surroundings of the gallery. These events are very popular, so please book early!

Fenwick Gallery

21 Castle Street, Warkworth, Morpeth, Northumberland, NE65 0UW
Tel: 01665 711136    Fax: 01665 711136
E-mail: enquiry@fenwickgallery.co.uk

The Fenwick Gallery is situated in Warkworth, Northumberland - a picturesque village surrounded on three sides by the River Coquet, and overlooked by a magnificent castle perched on a hill at the top of the main street. It offers an enviable range of contemporary applied art from artists chosen for their unique skills, imagination and flair. The Gallery is part of the Washington Green Partnership, dedicated to introducing the country's finest collection of limited edition contemporary art to all. The quality of work is exceptional, enhanced by a combination of the best artists, blended with the finest publishing techniques, quality papers and individual processes. The Gallery, in addition to offering a superb range of paintings and prints, also has a fine selection of ceramics, studio glass, wood pieces and jewellery. To complement the collection, the Fenwick Gallery offers a bespoke picture framing service.

Arts Centre

Biddick Lane, Fatfield, District 7, Washington, Tyne and Wear, NE38 8AB
Tel: 0191 219 3455    Fax: 0191 219 3466

Housed in traditional 19thC farm buildings, the Arts Centre houses a varied programme of arts including music, dance, theatre, arts and crafts and exhibitions.

Queen's Hall Arts

Beaumont Street, Hexham, Northumberland, NE46 3LS
Tel: 01434 652477    Fax: 01434 652478
Web: www.queenshall.co.uk

Arts centre, theatre, exhibition gallery, stained glass foyer entrance, library and restaurant.

Discovery Museum

Blandford Square, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 4JA
Tel: 0191 232 6789
E-mail: discovery@twmuseums.org.uk
Web: www.twmuseums.org.uk

Open: Monday to Saturday 10-5 & Sunday 2-5. Free admission.
Discovery Museum is the North East's biggest free museum and the gateway to fun and facts about Tyneside. Its diverse displays explore Newcastle's past from Romans to the present day, a fun approach to science, a human look at military life and the world of textiles and fashion. It also houses real Tyneside inventions that changed the world, including the record-breaking 30 metre long ship, Turbinia, and early light bulbs invented by Joseph Swan. There is also a UK Online Centre with free internet access and education programmes.

South Shields Museum & Art Gallery

Ocean Road, South Shields, NE33 2JA
Tel: 0191 456 8740
E-mail: southshields@twmuseums.org.uk
Web: www.twmusems.org.uk

Open: October to Easter Monday to Saturday 10 - 5.30; Sunday 1.00 - 5.00. Free entry.
South Shields Museum has been transformed following a £1million refurbishment. Displays explore local history during the life and times of Catherine Cookson; an art gallery with a difference featuring many of the museum's paintings as well as exciting hands-on displays which enable visitors to find out more about the paintings and their artists. There is also a temporary exhibition programme.

House of Hardy Museum and Country Store

Willowburn, Alnwick NE66 2PF
Tel: 01665 510027
E-mail: sales@houseofhardy.co.uk
Web: www.house-of-hardy.com

The site is a museum of the company products and country wear. It is reputedly the maker of the finest fishing tackle in the world. It also sells fishing rods, reels, fly lines, bags, clothing and other fishing accessories.

Terror Potters

29/31 Fenkle Street, Alnwick NE66 1HW
Tel: 01665 605897
E-mail: terror_potters@hotmail.com

The establishment allows the visitors to pick any pottery they like, be it ornaments, crockery or even fun pieces for children, and then you are able to paint it in a manner of your choosing. Great for souvenirs or gifts.

Maltings Theatre and Arts Centre

Eastern Lane, Berwick-upon-Tweed TD15 1AJ
Tel: 01289 330999
E-mail: theteam@maltingsberwick.demon.co.uk
Web: www.maltingsberwick.co.uk

A 327 seat theatre, with year round performances. There is also an art house cinema. The theatre shows plays, live music and dance performances. The Arts Centre holds exhibitions, classes, courses and art workshops. There is a cafe, bar and restaurant located on site. Wheelchair access to all areas and facilities for the hearing impaired. Open Monday to Friday, 10am - 5pm or 10am - 8pm on show nights.

Kings Own Scottish Borderers Regimental Museum

The Barracks, Berwick-upon-Tweed, TD15 1DG
Tel: 01289 307426
E-mail: info@kosb.co.uk
Web: www.kosb.co.uk

The museum shows the history of one of the oldest unamalgamated and operational regiments in the British Army. The exhibitions show the history of the regiment from 1609 to the present day, via displays of uniforms, medals, weapons and other associated materials. There is a gift shop, a refreshment sales point and disabled toilets located in the museum.

Hexham Moothall and Gallery

Market Place, Hexham, NE46 3NH
Tel: 01434 652351
E-mail: museum@tynedale.co.uk

Originally a 15th century Goal owned by the Archbishop, and was used as a supply store, the 1st floor was a court room and the roof was used to keep watch for possible troublemakers. Now it is a gallery and library where local artists display their work. Visitors can view the artwork and learn the history of this grand building.

Morpeth Chantry Bagpipe Museum

The Chantry, Bridge Street, Morpeth, NE61 1PJ
Tel: 01670 505717
E-mail: tourism@castlemorpeth.gov.uk

The sound system in the museum allows he visitor to listen to bagpipes through head phones and learn the differences about bagpipes and the way they are played. There is also a tourist information point and a craft centre inside the chantry. Facilities for the hearing and visually impaired. Open: Daily, 10am to 5pm, except Sundays

Marine Life Centre & Fishing Heritage Centre

8-10 Main Street, Seahouses, Northumberland, NE68 7RG
Tel: 01665 721257
E-mail: marinemuseum@seahouses.org

The Marine Life & Fishing Heritage centre includes aquarium tanks containing examples of local marine life, a reconstruction of a fisherman's cottage and a museum about the Northumbrian fishing industry. Plus the newest attraction: Northumbria's Haunted Kingdom.... Be scared as you walk through the dark, creepy, smoke filled passages. Coming across the gruesome, macabre, and the downright spooky settings. Oh, and watch out for some nasty surprises!! For you are in Northumberland, a place with so much history and so many tragic stories in its legends, that there are bound to be many Ghouls and Ghosts roaming through the countryside and its many houses and castles.

National Glass Centre

Liberty Way, Sunderland, Tyne And Wear, SR6 0GL
Tel: 0191 515 5555    Fax: 0191 515 5556
E-mail: alison.atkinson@nationalglasscentre.com
 

Based in a new building on the banks of the River Wear the National Glass Centre has all the ingredients for a fun day out for people of all ages. The Glass Tour: Start your journey in the Sunderland Room where you can follow the history of our local glass industry on stained glass panels. Emerge into the interactive world of the Kaleidoscope Gallery with its video walls and touchscreens telling the story of how glass relates to everyday life. Then feel the heat as you enter the heart of the NGC. The Glass Factory gives you a birds-eye view of the glassmaking process performed by students of the University of Sunderland’s Glass and Ceramics departments. And finally, take your seat in the Glass Studio to watch our team of glassmakers perform special demonstrations throughout the day. Spoil yourself after the Glass Tour in the Glass Shop and Throwingstones Restaurant.

Marine Life Centre and Haunted Kingdom

8-10 Main Street, Seahouses NE68 5RG
Tel: 01665 720308

This site offers two completely different attractions, appealing to a broad spectrum of people. The Marine Life Centre explores the history of crab and lobster fishing and contrasting ways the fishing industry operates. There is also a life size fisherman's kitchen, touch pool cinema and an aquarium. The Haunted Kingdom contains many macabre and scary tales that will shock and scare visitors. "Great for scaring young children into shape for the rest of the holiday"

Alnwick Castle

Alnwick, NE66 1NQ
Tel: 01665 830231
E-mail: enquiries@alnwickcastle.com
Web: www.alnwickcastle.com/

The second largest inhabited castle in England, Alnwick Castle is home to the Percy family, who have been Dukes of Northumberland since 1309. The castle interior is furnished in the Italian Renaissance style and houses paintings by Titian and Canaletto and a large collection of China. There is also a regimental and archaeological museum, a dungeon, a gun terrace, and the Percy family state coach all within the castle grounds. There are also many walks in the surrounding area. Open daily from 1 April to 29 October, 11am to 5pm.

Corbridge Roman Site

Corbridge, Northumberland, NE45 5NT
Tel: 01434 632349
E-mail: customers@english-heritage.org.uk

Opening Times: 1 April to 30 Sept, 10am - 6pm daily. 1 Oct to 31 Oct, 10am - 4pm daily.
1 Nov to 31 March, 10am - 4pm weekends only.
5 miles north of Corbridge is the site of this well-known Roman camp - the main supply depot for the armies building and guarding Hadrian's wall nearly 2000 years ago. The substantial remains of this excavated Roman settlement include the best example of military granaries in the country. The museum houses finds from the site, including the famous stone fountainhead - the Lion of Corbridge, giving a fascinating insight into Roman life. Inclusive audio tour. It is well worth a visit, especially if you intend to tour the Hadrian Wall sites.

Chesters Roman Fort

The Chesters, Humshaugh, Hexham, Northumberland, NE46 4EU
Tel: 01434 681379
E-mail: customers@english-heritage.org.uk

Opening Times: 1 April to 30 Sept, 9.30am - 6pm daily. 1 Oct to 31 March, 10am - 4pm daily.
Sophisticated water systems and Edwardian museum. Chesters was one of the series of troop bases added to Hadrian’s Wall soon after it was built in ad122-23. It is the best preserved example of a Roman cavalry fort in Britain. It seems to have been occupied for nearly three centuries, with several changes of garrison during that time. There is much to see on the ground: the four principal gateways are well-preserved, the east and west with short lengths of Hadrian’s Wall adjoining them. The entire foundation of the headquarters building is visible with a courtyard, hall, regimental chapel and strongroom. The military bath house is extremely well-preserved, with changing room, latrines and bathing rooms, as is the Roman bridge abutment on the far bank of the river. Chesters Museum is home of the Clayton Collection, which includes many important early archaeological discoveries relating to the central sector of Hadrian’s Wall.

Allenheads Heritage Centre

Allensheads NE47 9UQ
Tel: 01434 685395

The Heritage centre tells of the interesting history of a small mining village. where are several displays located in the old mine buildings. There is a blacksmiths shop and cafe. The exhibition centre also houses a restored Armstrong water engine. Near the centre are nature trails, which allow visitors to see the surrounding area. Admission is free, but donations are accepted. Open all year round.

The Bakehouse Gallery

Prudhoe Street, Alnwick, Northumberland, NE66 1UW
Tel: 01665 602277
E-mail: Fiona@thebakehousegallery.com
Web: www.thebakehousegallery.com

Open: Tuesday to Saturday, 10am - 5pm. Open Sunday from Easter, 11am - 4pm. Housed in the former bakery, displaying original art, textiles, glasswork, ceramics, jewellery and metalwork.