Tour de north east  

North East England is a region that is immersed in history and heritage, and takes in areas such as Northumberland, county Durham, Newcastle, and Sunderland. Here are some hidden gems for visiting groups.  

Light years  

There are plenty of events to keep your group entertained in the north east this year, starting with the Haltwhistle Walking Festival from 13 to 21 in October. Here you can enjoy some fresh air and sunshine, whilst taking in Northumberland National Park and the remote South Tyne Valley. Then throughout December, Newcastle Gateshead welcomes their winter festival, where past shows have brought great firework displays and showcased some of the best outdoor light installations. There’s also the North Shields Victorian Christmas Market from 9 to 10 December, and the Lantern Boat Parade on Saturday 8 December at Hartlepool Marina. To find out more about these events, contact One North East on the details below.  

0191 229 6852  

The bright side of life  

With breathtaking scenery, friendly accommodation, and a backdrop of cultural and heritage attractions, South Tyneside is great for groups seeking a long holiday, short break, or day trip. Groups can also participate in one of South Tyneside Council’s group tours, where a trained guide boards your coach as you enter the borough. You might also like to go to the South Shields Museum and Art Gallery or the beautiful Souter Lighthouse - the first lighthouse in the world to be lit by electrical means. For more information on attractions in South Tyneside, contact them on the number below or visit their website.  

0191 424 7971  

Take a bowe  

Located in the historic market town of Barnard Castle, The Bowes Museum provides a superb day out for groups. New for 2007 is the exhibition Watercolours and Drawings from the Collection of The Queen Mother from 19 May to 2 September, complemented by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II – An 80th Birthday Portrait, from 16 June to 28 July. Following this, you can take refuge in their bistro, or tour their shops and landscaped gardens. The museum is open daily from 11am to 5pm, while the café and shop open from 10am Monday to Saturday.  

01833 694615  

Grand castle  

Raby Castle is one of the largest and most impressive English medieval castles. You and your group can take in its towers, turrets, embattled walls, interiors and artworks from the Medieval, Regency and Victorian periods, and see the herds of deer roaming the surrounding parkland. Built in the mid 14th century on the site of an earlier fortified manor house by the powerful Nevill family, Raby Castle has been the home of Lord Barnard’s family since 1626. Group bookings will receive reduced admission rates, plus free coach and car parking. To find out more contact the castle on the details below.  

01833 660202