The 10 best places to visit in the North East of England

The origins of Alnwick Castle date back to the Norman period. Since 1309 its story has been intertwined with that of the Percy family, a family with a history as illustrious as the Castle’s own.

The exterior medieval castle is one of the finest in Britain – it was restored by Anthony Salvin in the mid-19th century. The interior includes lavish state rooms filled with excellent collection of Italian old masters and sculpture. The Castle is set in a wonderful park landscaped by Capability Brown.

With its origins in the Anglo-Saxon period, Bamburgh has dominated its volcanic outcrop and the surrounding countryside for centuries. From its humble wooden palisade to the impressive stone walls of today it strikes an iconic pose on the Northumbrian coastline.

Open all year round it welcomes visitors to enjoy the grounds and staterooms. From the medieval kitchen to grandeur of the Victorian Kings Hall there are fourteen rooms to explore.

Home to the Beaumont family since 1810, the Palladian building sits by the River Tyne at Bywell, Northumberland.

The privately owned 18th-century country house is a Grade II* listed building set in extensive parkland and houses an important collection of furniture and art.

Chillingham Castle is a 13th-century, Grade I listed stronghold in Northumberland, famed for action and battles. With its fine rooms, gardens, lakes, fountains and tea rooms, the castle has an extraordinary ownership bloodline which runs back to the 1200s.

Just twenty minutes from the seaside, this romantic and thriving castle is perfect for short breaks or family days out! Or if you’re looking for a more chilling experience, as one of the most haunted castles in England, our ‘Torture Chamber’ and evening Ghost Tours are sure to entertain.

Chipchase Castle is a  rugged border castle of the 14th century consisting of a great Pele tower with corner turrets.

The castle was added to later in the 1620s and more comfortable lodgings which were themselves altered in the mid-18th century. In the mid-19th century dining room furniture by Mein of Kelso was installed.

The Preston pele tower, which is owned by GJ Baker Cresswell, was built between 1392 and 1399, when warfare between England and Scotland was endemic.

At the time of Agincourt (1415) it was one of 78 Pele Towers in Northumberland. Its owners included Sir Guiscard Harbottle, who was slain fighting against James IV at the battle of Flodden in 1513, the conflict that brought Mary, Queen of Scots to the Scottish throne.