The Best Days Out For History Buffs in the North East
Want to learn more about our region's fascinating history?
ALNWICK CASTLE
Alnwick Castle’s history spans more 950 years, dating back to the Norman period. For 700 of those, it has been the ancestral home of the Percy family, and has also been used as a film set for huge productions including the Harry Potter films. Today, there’s plenty of fun to be had including trying your hand at archery, having a go at medieval crafts and games and taking on the Dragon’s Quest (if you’re brave enough!). There’s a range of talks and tours for history buffs, including through the state rooms, grounds and key filming locations. Harry Potter fans can learn to fly in broomstick training sessions, and don’t forget to marvel at the castle’s newest addition, a replica Napoleonic cannon on the Gun Terrace.
Alnwick, Northumberland NE66 1NG
01665 511100
alnwickcastle.com
THE LIT & PHIL
A Grade II*-listed building that has been open since 1825, The Lit & Phil is an independent library that houses an enormous collection of both historic and contemporary books. While this is the perfect spot for some quiet reading or contemplation, they also host a range of events such as writing classes, author talks and musical performances, and are celebrating their 200th anniversary this year with a special programme of events.
23 Westgate Road, Newcastle NE1 1SE
0191 232 0192
litandphil.org.uk
BAMBURGH CASTLE
Standing guard above the Northumberland coastline, Bamburgh is one of the largest inhabited castles in the country. See battle-scarred weapons in the armoury, Anglo-Saxon artefacts in the archeology museum and eclectic literature in the library. Or, stroll the grounds for unrivalled sea views and to partake in medieval games and watch events such as live jousting and treasure hunts.
Bamburgh NE69 7DF
01668 214208
bamburghcastle.com
CRAGSIDE
A feat of Victorian engineering, Cragside is Britain’s original smart home and sits at the heart of an incredible garden estate. Head inside the house to see Lord Armstrong’s brilliant inventions before exploring the rock garden and heading over the famous Iron Bridge to the towering Pinetum, the pretty formal garden, and impressive man-made lakes.
Rothbury, Morpeth NE65 7PX
01669 620333
nationaltrust.org.uk
AUCKLAND PALACE
One of the best-preserved Bishop’s palaces in Europe, Auckland Palace’s story spans almost 1,000 years. From the pretty pink throne room restored to Georgian Gothic glory to the private apartments which shed light on the lives of Bishops from the 1800s until present day, there’s so much rich history to see. The Faith Museum is situated in a newly-designed wing of the Palace, and explores the way religion and faith has shaped lives across the country with a collection of more than 250 historical treasures. Plus, with the brand-new Bishop’s Key you can get access to all Auckland Project attractions with one annual pass.
The Auckland Project, Auckland Tower, Bishop Auckland DL14 7PG
aucklandproject.org
CHILLINGHAM CASTLE
Famously dubbed the most haunted castle in Britain, Chillingham Castle will reopen from Saturday 12th April. Stroll through the gardens and grounds and take in the commanding countryside views before heading inside the castle to see fascinating state rooms, including a torture chamber complete with executioner’s block and torture devices. Brave visitors can even choose to stay the night and join a ghost hunt, a hands-on ghostly investigation designed to stir up paranormal happenings.
Chillingham, Northumberland NE66 5NJ
01668 215359
chillingham-castle.com
USHAW
Ushaw is a historic house and former religious community for priests, surrounded by gorgeous grounds and chapels. Home to collections of historic artefacts and treasures, a library with more than 50,000 books, and numerous paintings and sculptures, there’s much to see alongside the fascinating rotating exhibitions. This summer, see The Wonderful World of the Ladybird Book Artists, an exhibition celebrating the nostalgic art of Ladybird books from the 1940s to the 1970s. The exhibition features original art, audio-visual elements and hundreds of volumes forming the Wall of Books, the exhibition’s centrepiece. It will run from Saturday 28th June to Sunday 31st August.
Durham DH7 7DW
0191 373 8500
ushaw.org
