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- 17th Apr 2024
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Discover 7 North East heritage sites by bus with a £6.80 TNE Day Saver
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In the North East, we’re blessed with plenty of public transport routes to get us across the region.
Whether it’s a road trip with the family to visit Hadrian’s Wall, a solo adventure to the coast, or a date to tick visiting a UNESCO World Heritage site in Durham off your bucket list – our local transport links have got you covered.
But what we love are the great deals (who doesn’t love a good bargain?). From under 21s travelling by bus for just £1 to kids under 11 travelling free and adults travelling across the region all day for just £6.80 with a TNE Day Saver.
World Heritage Day is tomorrow, which is all about celebrating the diversity of cultural heritage and preserving it for generations in the future. So, as always, we’ve got you covered and have pulled together our favourite heritage sites in the North East.
P.S. Obviously we’ve included some foodie recommendations, too.
DURHAM CATHEDRAL
Closest bus stop: Durham Bus Station (Stand K) (10- minute walk)
Bus: X12 MAX and X21 X-lines from Eldon Square Bus Station (Stand H)
Duration: 50 minutes
Frequency: every hour
Did you know Durham Cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage site? It’s listed alongside the Taj Mahal and Machu Picchu. Built-in 1093, it’s a masterpiece of Norman and Gothic architecture, home to the Shrine of St Cuthbert and Venerable Bede’s resting place.
Wander through medieval marvels like the Galilee Chapel and the Cloister, famous from the Harry Potter films. Climb the tower for a stunning panoramic city view and delve into its history on guided tours. Need a boost before heading back to the bus? Riverview Kitchen offers river views, lunch and brunch (their pancakes are to die for). Fancy a cocktail? Pop into The Curious Mr Fox.
WARKWORTH CASTLE
Closest bus stop: Beal Bank Top (3-minute walk)
Buses: X20 MAX & X18 MAX from Haymarket Bus Station (Stand Q)
Duration: 1 hour 44 minutes
Frequency: every hour
Perched above the River Coquet, Warkworth Castle offers a peek into the lavish world of the Percy family, former rulers of this imposing fortress. Explore its cross-shaped keep, once home to the infamous ‘Harry Hotspur’. The views from the castle walls are simply breathtaking. Follow interactive trails for insights into 15th-century life.
Afterwards, wander Castle Street for artisan finds and cosy pubs. Grab a bite at Bertram’s before a riverside stroll or have a picnic on Warkworth Beach. Don’t miss a drink at The Sun Hotel’s beer garden with a view, where you can soak in the castle’s charm and blooming daffodils while waiting for your bus home.
BELSAY HALL, CASTLE AND GARDENS
Closest bus stop: The Arcade (21-minute walk)
Bus: X74 from Eldon Square Bus Station (Stand H)
Duration: 34 minutes
Frequency: Three times a day; 8:25am, 1:25pm and 5:35pm
A trip to Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens promises an unbeatable day of family fun. From exploring the medieval castle to admiring the Grecian-inspired hall and sprawling gardens, there’s something for everyone. Follow the mythical Wild Man’s footsteps on a family trail through the grounds and the little ones can enjoy the new play area.
Experience the castle’s history through captivating projections and immerse yourself in the Georgian hall’s glory. Wander through enchanting gardens that change with each season, including the beloved Quarry Garden. And don’t miss the cosy café in the old stables for a refreshing break.
CRAGSIDE
Closest bus stop: Reivers Well Gate (a 13-minute walk)
Buses: X14 MAX from Haymarket Bus Station (Stand Q)
Duration: 1 hour 17 minutes
Frequency: every hour
Step into Cragside, Britain’s original smart home nestled within a stunning 1,000-acre estate and designer gardens. Perched on a craggy outcrop, it’s a blend of Victorian elegance and Lord Armstrong’s ingenious inventions, including hydroelectric marvels like the Archimedes Screw.
Stroll through the Pinetum trees (some of the tallest in the country), admire the Rock Garden’s cascades and wander the Carriage Drive spotting wildlife. You must visit the Tea Room for some home-baked treats and freshly brewed coffee to fuel your adventure. Plus, furry friends are welcome, too.
BEAMISH MUSEUM
Closest bus stop: Club (a 1-minute walk)
Buses: 29 and 28 from Eldon Square Bus Station (Stand H)
Duration: 55 minutes
Frequency: every 30 mins
Celebrating local history on World Heritage Day wouldn’t be complete without mentioning Beamish. Travel back in time at this award-winning open-air museum, bringing the North East’s history to life from the 1820s to the 1950s, preserving our region’s disappearing coal mining and industrial heritage.
Wander through the 1900s town, taste traditionally made beer-battered fish at chips (they really are worth waiting in the long queues for), visit the vintage sweet shop and experience life in the Pit Village. Hop on a vintage tram for a journey through time, and don’t miss the 1940s and 1950s exhibits for a full immersion into history, Beamish has something for all ages.
Hadrian’s Wall
Closest bus stops: Roman Town Entrance (1-minute Walk) and Angel Inn (17-minute walk)
Buses: 684 Tynedale Links and 685 from Eldon Square Bus Station (Stand H)
Duration: 55 minutes and 49 minutes
Frequency: every 60 minutes and every 40 minutes
Want to stroll alongside the echoes of Roman soldiers, exploring ancient temples and forts? Dive into the rich history of Hadrian’s Wall, spanning England’s wild northern frontier. This monumental structure, marking the Roman Empire’s boundary, stretches over 5,000km across Europe.
Discover Housesteads Roman Fort, a well-preserved garrison with a fascinating museum. Then, it would be rude not to wander through Corbridge, with its vibrant history and plenty of independent shops and eateries. The hidden gem bar, The Pele, built in AD 100 offers cosy Game of Thrones vibes and The Corbridge Larder stocks the best local produce.
Tynemouth Castle and Priory
Buses: 306 from Haymarket Bus Station (Stand L)
The closest bus stop: Tynemouth Village (1-minute walk)
Duration: 45 minutes
Frequency: every 40 minutes
Parking in Tynemouth can be a hassle, which is why getting the bus can take your worries away. Tynemouth Castle and Priory stand proudly, offering panoramic views of the North Sea and the River Tyne. With over 2,000 years of history, it’s an ideal spot for a family day out, complete with picnics and fresh sea air. Explore its evolution from Iron Age settlement to wartime defence, and don’t miss the stunning views.
After, enjoy eateries on The Front Street (we recommend tapas at Ora). Then hop back on the 306 bus to enjoy North Shields’s Fish Quay and then get the ferry to South Shields to Ocean Beach Pleasure Park for an adrenaline rush — all covered by your all day ticket.
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Rachael Nichol
Creative Solutions Manager
After gaining a first in her BA Media and Journalism degree at Northumbria University, Rachael worked at Newcastle’s leading regional newspaper with her stories being picked up in national and global newspapers She spent two very successful years giving a voice to those communities across the North East who otherwise…
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